Packaging Material and Method for Microwave and Steam Cooking of Food Products

Abstract

A packaging device allowing for the distribution, storage and cooking of various food products, such as perishable or frozen food product(s). The packaging device includes a plurality of micro-perforations that may promote the extended shelf-life of the perishable food product and the maintenance of the quality of the perishable food product or be configured to maintain the integrity of a frozen food product. The packaging device also includes a venting system that allows the cooking of the perishable or frozen food products within the packaging device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A packaging for cooking food, comprising:
 a first base film that includes a plurality of microperforations; and   a second base film that is attached to the first base film and that includes a plurality of microperforations;   wherein the first base film and second base film are configured to form the packaging having an interior for containing food and an exterior;   wherein at least some of the microperforations in the second base film are located to correspond to the locations of at least some of the microperforations in the first base film, so that a plurality of corresponding microperforations exist that extend from the interior through the packaging to the exterior; and   a venting system that includes at least the plurality of corresponding microperforations and that allows the release of pressure buildup during a cooking process.   
     
     
         42 . The packaging of  claim 41 , further comprising an adhesive that attaches the second base film to the first base film and that includes a plurality of microperforations, wherein at least some of the microperforations in the adhesive are located to correspond to the locations of the corresponding microperforations in the first and second base films, so that the corresponding microperforations extend from the interior through the packaging and the adhesive to the exterior. 
     
     
         43 . The packaging of  claim 41 , wherein the plurality of corresponding microperforations are steam release valve microperforations. 
     
     
         44 . The packaging of  claim 41 , wherein the venting system further includes microperforations that are formed in the first base film or second base film and that are in addition to the corresponding microperforations. 
     
     
         45 . The packaging of  claim 41 , wherein the venting system further includes a slit, a directed channel, a barrier, a venting point or a secondary seal. 
     
     
         46 . The packaging of  claim 41 , wherein the first base film and the second base film are constructed with a fold over flap. 
     
     
         47 . A packaging for cooking food, comprising:
 a first base film and second base film that are attached together and that are configured to form the packaging having an interior for containing food and an exterior; and   a venting system that includes a plurality of microperforations that extend from the interior through the packaging to the exterior and that allows the release of pressure buildup during a cooking process.   
     
     
         48 . The packaging of  claim 47 , wherein the second base film is laminated to the first base film and the microperforations extend through the lamination. 
     
     
         49 . The packaging of  claim 47 , further comprising an adhesive that attaches the first base film and the second base film, and that includes microperforations that coincide to the locations of the microperforations in the venting system, so that the microperforations extend through the packaging and adhesive. 
     
     
         50 . The packaging of  claim 47 , wherein the microperforations in the venting system are steam release valve microperforations. 
     
     
         51 . The packaging of  claim 47 , wherein the venting system further includes a slit, a directed channel, a barrier, a venting point or a secondary seal. 
     
     
         52 . The packaging of  claim 47 , wherein the venting system allows the food to be steam cooked in a microwave or on a stove top. 
     
     
         53 . The packaging of  claim 47 , further comprising a third base film that is attached to the first base film and/or second base film and that includes microperforations at the same locations of the plurality of microperforations in the venting system so that the microperforations extend from the interior of the packaging to the exterior. 
     
     
         54 . The packaging of  claim 47 , wherein the microperforations expand during the cooking process to allow the release of pressure buildup. 
     
     
         55 . The packaging of  claim 47 , wherein the food is frozen before the cooking process and the plurality of microperforations facilitate the storage of the frozen food. 
     
     
         56 . The packaging of  claim 47 , wherein the microperforations have a diameter of about 240 microns. 
     
     
         57 . A packaging for cooking food, comprising:
 a plurality of base films that are attached together and that are configured to form the packaging having an interior for containing food and an exterior; and   a venting system that includes a plurality of microperforations that extend through all the base films from the interior through the packaging to the exterior and that allows the release of pressure buildup during a cooking process.   
     
     
         58 . The packaging of  claim 57 , wherein the packaging includes two base films. 
     
     
         59 . The packaging of  claim 57 , wherein the food is frozen before the cooking process and the plurality of microperforations facilitate the storage of the frozen food. 
     
     
         60 . The packaging of  claim 57 , wherein the packaging includes three base films. 
     
     
         61 . A multi-layer film for forming a package for cooking food, comprising:
 a plurality of base films that are joined together thereby forming the film, wherein the film has ends that are configured to be connected when the package is later formed;   a plurality of micropores that extend completely through the multi-layer film and that are configured to serve as a venting system for the package that allows the release of pressure buildup during a cooking process.   
     
     
         62 . The multi-layer film of  claim 61 , wherein the film is configured as a roll stock. 
     
     
         63 . The multi-layer film of  claim 61 , wherein the film includes two base films that are joined together by adhesive and the microperforations extend through the adhesive. 
     
     
         64 . The multi-layer film of  claim 61 , wherein the film includes three base films that are joined together by adhesive and the microperforations extend through the adhesive.