Flexible package having insulating support member

Abstract

The invention provides a flexible package comprising a support member having a flexible film attached to the support member to thereby define a continuous sidewall of the package. The package is movable between a collapsed state for storage and an extended state for use. The support member may comprise an insulating material that substantially limits the amount of heat that may be dissipated through the support member and into the outer surface of the support member. As a result, the support member permits a person to handle the support member portion of the flexible package without burning or discomfort. In addition, the insulated support member may be used to help a heated item disposed in the interior of the flexible package retain its heat. The flexible package may also comprise a support member having fold lines that may extend upwardly from the support member to form a tray-like structure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates generally to flexible packaging for enclosing a food product and more particularly to flexible packaging for heating or transporting a heated food product. [0002] The use of flexible bags for packaging food products has been known for several years. In many cases, the flexible bags may comprise a flexible thermoplastic material, such as a plastic film. When the flexible bags are not filled with materials, they may be compacted into a flattened condition so that they can be stored in a relatively small amount of space. While bags comprised of such materials may be lightweight and compact, they generally have little to no insulation value for maintaining a food product at a desired temperature. As a result, a heated food product disposed in such a bag may quickly lose its heat to the surrounding environment including a consumer who may contact a portion of the bag that is in direct contact with the heated product. [0003] Some fl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The invention provides a flexible package that overcomes may of the aforementioned limitations. In one alternative embodiment, the flexible package comprises a support member having a flexible film attached about the periphery of the support member to thereby define a continuous sidewall of the package. The flexible package is movable between a collapsed state for storage and an extended state for use. The support member may comprise an insulating material such as a foam or air cellular material that inhibits the amount of heat that may be dissipated through the support member and into the outer surface of the support member. As a result, the support member may permit a person to handle the underside of the flexible package without burning or discomfort. In addition, the insulated support member may be used to help a heated item disposed in the interior of the flexible package retain its heat.

[0006] In another embodiment, the flexible package may comprise a support member having a plurality of scoring lines that define fold lines that may extend upwardly from the support member to form a tray-like structure within the interior of the flexible package. The tray-like structure provides added support to the package and may improve the general appearance of the flexible packaging.

[0008] Thus, the invention provides a collapsible package that may be used to store and heat food products, and that includes an insulating support member that limits the amount of heat dissipated through the support member so that a heated product within the package may be handled without burning or discomfort.

Problems solved by technology

While bags comprised of such materials may be lightweight and compact, they generally have little to no insulation value for maintaining a food product at a desired temperature.

As a result, a heated food product disposed in such a bag may quickly lose its heat to the surrounding environment including a consumer who may contact a portion of the bag that is in direct contact with the heated product.

Some flexible bags may also lack structural support and in some cases may be less sturdy than desired.

As a result, the flexible bags may provide relatively less stability than desired and may tend to wobble or be unstable when filled and placed in an upright position.

Many existing flexible bags may tend to wobble and thus can be easily tipped over, leading to unnecessary product spillages and resulting in wasted product and a mess.

The flexible bags described above may also not be suitable for transporting heated foods, such as roasted chickens that may be found in the local supermarket deli.

First, the rigid structure of the trays and lids may require significantly more storage than a flexible bag.

Second, the lid may be rather loosely secured to the tray.

As a result, food products or juices may be able to leak from the interior of the package, which may cause a mess and inconvenience for the consumer.

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