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...

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