Heat-able On-the-Go Food Products Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A molded pulp base container sprayed with a barrier and a sealant layer, used as a heatable package for on-the-go (OTG) food products is disclosed. The container by itself, in one embodiment, is used for microwave / oven heating the food contents in the container, eliminating the need for a separate susceptor or an additional package for heating. The inside surface of the container is spray coated with a food safe poly layer to create a moisture / oxygen barrier for shelf life stability. A sealant layer is directly applied on top of the barrier layer to provide hermesicity for the container. Adding a brine solution and a percentage of sodium to the finished package formulation, selectively heats the food contents of the package while keeping the package itself cool enough to handle. In another system embodiment, a condiment package is fitted to a formed top of the container.

Description

PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to an on-the-go food package that is hermetically sealed to facilitate heating of the contents of the package and barrier protected for extended shelf life of the contents.[0003]2. Prior Art Background[0004]Modern society is on the go, and there is plenty of demand for a quick bite at all times of the day. Busy citizens demand quick meal options. There is a need for quick on-the-go (OTG) foods that can be heated in a microwave or turbochef.[0005]It is also desirable to consume some food products at temperatures above room temperature. This is frequently the case when a food that has been cooked is being consumed. Ideally, a consumer wants to eat the food shortly after it has been prepared so it is still warm. The on-the-go food products are typically heated in a microwave, on a stove, inside a hot air oven, or other known heating method, shortly before they are consumed. Simil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a container made of molded pulp that can be used for heating food products using microwaves or ovens. The container is coated with a food-safe poly layer to create a barrier for shelf life stability. A sealant layer is applied on top of the barrier layer to provide hermesicity for the container. The container can also be fitted with a condiment package. The technical effect of this invention is that it eliminates the need for a separate susceptor or an additional package for heating and provides a convenient and efficient way to heat food products on-the-go.

Problems solved by technology

Busy citizens demand quick meal options.

However, prior art fails to disclose packaged direct contact food which is microwaveable / heat-able using the actual packaging itself to create / control the product heating in the microwave oven.

Images