Construct, rough piece for forming a construct, method for forming a construct, and method of heating a food product

Abstract

CONSTRUCTION, RAW PIECE FOR FORMING A CONSTRUCTION, METHOD FOR FORMING A CONSTRUCTION, AND METHOD OF HEATING A FOOD PRODUCT. A construction includes at least one panel for supporting a food product, the at least one panel formed from a laminated structure having a base layer, a conductive layer, and a surface film. The construction further includes at least one spacing feature extending downward from the at least one panel to support the at least one panel at a distance above an induction source to attenuate the heat transferred to the food product in response to an oscillating magnetic field interacting with the conductive layer of the laminated structure.

Description

1 / 29 CONSTRUCT, ROUGH PIECE FOR FORMING A CONSTRUCT, METHOD FOR FORMING A CONSTRUCT, AND METHOD OF HEATING A FOOD PRODUCT CROSS-REFERENCE ON RELATED REQUEST

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 052,037, filed July 15, 2020. INCORPORAÇÃO POR REFERÊNCIA

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 052,037, filed July 15, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety. Fundamentals of Disclosure

[0003] This disclosure generally refers to rolled blank structures / pieces, constructs formed from them, and associated methods for heating one or more food products by induction heating. More specifically, this disclosure refers to constructs having at least one spacing member to support a base panel at a predetermined vertical distance from an induction source. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a construct, the construct comprising: at least one panel for supporting a food product, or at least one panel formed from a laminated structure comprising a base layer, a conductive layer and a surface film. The construct further comprises at least Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 19 / 71 2 / 29 a spacing feature extending downward from at least one panel to support at least one panel at a distance above an induction source to attenuate heat transferred to the food product in response to an oscillating magnetic field interacting with the conductive layer of the laminated structure.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a construct, the blank comprising at least one panel for supporting a food product, the at least one panel formed from a laminated structure comprising a base layer, a conductive layer and a surface film. The blank further comprises features for forming at least one spacing feature extending downward from the at least one panel to support the at least one panel at a distance above an induction source to attenuate the heat transferred to the food product in response to an oscillating magnetic field interacting with the conductive layer of the laminated structure when the construct is formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method for forming a construct, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising at least one panel formed from a laminated structure comprising a base layer, a conductive layer and a surface film. The method further comprises forming at least one spacing feature extending downwards from at least one panel to support at least one panel at a pre-selected distance above an induction source to attenuate heat transferred to a Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 20 / 71 3 / 29 food product in response to an oscillating magnetic field interacting with the conductive layer of the laminated structure.

[0007] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method for heating a food product, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising at least one panel formed from a laminated structure comprising a base layer, a conductive layer and a surface film, and forming a construct from the blank such that the construct comprises at least one panel and at least one spacing feature extending downward from at least one panel. The method further comprises positioning the construct on an induction source with the at least one spacing feature supporting the at least one panel at a distance above the induction source, and activating the induction source to produce an oscillating magnetic field interacting with the conductive layer of the laminated structure to heat at least one food product supported on the at least one panel.

[0008] Those versed in the technique will recognize the above-mentioned advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional modalities by reading the following detailed description of the modalities with reference to the drawing figures listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly illustrate the modalities of disclosure. Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, p. 21 / 71 4 / 29

[00010] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated structure for use in forming rough parts and constructs according to the present disclosure.

[00011] Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a raw piece to form a construct according to a first exemplary embodiment of disclosure.

[00012] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the raw piece from Fig. 2 positioned in a forming apparatus.

[00013] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the raw piece of Fig. 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[00014] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the construct in Fig. positioned on an induction source for induction heating.

[00015] Fig. 6 is a schematic plan view of a raw piece to form a construct according to a second exemplary embodiment of disclosure.

[00016] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the raw piece of Fig. 6 according to the second exemplary modality.

[00017] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of a raw piece to form a construct according to a third exemplary modality of disclosure.

[00018] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the raw piece of Fig. 8 according to the third exemplary modality of the disclosure.

[00019] Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of a raw piece to form a construct according to a fourth exemplary modality of disclosure.

[00020] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a construct Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, p. 22 / 71 5 / 29 formed from the raw piece of Fig. 10 according to the fourth illustrative modality of the disclosure.

[00021] Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the construct in Fig. 11.

[00022] Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view of a raw piece to form a construct according to a fifth exemplary modality of disclosure.

[00023] Corresponding parts are referred to as corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY MODALITIES

[00024] Several aspects of the disclosure can be further understood by reference to the figures. For simplicity, similar numbers may be used to describe similar features. It will be understood that where a plurality of similar features is represented, not all of these features will necessarily be marked in each figure. It will also be understood that the various components used to form the constructions can be interchanged. Thus, although only certain combinations are illustrated in this document, numerous other combinations and configurations are contemplated in this document.

[00025] The constructs according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different formats.For illustrative purposes and not for purposes of limiting the scope of disclosure, the detailed description below describes articles as food products at least partially arranged on or within the embodiments of the construct.

[00026] The items may include, but are not limited to, fast food products, takeaway products, leftover meals and the like, or any combination thereof. Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 23 / 71 6 / 29 Examples of such products include cakes (e.g., filled or frozen cakes), breads, fruit bars, French toast, fish, chicken (such as chicken nuggets, chicken strips, chicken fingers, etc.), popcorn, peanuts, sweets, potato chips (such as waffle chips, boiled potatoes, French fries, curly potato chips, etc.), sandwiches, pizza, calzones, pastries, burritos, or any other food product that may be supplied for consumption by a consumer. In this descriptive report, the terms internal, interior, external, exterior, lower, bottom, upper, and top indicate specific orientations in relation to fully assembled and upright constructs.

[00027] As described in this document, constructs may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end tabs and / or other portions of blank parts. These panels, end tabs and / or other portions of the blank parts may be designated in terms relative to each other, for example, first, second, third, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[00028] With reference to Fig. 1, a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated structure 102 for forming a blank 103 and / or a construct 100 (Fig. 4) is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The construct 100 can be used to support or retain one or more food products and may include one or more electrically and / or thermally conductive materials, such that the construct 100 can generate heat upon exposure to variable / oscillating magnetic fields, for example, so that eddy currents are induced in the electrically conductive materials and so that the electrical resistance to such Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 24 / 71 7 / 29 eddy currents produce heat. In this respect, the laminated structure 102, the blank 103 and / or the construct 100 are configured for use with an induction generator or induction source, for example, a source of variable / oscillating magnetic fields, to provide induction heating to one or more food products. In the case of ferromagnetic conductive materials, the heating may be at least partially provided by hysteresis losses.

[00029] As shown, the laminated structure 102 includes a food contact or surface film 104, a conductive material or conductive layer 106, and a base layer of material 110. In this respect, the food contact film 104 forms an interior or food support surface of the laminated structure 102. The food contact film 104 may be formed, for example, from a polymeric material, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The food contact film 104 may provide barrier properties for at least the base layer 110, for example, resistance to the passage of fluids such as moisture, oil and / or excess food, and may be suitable for use in heating applications as described herein. The food contact film 104 may be formed from additional or alternative materials, for example, metallic or composite materials, without departing from disclosure.

[00030] The conductive layer 106, as shown and described, may be at least partially formed of material that is electrically and / or thermally conductive or semiconductive, for example, a metal or a metal alloy (e.g., a ferrous / magnetic / paramagnetic metal), or other material that may have properties suitable for induction heating. Such Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, p. 25 / 71 8 / 29 materials may include, for example, copper and copper alloys, brass, aluminum, iron, steel, stainless steel, tungsten, chromium, nickel, cobalt, carbon fiber, graphite, silicon, platinum, silver, gold, alloys thereof, etc. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the conductive layer 106 may be formed from aluminum, although additional or alternative metallic materials may be used without departing from disclosure. The conductive layer 106 may be patterned or configured, for example, to include one or more discontinuities and / or non-conductive regions to provide a desired profile for electrical and / or thermal conduction, without departing from disclosure.

[00031] The base layer 110 may be a composite material, such as paper or a paper-based product (e.g., cardboard, etc.) and supports the conductive layer 106 and the food contact film 104 and is generally configured to have the same size, shape and / or dimensions as one or more of these components, although the base layer 110 may be configured differently without departing from disclosure.

[00032] The laminated structure 102 can be formed by arranging the food contact film 104, the conductive layer 106 and the base layer 110 in the respective overlap ratio. Such an arrangement can be provided by lamination processes that include, for example, rollers and reducers, chemical deposition, the application of one or more adhesives, etc.

[00033] It will be understood that the food contact film 104 and the conductive layer 106 can be formed separately, the food contact film 104 can be metallized or otherwise provided with a conductive material, and / or the conductive layer 106 can be provided with a coating or surface treatment that behaves in a way Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 26 / 71 9 / 29 similar to food contact film 104. In one embodiment, the conductive layer 106 may be provided without an attached film or film-like treatment.

[00034] In one embodiment, the laminated structure 102 may include a food contact layer 104 formed of 75ga PET, a conductive layer 106 formed of aluminum with a thickness of about 7 microns, and a base layer 110 formed of cardboard with a thickness of about 0.018. It will be understood that the laminated structure 102, or one or more components thereof, may have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

[00035] With further reference to Fig. 2, an external surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming the construct 100 is illustrated according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 103 can be formed from the laminated structure 102, although it is understood that a different material arrangement may be provided to form the blank 103.

[00036] As shown, the blank 103 may have a longitudinal axis L1, a lateral axis L2 and one or more panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 may include a central panel or lower panel or main panel or base panel 121 (generally, first base panel or second base panel) connected in a separable and / or foldable manner to a central panel or lower panel or main panel or base panel 123 (generally, first base panel or second base panel) on a lateral weakening line 125.

[00037] Raw part 103 may include a plurality of end tabs or tabs connected in a way Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 27 / 71 10 / 29 foldable / detachable to a respective panel and, as shown, may include a pair of positioning tabs 127 connected in a detachable and / or foldable manner to opposite longitudinal free edges of the base panel 121 on the respective longitudinal weakening lines 129.

[00038] A pair of positioning tabs 131, as shown, can also be foldably and / or separably connected to portions of the respective opposite longitudinal free edges of the base panels 121, 123 on the respective longitudinal weakening lines 133 that intersect the weakening line 125. As further described in this document, one or more of the positioning tabs 127, 131 can engage a portion of a forming tool or apparatus, or can be engaged to position the base panels 121, 123 relative to a forming tool or apparatus.

[00039] Returning to Fig. 3, a schematic representation of a forming apparatus 137 for reconfiguring the blank 103 into a construct 100 is illustrated. As shown, the forming apparatus 137 may include a male forming member 139, for example, an anvil or other member with one or more salient surface features, and a female forming member 141, for example, a mold / cavity of another member with one or more recessed surface features complementary to the surface features of the male forming member 141.

[00040] In the illustrated embodiment, the male training member 139 and the female training member 141 can be arranged so that they are movable relative to each other, for example, so that one or both of the male training member 139 and the Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, p. 28 / 71 11 / 29 female training member 141 can be configured to move in favor of and / or against the other male training member 139 and the female training member 141.

[00041] In this regard, the blank 103 can be positioned between the male forming member 139 and the female forming member 141 of the forming apparatus 137, and such a position can be achieved and / or maintained by engaging one or more of the positioning tabs 127, 131 with a portion of the forming apparatus 137, for example, a rim or edge of one or both of the forming members 139, 141, a clamp, clamp or other retaining structure, etc. In one embodiment, a retaining structure can be mounted or positioned near the forming apparatus 137 and can engage one or more of the positioning tabs 127, 131 to maintain the position of the blank 103 during the operation of the forming apparatus 137.

[00042] One or more of the forming members 139, 141 can be pulled / approached toward each other, so that one or more of the protruding surface features of the male forming member 139 force a portion of the blank 103 into the corresponding recessed feature of the female forming member 141. Such action of the forming apparatus 137 can cause at least partial deformation and / or reconfiguration of the blank 103 into the construct 100, including the formation of at least one spacing feature of the construct 100, as further described in this document.

[00043] With further reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the construct 100 formed from the raw piece 103 is illustrated according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the construct 100 can include at least one of the base panels 121, 123. Therefore, one or Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, p. 29 / 71 12 / 29 plus the positioning tabs 127, 131 and / or other base panels 121, 123 can be separated from one of the base panels. 121, 123 in a respective weakening line 129, 133, 125. It will be understood that the construct 100 may include both base panels 121, 123 and / or one or more of the positioning tabs 127, 131 without departing from disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the base panels 121, 123 may be folded into at least partial direct contact at the weakening line 125, so that the construct 100 is formed from the panel 121, 123 arranged in a two-layer construction. Alternatively, the base panels 121, 123 may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other in the formed construct, or the base panels may alternatively be arranged so as to form separate constructs or trays.

[00044] As shown, the construct 100 may include spacing features that may include a pair of spacing members 143 that protrude downwards from the base panel 121 / 123. The spacing members 143 may be formed by means of the action of the forming apparatus 137 described above. For example, the spacing members 143 may be at least partially formed by means of the reconfiguration of at least the conductive layer of the material forming the blank 103 / construct 100, for example, a malleable metallic material of the conductive layer 106 (Fig. 1) that undergoes at least a partial change in shape during the operation of the forming apparatus 137.

[00045] As shown, the 143 spacing members may be in the form of generally elongated oblique or wedge-shaped projections extending downward from the 121 / 123 base panel. In one embodiment, the 143 spacing members Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, p. 30 / 71 13 / 29 may have the form of an elongated crease or fold corresponding to the respective notches 142 on the upper surface of the base panel 121 / 123. It will be understood that the spacing members 143 may have a different configuration, for example, curves, protrusions, peaks, etc., and may be continuous features or have one or more discontinuities, without departing from the disclosure.

[00046] The construct 100 is shown in Fig. 5 supported on an induction source S that is configured to generate one or more oscillating / variable magnetic fields B. In this respect, the induction source S may include a working coil, for example, a wound / helical configuration of metal wire or cable, and may include or be electrically coupled to a power source and activated / energized to supply alternating electric current to the working coil. In one embodiment, the induction source may be an induction cooktop, for example, a glass / ceramic / composite surface below which copper or other magnetic coil(s) are positioned to generate magnetic fields for induction cooking.

[00047] After the generation of one or more oscillating magnetic fields B by the induction source S, one or more electric currents E, for example, eddy currents, can form in the conductive material of the construct 100. The electrical resistance of the conductive material of the construct 100 to such electric currents generates heat H which can be conducted to a food product, for example, a food product F.

[00048] As shown, the spacing members 143 of construct 100 position / support the base panel 121 / 123 (and the food product on it) at a predetermined or pre-selected distance D above the induction source S. This distance D Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 31 / 71 14 / 29 of the base panel 121 / 123 above the induction source S can provide a desired attenuation of the heat H supplied to the food product F in response to the oscillating magnetic field B, for example, to prevent thermal damage (e.g., cracking, peeling, etc.) of one or more portions of the construct 100, to prevent charring or overcooking of the food product F, etc., which may occur at distances less than D above the induction source S. In one embodiment, the distance D can be about 1.75 mm. Alternatively, the distance D can be greater or less than 1.75 mm without departing from the scope of disclosure. For example, the distance D can be selected based on various parameters of the induction source (e.g., size of an induction cooktop, power of the induction cooktop, etc.).

[00049] With further reference to Fig. 6, an external surface 201 of a blank 203 to form a construct 200 (Fig. 7) according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 203 and the construct 200 may have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above in relation to the blank 103 and the construct 100, and equal or similar reference numbers are used to denote equal or similar features.

[00050] The blank 203 has longitudinal axis L1 and lateral axis L2 and can be at least partially formed from the rolled structure 102, although the blank 203 can be formed from one or more additional or alternative materials without departing from disclosure.

[00051] As shown, the raw part 203 includes a main panel or center panel or base panel 221 with a pair of Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, p. 32 / 71 15 / 29 longitudinally spaced convex cuts 222 (e.g., cuts with a radius of curvature extending laterally upward from a longitudinal centerline of the raw part 203) opposite a pair of longitudinally spaced concave cuts 224 (e.g., cuts with a radius of curvature extending laterally downward from a longitudinal centerline of the raw part 203).

[00052] The blank part also includes a first end flap 223 connected in a foldable manner to the base panel 221 in a longitudinal fold line 225 and a second end flap 227 connected in a foldable manner to the base panel 221 in a longitudinal fold line 229.

[00053] The end tab 223, as shown, includes a proximal portion 231 foldably connected to the base panel 221 at the longitudinal fold line 225 and a distal portion 233 foldably connected to the proximal portion 231 at a longitudinal fold line 235.

[00054] Similarly, the end tab 227 includes a proximal portion 237 foldably connected to the base panel 221 at the longitudinal fold line 229 and a distal portion 239 foldably connected to the proximal portion 237 at a longitudinal fold line 241.

[00055] With further reference to Fig. 7, the construct 200 can be formed from the blank 203, in an exemplary embodiment, by placing the outer surface 201 of the blank 203 face down on a support surface and bending the proximal portion 231 of the end tab 223 along the bend line 225 in the direction of arrow A1 and bending the distal portion 233 of the end tab 223 along the bend line 235 in the direction of arrow A2 to insert the respective portions of Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, page 33 / 71 16 / 29 distal portion 233 of the end flap 223 through openings in the base panel 221 formed by the respective cuts 222.

[00056] In this regard, a spacing member 243 may be formed by the arrangement of the proximal portion 231 and the distal portion 233 of the end flap 223 and positioned extending downwards from the base panel 221. The spacing member 243 may have a generally oblique or wedge-shaped profile formed by the arrangement of the proximal portion 231 and the distal portion 233 of the end flap 223, although the spacing member 243 may have a different arrangement without deviating from the disclosure. In the aforementioned arrangement, the proximal portion 231 of the end flap 223 extends from the base panel 221 to the distal portion 233 of the end flap 223 and the distal portion 233 of the end flap 223 extends from the proximal portion 231 of the end flap 223 to the base panel 221.

[00057] Similarly, the proximal portion 237 of the end tab 227 can be bent at the bend line 229 in the direction of arrow A3, and the distal portion 239 of the end tab 227 can be bent at the bend line 241 in the direction of arrow A4. Portions of the distal portion 239 of the end tab 227 can be inserted into openings formed by the respective cuts 224 to form a spacing member 245 extending downwards from the base panel 221 and having a generally oblique or wedge-shaped profile formed by the arrangement of the proximal portion 237 and the distal portion 239 of the end tab 227. In the aforementioned arrangement, the proximal portion 237 of the end tab 227 extends from the base panel 221 to the distal portion 239 of the end tab 227, and the portion Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 34 / 71 17 / 29 distal 239 of the end tab 227 extends from the proximal portion 237 of the end tab 227 to the base panel 221. The spacing member 245 may have a different arrangement without deviating from the disclosure.

[00058] In the previous arrangement, portions of the base panel 221 can be separated at least partially from the rest of the same at cuts 222, 224 to form respective retaining tabs 220, 226 to retain the respective end tabs 223, 227.

[00059] In this regard, the spacing members 243, 245 of construct 200 position the base panel 221 at the pre-selected distance D above an induction source, for example, the induction source S illustrated in Fig. 5, to provide a desired attenuation of the heat H supplied to the food product F in response to the oscillating magnetic field B, for example, to prevent thermal damage (e.g., cracking, peeling, etc.) of one or more portions of construct 200, to prevent charring or overcooking of the food product F, etc., as described above in relation to construct 100.

[00060] With further reference to Fig. 8, an external surface 301 of a blank 303 to form a construct 300 (Fig. 9) according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 303 and the construct 300 may have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above in relation to blanks 103, 203 and constructs 100, 200, and equal or similar reference numbers are used to denote equal or similar features.

[00061] Raw part 303 has longitudinal axis L1 and lateral axis L2 and can be at least partially formed at Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 35 / 71 18 / 29 of the laminated structure 102, although the raw piece 303 may be formed from one or more additional or alternative materials without departing from disclosure.

[00062] As shown, the blank part 303 includes a main / central / bottom panel or base panel 321 foldably connected to a first side panel 323 on a side fold line 325 and foldably connected to a second side panel 327 on a side fold line 329. Each fold line 325, 329 can be interrupted by a respective pair of laterally spaced curved cuts 331, 333.

[00063] The first side panel 323 can be connected in a foldable fashion to a first top panel 335 on a side fold line 335 that is interrupted by a respecting pair of curved cuts 333. Similarly, the second side panel 327 can be connected in a foldable fashion to a second top panel 339 on a side fold line 341 that is interrupted by a pair of curved cuts 331 so that cuts 331, 333 are arranged in opposite concave / convex relation. In one embodiment, a different arrangement of top panels, for example, a single top panel, can be provided.

[00064] With further reference to Figs. 9, the construct 300 can be formed from the blank 303, in an exemplary embodiment, by placing the outer surface 301 of the blank 303 face down on a support surface and folding the side panels 323, 327 upwards along the respective fold lines 325, 329 in the direction of the respective arrows A5 and A6. Subsequently, the top panels 335, 339 can be folded along the respective fold lines 337, 341 towards each other in the direction of the respective arrows A7, A8, of Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 36 / 71 19 / 29 so that the upper panels 335, 339 are positioned in an arrangement that is at least partially overlapping, for example, at least partially in direct contact with each other. Such an arrangement of the construct 300 can be maintained with an adhesive such as glue G.

[00065] By such formation of construct 300, portions of the respective side panels 323, 327 may separate from the respective adjacent panels in the respective cuts 331, 333 to form a plurality of spacing members 343 (generally, first spacing members) that protrude from opposite edges of side panels 323, 327. As shown, a set of four spacing members 343 may protrude upwards relative to the upper panels 339, 335 and a set of four spacing members 343 may protrude downwards relative to the base panel 321. It will be understood that one or more of the spacing members 343 may have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from disclosure.

[00066] In this respect, panels 321, 323, 327, 335, 339 extend at least partially around an interior 307 of construct 300 in an open sleeve-like arrangement within which a food product can be at least partially received. Although the upper panels 335, 339 have been described as the uppermost panels / layers of construct 300, it will be understood that construct 300 can be reversed so that panels 335, 339 are the lowermost or supporting panels / layers of construct 300 and panel 321 is positioned as the uppermost panel / layer of construct 300.

[00067] The construct 300 is shown supported on an induction source, such as the induction source S illustrated in Fig. 5, which Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 37 / 71 20 / 29 is configured to generate one or more oscillating / variable magnetic fields B so that, after the generation of one or more oscillating magnetic fields B by the induction source S, one or more electric currents, for example, eddy currents, can form in the conductive material of the construct 300 to generate heat H through electrical resistance that can be conducted to a food product, for example, a food product F.

[00068] The spacing members 343 of construct 300 can thus be configured to position the base panel 321 at a pre-selected distance D above the induction source S to provide a desired attenuation of the heat H supplied to the food product F in response to the oscillating magnetic field B, for example, to prevent thermal damage (e.g., cracking, peeling, etc.) of one or more portions of construct 300, to prevent charring or overcooking of the food product F, etc., as described above in relation to constructs 100, 200.

[00069] With further reference to Fig. 10, an external surface 401 of a blank 403 to form a construct 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 403 and the construct 400 may have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above in relation to blanks 103, 203, 303 and constructs 100, 200, 300, and equal or similar reference numbers are used to denote similar or like features.

[00070] The blank part 403 has longitudinal axis L1 and lateral axis L2 and can be at least partially formed from the rolled structure 102, although the blank part 403 Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 38 / 71 21 / 29 can be formed from one or more additional or alternative materials without deviating from the dissemination.

[00071] As shown, the blank part 403 includes a main / central / base panel or base panel 421 connected in a foldable fashion to a first end panel 423 on a side fold line 425 which may be interrupted by a cut 427 with one or more straight, curved and angled portions. Similarly, the base panel 421 may be connected in a foldable fashion to a second side panel 429 on a side fold line 431 which may be interrupted by a cut 433 with one or more straight, curved and angled portions.

[00072] A first side panel 435 can be foldably connected to the base panel 421 on a longitudinal fold line 437 that is interrupted by a cut 439 having one or more straight, curved and angled portions. Similarly, a second side panel 441 can be foldably connected to the base panel 421 on a longitudinal fold line 443 that is interrupted by a cut 445 with one or more straight, curved and angled portions.

[00073] A plurality of end tabs can be foldably connected to the respective panels of the blank part plurality 403 and can include a first corner panel 447 foldably connected to the first end panel 423 in an oblique fold line 449, and a second corner panel 451 foldably connected to the first end panel 423 in an oblique fold line 453. As shown, the corner panels 447, 451 can be separated from the respective side panels 435, 441 in the respective oblique cuts 455, 457.

[00074] Similarly, a first corner panel 459 can Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 39 / 71 22 / 29 can be connected in a foldable manner to the second end panel 429 in an oblique fold line 461, and a second corner panel 463 can be connected in a foldable manner to the second end panel 429 in an oblique fold line 465. The corner panels 459, 463 can be separated from the respective side panels 435, 441 in the respective oblique cuts 467, 469.

[00075] With further reference to Figs. 11 and 12, the construct 400 can be formed from the blank 403, in an exemplary embodiment, by placing the outer surface 401 of the blank 403 face down on a support surface and folding the end panels 423, 429 upwards along the respective fold lines 425, 421 in the direction of the respective arrows A9, A10 and, simultaneously or subsequently, folding the side panels 435, 441 upwards along the respective fold lines 437, 443 in the direction of the respective arrows A11, A12.

[00076] Corner panels 447, 459 can be folded along their respective fold lines 449, 461 in at least partial face-to-face contact with side panel 435, and corner panels 451, 463 can be folded along their respective fold lines 453, 465 in at least partial face-to-face contact with side panel 441. Such an arrangement of the construct 400 can be maintained with an adhesive such as glue.

[00077] By means of such formation of construct 400, portions of the respective end panels 423, 429 and of the respective side panels 435, 441 can be separated from the adjacent base panel 421 in the respective cuts 427, 433, 439, 445 to form a plurality of respective spacing members 471, 473 (broadly, second spacing members), 475, Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 40 / 71 23 / 29 477 (generally speaking, first spacing members) protruding downwards from the respective panels 423, 429, 435, 441. In this respect, spacing members 471, 473, 475, 477 can be in the form of flaps, supports, legs, etc. which extend downwards relative to the base panel 421. It will be understood that one or more of the spacing members 471, 473, 475, 477 may have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from disclosure.

[00078] As shown, construct 400 can have a tray-type arrangement, with panels 421, 423, 429, 435, 441 extending at least partially around an interior 407 of construct 400 to receive one or more food products.

[00079] Construct 400 can thus be configured to be supported on an induction source, such as the induction source S in Fig. 5, which is configured to generate one or more oscillating / variable magnetic fields B, so that, after the generation of one or more oscillating magnetic fields B by the induction source S, one or more electric currents, for example, eddy currents, can form in the conductive material of construct 400 to generate heat H through electrical resistance that can be conducted to a food product, for example, a food product F.

[00080] The spacing members 471, 473, 475, 477 of construct 400 can be arranged to position the base panel 421 at a pre-selected distance D above the induction source S to provide a desired attenuation of the heat H supplied to the food product F in response to the oscillating magnetic field B, for example, to prevent thermal damage (e.g., cracking, peeling, etc.) of one or more portions of construct 400, to prevent charring or cooking. Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 41 / 71 24 / 29 excessive consumption of food product F, etc., as described above in relation to constructs 100, 200, 300.

[00081] With further reference to Fig. 13, an external surface 501 of a blank piece 503 to form a construct 500 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank piece 503 and the construct 500 may have one or more features that are equal or similar to those described above in relation to blank pieces 103, 203, 303, 403 and constructs 100, 200, 300, 403 and equal or similar reference numbers are used to denote equal or similar features.

[00082] In particular, blank 503 may be generally similar to blank 403, except that panels 421, 423, 429, 435, 441 are provided in a different dimensioning / arrangement. In this respect, a construct formed from blank 503 may be formed in a manner similar to that described above in relation to the formation of construct 400 from blank 403 and may be used to support base panel 421 at a pre-selected distance above an induction source as described above in relation to the preceding embodiments.

[00083] It will be understood that additional or alternative constructs for induction heating of one or more food products may be provided without departing from disclosure. Such constructs may take the form of bowls, trays, sleeves, mats, covered structures (e.g., having one or more hinged lids), etc., and may have at least one bottom / base panel with one or more spacing members in the form of flaps, legs, braces, protrusions, other projections, etc., extending from thereto Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 42 / 71 25 / 29 support the back panel / base at a predetermined distance from an induction source as discussed above.

[00084] In general, the raw pieces or base layers described in this document can be constructed from cardboard with a thickness such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The base layer can also be constructed from other materials, such as cardstock or any other material with suitable properties to allow the construct to function at least generally as described above. The base layer can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating can be printed with product, advertising, and other information or images. The base layers can then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the base layers. The base layers can also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on one or both sides of the base layers.The base layers can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials in selected panels or panel sections.

[00085] It will become evident that numerous other sequences of steps can be used to form constructs as described in this document. It will also become evident that numerous other materials or structures can be used to form a construct according to the disclosure. Any of these materials can be used alone or in combination, and in any configuration, to form the construct. Where multiple materials (or multiple layers of the same material) are used, the materials may be joined partially or completely, or they may remain separate from each other (i.e., not joined).

[00086] Numerous other structures and constructs are Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 43 / 71 26 / 29 covered by the disclosure. If desired, any of these structures may include one or more areas that are devoid of conductive material or inhibited from thermal / electrical conduction. Such areas may be used to enhance the heating, browning, and / or crisping of an adjacent food product or other item and may be sized, positioned, and / or arranged to customize such heating.

[00087] Any of these structures or constructs may be formed from various materials, provided that the materials are substantially resistant to softening, burning, drying, or degradation at typical surface heating temperatures, for example, up to about 400°F and, in one embodiment, up to about 425°F. Such heating temperatures may be higher without departing from disclosure.

[00088] If desired, any of the numerous conductive materials described in or contemplated herein may be substantially continuous, i.e., without substantial breaks or interruptions, or may be discontinuous, for example, including one or more breaks or openings. The breaks or openings may be sized and positioned to selectively heat specific areas of a food product or other item. The breaks or openings may extend throughout the structure or only through one or more layers.The number, shape, size, and placement of such breaks or openings may vary for a particular application, depending on the type of construct being formed, the food product or other item to be heated in or on it, the desired degree of sealing, browning, and / or crispness, the need to regulate changes in the temperature of the food item through direct heating, and whether and to what extent. Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 44 / 71 27 / 29 there is a need for ventilation.

[00089] It will be understood that an opening may be a physical opening or void in one or more layers or materials used to form the construct, or it may be a non-physical opening (not shown), for example, areas that may be formed simply by not applying conductive material to the particular area, or by removing conductive material in the particular area, for example, mechanically, chemically, etc.

[00090] In some cases, it may be beneficial to create one or more discontinuities or inactive regions to prevent overheating or charring of the construct or of one or more food products supported on it. Such areas can be formed by creating these areas of the construct without a conductive material, by removing any conductive material that has been applied, or by deactivating the conductive material in these areas, as discussed above.

[00091] The conductive material described in this document can be applied to a base layer or substrate in any suitable manner and, in some cases, the conductive material can be printed, extruded, sprayed, evaporated, or laminated onto the substrate. The conductive material can be applied to the substrate in any pattern, and using any technique, to achieve the desired food heating effect. For example, the conductive material can be provided as a continuous or discontinuous layer or coating, including circles, loops, hexagons, islands, squares, rectangles, octagons, and so on.

[00092] The laminated structures and raw pieces / constructions disclosed in this document can be formed according to numerous processes known to those skilled in the art. Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 45 / 71 28 / 29 technique, including the use of adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical stitching or any other suitable process. Any of the various components used to form the packaging may be supplied as a sheet of material, a roll of material or a die-cut material in the shape of a construct to be formed (e.g., a blank or base layer).

[00093] All directional references (e.g., top, bottom, up, down, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the various embodiments of the present disclosure and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation or use of the disclosed embodiments, unless specifically stated in the claims. Joining references (e.g., joined, attached, coupled, connected and the like) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joining references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.Furthermore, several elements discussed with reference to the various modalities can be exchanged to create entirely new modalities that fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[00094] The preceding description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various modalities. As several changes could be made to the presented construction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all the material contained in the preceding description or Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 46 / 71 Figure 29 / 29 shown in the attached drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure encompasses various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the previously described modalities. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected modalities, but various other combinations, modifications, and settings are within the scope of the disclosure, as expressed in this document, proportionate to prior teachings and / or the skill or knowledge of the relevant technique. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each modality may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated modalities of the disclosure.

[00095] The preceding description illustrates and describes various embodiments of the disclosure. As various changes may be made to the preceding construction, it is intended that all material contained in the preceding description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, various modifications, combinations, and alterations, etc., of the embodiments described above are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and settings are within the scope of the disclosure, proportionate to the preceding precepts, and / or to the skill or knowledge of the relevant technique. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively exchanged and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Petition 870220122984, dated 12 / 28 / 2022, pp. 47 / 71

Claims

1 / 6 - CLAIMS - 1. CONSTRUCTION, the construction comprising: a base panel (221) and a first end flap and a second end flap (223, 227) foldably connected to the base panel (221), the base panel (221) formed from a laminated structure (102) comprising a base layer (110), a conductive layer (106) and a surface film (104), the base panel (221) in a planar arrangement to support a food product (F); and a first spacing feature (243) and a second spacing feature (245) extending downward from at least one panel to support the base panel (221) at a distance (D) above an induction source (S) to attenuate the heat (H) transferred to the food product (F) in response to an oscillating magnetic field (B) interacting with the conductive layer (106) of the laminated structure (102), each of the first and second end tabs (223,227) comprises a foldable proximal portion (231, 237) connected to the base panel (221) at a fold line (225, 229) and a foldable distal portion (233, 239) connected to the proximal portion at a fold line (235, 241), the proximal portion (231, 237) extending downward from the fold line (225, 229) wherein the foldable proximal portion is connected to the base panel (221), and the distal portion (233, 239) extending upward from the fold line (235, 241) wherein the foldable distal portion is connected to the proximal portion, such that the portion Petition 870260061240, dated 06 / 22 / 2026, page. 7 / 12 2 / 6 proximal and the distal portion form an oblique or wedge-shaped profile of the first spacing and the second spacing (243, 245), characterized in that the base panel (221) further comprises at least two first cuts (222) forming at least two first retention tabs (220),the distal portion (233) of the first terminal flap (223) is received between each of at least two first retention flaps (220) and the base panel (221), the base panel (221) further comprises at least two second cuts (224) forming at least two second retention flaps (226), the distal portion (239) of the second terminal flap (227) is received between each of at least two second retention flaps (226) and the base panel (221).

2. Construct, according to claim 1, characterized in that the base layer (110) comprises a composite material, the conductive layer (106) comprises a metallic material and the surface film (104) comprises a polymeric material.

3. Construct, according to claim 2, characterized in that the base layer (110) comprises cardboard and the metallic material comprises aluminum.

4. RAW PART FOR FORMING A CONSTRUCTION defined in any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the raw part (203) comprises: a base panel (221) and a first end tab and a second end tab (223, 227) foldably connected to the base panel (221), the base panel (221) formed from a laminated structure (102) comprising a base layer (110), a conductive layer (106) and a surface film (104), the base panel (221) in Petition 870260061240, dated 06 / 22 / 2026,page. 8 / 12 3 / 6 a planar arrangement for supporting a food product (F) features to form a first spacing feature (243) and a second spacing feature (243) extending downward from the base panel (221) to support the base panel (221) at a distance (D) above an induction source (S) to attenuate the heat (H) transferred to the food product in response to an oscillating magnetic field (B) interacting with the conductive layer (106) of the laminated structure (102) when the construct is formed from the blank (203), each of the first and second end tabs (223, 227) comprising a proximal portion (231, 237) of foldable form connected to the base panel (221) in a fold line (225, 229) and a distal portion (233, 239) of foldable form connected to the proximal portion in a fold line (235, 241), the proximal portion (231, 237) extending downwards from the fold line (225,229) wherein the proximal portion is foldably connected to the base panel (221) when the structure is formed from the block, and the distal portion (233, 239) extending upwards from the fold line (235, 241) wherein the distal portion is foldably connected to the proximal portion, such that the proximal and distal portions form an oblique or wedge-shaped profile of the first spacing and the second spacing (243, 245) when the structure is formed from the block (243, 245), characterized by: the base panel (221) further comprises at least two first cuts (222) forming at least two first retaining tabs (220), the distal portion (233) of the first tab Petition 870260061240, dated 06 / 22 / 2026, page. 9 / 12 4 / 6 terminal (223) is received between each of at least the first two retaining tabs (220) and the base panel (221) when the structure is formed from the block,the base panel (221) further comprises at least two second cuts (224) forming at least two second retaining tabs (226), the distal portion (239) of the second terminal tab (227) is received between each of the at least two second retaining tabs (226) and the base panel (221) when the structure is formed from the block.

5. Blank part according to claim 4, characterized in that the base layer (110) comprises a composite material, the conductive layer (106) comprises a metallic material and the surface film (104) comprises a polymeric material.

6. Raw part, according to claim 5, characterized in that the base layer (110) comprises cardboard and the metallic material comprises aluminum.

7. METHOD FOR FORMING A CONSTRUCT defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, the method characterized in that it comprises: obtaining a blank (203) comprising a base panel (221) and a first end tab and a second end tab (223, 227) foldably connected to the base panel (221), the base panel (221) formed from a laminated structure (102) comprising a base layer (110), a conductive layer (106) and a surface film (104), the base panel (221) in a planar arrangement; forming a first spacing feature (243) and a second spacing feature (245) extending downwards from the base panel (221) to Petition 870260061240, dated 06 / 22 / 2026,page. 10 / 12 5 / 6 supporting the base panel (221) at a pre-selected distance (D) above an induction source (S) to attenuate the heat (H) transferred to a food product in response to an oscillating magnetic field (B) interacting with the conductive layer (106) of the laminated structure (102), each of the first and second end tabs (223, 227) comprising a foldable proximal portion (231, 237) connected to the base panel (221) at a fold line (225, 229) and a foldable distal portion (233, 239) connected to the proximal portion at a fold line (235, 241), forming the first spacing (243) and the second spacing (245), comprising the arrangement of the proximal portion (231, 237) extending downwards from the fold line (225, 229) in which the proximal portion is foldably connected to the base panel (221), and the arrangement of the distal portion (233, 239) extending upwards from the fold line (235,241) in which the distal portion is foldably connected to the proximal portion, such that the proximal and distal portions form an oblique tab or wedge-shaped profile of the first spacing feature and the second spacing feature (243, 245), characterized in that the base panel (221) further comprises at least two first cuts (222) forming at least two first retaining tabs (220), the distal portion (233) of the first end tab (223) is received between each of the at least two first retaining tabs (220) and the base panel (221) when the construction is formed from the block, the base panel (221) further comprises at least two second cuts Petition 870260061240, dated 06 / 22 / 2026, page. 11 / 12 6 / 6 (224) forming at least two second retaining tabs (226),the distal portion (239) of the second end flap (227) is received between each of at least two second retaining flaps (226) and the base panel (221) when the construct is formed from the block.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the base layer (110) comprises a composite material, the conductive layer (106) comprises a metallic material and the surface film (104) comprises a polymeric material.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the base layer (110) comprises cardboard and the metallic material comprises aluminum.

10. METHOD FOR HEATING A FOOD PRODUCT using a construct defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, the method characterized in that it comprises: obtaining the construct of claim 1; positioning the construct on an induction source (S) with at least one spacing feature supporting the base panel (221) at a distance (D) above the induction source (S); and activating the induction source (S) to produce an oscillating magnetic field (B) interacting with the conductive layer (106) of the laminated structure (102) to heat at least one food product (F) supported on the base panel (221). Petition 870260061240, dated 06 / 22 / 2026, page 12 / 12

Images