Patent ID: 6060095
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A combination of a charge of popcorn kernels to be popped by microwave energy, and an expandable microwave popcorn package containing the charge and package capable of storing the charge before the kernels are popped, expanding while the kernels are popped and converting into a serving vessel for the resulting edible popcorn after the kernels are popped, the combination comprising:a charge of popcorn kernels prone to popping upon the application of energy thereto;a front panel having two side edges, a top end and a bottom end;a back panel having two side edges, a top end connected to the top end of the front panel, and a bottom end;two side panels, each connecting the side edges of the front and back panels so as to enclose the charge; and,two separation lines extending from the top end to the bottom end of the back panel, thereby delineating a middle section between two outer sections of the back panel;wherein each side panel includes multiple inwardly directed folds forming multiple gussets that permit the package to be formed into a substantially flat configuration prior to the popping of the kernels, and expand to increase the volume of the bag during the popping of the kernels;wherein the width of each outer section is substantially the same as the width of the gussets in the adjacent side panel, such that the separation lines are located directly above the inwardly directed folds in the adjacent side panel when the package is in the substantially flat configuration; and,wherein the package is substantially weaker along the separation lines than immediately adjacent the separation lines, such that after the popping process a tear initiated along the separation lines will tend to continue along the separation lines, thereby detaching the middle section from the outer sections to provide access to the interior of the package and the popcorn within the package.