Angled sealing pattern for retort pouch to create cold corners

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an easy to handle retort bag. More particularly, the retort bag has a cold corner to provide a point of contact for the consumer, thus preventing scalding of the person handling the bag.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A retort bag comprising a top and bottom and coplanar side edges, the top and bottom having transverse seals, wherein the top transverse seal is angled to provide a cold corner for handling the bag.  
     
     
         2 . The retort bag of  claim 1 , wherein the corner for handling is at least one and a half times as long as wide.  
     
     
         3 . The retort bag of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom transverse seal extends in a curve downwardly and inwardly from at least one edge of the bag.  
     
     
         4 . The retort bag of  claim 1 , wherein the corner comprises a nip for easy tearing of the bag.  
     
     
         5 . The retort bag of  claim 5 , wherein the nip is a substantially V-shaped cut-out.  
     
     
         6 . The retort bag of  claim 1 , wherein the corner is sealed with a thermal resistant film.  
     
     
         7 . The retort bag of  claim 6 , wherein the corner is cool to touch after heating the bag.  
     
     
         8 . The retort bag of  claim 7 , wherein the corner reduces scalding of a person handling the bag.  
     
     
         9 . A method of sealing a retort bag having a cold corner comprising the step sealing a top portion of the retort bag in an angle to provide a cold corner for handling the bag.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the cold corner is sealed with a thermal resistant film.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the corner comprises a nip for easy tearing of the bag.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the nip is a substantially V-shaped cut-out.