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.

1 . A flexible package for enclosing a heated product comprising: 
 a support member having an inner and outer surface and a peripheral edge, the inner surface being configured for supporting a product thereon, the support member comprising an insulating material that inhibits heat from a heated product disposed on the inner surface from dissipating through the outer surface of the support member; and    a flexible film having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion being attached about the peripheral edge of the support member so that the flexible film forms a continuous side-wall of the package and defines an interior space of the package, and the top portion defining an opening into the interior space of the package, and wherein the continuous side-wall is movable between a substantially collapsed state for storage and an extended state for use.    
   
   
       2 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member includes at least two lines of scoring that are each disposed proximal to opposing peripheral edges of the support member so that when the continuous side-wall is moved into an extended state, the opposing lines of scoring each define fold-lines so that portions of the support member can fold upwardly to define side-walls extending upwardly from the inner surface of the support member.  
   
   
       3 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the top portion of the flexible film is bonded to itself to close said opening and form a sealed package, and wherein bonding is by thermal bond, adhesive, ultrasonic fusion bond, or a combination thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises two thermoplastic sheets that are adhered together and include a plurality of air-filled cavities that are disposed between the thermoplastic sheets.  
   
   
       5 . The flexible package according to  claim 4 , wherein the support member comprises nylon having a melting temperature that is 400° F. or greater.  
   
   
       6 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises a foam selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, nylon, polyurethane, acrylics, and copolymers and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       7 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible film is attached to the support member with an adhesive, thermal bond, or ultrasonic fusion bond.  
   
   
       8 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible film includes a bottom edge that extends below an outer surface of the support member and is attached thereto with a thermal bond, adhesive, or ultrasonic fusion bond.  
   
   
       9 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible film includes a bottom edge having a generally tubular shape that is attached to the inner surface of the support member.  
   
   
       10 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible film comprises a first and second sheet affixed to each other along a pair of seams with an adhesive, thermal bond, or ultrasonic fusion bond.  
   
   
       11 . The flexible package according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible film comprises a thermoplastic material having a melting temperature that is 400° F. or greater.  
   
   
       12 . A flexible package for containing a heated product comprising: 
 a support member having an inner and outer surface and a peripheral edge, the inner surface being configured for supporting a product thereon, the support member comprising an insulating material having a melt temperature of at least 200° F. and that inhibits heat from a heated product disposed on the inner surface from dissipating through the outer surface of the support member; and    a flexible film having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion is attached about the periphery edge of the support member so that the flexible film forms a continuous side-wall of the package and defines an interior space of the package, and the top portion defines an opening into the interior space of the package, and wherein the continuous side-wall is movable between a substantially collapsed state for storage and an extended state for use, and wherein the support member includes a plurality of tray-like sidewalls that are configured to fold from a relatively flat state to an upwardly extended state.    
   
   
       13 . The flexible package according to  claim 12 , wherein the support member comprises polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polypropylene, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, nylon, polyurethane, acrylics, or copolymers and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       14 . The flexible package according to  claim 13 , wherein the support member comprises two or more thermoplastic sheets that are adhered together and include a plurality of air-filled cavities that are disposed between the thermoplastic sheets, the support member having a melt temperature of at least 275° F.  
   
   
       15 . The flexible package according to  claim 12 , wherein the support member comprises two or more thermoplastic sheets that are adhered together and include a plurality of air-filled cavities that are disposed between the thermoplastic sheets, and wherein an outer portion of the support member comprises the tray-like sidewalls.  
   
   
       16 . The flexible package according to  claim 12 , wherein the support member includes lines of scoring adjacent to the peripheral edge of the support member defining fold-lines so that peripheral portions of the support member can fold upwardly to define the tray-like sidewalls.  
   
   
       17 . A flexible package for containing an item comprising: 
 a support member having an inner and outer surface and a peripheral edge, the inner surface being configured for supporting a product thereon, the support member having at least two lines of scoring that are each disposed proximal to opposing peripheral edges of the support member, the opposing lines of scoring each defining fold-lines so that peripheral portions of the support member can fold upwardly to define side-walls extending upwardly from the inner surface of the support member; and    a flexible film having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion is attached about the periphery edge of the support member so that the flexible film forms a continuous side-wall of the package and defines an interior space of the package, and the top portion defines an opening into the interior space of the package, and wherein the continuous side-wall is movable between a substantially collapsed state for storage and an extended state for use.    
   
   
       18 . A method of cooking an item in a package comprising: 
 providing a food product that is disposed in a flexible package, the flexible package having a support member comprising an insulating material having a melt temperature of at least 400° F. and a flexible film having a bottom portion attached about a periphery of the support member and a sealed top portion to thereby define a continuous side wall and an interior space of the package in which the food product is disposed;    cooking the food product disposed in the flexible package at an elevated temperature; and    removing the flexible package including the food product from the oven, wherein the insulating material inhibits heat from the heated product from dissipating into the surrounding environment.    
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of venting fluids from the interior space of the package.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of opening the flexible package by tearing along a line of weakening that is disposed proximal to the top portion of the flexible film.  
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the step of cooking further comprises inserting the flexible package into a conventional oven that is at temperature of at least 400° F.