Cooking Bags

Abstract

A packaging suitable for use in or on a heating appliance, comprising a bag in which, in use, is sealed an article for heating. The bag has an aperture formed therein over which is sealed a film of material which forms a window in the bag, wherein the seal between said film and the material of the bag is sensitive to temperature and/or pressure such that the window at least partially detaches automatically from the bag upon the temperature and/or pressure within the bag reaching a predefined level so as to vent the atmosphere within the bag.

1 . An article for preparing foodstuff comprising: 
 a bag for holding foodstuff, the bag realized from a material that maintains structural integrity under high temperature direct heat, the bag having an aperture formed therein, a film that covers the aperture, a seal disposed between the film and the bag outside the aperture, wherein the seal automatically breaks upon at least one of temperature and pressure within the bag reaching a predefined temperature and a predefined pressure so as to vent the interior of the bag to atmosphere.    
   
   
       2 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the material of the bag is stiff enough to support its own weight and to maintain an inflated shape when the seal automatically breaks in use.    
   
   
       3 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the material of the bag comprises aluminium foil.    
   
   
       4 . An article according to  claim 3 , wherein: 
 the aluminium foil is of gauge between substantially 25 and 500 microns.    
   
   
       5 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the aperture is formed in one side panel of the bag.    
   
   
       6 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the film comprises one of polyester and polyester polythene.    
   
   
       7 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the film has a border running proximate to the aperture.    
   
   
       8 . An article according to  claim 7 , wherein: 
 the film extends across the whole side panel of the bag in which the aperture is formed.    
   
   
       9 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the film is transparent.    
   
   
       10 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the film has means for gas transmission therethrough at a gas transmission rate that corresponds to the respiration rate of foodstuff stored in the bag.    
   
   
       11 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the bag has a user-sealable opening for removably inserting foodstuff into the bag.    
   
   
       12 . An article according to  claim 11 , wherein: 
 the opening is provided with an adhesive strip of a strength which has greater resistance to pressure than the seal.    
   
   
       13 . An article according to  claim 12 , wherein: 
 the adhesive strip is provided on a lip which, in use, is folded over a number of times before adhering to the bag.    
   
   
       14 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the bag holds foodstuff pre-packaged therein.    
   
   
       15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the high temperature direct heat is provided by a barbecue grill.    
   
   
       17 . An article according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the material of the bag comprises a metal film.    
   
   
       18 . A method for preparing foodstuff comprising: 
 providing a sealed bag whose interior space holds foodstuff, the bag realized from a material that maintains structural integrity under high temperature direct heat, the bag having an aperture formed therein, a film that covers the aperture, a seal disposed between the film and the bag outside the aperture, wherein the seal automatically breaks upon at least one of temperature and pressure within the interior space of the bag reaching a predefined temperature and a predefined pressure; and    applying high temperature direct heat to the bag such that the seal automatically breaks and vents the interior space of the bag to atmosphere.    
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein: 
 the step of applying the high temperature direct heat is carried out on a barbecue grill.    
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein: 
 the material of the bag comprises a metal film.