Colander addition to container

Abstract

The addition of a colander functionality to a container generally designed to store and thaw or cook food products in the microwave, by adding a perforated area (holes, punctures, or slits) in an area to the container and sealing the area with a cover that can be easily lifted or released after thawing or cooking is completed to allow for the drainage of accumulated liquid and moisture. The addition of the perforated area and cover would typically occur during the manufacturing process of the container prior to the formation of the container or filling of the container with product.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . The addition of colander functionality to container comprised of:
 a perforated area to release moisture, liquid, or steam while keeping contents of enclosed;   a cover over the perforated area to keep container sealed until ready for release after thawing, cooking, or warming of contents is completed.   
     
     
         2 . The addition of a perforated area according to  claim 1  occurs at the time of container in  claim 1  being manufactured. 
     
     
         3 . The addition of a perforated area according to  claim 1  may vary in shape and size, for the overall perforated area, as well as the number, size, and design of perforations. 
     
     
         4 . The addition of a perforated area according to  claim 1  may also allow for steam to be released from said container after the cooking, thawing, or warming process is completed. 
     
     
         5 . The container according to  claim 1  may be a bag, pouch, box, or other type, made from materials including but not limited to shrink film, wax coated cardboard, flexible bags, aluminum, lidding films, high barrier thermoforming film, IQF polyethylene, skin film, or similar materials. 
     
     
         6 . The container according to  claim 1  may be placed in a microwave for warming, cooking, or thawing of contents. 
     
     
         7 . The addition of a cover according to  claim 1  occurs at the time of container in  claim 1  being manufactured. 
     
     
         8 . The container according to  claim 1  may be disposable or reusable. 
     
     
         9 . The cover according to  claim 1  is lifted or released from said container after the cooking, thawing, or warming process is completed. 
     
     
         10 . The cover according to  claim 1  may vary in size, shape, and method or manner of adhesion or closure. 
     
     
         11 . The cover according to  claim 1  may or may not be resealable. 
     
     
         12 . The cover according to  claim 1  could remain partially attached to the container or be completely removeable.