A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping
bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall
(22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a,
22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a,
26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from
a first portion (22d) having a generally oval shaped access opening
closed by a generally oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected
by a wet adhesive seal (40) to the first portion (22d). In
a preferred form, the wet adhesive seal (40) is formed by a plurality of
spaced, parallel bands (400, 401, 402) defining a plurality of spaced, parallel
spaces therebetween for resisting any leakage from the interior of the bag (18)
through the seal (40). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into
an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or
expanded in the microwave oven. This domed shape of the bottom wall (20)
keeps the food product huddled closer together and enhances the bag (18)
to rock to maximize gravimetric separation. The bag (18) provides a serving
bowl function when the closure seal (40) has been opened providing access
to the interior of the bag (18) and specifically to the popped, puffed or
expanded food product located therein. An extension (42) integrally extends
from the closure portion (22e) along the major axis of the generally
oval shape. First and second pairs of extensions (54) integrally extend
from diametric opposite sides of the bottom and top walls (20,22) and along
the major axis of the generally oval shape. The closure portion (22e)
includes a peel element (90) formed therein which breaks away during opening.
The interconnection portion (26a) includes predictable, preferential
venting at locations remote from the extensions (42, 54).