Easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible paper, microwave package

The present invention relates generally to packages for use in microwave ovens, pertains particularly to an easily expandable, nontrapping, flexible, microwave package formed of non-extendable material for the popping, puffing or expanding of food products and especially popcorn kernels, and pertains more particularly to a microwave package providing serving bowl, preferential location venting, vent oil retention, and/or easy open features. A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag () is disclosed including a bottom wall () and a top wall () interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries () by first and second interconnection portions (). In one preferred form, the top wall () is formed from a first portion () having a generally oval shaped access opening closed by a generally oval shaped closure portion () interconnected by a wet adhesive seal () to the first portion (). In a preferred form, the wet adhesive seal () is formed by a plurality of spaced, parallel bands () defining a plurality of spaced, parallel spaces therebetween for resisting any leakage from the interior of the bag () through the seal (). The bottom and top walls () 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 () keeps the food product huddled closer together and enhances the bag () to rock to maximize gravimetric separation. The bag () provides a serving bowl function when the closure seal () has been opened providing access to the interior of the bag () and specifically to the popped, puffed or expanded food product located therein. An extension () integrally extends from the closure portion () along the major axis of the generally oval shape. First and second pairs of extensions () integrally extend from diametric opposite sides of the bottom and top walls () and along the major axis of the generally oval shape. The closure portion () includes a peel element () formed therein which breaks away during opening. The interconnection portion () includes predictable, preferential venting at locations remote from the extensions ().