Abstract

A bag for storing and dispensing a food product (e.g., a microwavable popcorn bag, potato chip bag, etc.) includes an improved product access opening. In particular, the bag comprises at least a first gusset on some surface of the bag, the gusset comprising at least two gusset panels and a product access opening ("gusset opening") between the two panels. The gusset opening may be sealed by a number of different methods and mechanisms, e.g., an adhesive, a pull-tab, a perforation, or any other suitable seal which keeps the bag sealed and, further, allows a user easily to unseal the opening to access the food product inside the bag. The gusset opening may be incorporated into many types of food bags, including both microwavable and non-microwavable food bags. If the gusset opening is incorporated into a microwavable food bag (e.g., a popcorn bag), the bag expands in a microwave during cooking and causes the gusset to unfold. The gusset opening also may be partially sealed to provide a vent for hot gases during cooking. After cooking, the user may remove the bag from the microwave oven and unseal the gusset opening. Once unsealed, the gusset panels fold inward and create a barrier between the user's hands and the inside sides of the bag, thereby protecting the user's hands from residual grease remaining on the inside sides of the bag. Furthermore, the bag may comprise a second gusset substantially opposing the first gusset, the second gusset providing a stable base for resting the bag on a substantially flat surface with the gusset opening facing substantially upward. The bag also may be constructed from a flat blank whose longitudinal construction seam is utilized to form at least a portion of the gusset opening.