Foldable, microwavable baking pan usable as a promotional device

Abstract

A pan (10) is formed from a single blank (12) of plastic-coated paperboard and is foldable between a three-dimensional, erect condition and a flat condition. In the flat condition, first and second isosceles trapezoid-shaped side panels (20) are folded about the side edges (18) of a bottom panel (14) to overlie the bottom panel (14) and with their upper edges (22) abutting. Additionally, in the flat condition, first and second triangular panels (34) are folded about the side edges (32) of end panels (28) to overlie the end panels (28). The end panels (28) are in the shape of isosceles trapezoids and are integrally connected to the opposite end edges (16) of the bottom panel (14) and extend continuously therefrom in the flat condition. Attachment panels (38) are foldable about the outer edges (36) of the triangular panels (34) and are secured to the side panels (20) with the side edges (24) of the side panels (20) abutting with and being foldable with the outer edges (36) of the triangular panels (34). In the three-dimensional condition, the side panels (20), the end panels (28), and the triangular panels (34) upstand from the bottom panel (14) to define a volume and form a water-tight container for holding batter. Once erected, tabs (48) can be folded down along a fold line (46) extending across the triangular panels (34) and the end panels (28) at the height of the side panels (20), with the folded tabs (48) helping hold the pan (10) in the erect condition and for use as handles in carrying the pan (10). In the preferred form, parabolic slots (50) are formed in the side panels (20) to prevent overfilling and for safety reasons.