Virtually transparent packaging system

Abstract

To provide a packaging system that is made entirely from recyclable materials and makes it possible for consumers to see items, such as food, inside the packaging container.SOLUTION: A packaging system includes a packaging container 500 that is made entirely from recyclable materials and code identifier elements 502, 506 disposed thereon that are linked to images or other information of a product 508 contained in the packaging container 500. Furthermore, the images linked to the code identifier elements 502, 506 may be general ones or may be actual individual images of the product 508 in the container, and the images may be about the product 508 in the process of manufacturing or packaging. The images may be viewed on tablets, mobile phones, virtual reality headsets, provided terminals, or other relevant devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Utility Application No. 62 / 778,529, filed December 12, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a virtually transparent packaging system that allows a user to virtually view the contents of a package, such as a food package, and associated information regarding said contents, without physically opening the package prior to purchase and without the need for a transparent window on the exterior of the package. The system of the present invention utilizes a code identifier component attached to the exterior of the package that allows a user to retrieve information regarding the contents of the package, including an image of said contents. More specifically, the system of the present invention allows for the transparent window typically associated with prior art packaging, such as food packaging, to be removed from the package and replaced with a code identifier component, such as a 2D barcode or radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag, linked to an image and / or associated information regarding the contents of the package. The system of the present invention is particularly suited to food packaging items that typically include a transparent window. As such, specific reference is made thereto herein. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto and are equally applicable to other types of packages and wrappings, including those pertaining to non-food items.

[0003] In general, radio frequency identification is the use of electromagnetic energy to stimulate a reactive device (known as an RFID "tag" or transponder) to identify itself, and in some cases to provide additional stored data in the tag. RFID tags typically include a semiconductor device, commonly called a "chip," on which memory and operating circuits are formed, connected to an antenna. Typically, RFID tags function as transponders that provide information stored in the chip memory in response to a radio frequency interrogation signal received from a reader, also called an interrogator. In the case of passive RFID devices, the energy of the interrogation signal also provides the energy required to operate the RFID tag device.

[0004] RFID tags are generally formed by connecting an RFID chip to some form of antenna. The types of antennas are very diverse, as are the methods for constructing them. One particularly advantageous method of making RFID tags is to use a strap, which is a small device that has an RFID chip connected to two or more electrical conductors that can be coupled to an antenna. The coupling of the conductors to the antenna can be accomplished using a conductive connection, an electric field connection, a magnetic connection, or a combination of coupling methods.

[0005] RFID tags can be embedded or attached to the item to be tracked. In some cases the tag can be attached to the outside of the item using adhesive, tape, or other means of fastening the tag to the item, and in other cases the RFID tag can be inserted into the item, for example, contained within the packaging, located within the item's container, or sewn into clothing. Furthermore, RFID tags are typically manufactured with a unique identification number, which is a simple serial number of a few bytes with a check digit. This identification number is embedded into the RFID tag at the time of its manufacture. The user cannot change this serial / identification number, and the manufacturer guarantees that each RFID tag's serial number is unique since it is used only once. Such read-only RFID tags are typically permanently attached to the item to be tracked, and once attached, the tag's serial number is associated with the host item in a computer database.

[0006] Currently, items such as food items are commonly sold in packaging with a transparent window that allows consumers to view the contents of the package prior to purchase. In this way, consumers can inspect at least a portion of the contents of the package or container without physically opening it. Unfortunately, there are many limitations and drawbacks associated with prior art packages and containers of the above type. For example, windows on such packages are typically manufactured from plastics, some forms of which are difficult to recycle. Also, the presence of packaging components that are difficult to recycle can make recycling the remaining components of the packaging (e.g., cardboard or other recyclable materials) difficult, impractical, and costly, since the two materials must be separated prior to recycling. Since it is preferable to be able to recycle the entire package, it is also preferable to manufacture the entire package from the same easily recyclable material, while also allowing consumers to view at least a portion of the package contents without physically opening the package prior to purchase.

[0007] Another current limitation of incorporating a clear plastic window into a package or container, such as one that contains a food or food-related item, is the increased manufacturing costs associated with producing the package and / or container. More specifically, as an example, producing a corrugated package or container that incorporates a separate plastic window is more costly and time consuming than producing a single corrugated container or package without the plastic window. Unfortunately, a single corrugated package without the plastic window does not provide a consumer with an opportunity to view the contents of the package without physically opening the package prior to purchasing the package.

[0008] Thus, there has long been a need in the art to produce packaging for items such as food items from fully recyclable materials that allows consumers to view the contents of the package as well as relevant information about the contents without having to physically open the package or container prior to purchase. The present invention discloses a novel virtually transparent packaging system that eliminates the need for a transparent window in the package and replaces it with a code identifier component. Images of the package contents as well as relevant information about the contents can be linked to one or more code identifier components. In this manner, consumers can simply scan the code identifier component with an electronic device such as a smartphone, barcode reader, RFID scanner, etc., to view images and relevant information of the package contents, such as food items, without having to physically open the package or container prior to purchase. Also, because the need for a transparent window is eliminated, the container or package can be produced from a single easily recyclable material (e.g., cardboard, etc.), thus overcoming the aforementioned limitations typically associated with prior art packages and containers that are produced from multiple different materials, some of which may be difficult or impractical to recycle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovations. This summary is not an ensemble overview and is not intended to identify key / critical elements or to delineate the scope. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, includes a virtually transparent packaging system that is manufactured entirely from recyclable materials, eliminating the need for and limitations associated with a separate transparent window, and allowing consumers to view the contents within the package or container without physically opening the package or container prior to purchase. More specifically, the virtually transparent packaging system includes a packaging container that is manufactured entirely from a recyclable material, such as cardboard, and a code identifier component that is linked to images and / or related information regarding the contents of the packaging container. However, the present invention may also include packaging containers that are manufactured partially from recyclable and / or partially recyclable materials. For example, the packaging container may be comprised of at least one recyclable material and at least one partially recyclable material. One embodiment of the present invention may be comprised of a packaging container that is manufactured partially from cardboard and / or cornstarch, or a combination of the two. In yet another embodiment, the packaging container may be manufactured to be comprised of at least one recyclable material, at least one partially recyclable material, and at least one non-recyclable material. The amount of each recyclable and / or partially recyclable material present is determined at the discretion of the manufacturer. For example, in one embodiment, the packaging container may be manufactured to include 0%-50% recyclable material and 0%-50% non-recyclable material. In yet another embodiment, the packaging container may be manufactured to include 0%-50% at least one recyclable material and 0%-50% another recyclable material. However, the percentages of the various materials present are only examples of some of the potential possibilities. It is further recognized that the packaging container may include more than 50% or less than 50% of any given recyclable and / or partially recyclable material when combined with another recyclable and / or partially recyclable material. Additionally, the composition of the packaging container may have an above average green score.The Green Score can be calculated as follows: Green Score = (A% x Ar) + (B% x Br) + (C% x Cr), where A% + B% + C% = 100, and Ar, Br and Cr are scores based on the ease of recycling or disposal.

[0011] The code identifier component is preferably a 2D barcode or an RFID tag. Also, the image linked to the code identifier component may be generic or may be an image of the specific contents of a particular package, and the image may relate to the contents during their manufacture or as they are placed in the package. The image may be viewable by a consumer or other user using an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a virtual reality headset, a provided terminal, or other suitable device.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a packaging container may have two or more 2D barcodes and / or RFID tags. At least one 2D barcode and / or RFID tag may be located on the surface of the package / object and linked to a 3D model of the package / object. Such linking allows mapping of the packaging container / object's materials, i.e., which materials are located where on a given package / object. The 2D barcodes and / or RFID tags may then be used to orient an automated disassembly tool, such as a laser cutter or mill, to the object to separate areas of specific materials by cutting / milling them. For example, a cutter may identify a corrugated area with a clear window, cut it, and then use an air jet to separate it away from the other materials. The 2D barcodes and / or RFID tags may also be linked to a specific color on a given package / object. Linking the 2D barcodes and / or RFID tags to specific colors allows for the separation of different colored materials (multi-colored plastic, paper, cardboard, etc.) on a conveyor belt.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a display screen and camera combination can be used to allow a consumer to view the contents of a package or container without having to physically open the package prior to purchase, where the consumer can view the inside of the package or container by holding the package or container under a viewing window of the camera. The view can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and can also provide the consumer with additional information regarding the contents of the package or container, such as nutritional information regarding the food products contained within the package, instructions for use of the contents, "best used by" or other product expiration date information, etc. In addition to a view of the product and its related information, virtual or actual special offers or promotions can be included inside the package or container, such as marketing discounts, coupons, or alternative product choices for the consumer to consider.

[0014] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and equivalents thereof. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a prior art packaging container, such as a food packaging container, with a transparent window for viewing the contents of the packaging container without having to physically open the packaging container prior to purchase. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a food packaging container including a code identifier component that is linked to an image of a food item contained within the packaging container in accordance with the disclosed architecture. [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a food packaging container further including an additional code identifier component linked to alternative views of food items contained within the packaging container and an electronic device in communication with the code identifier component in accordance with the disclosed architecture. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a food packaging container having a code identifier component located thereon for viewing by a consumer and a display screen and camera combination in accordance with the disclosed architecture. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a food packaging container including an additional code identifier component linked to a giveaway or promotion in accordance with the disclosed architecture. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a food packaging container including a code identifier component that replaces a view of a food item with a view of a similar item in accordance with the disclosed architecture. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a food packaging container that can hold a heat sensitive product and includes a code identifier component thereon in accordance with the disclosed architecture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present innovation is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are presented in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. However, it will be apparent that the innovation may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate explanation.

[0017] In one embodiment, the present invention discloses a virtually transparent packaging system, such as a food packaging system, that is manufactured from fully recyclable materials and eliminates the need for and limitations associated with a separate transparent window. The unique virtually transparent packaging system of the present invention allows consumers to view items placed within a package or container without physically opening said container or package prior to purchase. The virtually transparent packaging system of the present invention is particularly suited to food packaging items, and therefore, this specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it should be recognized that aspects of the present invention may be implemented with other types of packages and wrappings as well, including, but not limited to, those pertaining to non-food items.

[0018] More specifically, the food packaging system includes a food packaging container made entirely from recyclable materials such as cardboard, and a code identifier component that is linked to a product image and / or product related information. The code identifier component is preferably a two-dimensional (2D) barcode or an RFID tag. Also, the image linked to the code identifier component can be generic or a specific individual image of a precise product in the container, the image can relate to the product during its manufacture or when it is packaged in said container. The image can be viewed on a tablet, mobile phone, virtual reality headset, provided terminal, or other suitable device.

[0019] Additionally, a display screen and camera combination can be used to view the contents of a unique packaging system, where a consumer can present the packaging system under or in front of a viewing window of the camera to view the contents or related information of the packaging system. The view can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional and can also provide additional information about the contents of the package or container, such as nutritional information, expiration date information, product leaflet, etc. Also, in addition to the view of the contents, virtual, special offers or promotions can be included with the package, such as marketing discounts, coupons, or other alternative products for the consumer to consider.

[0020] Referring first to Figure 1, Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example prior art food packaging box, carton or other container 100 containing food items or other suitable packaged items 102 and a transparent window 104 for viewing the food items 102 inside the food packaging container 100 without having to physically open the container 100 prior to purchase. Unfortunately, such prior art packages and containers 100 suffer from a number of limitations.

[0021] More specifically, prior art packages or containers 100 are typically made of cardboard or any other suitable recyclable material, as known in the art, and the transparent window 104 is made of some form of plastic or any other suitable transparent material, as known in the art. Clearly, it would be preferable to be able to recycle the container 100 after use. However, as previously mentioned, while the transparent window 104 allows a consumer to view the food items 102 within the container 100 without opening said container 100 prior to purchase, the presence of the plastic material of the transparent window 104 can make it difficult or impractical for a consumer to recycle the container 100 or portions of the container 100 that are more easily recyclable (e.g., the cardboard portion).

[0022] Thus, the basic concept of one embodiment of the virtually transparent packaging system of the present invention is to provide a container or package made of fully recyclable materials, where the transparent window is removed and replaced with one or more code identifier components. As described in more detail below, the code identifier components may be 2D barcodes, RFID tags, or any other suitable codes known in the art, linked to images or other relevant information regarding the contents of the package or container. In this way, consumers can inspect at least a portion of the contents of the package or container before purchase without having to physically open it, and the container or package can be easily and efficiently recycled after use.

[0023] 2 shows a front perspective view of a food packaging container 200 containing a food item (not shown) or other appropriately packaged item known in the art. More specifically, the food packaging container 200 is or can be made entirely of recyclable materials, such as cardboard or any other suitable and readily recyclable material known in the art. Importantly, the food packaging container 200 of the present invention does not include a transparent window through which the contents of the container 200 can be viewed. Thus, the food packaging container 200 of the present invention is not subject to the limitations of the prior art container 100, and the entire food packaging container 200 can be easily recycled by consumers when no longer needed.

[0024] The food packaging container 200 may be any suitable container known in the art for containing, storing, and / or transporting items, such as food items. Also, the container 200 may be of any suitable size, shape, and / or configuration known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape, size, and configuration of the container 200 shown in FIG. 2 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the container 200 are within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions (i.e., length, width, and height) of the container 200 are important design parameters for good performance, the container 200 may be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use.

[0025] Additionally, the food packaging container 200 includes at least one code identifier component 202, although two or more code identifier components 202 may be utilized with the container 200 depending on the needs and / or requirements of the manufacturer, consumer, or other user. The code identifier component 202 is typically a 2D barcode or an RFID tag, such as an NFC (near field communication) or UHF (ultra-high frequency) device, or any other suitable code identifier known in the art. The code identifier component 202 is linked to an image and / or related information of the contents of the food packaging container 200 such that when a consumer scans the code identifier component 202, an image of the contents of the container or related information thereto is virtually displayed on an electronic device such as a tablet, cell phone, virtual reality headset, provided terminal, or other suitable device.

[0026] In particular, the virtual image of the contents of the food packaging container 200 can be generic, such as a picture of the same cake that will always be present regardless of what type of cake is actually contained within the container 200. Alternatively, the virtual image can be a specific image, such as a picture of the exact designer cake that is contained within the container 200, where the specific image can be taken as part of the packaging operation of the food items within the container 200.

[0027] Additionally, the virtual image may relate to the product contents during their manufacture or as they are placed into the container 200, such as meat products prepared at a grocery store or butcher shop. The virtual image may be viewed on a tablet, cell phone, virtual reality headset, or other suitable device known in the art, and the view of the product contents presented to the user is not limited to the view accessible through the transparent window 104 associated with the prior art container 100. For example, the view provided to the visual device by the code identifier component 202 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the product contents, and / or the view may provide additional information regarding the product contents or any portion thereof, such as nutritional information, product instructions, expiration date, etc. The view may also provide virtual or actual specials or promotions, linked marketing, coupons, discounts, or any other suitable information related to the product contents as known in the art.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a front perspective view of a food packaging container 300 having two or more code identifier components associated with a food item or product 306 located within the food packaging container 300. More specifically, the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3 discloses a first code identifier component 302 and a second code identifier component 304 that can be used to generate alternative views of the product 306. The first code identifier component 302 can be a unique or actual view or photograph of the product 306 inside the container 300, or a unique or generic identifier that does not necessarily represent the particular product 306 placed inside the container 300, but rather discloses a generic view of the associated product. The second code identifier component 304 can also generate alternative views of the product 306 that can change as the product 306 rotates within the container 300. Thus, the addition of two or more code identifier components allows the product 306 to be viewed in three dimensions without having to physically open the container 300 prior to purchase. Thus, the addition of two or more code identifier components provides different, specific or generic views of the product 306, or other related product information. The image 310 can then be viewed on an electronic device 308, such as a tablet, a mobile phone, a virtual reality headset, or other suitable device known in the art. Importantly, the view of the product 306 (or image 310) presented to the consumer is not limited to one particular view accessible to a user through the transparent window 104 of the prior art packaging 100.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, showing a side perspective view of a food packaging container 400 being read by a terminal 402. Typically, the terminal 402 includes a display screen 404 and a camera 406, or any other suitable component, for viewing the contents of the food packaging container 400 with a food product 408 therein and a code identifier 412 thereon. A shelf or other suitable component known in the art can be used to position the food packaging container 400 for convenient viewing by the camera 406 and by a consumer or other user. For example, a user 410 can position the food packaging container 400 on a shelf behind the display screen 404 but in view of the camera 406. The camera 406 can then be used to take a picture of the food packaging container 400 and read the code identifier component 412. An image of the food product 408 placed in the food packaging container 400 is then selected and provided to the user 410 on the display screen 404. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the camera 406 can be a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, or any other reading system or scanning technology known in the art.

[0030] As mentioned above, the image presented to the user 410 may be generic, such as a photo of a cake that is always the same regardless of what type of cake is actually in the container 400. In contrast, the image may be specific, taken as part of the packaging operation of the food product 408 that is actually in the container 400. Furthermore, the image may relate to the food product 408 during its production or as it is packaged in the container 400. Also, the view of the food product 408 presented to the user 410 is not limited to one particular view accessible to the user 410 through the transparent window 104 of the prior art container 100. For example, the view provided to the visual device by the code identifier component 412 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the product 408, or the view may provide further nutritional information regarding the food product 408, and / or may provide virtual or actual specials or promotions, linked marketing, discounts, or any other suitable information related to the food product 408 known in the art.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a food packaging container 500 having a food product 508 contained therein, where the food packaging container 500 includes a first code identifier component 502, a promotional item 504, and a second code identifier component 506. The promotional item 504 can be any real or virtual discount or item included in the food packaging container 500. For example, the promotional item 504 can be linked to marketing, coupons, discounts, etc., or any other suitable promotional item or promotion known in the art. The promotional item 504 can be real and physically attached to or located within the food packaging container 500 (external or internal), or the promotional item 504 can be virtual, where the second code identifier component 506 is linked to a discount and the promotional item 504 can be viewed on an electronic device, such as a tablet, a mobile phone, a virtual reality headset, or other suitable device known in the art.

[0032] The first code identifier component 502 and the second code identifier component 506 are typically 2D barcodes or RFID tags, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or UHF (Ultra High Frequency) devices, or any other suitable code identifiers known in the art. One or both of the first and second code identifier components 502, 506 may include an image and / or information of the food product 508 that is related or relevant to the food product 508, such that when a user scans the first and / or second code identifier components 502, 506, an image of the product or food product 508 placed in the container 500 is virtually displayed on the device, or a promotion or offer is displayed on the device. In particular, the image of the food product 508 may be generic, such as a generic photo of a cake that is always the same regardless of what type of cake is actually in the container 500. In contrast, the image may be specific, the image being taken as part of a packaging operation for the particular food item 508 that is actually in the container 500.

[0033] Additionally, the image may relate to the food product 508 during its manufacture or as the food product 508 is packaged within the container 500, such as meat products prepared for sale at a grocery store or butcher shop. The image may be viewed by a consumer using a tablet, cell phone, virtual reality headset, or other suitable device known in the art, such as a point of sale viewing system. Importantly, the view of the food product 104 presented to the consumer (not shown) is not limited to one particular view accessible through the transparent window 104 of the prior art container 100. For example, the view provided to the visual device by the first and / or second code identifier components 502, 506 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the food product 508, and / or the view may provide additional information regarding the food product 508, such as nutritional information, cooking instructions and / or recommendations, "best buy" or expiration date information, or any other information that may be useful to the consumer. The views may also provide consumers with virtual or actual specials or promotions, linked marketing, discounts, or any other suitable information related or unrelated to food products known in the art.

[0034] FIG. 6 discloses a further alternative embodiment of the present invention and a front perspective view of a food packaging container 600 including a code identifier component 602 included thereon and a food product 660 placed therein. As mentioned above, the code identifier component 602 is typically a 2D barcode or an RFID tag, such as an NFC (near field communication) or UHF (ultra-high frequency) device, or any other suitable code identifier known in the art. The code identifier component 602 can be scanned with an electronic device, such as a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, a tablet, a mobile phone, or other suitable scanning device, to present the consumer with a generic or specific image of the food product 606 placed within the food packaging container 600 and / or additional information related or unrelated thereto. Alternatively, the image presented to the consumer when the code identifier component 602 is scanned can be an image of an item 604 of similar mass or other characteristics to the food product 606 within the food packaging container 600, rather than the food product 606 itself. In other words, the images displayed to the consumer are images of alternative, higher value items having similar mass or other characteristics, allowing the consumer to choose from various alternatives of the desired product.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention and a front perspective view of a food packaging container 700 housing a heat sensitive product 704 and including a code identifier component 702. As mentioned above, the code identifier component 702 is typically a 2D barcode or an RFID tag, such as an NFC (near field communication) or UHF (ultra-high frequency) device, or any other suitable code identifier known in the art. The code identifier component 702 is scanned to present the contents of the food packaging container 700 and / or other useful information related or unrelated to the contents to a user. In this manner, the code identifier component 702 removes the transparent window 104 (and various limitations associated therewith) typically associated with prior art containers 100, allowing the contents of the food packaging container 700 to be viewed without having to physically open the container 700 prior to purchase.

[0036] Thus, the code identifier component 702 is linked to an image of the heat sensitive product 704 such that when the user scans the code identifier component 702, an image of the heat sensitive product 704 in the container 700 is virtually displayed on the device. Specifically, the image may be generic, such as a photo of the same cake regardless of what type of cake is actually in the container 700. In contrast, the image may be specific, such as the image was taken as part of the packaging operation of the heat sensitive product 704 in the container 700. Furthermore, the image may relate to the heat sensitive product 704 during the manufacturing of the heat sensitive product 704 or when the product is packaged in the container 700. The image may be viewable on a tablet, a mobile phone, a virtual reality headset, or any other suitable device known in the art. The view of the heat sensitive product 704 presented to the user is not limited to one particular view accessible through a transparent window in prior art packaging devices.

[0037] For example, the view provided to the visual device by the code identifier component 702 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the heat sensitive product 704, or the view may provide additional nutritional information about the product or portion of the product, and / or may provide virtual or actual specials or promotions, linked marketing, discounts, or any other suitable information related to the product 704 known in the art. Thus, removal of the transparent window allows the food packaging container 700 to be manufactured with a protective material to protect the particular product, such as the heat sensitive product 704 or any other suitable sensitivity product. The protective material may include environmentally sustainable starch foam or paper, or the like, or any other suitable protective material known in the art.

[0038] The foregoing includes examples of the claimed subject matter. Of course, it is not possible to describe every possible combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such changes, modifications, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, when the term "include" is used in the detailed description or in the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a similar manner to the term "comprising" when interpreted when "comprising" is used as a transitional term in the claims.

Claims

1. A container for storing the item; a code identifier component located on the container; a device for reading said code identifier component; a display screen associated with the device and configured to display an image of the items contained in the container according to the read code identifier component, the code identifier component being linked to the image of the items contained in the container; and A packaging system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the code identifier component is a bar code.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the code identifier component is an RFID tag.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the image of the item is the exact item contained in the container.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the container is made of a recyclable material.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises one of a phone, a camera, a scanner, a tablet, or an RFID reader.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second code identifier component.

8. a container constructed from recyclable material for containing a food item; a code identifier component located on the container, the code identifier component being linked to an image of the food item contained in the container; a device for reading the code identifier component and displaying the image; a display screen associated with the device and configured to display an image of the food items contained in the container according to the read code identifier components; A packaging system comprising:

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the code identifier component is further linked to a promotional item.

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the code identifier component is further linked to additional information related to the food item.

11. The system of claim 8 , wherein the code identifier component displays a three-dimensional image of the food item.

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the code identifier component is a bar code.

13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the code identifier component is an RFID tag.

14. The system of claim 8 further comprising a second code identifier component.

15. The system of claim 8 , wherein the image of the food item is the exact food item in the container.

16. a container containing a food item; a first code identifier component located on the container, the first code identifier component being linked to an image of the food item; a second code identifier component located on the container, the second code identifier component being linked to a promotional item; a camera and display screen combination for reading the first and second code identifier components located on the exterior of the container and displaying images of the food items and promotional items contained in the container.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the image of the food item is displayed as a three-dimensional image.

18. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second code identifier components comprises an RFID tag or a bar code.

Images