A 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 the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 778,529, filed on December 12, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a virtual transparent packaging system that enables a user to virtually view the contents of a package, such as a food package, and related information about the contents, without physically opening the package before purchase and without the need for a transparent window on the outside of the package. The system of the present invention utilizes a code identifier component attached to the outside of the package that enables the user to search for information about the contents of the package, including an image of the contents. More specifically, the system of the present invention can remove the transparent window typically associated with prior - art packaging, such as food packaging, and replace it with a code identifier component, such as a 2D barcode or radio - frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, linked to an image and / or related information about the contents of the package. The system of the present invention is particularly suitable for food packaging items that typically include a transparent window. Thus, it is specifically referred to herein. However, it should be recognized that aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto and are equally applicable to other types of packages and packaging, including those belonging to non - food items.

[0003] Generally, radio frequency identification (RFID) is the use of electromagnetic energy to stimulate a responder (known as an RFID "tag" or transponder) to identify itself, and in some cases to provide additional data stored on the tag. An RFID tag typically includes a semiconductor device, commonly called a "chip," which is connected to an antenna and forms memory and operating circuitry. Typically, an RFID tag functions as a transponder, providing information stored in its chip memory in response to an 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 necessary 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, as well as the methods of constructing them, are very diverse. One particularly advantageous way to create an RFID tag is to use a strap, which is a small device having an RFID chip connected to two or more conductors that can be coupled to an antenna. The coupling between the conductors and the antenna can be achieved using conductive connections, electric field connections, magnetic connections, or a combination of coupling methods.

[0005] RFID tags can be embedded in or attached to the item being tracked. Tags may also be attached to the outside of an item using adhesive, tape, or other means to secure the tag to the item, or they may be inserted into an item, for example, contained within packaging, located inside the item's container, or sewn into clothing. Furthermore, RFID tags are typically manufactured with a unique identification number, which is a simple, few-byte serial number with a check digit. This identification number is embedded within the RFID tag during its manufacture. Users cannot change this serial number / identification number, and manufacturers ensure that each RFID tag's serial number is unique, as it is used only once. Such read-only RFID tags are usually permanently attached to the item being tracked, and once attached, the tag's serial number is associated with the host item in a computer database.

[0006] Currently, it is common for items such as food products to be sold in packaging with a transparent window that allows consumers to see the contents of the package before purchasing. In this way, consumers can examine at least part of the contents of the package or container without physically opening it. Unfortunately, there are many limitations and drawbacks to the aforementioned type of conventional packaging and containers. For example, windows on such packages are typically made of plastics that are difficult to recycle in some forms. Also, the presence of components of packaging that are difficult to recycle can make it difficult to recycle the remaining components of the packaging (e.g., cardboard or other recyclable materials) because the two materials must be separated before recycling, which can be impractical and costly. Since it is preferable that the entire package be recyclable, it is also preferable to manufacture the entire package from the same easily recyclable material and to allow consumers to see at least part of the contents of the package without physically opening it before purchasing.

[0007] Another current limitation regarding the incorporation of transparent plastic windows into packaging or containers containing food or food-related items is the increased manufacturing cost associated with the production of such packaging and / or containers. More specifically, for example, manufacturing a corrugated cardboard package or container with an additional plastic window is more costly and time-consuming than manufacturing a single corrugated cardboard container or package without the plastic window. Unfortunately, a single corrugated cardboard package without the plastic window does not give consumers the opportunity to see the contents of the package without physically opening the package before purchasing it.

[0008] Therefore, in the art, there has long been a need to manufacture packaging for items such as food products from fully recyclable materials, allowing consumers to view the contents of the package, as well as relevant information about the contents, without physically opening the package or container before 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. Not only an image of the contents of the package, but also relevant information about the contents can be linked to one or more code identifier components. In this way, consumers can easily scan the code identifier component with an electronic device such as a smartphone, barcode reader, or RFID scanner to view an image of the contents of the package, such as a food product, and relevant information about the contents, without physically opening the package or container before purchase. Furthermore, because the need for a transparent window is eliminated, the container or package can be manufactured from a single, easily recyclable material (e.g., corrugated cardboard), thus overcoming the aforementioned limitations typically associated with prior art packages and containers, which are manufactured from multiple different materials, some of which may be difficult or impractical to recycle. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The following is a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed technological innovations. This summary is not a comprehensive overview and is not intended to identify or describe the main / key elements or their scope. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed explanations that will follow.

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

[0011] The code identifier component is preferably a 2D barcode or an RFID tag. The image linked to the code identifier component may be generic or an image of the specific contents of a special package, and the image may be related to the contents during manufacturing or when they are placed in the package. The image can be viewed by consumers or other users using electronic devices such as mobile phones, virtual reality headsets, provided terminals, or other suitable devices.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the 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 a link allows for the mapping of the materials of the packaging container / object, i.e., mapping where each material is located in a given package / object. This allows the 2D barcode and / or RFID tag to be used to separate these materials by orienting an automated disassembly tool, such as a laser cutter or mill, to the object and cutting / milling areas of specific materials. For example, a cutter could identify a corrugated area with a transparent window, cut it, and then use an air jet to separate it from other materials. Alternatively, the 2D barcode and / or RFID tag may also be linked to a specific color on a given package / object. Linking the 2D barcode and / or RFID tag to a specific color allows for the separation of materials of different colors (multicolored plastics, paper, cardboard, etc.) on a conveyor belt.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a combination of a display screen and a camera can be used to allow consumers to view the contents of a package or container without physically opening the package before purchase, where the consumer can view the inside of the package or container by holding the package or container under the camera's view window. The view can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and additional information about the contents of the package or container can also be provided to the consumer, such as nutritional information about the food product inside the package, instructions for use of the contents, "best used by" or other expiration date information for the product. In addition to the view of the product and its related information, virtual or actual special offers or promotional items, such as marketing discounts, coupons, or alternative product selections that consumers may consider, may be included inside the package or container.

[0014] To achieve the above and related objectives, certain exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technological innovations are described herein in connection with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments represent only a selection of the various methods by which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and which are intended to include all of these embodiments and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view of a conventional food packaging container, such as a conventional food packaging container, which has a transparent window that allows the contents of the packaging container to be viewed without physically opening the packaging container before purchase. [Figure 2] This is a front perspective view of a food packaging container, including a code identifier component linked to an image of a food item contained within the packaging, according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 3]This is a front perspective view of a food packaging container, further including a code identifier component linked to an alternative view of a food item contained within the packaging container, and an electronic device that communicates with the code identifier component, according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 4] This is a side perspective view of a food packaging container, with the disclosed architecture, on which a code identifier component is positioned for viewing by consumers and a combination of a display screen and a camera. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view of a food packaging container, including further code identifier components linked to promotional items or promotions, according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 6] This is 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, according to the disclosed architecture. [Figure 7] This is a front perspective view of a food packaging container, based on the disclosed architecture, which contains a heat-sensitive product and includes a code identifier component on top of it. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] This technological innovation is described with reference to drawings, where similar reference numbers are used throughout to refer to similar elements. In the following description, numerous specific details are presented for explanatory purposes to provide a complete understanding. However, it is clear that the innovation can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, 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, which is manufactured from a fully recyclable material and eliminates the need for a separate transparent window and the associated limitations. The unique virtually transparent packaging system of the present invention allows consumers to see the items contained in the package or container without having to physically open the container or package before purchase. The virtually transparent packaging system of the present invention is particularly suited to food packaging items, and therefore this specification will refer specifically to such items. However, it should be recognized that embodiments of the present invention can also be similarly implemented for other types of packages and packaging, including, but are not limited to, those belonging to non-food items.

[0018] More specifically, the food packaging system includes a food packaging container entirely manufactured from recyclable materials such as cardboard, and a code identifier component 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. The image linked to the code identifier component may be generic or a specific individual image of the exact product in the container, and the image may be related to the product during its manufacture or when it is packaged in the container. The image can be viewed on a tablet, mobile phone, virtual reality headset, provided terminal, or other suitable device.

[0019] Furthermore, a combination of a display screen and a camera can be used to view the contents of a unique packaging system, where the consumer can view the contents or related information of the packaging system by presenting the packaging system below or in front of the camera's viewing window. 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, and product instructions. In addition to the view of the contents, virtual, special offer, or promotional items, such as marketing discounts, coupons, or other alternative products that the consumer considers, may also be included with the package.

[0020] Referring first to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a prior art food shipping box, carton or other container 100 containing a food item or other suitable packaged item 102, and a front perspective view of an example of a transparent window 104 for viewing the food item 102 inside the food packaging container 100 without physically opening the container 100 prior to purchase. Unfortunately, such prior art packages and containers 100 are subject to many limitations.

[0021] More specifically, prior art packages or containers 100 are typically made of cardboard or any other suitable recyclable material, as is known in the art, and transparent windows 104 are made of some form of plastic or any other suitable transparent material, as is known in the art. Clearly, it is preferable that the container 100 can be recycled after use. However, as described above, while the transparent window 104 allows the consumer to view the food item 102 inside the container 100 without opening the container 100 prior to purchase, the presence of the plastic material of the transparent window 104 makes it difficult or impracticable for the consumer to recycle the container 100 or a portion of the container 100 (e.g., the cardboard portion) that is more easily recyclable.

[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 a fully recyclable material, where the transparent window is removed and replaced with one or more code identifier components. As will be explained in more detail below, the code identifier components are 2D barcodes, RFID tags, or any other suitable code known in the art and are linked to an image or other relevant information regarding the contents of the package or container. In this way, the consumer can examine at least a portion of the contents of the package or container without physically opening it prior to purchase, and after using the container or package, it can be recycled easily and efficiently.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of a food packaging container 200 containing a food item (not shown) or other suitably packaged item known in the art. More specifically, the food packaging container 200 is or can be made entirely of a recyclable material such as cardboard or any other suitable and easily recyclable material known in the art. Importantly, the food packaging container 200 of the present invention does not include a transparent window for viewing the contents of the container 200. 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 the consumer when it becomes unnecessary.

[0024] The food packaging container 200 can be any suitable container known in the art for containing, storing, and / or transporting an item such as a food item. Also, the container 200 can 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 understand 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. The dimensions (i.e., length, width, and height) of the container 200 are important design parameters for optimal performance, but the container 200 can be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use.

[0025] Furthermore, the food packaging container 200 includes at least one code identifier component 202, but two or more code identifier components 202 can be used 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 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, so that when a consumer scans the code identifier component 202, the image of the contents of the container or related information is virtually displayed on an electronic device such as a tablet, mobile phone, virtual reality headset, provided terminal, or other suitable device.

[0026] Specifically, the virtual image of the contents of the food packaging container 200 may be a generic image, such as a photograph of the same cake, regardless of the type of cake actually contained in the container 200. Alternatively, the virtual image may be a specific image, such as a photograph of the exact designer cake contained in the container 200, where the specific image can be taken as part of the packaging process for the food items inside the container 200.

[0027] Furthermore, the virtual image may relate to the product contents during the manufacturing of the product contents, or to the product contents, such as meat products prepared in a grocery store or butcher shop, when they are placed in the container 200. The virtual image can be viewed on a tablet, mobile 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 a view accessible through a transparent window 104 associated with a conventional 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 about the product contents or any part thereof, such as nutritional information, product description, or expiration date. The view may also provide virtual or actual special offers or promotional items, linked marketing, coupons, discounts, or any other suitable information known in the art related to the product contents.

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

[0029] Figure 4 shows a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, a side perspective view of a food packaging container 400 read by a terminal 402. Typically, the terminal 402 comprises a display screen 404 and a camera 406, or any other suitable component, for viewing the contents of the food packaging container 400, which contains a food product 408 inside and has a code identifier 412 on top of it. The camera 406 can also use a shelf or other suitable component known in the art to position the food packaging container 400 so that it can be viewed conveniently by consumers or other users. For example, a user 410 can place the food packaging container 400 on a shelf behind the display screen 404 but taking the camera 406 into consideration. The camera 406 can then be used to take a photograph of the food packaging container 400 and read the code identifier component 412. The 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. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that camera 406 may also be a barcode scanner, an RFID reader, or any other reading system or scanning technology known in the art.

[0030] As described above, the image presented to user 410 may be generic, such as a photograph of a cake, which is always the same regardless of the type of cake actually inside container 400. In contrast, the image may be specific, taken as part of the packaging process of the food product 408 that is actually inside container 400. Furthermore, the image may relate to the food product 408 during its manufacture or as it is packaged inside container 400. Also, the view of the food product 408 presented to user 410 is not limited to one specific view that user 410 can access through the transparent window 104 of the conventional 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 about the food product 408, and / or provide virtual or actual special offers or promotions, linked marketing, discounts, or any other appropriate information related to the food product 408 that is known in the art.

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a food packaging container 500 containing a food product 508, the food packaging container 500 comprising a first code identifier component 502, a promotional item 504, and a second code identifier component 506. The promotional item 504 may be any actual or virtual discount or item contained in the food packaging container 500. For example, the promotional item 504 may be linked to marketing, coupons, discounts, etc., or any other suitable promotional item or promotion known in the art. The promotional item 504 may be actual and physically attached to the food packaging container 500 (externally or internally) or located inside the food packaging container 500, or the promotional item 504 may 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, mobile phone, virtual reality headset, or any 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 identifier known in the Art. One or both of the first and second code identifier components 502, 506 may include images and / or information relating to or related to the food product 508, so that when a user scans the first and / or second code identifier components 502, 506, an image of the product or food product 508 contained in the container 500 is virtually displayed on the device, or promotional items or promotions are displayed on the device. Specifically, the image of the food product 508 may be generic, such as a generic photograph of a cake, regardless of what type of cake is actually in the container 500. In contrast, the image may be specific, taken as part of the packaging process of a particular food item 508 actually contained in the container 500.

[0033] Furthermore, the images may relate to the food product 508 during its manufacture or when the food product 508, such as a meat product, is packaged in the container 500 for sale in a grocery store or butcher shop. The images may be viewed by consumers using other suitable devices known in the art, such as tablets, mobile phones, virtual reality headsets, or points on sales viewing systems. Importantly, the view of the food product 104 presented to a consumer (not shown) is not limited to one specific view accessible through the transparent window 104 of a conventional container 100. For example, the view provided to a 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 about 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. Views may also provide consumers with virtual or actual special offers or promotions, linked marketing, discounts, or any other appropriate information relating to or unrelated to food products known in the art.

[0034] Figure 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 and a food product 660 contained therein. As described above, the code identifier component 602 is typically a 2D barcode or 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, RFID reader, tablet, mobile phone, or other suitable scanning device to present the consumer with a general or specific image of the food product 606 contained in 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 may be an image of an item 604 in the food packaging container 600 having a similar mass or other characteristics to the food product 606, rather than the food product 606 itself. In other words, the images displayed to consumers are of alternative and more expensive items of similar quality or other characteristics, allowing consumers to choose from a variety of alternatives to the desired product.

[0035] Figure 7 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention and a front perspective view of a food packaging container 700 containing a heat-sensitive product 704 and including a code identifier component 702. As described above, the code identifier component 702 is typically a 2D barcode or 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 to the user the contents of the food packaging container 700 and / or other useful information related to or unrelated to the contents. In this way, the code identifier component 702 typically eliminates the transparent window 104 (and various limitations associated therewith) associated with the container 100 of the prior art, allowing the contents of the container 700 to be viewed without physically opening the food packaging container 700 before purchase.

[0036] Therefore, the code identifier component 702 is linked to an image of the thermal product 704 so that when a user scans the code identifier component 702, an image of the thermal product 704 inside the container 700 is virtually displayed on the device. Specifically, the image may be generic, such as a photograph of the same cake regardless of what type of cake is actually inside the container 700. In contrast, the image may be specific, taken as part of the packaging process of the thermal product 704 inside the container 700. Furthermore, the image may relate to the thermal product 704 during its manufacture or when the product is packaged inside the container 700. The image can be viewed on a tablet, mobile phone, virtual reality headset, or other suitable device known in the art. The view of the thermal product 704 presented to the user is not limited to one specific view accessible through the transparent window of a conventional packaging apparatus.

[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 further nutritional information about the product or part of the product, and / or provide virtual or actual special offers or promotional items, linked marketing, discounts, or any other appropriate information related to product 704 known in the art. Thus, the removal of the transparent window allows the food packaging container 700 to be manufactured with a protective material to protect a specific product, such as the heat-sensitive product 704 or any other product of appropriate sensitivity. The protective material may include environmentally sustainable starch foam or paper, or any other appropriate protective material known in the art.

[0038] The foregoing includes examples of the claimed subject matter. Of course, it is impossible to describe all possible combinations of components or methodologies for the purpose of describing the claimed subject matter, but a person skilled in the art will recognize that many further combinations and substitutions of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the idea and scope of the attached claims. Furthermore, where the term “include” is used in the detailed description or claims, such term is intended to encompass in the same manner as the term “comprising” when interpreted as “comprising” is used as a transitional term in a claim.

Claims

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

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the code identifier component is a barcode.

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

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

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

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

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a second code identifier component.

8. Made from recyclable materials, containers for holding food items, A code identifier component located on the container, which is linked to an image of the food item contained in the container, A device for reading the code identifier components and displaying the image, A display screen associated with the device and configured to display an image of the food item contained in the container according to the read code identifier component, A packaging system including a packaging system.

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

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

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

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the code identifier component is a barcode.

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

14. The system according to claim 8, further comprising a second code identifier component.

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

Images