FOOD PACKAGE WITH WINDOW
Various embodiments of packages are disclosed. In some embodiments, the package is made of PS foam and includes an aperture covered with a transparent window panel. The package can provide excellent thermal benefits, while also enabling a user to view the contents of the package without needing to open the package.
1 . A package for holding a food item, the package comprising:
a body made of a polymer, the body comprising:
an upper portion;
a lower portion;
an aperture; and
a hinge connecting the upper portion and the lower portion;
a transparent window panel covering the aperture, the window panel being a separate component from the body, the window panel being attached to an area of the upper portion that bounds the aperture.
2 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the window panel comprises polypropylene.
3 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the package comprises a clamshell package.
4 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is on a top surface of the upper portion.
5 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the aperture comprises a generally rectangular shape.
6 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is positioned on the upper portion.
7 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is positioned on the lower portion.
8 . The package of claim 1 , further comprising a second aperture, wherein the aperture is positioned on the upper portion and the second aperture is positioned on the lower portion.
9 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises polystyrene foam.
10 . The package of claim 1 , wherein the body is black in color.
11 . A method of manufacturing a container that enables a person to view the contents of the container without needing to open the container, the method comprising:
forming an upper portion of the container and a lower portion of the container;
forming a first connection mechanism that connects the upper portion and the lower portion;
forming a second connection mechanism that connects the upper portion and the lower portion;
forming an aperture in the first portion of the container;
obtaining a window panel; and
attaching the window panel to an area bounding the aperture in the first portion of the container.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein forming the first connection mechanism comprises forming a hinge between the upper portion of the container and the lower portion of the container.
13 . The method of claim 11 , wherein forming the second connection mechanism that connects the upper portion and the lower portion comprises forming a tab and slot.
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein forming the upper portion of the container and the lower portion of the container comprises thermoforming, vacuum forming, or continuously extruding polystyrene material into polystyrene foam.
15 . The method of claim 11 , wherein forming the upper portion of the container and the lower portion of the container comprises forming the first and second portions together.
16 . The method of claim 11 , wherein attaching the window panel to the area bounding the aperture comprises attaching the window panel in such that substantially no air can pass through the aperture.
17 . The method of claim 11 , wherein attaching the window panel to the area bounding the aperture comprises providing venting between the inside and outside of the container.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein providing venting comprises providing micro-perforations in the window panel.