Food package with window

Abstract

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.

The following is claimed: 
     
         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.