System and method for informing consumers of patterned or textured products

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for providing a sensory experience for a consumer. The present invention contemplates product packaging containing a retail product that has one or more characteristic surfaces. A sample is affixed to the exterior surface of the product packaging to provide a user with an illustrative simulation or representation of the characteristics of the retail product such as textures or patterns.

1 . A system for providing a sensory experience for a consumer, comprising:
 a product packaging defining an interior cavity;   a retail product located in the interior cavity of the product packaging, the retail product having at least one characteristic surface; and   a product sample affixed to an exterior surface of the product packaging, wherein the product sample provides an illustrative simulation or representation of the at least one characteristic surface of the retail product, wherein the retail product is a plastic trash bag.   
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the retail product is a plastic film product. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the retail product is substantially comprised of a paper material. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic surface comprises a textured surface. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the textured surface is different from an ordinary texture of the retail product. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic surface comprises a patterned surface. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the patterned surface comprises an arrangement of geometric forms. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the product packaging comprises a sealed container, and wherein the sealed container does not permit a consumer to physically contact the retail product located in the interior cavity of the product packaging. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one characteristic surface is an embossed surface. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the product sample provides a three-dimensional simulation or representation of at least one characteristic surface of the retail product. 
   
   
       13 . A method for providing a tactile experience for a consumer of retail goods, comprising the steps of:
 providing a retail product having at least one characteristic surface;   packaging the retail product substantially inside a product packaging; and   affixing a sample to an exterior surface of the product packaging, wherein the sample provides an illustrative simulation or representation of the at least one characteristic surface of the retail product, wherein the retail product is a plastic trash bag.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the retail product is a plastic film product. 
   
   
       15 . (canceled) 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of sealing the product packaging, wherein a consumer cannot physically contact the retail product. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the sample is manufactured from a material that is the same as a material of the retail product. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the retail product is substantially of comprised of a paper material.