U.S. patent application number 10/896408 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for packaging.
Invention is credited to Claes, Thomas, Hamel, Steven Van.
Application Number | 20050098457 10/896408 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34553529 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamel, Steven Van ; et
al. |
May 12, 2005 |
Packaging
Abstract
A package 10 is disclosed which is adapted to receive and
protect goods, such as for example electronic components 16. The
package has a body which includes a translucent window 14 formed
from a flexible laminated sheet material. A first layer 40 of said
laminated sheet material comprises an environmental protection ply
30 including an inorganic oxide (SiO.sub.2) deposited onto a first
carrier ply and a second layer 42 of said flexible sheet material
comprises an electrical protection ply 32 including an electrically
conductive material Al deposited onto a second carrier ply. The
first and second carrier plies are laminated together in a
back-to-back relationship and at least one and preferably both said
protection plies 40, 42 has a heat-sealable outer ply 20 laminated
thereto. In this manner, a package 10 according to the present
invention provides at least a portion thereof comprising a
translucent flexible sheet which is adapted for use as a window 14;
140 through which items such as goods or associated labeling can be
inspected whilst in the package, e.g. in order to monitor the state
of the items and/or to monitor conditions present or past to which
items therein have been subjected.
Inventors: |
Hamel, Steven Van; (Velm,
BE) ; Claes, Thomas; (Bilzen, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ATMI, INC.
7 COMMERCE DRIVE
DANBURY
CT
06810
US
|
Family ID: |
34553529 |
Appl. No.: |
10/896408 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10896408 |
Jul 22, 2004 |
|
|
|
PCT/US03/01283 |
Jan 16, 2003 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 9/0043 20130101;
B65D 2213/02 20130101; B32B 27/00 20130101; H05K 9/0094 20130101;
B65D 81/267 20130101; B65D 75/522 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 23, 2002 |
EP |
02001580.6 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A package adapted to receive and protect goods, such as for
example electronic components, said package having a body
comprising a flexible laminated sheet material which forms a
translucent window, a first layer of said laminated sheet material
comprising an environmental protection ply including an inorganic
oxide deposited onto a first carrier ply, a second layer of said
flexible sheet material comprising an electrical protection ply
including an electrically conductive material deposited onto a
second carrier ply, said first and second carrier plies being
laminated together in a back-to-back relationship and at least one
said layer having a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto.
2. A package according to claim 1 wherein both said layers having a
heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto.
3. A package according to claim 1 wherein the a body comprises a
front and a back panel, said back panel comprising a metal film
laminate and said front panel comprising in at least part a metal
film laminate and in another part the flexible laminated sheet
material which forms the translucent window.
4. A package according to claim 1, wherein said carrier plies are
laminated together using therebetween at least one of an adhesive
and a heat-sealable ply.
5. A package adapted to receive and protect goods, such as for
example electronic components, said package having a body which
includes a translucent window formed from a flexible laminated
sheet material, a layer of said laminated sheet material comprising
an environmental protection ply including an inorganic oxide
deposited onto a carrier ply and an electrical protection ply
including an electrically conductive material deposited onto an
opposite side of said carrier ply, at least one and preferably both
said protection plies having a heat-sealable outer ply laminated
thereto.
6. A package according to claim 1, wherein said electrically
conductive material includes a metal, such as aluminum applied for
example by at least one of a sputter or vapor deposition
technique.
7. A package according to claim 1, wherein said window completely
covers an opening defined in said body and is fixed in place by one
or more heat seals.
8. A package according to claim 7, wherein the size of said opening
is within a predetermined maximum size, said maximum size being
limited by the maximum allowable rate at which contamination may
pass into said body through said window.
9. A package according to claim 1, wherein said window is
positioned substantially on one side of said body.
10. A package according to claim 1, wherein said window extends
substantially all the way over at least one side of said package,
for example from side-to-side or top-to-bottom.
11. A package according to claim 1, said body being including one
or more sheets of flexible metal film laminate, said metal film
laminate preferably having at least one side comprising a
heat-sealable outer ply.
12. A package according to claim 1, wherein said environmental
protection layer includes an organically modified ceramic (ORMOCER)
or an organically modified silicate (ORMOSIL).
13. A method of manufacturing a package adapted to receive and
protect goods, such as for example electronic components, the
method including: a) providing a body for said package, said body
defining an opening and preferably comprising a metal film
laminate; b) providing first and second translucent layers of
flexible laminated sheet material, said first layer having an
environmental protection ply including an inorganic oxide and said
second layer having an electrical protection ply including a
conductive material; c) laminating said first and second layers
together to form a window sheet; and d) sealing said window sheet
onto said body across said opening, so as to integrate said window
sheet into said body as a window thereof, whereby said window is
useable for viewing items inside said package, for example goods or
labeling.
14. A package adapted to receive and protect goods, such as for
example electronic components, comprising: a body for said package
comprising a front and a back panel, said back panel comprising a
metal film laminate and said front panel comprising in at least
part a metal film laminate and in another part a flexible laminated
sheet material which forms a translucent window, a first layer of
said laminated sheet material comprising an environmental
protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a first
carrier ply, a second layer of said flexible sheet material
comprising an electrical protection ply including an electrically
conductive material deposited onto a second carrier ply, said first
and second carrier plies being laminated together in a back-to-back
relationship and at least one said layer having a heat-sealable
outer ply laminated thereto.
15. A package according to claim 14, wherein the front panel is
heat sealed to the back panel.
16. A method of manufacturing a package adapted to receive and
protect goods, such as for example electronic components, the
method including: a) providing a body for said package comprising a
front and a back panel, said back panel comprising a metal film
laminate and said front panel comprising in at least part a metal
film laminate and in another part a flexible laminated sheet
material which forms a translucent window, a first layer of said
laminated sheet material comprising an environmental protection ply
including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a first carrier ply, a
second layer of said flexible sheet material comprising an
electrical protection ply including an electrically conductive
material deposited onto a second carrier ply, said first and second
carrier plies being laminated together in a back-to-back
relationship and at least one said layer having a heat-sealable
outer ply laminated thereto, b) heat sealing the front panel to the
back panel.
17. A flexible laminated sheet material suitable for use as a
translucent window in a package wherein said sheet material
comprises an environmental protection ply including an inorganic
oxide deposited onto a first carrier ply and having a heat-sealable
ply laminated onto said deposited inorganic oxide, an electrical
protection ply including an electrically conductive material
deposited onto a second carrier ply and having a heat-sealable ply
laminated onto said deposited conductive material, said first and
second carrier plies being laminated together in a back-to-back
relationship.
18. A flexible laminated sheet material suitable for use as a
translucent window in a package wherein said sheet material
comprises an environmental protection ply including an inorganic
oxide deposited onto a carrier ply and an electrical protection ply
including an electrically conductive material deposited onto said
carrier ply, at least one side and preferably both sides of said
sheet material comprising a heat-sealable outer ply laminated
thereto.
19. A flexible sheet material according to claim 17, wherein said
inorganic oxide comprises an oxide of silicon, preferably silicon
dioxide (SiO.sub.2), and is deposited by for example a vapor
deposition technique.
20. A flexible sheet material according to claim 17, wherein said
electrically conductive material comprises a metal, said metal
comprising for example aluminum and being applied for example by a
sputter or vapor deposition technique.
21. A flexible sheet material according to claim 17, wherein the or
each said carrier ply comprises a polyethylene terephalate
(PET).
22. A flexible sheet material according to claim 17, wherein said
environmental protection ply includes an organically modified
ceramic (ORMOCER) or an organically modified silicate
(ORMOSIL).
23. A flexible sheet material according to claim 18, wherein said
inorganic oxide comprises an oxide of silicon, preferably silicon
dioxide (SiO.sub.2), and is deposited by for example a vapor
deposition technique.
24. A flexible sheet material according to claim 18, wherein said
electrically conductive material comprises a metal, said metal
comprising for example aluminum and being applied for example by a
sputter or vapor deposition technique.
25. A flexible sheet material according to claim 18, wherein the or
each said carrier ply comprises a polyethylene terephalate
(PET).
26. A flexible sheet material according to claim 18, wherein said
environmental protection ply includes an organically modified
ceramic (ORMOCER) or an organically modified silicate
(ORMOSIL).
27. A package according to claim 5, wherein said electrically
conductive material includes a metal, such as aluminum applied for
example by at least one of a sputter or vapor deposition
technique.
28. A package according to claim 5, wherein said window completely
covers an opening defined in said body and is fixed in place by one
or more heat seals.
29. A package according to claim 28, wherein the size of said
opening is within a predetermined maximum, said maximum size being
limited by the maximum allowable rate at which contamination may
pass into said body through said window.
30. A package according to claim 5, wherein said window is
positioned substantially on one side of said body.
31. A package according to claim 5, wherein said window extends
substantially all the way over at least one side of said package,
for example from side-to-side or top-to-bottom.
32. A package according to claim 5, said body being including one
or more sheets of flexible metal film laminate, said metal film
laminate preferably having at least one side comprising a
heat-sealable outer ply.
33. A package according to claim 5, wherein said environmental
protection layer includes an organically modified ceramic (ORMOCER)
or an organically modified silicate (ORMOSIL).
Description
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of
International Application No. PCT/US03/01283 filed on Jan. 16,
2003, claiming priority to EP 02001580.6 filed on Jan. 23, 2002
filed under 35 U.S.C 111(a); 35 U.S.C 365(c) and 35 U.S.C 1.20.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to packaging such as pouches, bags
and containers and in particular to packages that are suitable for
storage and transportation of goods that require protection from
environmental dangers, such as electrical hazards, humidity and
oxygen. Such goods may comprise for example electronic components
and circuits or medical products, any of which may carry associated
labeling. The present invention also relates to sheet material used
in such packages and to methods of manufacture of such material and
packages.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] The storage, protection and transport of some goods such as
electronic components and circuits or some medical products is
known to be risky for their well being. It is desirable to protect
these goods from the potentially damaging effects of electrostatic
build-up, as it may attract contaminants that harm the goods or may
result in the discharge of a spark that might damage or destroy
certain goods. In addition to providing electrostatic shielding, it
is also preferred for an electrical protection ply to provide
electrostatic dissipation (ESD) to dissipate electrostatic charge
that may build up or otherwise appears despite the electrostatic
shielding effects, e.g. due to friction. Beyond protection against
the effects of electrostatic discharges, it is also desirable for
the same electrical protection ply to try and reduce the potential
for damage that might be caused by electromagnetic effects, e.g.
radio frequency or other electromagnetic interference
(RFI/EMI).
[0004] As a further consideration, it is also desirable to try to
protect many of these goods against potential environmental
hazards, such as for example the effects of humidity and of oxygen.
Air ingress is a particular route for oxygen and humidity to gain
access to the packaged materials.
[0005] It is known to provide flexible protective envelopes that
include a metalized layer designed to provide protection against
electrical and environmental damage. Some such envelopes include
material which is opaque rendering it difficult to inspect goods or
labeling inside the packaging, such as for example thick laminates
that incorporate a metal layer.
[0006] There have been proposals in the prior art to try and
alleviate some of the above-mentioned problems associated in
dealing with such goods, one example of which may be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,739,463. In this prior art proposal, a protective
flexible envelope is used to protect a printed circuit board. The
envelope is generally opaque, but is provided with windows of
material having no metallic layer and through which certain aspects
of the goods inside the envelope can be inspected. These windows
are made of a plastic sheet coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) or
another inorganic oxide. The absence of a metal layer helps with
transparency but works against electrostatic protection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide improved
packaging that is suitable for storage and transportation of goods.
It is also an advantage of the present invention that an improved
package can be provided which includes protection against
electrostatic discharge and also provides environmental sealing,
for example against ingress of vapor, humidity or oxygen, while at
the same time allowing visual inspection of at least some aspect of
items inside the package. It is a further object of this invention
to provide methods and materials for producing improved
packaging.
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a package
adapted to receive and protect goods, such as for example
electronic components, said package having a body comprising a
flexible laminated sheet material forming a translucent window. In
any of the embodiments the package can be in the form of a
container, a pouch, a pocket, a bag, etc. A first layer of said
laminated sheet material comprises an environmental protection ply
including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a first carrier ply, a
second layer of said flexible sheet material comprising an
electrical protection ply including an electrically conductive
material deposited onto a second carrier ply, said first and second
carrier plies being laminated together in a back-to-back
relationship and at least one said layer having a heat-sealable
outer ply laminated thereto. Both said layers may have a
heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto. Further layers may be
included in the laminate, e.g. oil resistant layers as provided,
for instance by a nylon layer, or heavier grade electrical
protection, e.g. a metal sheet layer. The further layers may be
coextensive/conterminous with, overlapping with or abutting the
environmental and/or electrical protection layers. In this manner,
a package according to the present invention provides at least a
window comprising a translucent flexible sheet through which items
such as goods or associated labeling can be inspected whilst in the
package, e.g. in order to monitor the state of the items and/or to
monitor conditions present or past to which items therein have been
subjected. The further layer or layers may be incorporated in a
single laminate from which at least one face of the package can be
made.
[0009] Said carrier plies may be laminated together using
therebetween at least one of an adhesive and a heat-sealable
ply.
[0010] The present invention also provides a package adapted to
receive and protect goods, such as for example electronic
components, said package having a body which includes a translucent
window formed from a flexible laminated sheet material, a layer of
said laminated sheet material comprising an environmental
protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a
carrier ply and an electrical protection ply including an
electrically conductive material deposited onto an opposite side of
said carrier ply, at least one and preferably both said protection
plies having a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto. Further
layers may be included in the laminate, e.g. oil resistant layers
as provided, for instance by a nylon layer, or heavier grade
electrical protection, e.g. a metal sheet layer. The further layers
may be coextensive/conterminous with, overlapping with or abutting
the environmental and/or electrical protection layers. In this
manner, a package according to the present invention provides at
least a window comprising a translucent flexible sheet through
which items such as goods or associated labeling can be inspected
whilst in the package, e.g. in order to monitor the state of the
items and/or to monitor conditions present or past to which items
therein have been subjected. The further layer or layers may be
incorporated in a single laminate from which at least one face of
the package can be made.
[0011] Said deposited electrically conductive material may include
a metal, such as aluminum applied for example by at least one of a
sputter or vapor deposition technique.
[0012] Said window may completely cover an opening defined in said
body and may be fixed in place by one or more heat seals.
Alternatively, the window may be defined in a composite laminate,
e.g. by a section where a metal sheet is not present in the
laminate.
[0013] The size of said opening may be within a predetermined
maximum, said maximum size being limited by the maximum allowable
rate at which contamination may pass into said body through said
window.
[0014] Said window may be positioned substantially on one side of
said body.
[0015] Said window may extend substantially all the way over at
least one side of said package, for example from side-to-side or
top-to-bottom. Said window may therefore be co-extensive with at
least one dimension of said package and may, for example, be in the
general form of a translucent stripe or bar.
[0016] Said body may include one or more sheets of flexible metal
film laminate, said metal film laminate preferably having at least
one side comprising a heat-sealable outer ply.
[0017] Said environmental protection layer may include an
organically modified ceramic (ORMOCER) or an organically modified
silicate (ORMOSIL).
[0018] The present invention also provides a method of
manufacturing a package adapted to receive and protect goods, such
as for example electronic components, the method including:
[0019] a) providing a body for said package, said body defining an
opening, and preferably comprising a metal film laminate;
[0020] b) providing first and second translucent layers of flexible
laminated sheet material, said first layer having an environmental
protection ply including an inorganic oxide and said second layer
having an electrical protection ply including a conductive
material;
[0021] c) laminating said first and second layers together to form
a window sheet; and
[0022] d) sealing said window sheet onto said body across said
opening, so as to integrate said window sheet into said body as a
window thereof, whereby said window is useable for viewing items
inside said package, for example goods or labeling.
[0023] A method according to the present invention may include
forming said package from a front panel and a back panel, said back
panel preferably comprising a metal film laminate and said front
panel comprising at least one section or strip of metal laminate
combined with at least one section or strip of forming a
translucent window. The method may include overlaying said front
and back panels and forming said package by heat sealing said front
panel to said back panel by means of one or more heat seals running
substantially around a periphery of said overlying panels, leaving
an entrance portion at least temporarily unsealed for insertion of
goods into said package. The method may also include forming said
front and back panels and said package by folding a single
composite sheet and sealing said front panel and said back panel
formed thereby by means of one or more heat seals running
substantially around a periphery of said package, leaving an
entrance portion at least temporarily unsealed for insertion of
goods into said package. The method may include forming said
package from overlying moving webs of front and rear panel
material, in which case the method may include forming a succession
of said packages by heat sealing said overlaying webs to each other
by means of transverse and longitudinal heat seals. A said series
may comprise one or more packages formed by means of two
longitudinal heat seals and at least one transverse heat seal. A
said series of packages may in the alternative or in addition
comprise one or more packages formed by means of two transverse
heat seals and at least one longitudinal heat seal. A said
longitudinal or transverse heat seal being formed respectively
substantially along or transverse to the direction of travel of a
said moving web. The method may include heat sealing said moving
webs to each other and cropping off packages so formed.
[0024] The present invention also provides a package adapted to
receive and protect goods, such as for example electronic
components, comprising: a body for said package comprising a front
and a back panel, said back panel comprising a metal film laminate
and said front panel comprising in at least part a metal film
laminate and in another part a flexible laminated sheet material
which forms a translucent window, a first layer of said laminated
sheet material comprising an environmental protection ply including
an inorganic oxide deposited onto a first carrier ply, a second
layer of said flexible sheet material comprising an electrical
protection ply including an electrically conductive material
deposited onto a second carrier ply, said first and second carrier
plies being laminated together in a back-to-back relationship and
at least one said layer having a heat-sealable outer ply laminated
thereto.
[0025] The present invention also provides a method of
manufacturing a package adapted to receive and protect goods, such
as for example electronic components, the method comprising:
[0026] a) providing a body for said package comprising a front and
a back panel, said back panel comprising a metal film laminate and
said front panel comprising in at least part a metal film laminate
and in another part a flexible laminated sheet material which forms
a translucent window, a first layer of said laminated sheet
material comprising an environmental protection ply including an
inorganic oxide deposited onto a first carrier ply, a second layer
of said flexible sheet material comprising an electrical protection
ply including an electrically conductive material deposited onto a
second carrier ply, said first and second carrier plies being
laminated together in a back-to-back relationship and at least one
said layer having a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto.
[0027] b) heat sealing the front panel to the back panel.
[0028] The present invention also provides a flexible laminated
sheet material suitable for use as a translucent window in a
package, wherein said sheet material comprises an environmental
protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a first
carrier ply and having a heat-sealable ply laminated onto said
deposited inorganic oxide, an electrical protection ply including
an electrically conductive material deposited onto a second carrier
ply and having a heat-sealable ply laminated onto said deposited
conductive material, said first and second carrier plies being
laminated together in a back-to-back relationship. The lamination
of the carrier plies may be performed using at least one of an
adhesive or a heat-sealable ply, e.g. a heat-sealable ply made from
polyethylene or a similar material.
[0029] The present invention also provides a flexible laminated
sheet material suitable for use as a translucent window in a
package, wherein said sheet material comprises an environmental
protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a
carrier ply and an electrical protection ply including an
electrically conductive material deposited onto said carrier ply,
at least one side and preferably both sides of said sheet material
comprising a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto. Said
inorganic oxide and said electrically conductive material may be
deposited onto opposite sides of said carrier ply.
[0030] The present invention also provides a flexible composite
laminated sheet material suitable for use as a translucent window
in a package, wherein said sheet material comprises an
environmental protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited
onto at least a part of a first carrier ply and having a
heat-sealable ply laminated onto said deposited inorganic oxide, an
electrical protection ply including an electrically conductive
material deposited onto at least a part of a second carrier ply and
having a heat-sealable ply laminated onto said deposited conductive
material, said first and second carrier plies being laminated
together in a back-to-back relationship with a further layer
laminated therebetween. The further layer may provide advantage
properties such as oil resistance, e.g. a nylon layer, or enhanced
electrical protection, e.g. a metal sheet layer. The lamination of
the carrier plies may be performed using at least one of an
adhesive or a heat-sealable ply, e.g. a heat-sealable ply made from
polyethylene or a similar material.
[0031] The present invention also provides a flexible laminated
sheet material suitable for use as a translucent window in a
package, wherein said sheet material comprises an environmental
protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a
carrier ply and an electrical protection ply including an
electrically conductive material deposited onto said carrier ply,
at least one side and preferably both sides of said sheet material
comprising a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto with a
further layer laminated therebetween. The further layer may provide
advantage properties such as oil resistance, e.g. a nylon layer, or
enhanced electrical protection, e.g. a metal sheet layer. Said
inorganic oxide and said electrically conductive material may be
deposited onto opposite sides of said carrier ply.
[0032] Said environmental protection ply may comprise an oxide of
silicon, preferably silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2) deposited by, for
example, a vapor deposition technique. Said electrically conductive
material may comprise a metal, said metal comprising for example
aluminum and being applied for example by a sputter or vapor
deposition technique. The or each said carrier ply may comprise a
polyethylene terephalate (PET). The environmental protection ply of
said flexible sheet material may include an organically modified
ceramic (ORMOCER) or an organically modified silicate
(ORMOSIL).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will now be described by way of example only
and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of packaging according to a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2a is a side view in cross section along the line A-A
in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 2b is a side view in cross section of a variation of
the embodiment of FIG. 2a;
[0037] FIG. 3a is a simplified view of FIG. 2b;
[0038] FIG. 3b is a side view in cross-section of a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 3c is a side view in cross-section of a variation to
the second embodiment;
[0040] FIGS. 4a and 4b are plan views of materials suitable for use
in manufacturing a portion of the packaging of the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 to 3c;
[0041] FIG. 4c is a plan view of manufacturing steps usable in
forming embodiments of the invention, using by way of example the
material of FIG. 4b;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a side view in cross-section of a variation to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a side view in cross-section of a variation to the
fourth embodiment;
[0045] FIGS. 8a and 8b are sections through materials suitable for
use in manufacturing a portion of the packaging of the embodiments
of FIGS. 1 to 5;
[0046] FIG. 9 is a section through a substantially translucent
window made using the materials of FIGS. 8a and 8b;
[0047] FIG. 10 is a section through an alternative embodiment of
the window of FIGS. 8a to 9; and
[0048] FIG. 11 is a section through a variation to the material
used in FIG. 8a and comprises an arrangement that may be
substituted for the equivalent arrangement of FIG. 8a used in the
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0049] FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are sections through materials suitable
for use in manufacturing at least a portion of the packaging of the
embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The present invention will now be described with reference
to certain embodiments and with reference to the above mentioned
drawings. Such description is by way of example only and the
invention is not limited thereto but only by the appended
claims.
[0051] Referring to the Figures, and for the moment in particular
to FIGS. 1 and 2a, a package 10 is in the form of a bag/envelope
and comprises a body made of flexible sheet material in the form of
a front panel 12 and a back panel 26. The material used to provide
the front and back panels 12, 26 is a flexible metal laminate,
comprising for example a 20 micron thick aluminum foil/film
laminated in between a carrier ply on one side and a heat-sealable
ply on the other side. The carrier ply may comprise a polyester
material, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but may be
made from other materials such as orientated polypropylene (OPP)
and orientated polyamide (OPA). The heat-sealable ply may comprise
for example polyethylene (PE).
[0052] The body 12, 26 defines an opening which extends part of the
way or all the way across its front side 12 and around which is
hermetically sealed a window 14. The window 14 comprises a
translucent laminated plastic sheet having one or two outer plies
of a heat-sealable material, such as for example polyethylene (PE),
and will be described in greater detail below. The provision of a
heat-sealable outer ply on one or each side of the window 14 allows
it to be heat sealed to the heat-sealable side of the panels 12,
26. In the embodiment disclosed with reference to FIG. 2a, the
heat-sealable side of the each panel 12, 26 faces inboard of the
package 10, which presents their respective heat-sealable sides
towards each other and allows them to be selectively joined to each
other, e.g. by one or more lines of heat-sealing 22c. It will be
noted, however, that this configuration presents the PET side of
the panels 12, 26 outboard of the package and it is difficult to
apply a heat seal to this side. This means that it is preferable to
create the hermetic seal around the opening by a heat-seal 22a
between the outboard facing side of the window 14 and the inboard
side of the front panel 12 and by applying one or more further
heat-seals 22b between the inboard facing side of the window 14 and
the inboard side of the back panel 26. The package 10 is also heat
sealed along its sides to define a storage space for receiving and
protecting goods 16, such as for example electronic components and
circuits or medical goods.
[0053] The metal laminate forming the front and back panels 12, 26
provides protection against the penetration of environmental
contaminants such as humidity or oxygen. The conductive nature of
the aluminum layer provides electrical protection in the form of
both electrostatic shielding protection (ESP) and electrostatic
dissipation (ESD). It also provides protection against the effects
of electro-magnetic interference (EMI), such as for example radio
frequency interference (RFI). These environmental and electrical
protective properties are also provided by the window 14 as will be
described below, although the requirement to make the window 14
translucent may reduce the level of protection provided by the
window 14 in comparison to the panels 12, 26 of metal film
laminate.
[0054] The window 14 is used to provide a substantially clear view
into the inside of at least a portion of the package 10, so as to
enable inspection of items held in there, e.g. goods 16 or labeling
18. The labeling 18 may comprise any format suitable for
identifying the goods, e.g. a simple printed or handwritten label,
a barcode, or hologram or may simply comprise a part number or
similar indicia forming part of the goods themselves. In addition
or in the alternative, the labeling may be in a form suitable for
monitoring the condition of the goods or environmental conditions
past or present inside the packaging, e.g. a humidity
indicator.
[0055] The goods 16 which are to be protected can be introduced
into the package 10 before all the seals are made, or the seals may
be made leaving an opening in the package through which the goods
16 can be introduced before sealing this final opening. The
operation is preferably performed in a clean environment and/or
using sterilization as appropriate, e.g. for medical applications.
The order in which the heat seals 22a, 22b, 22c are made may be
predetermined, as will be discussed below, but may also be variable
and should take account of the nature and shape of the goods 16
that are being sealed in the package 10. For convenience, the goods
in this first instance will be presumed to be electronics hardware
16 bearing a label 18 carrying information which allows inspection
of the hardware 16 without disturbing the hermetic integrity or
electrical protection afforded by the package 10.
[0056] The package 10 optionally carries a further label 20
attached to its outside. This label 20 may carry, for example,
information which is not necessarily directly related to
identification of the nature of the goods 16 themselves but rather
perhaps to their delivery, storage or use details, e.g. batch
numbering, supply source, date of packing, use-by-date, dispatch
details, customs information and customer.
[0057] A first variation to the structure of the embodiment above
is disclosed with particular reference now also to FIGS. 2b and 3a.
Instead of using separate front and back panels 12, 26, a single
panel 12a of the metal laminate is used to form the body/bag, the
panel 12a being folded over with its heat-sealable layer (PE)
inboard and in such a manner that the panel 12a comes back on
itself about the fold 24. The remainder of the structure of this
variation is the same as that of the structure described in
relation to FIG. 2a and the same description and reference numerals
apply.
[0058] A second embodiment of the invention is disclosed with
reference now also to FIG. 3b. This embodiment is a variation of
the arrangement described above in relation to FIGS. 2b and 3a, in
that a metal laminate sheet 12b is folded or wrapped around itself
on two ends or two sides, again such that the heat-sealable side
(PE) is inboard of the package/bag. The window 14 is then
hermetically sealed across an opening between the two edges of the
sheet 12b by lines of heat-sealing 22d. The open and opposing ends
of the package/bag thus formed can then be heat-sealed as
appropriate for the goods being packaged. Examples of sealing
techniques are discussed below with particular reference to FIG.
4c.
[0059] The structure of the second embodiment may be varied such
that it is made from a series of one-time separate panels 12c, 14,
12c, 26. Initially, separate strips 12c of the metal film laminate
are heat sealed 22d PE side down onto a strip 14 of the window
sheet. This panel 12c, 14, 12c, referred to for convenience as a
front panel, is then placed with the PE sides of the metal laminate
strips 12c face down onto the PE side of a back panel 26 of the
metal laminate and joined by heat sealing 22e. It will be
appreciated that the versions of packaging shown with respect to
FIGS. 3b and 3c particularly lend themselves to orientation of the
window 14 as a strip running all the way over the package 10, e.g.
from top-to-bottom or from side-to-side, as shown and discussed now
with particular reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b respectively.
[0060] A triple strip 12c-14-12c which may be used in creating the
base material for a front panel of the version discussed with
reference to FIG. 3c, can be formed from three initially separate
rolls running under fixed heating bars, the outer strips 12c
overlying the inner strip 14 along edges of their PE sides. The
resulting triple strip 12c-14-12c may be formed continuously within
the limitations of supply roll length and cropped off as formed or
rolled up for later use and cropped off when required. Panels
12c-14-12c which are created by cropping the strip material may
then be wrapped around themselves or goods 16 such that the outer
edges of the metal laminate strips 12c abut PE side to PE side and
are then sealed to provide essentially the same structure as the
second embodiment (FIG. 3b) having a lengthways/vertically
orientated window 14 extending in a top-to-bottom orientation
substantially all the way over the package. In similar fashion, a
panel 12c-14-12c may be wrapped around such that the other pair of
edges abut, i.e. each strip 12c-14-12c abuts the opposing ends of
its constituent strips PE side to PE side and forms a package/bag
having a sideways/transverse orientated window 14 extending in a
side-to-side orientation substantially all the way over the
package.
[0061] Further variations can be made if necessary, such as for
example cropping the strip along diagonals so as to form diagonal
windows. In addition, panels 12c-14-12c formed from the triple
strip 12c-14-12c may be used in the first embodiment (FIG. 1, FIG.
2a) in place of the panel and window combination 12, 14 of that
embodiment, thereby extending the possible range of orientation of
the window 14. In addition, panels/rolls may be formed from a
greater or lesser number of constituent strips, e.g. a simple
double strip 12, 14 suitable for the embodiment of FIG. 1 or
multiple window strips 12c-14-12c-14-12c; 14-12c-14-12c-14 which
may comprise outer strips of either metal laminate 12c or of window
material 14 bounding corresponding inner strips of the window sheet
14 or the metal laminate 12 as required (none illustrated).
[0062] Two examples of methods by which a panel 12c-14-12c may be
heat sealed onto a back panel 26 are disclosed with reference to
FIG. 4c. The example is disclosed with particular reference to a
moving top web of triple strip 12c-14-12c material running over a
moving lower web of back panel 26. It will be appreciated however
that, as each version of the strip 12c-14-12c faces the back panel
26 PE side to PE side regardless of how many strips 12c, 14 are
used to create the moving top web, the same sealing techniques
disclosed may be used for each version of top web. It will also be
noted that the rear panel 26 may also comprise a composite of
strips 12c, 14 of metal laminate and window sheet as required
without exceeding the maximum permissible ingress/egress of
contamination.
[0063] A first version of heat seal 22f comprises a longitudinal
heat seal along a portion of an outboard strip 12c-14-12c with a
transverse heat seal across all constituent strips 12c-14-12c and a
further longitudinal heat seal along a portion of an opposing
outboard strip 12c. This version creates a package 10 having an
entrance across the constituent strips 12c-14-12c, through which
goods may enter the package 10.
[0064] A second version of heat seal 22g between the top web/panel
12c-14-12c and a backing web/panel 26 comprises a first transverse
heat seal across all constituent strips 12c-14-12c, a longitudinal
heat seal along a portion of an outboard strip 12c and a further
transverse heat seal across all constituent strips 12c-14-12c. This
version creates a package 10 having an entrance along one
constituent strip 12c.
[0065] A third embodiment is disclosed with particular reference to
FIG. 5, in which the packaging is in the form of an envelope 100
formed from flexible metal laminate sheet material 120 having a
hole cut out of it in one face. The flexible metal laminate may be
the same material discussed above in relation to the first and
second embodiments. The opening thus created is covered by a window
140 which is hermetically heat-sealed to the sheet material 120 all
the way around. The opening, and consequently the window 140, is
positioned wherever necessary on the sheet 120 and is of sufficient
size to enable inspection of an aspect of items inside the envelope
100. By way of example, in this case the items are shown
schematically as an electronics disc 160 bearing a label 180 used
for identification. No label is shown on the outside of the
envelope 100, although provision of such indicia is optional as in
the first embodiment 10. The envelope may be made from separate
panels in similar fashion to the front and back panels 12, 26 of
the first embodiment, or may be made for example by folding over a
single sheet/panel in similar fashion to the second embodiment.
[0066] In accordance with further embodiments of the present
invention a composite laminate is produced from which at least part
of packaging such as pouches, bags and containers can be
fabricated.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 6 a package 10 according to a fourth
embodiment is in the form of a bag/envelope and comprises a body
made of flexible sheet material in the form of a front panel 12 and
a back panel 26. The material used to provide the back panel 26 is
a flexible metal laminate as described above, comprising for
example a 20 micron thick aluminum foil/film laminated in between a
carrier ply on one side and a heat-sealable ply on the other side.
The carrier ply may comprise a polyester material, preferably
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but may be made from other
materials such as orientated polypropylene (OPP) and orientated
polyamide (OPA). The heat-sealable ply may comprise for example
polyethylene (PE).
[0068] The front panel 12 is made of a composite laminate. In one
section of the front panel a translucent window 14 is defined which
extends part of or all the way across the front panel 12. The
window 14 comprises a portion of the composite laminate forming the
front panel 12. The window section of the composite laminate is
formed from a translucent laminated plastic sheet having on the
inner side at least ply of a heat-sealable material, such as for
example polyethylene (PE), and will be described in greater detail
below. The provision of a heat-sealable inner ply on one side of
the composite laminate allows the front panel 12 to be heat sealed
to the heat-sealable side of the bottom panel 26. In the embodiment
disclosed with reference to FIG. 6, the heat-sealable side of the
each panel 12, 26 faces inboard of the package 10, which presents
their respective heat-sealable sides towards each other and allows
them to be selectively joined to each other, e.g. by one or more
lines of heat-sealing 22b, 22c. The package 10 is heat sealed, for
example, along its sides to define a storage space for receiving
and protecting goods 16, such as for example electronic components
and circuits or medical goods.
[0069] In the section of the front panel 12 that is not the window
14, the composite laminate preferably includes a further layer,
e.g. a metal sheet layer. This metal sheet layer is preferably
sandwiched between two carrier plies. In the region where the
window 14 is formed no metal sheet is provided instead each ply is
provided with, respectively an electrical protection, e.g. a
deposited layer of metal, and environmental protection, e.g. a
layer of inorganic oxide. The electrical and environmental
protection layers may be provided all over the composite laminate
forming the front panel 12, and a metal sheet only added into the
composite laminate where the window 14 is not to be formed.
[0070] As described above the window 14 is used to provide a
substantially clear view into the inside of at least a portion of
the package 10, so as to enable inspection of items held in there,
e.g. goods 16 or labeling 18. The labeling 18 may comprise any
format suitable for identifying the goods, e.g. a simple printed or
handwritten label, a barcode, or hologram or may simply comprise a
part number or similar indicia forming part of the goods
themselves. In addition or in the alternative, the labeling may be
in a form suitable for monitoring the condition of the goods or
environmental conditions past or present inside the packaging, e.g.
a humidity indicator.
[0071] The metal laminate forming the back panel 26 and part of the
front panel 12 provides protection against the penetration of
environmental contaminants such as humidity or oxygen as described
above. The conductive nature of the aluminum layer provides
electrical protection in the form of both electrostatic shielding
protection (ESP) and electrostatic dissipation (ESD). It also
provides protection against the effects of electro-magnetic
interference (EMI), such as for example radio frequency
interference (RFI).
[0072] As described above the package 10 optionally carries a
further label 20 attached to its outside. This label 20 may carry,
for example, information which is not necessarily directly related
to identification of the nature of the goods 16 themselves but
rather perhaps to their delivery, storage or use details, e.g.
batch numbering, supply source, date of packing, use-by-date,
dispatch details, customs information and customer.
[0073] A variation to the structure of the embodiment shown in FIG.
6 is disclosed with particular reference now also to FIG. 7.
Instead of using separate front and back panels 12, 26, a single
panel 12a of the composite laminate with one or more window
sections and one or more sections with an integrated metal sheet is
used to form the body/bag, the panel 12a being folded over with its
heat-sealable layer (PE) inboard and in such a manner that the
panel 12a comes back on itself about the fold 24. The remainder of
the structure of this variation is the same as that of the
structure described in relation to FIG. 6 and the same description
and reference numerals apply.
[0074] The construction of the composite laminate for the fourth
embodiment and its variations is described below with reference to
FIGS. 12 to 14.
[0075] It should be noted that the size of the window 14; 140 in
any embodiment should be controlled to within a predetermined
maximum size, as the window 14; 140 may not provide the same level
of environmental and electrical protection as the metal laminate.
For example, water vapor transmission of some translucent windows
14 has been found to be in the region of 0.1 g/m.sup.2 and oxygen
transmission has been found to be in the region of 0.1
cm.sup.3/m.sup.2 per day per bar of O.sub.2. The maximum size
should be limited by the maximum allowable rate at which
contamination may pass into the body 10; 100 through the window 14;
140. This will often be limited by level or rate at which items
inside the package can absorb contamination penetrating through the
window 14; 140. A suitable range for water vapor transmission may
comprise less than 0.5, preferably less than 0.2 and most
preferably less than about 0.1 g/m.sup.2. In similar fashion, a
suitable range for oxygen transmission may comprise less than 0.5,
preferably less than 0.2 and most preferably less than about 0.1
cm.sup.3/m.sup.2 per day per bar of O.sub.2.
[0076] In all the embodiments described above a single window 14
has been described. It will be apparent, in particular from the
third embodiment 100, that a plurality of such windows 14; 140 can
be provided in any embodiment 10; 100 and that they 14; 140 can be
placed in other positions in dependence on the nature of the
particular inspection called for, within the limitations imposed by
the rate at which contamination can be allowed to pass through the
window 14 and the total level of contamination/EMI allowable for
the goods 16; 160 in question.
[0077] Referring also to FIGS. 8a, 8b and 9 to 14. Particular
consideration will now be given to the structure of the laminates
used with the present invention, e.g. the window 14; 140,
especially for the first three embodiments. Each window 14; 140
comprises a plurality of overlapping layers of translucent and
flexible laminated sheet material, those layers being laminated
together in a back-to-back relationship. The translucence of the
window 14; 140 can be considered in terms of its light
transmissibility, which may preferably be kept within the order of
at least 40%+/-10%. It will be appreciated that the light
transmissibility through a window sheet 14; 140 according to the
present invention will vary in dependence on the properties of the
layer materials used to form it and possibly further in dependence
on the manner in which they are joined in their back-to-back
relationship, of which some non-limiting joining techniques will be
discussed further below. To consider a product suitable for use as
such a window sheet 14; 140, the important feature is that it
should be sufficiently translucent so as to permit the inspection
of the required features of the package contents, be that for
example by eye or by a scanning device such as a barcode reader. To
that end, light transmissibility testing should preferably be
carried out and a transmissibility of at least 30% sought,
preferably 35% and most preferably of 40% or more.
[0078] A first sheet 40 is disclosed with particular reference to
FIG. 8a and comprises an environmental protection ply 30 in the
form of a layer of an inorganic compound such as silicon dioxide
SiO.sub.2. This material SiO.sub.2 is favored for optimization of
cost versus volume and performance, although other materials such
as aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3) may be considered for this
purpose. The environmental protection material/ply is deposited
onto a carrier ply, for example by vapor deposition/electron beam
evaporation, and a typical deposition thickness is in the region of
1.8 g/m.sup.2. The deposition thickness of a ply may effect the
light transmissibility through it and variations in the thickness
of the layer may be used to provide different translucence, for
example a thicker ply such as one comprising up to about 2.2
g/m.sup.2 may prove useful if greater protection is required and
the translucence can be compromised accordingly. On the other hand,
if greater translucence is required and it is the environmental
protection that can be compromised, the deposition thickness may
instead be reduced and a layer comprising down to about 1.5
g/m.sup.2 may prove usable.
[0079] The carrier ply comprises a polyester material, preferably
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but may be made from other
materials provided that they are suitable for deposition of the
environmental protection ply. Alternatives such as orientated
polypropylene (OPP) and orientated polyamide (OPA) may be found
suitable.
[0080] The exposed side of the inorganic compound is then covered
by lamination thereto of an outer ply 28 in the form of a
translucent plastic sheet. The outer ply 28 is made for example
from a heat sealable material, such as for example a low-density
polyethylene (PE). Other preferably heat-sealable materials may be
considered, such as for example polypropylene.
[0081] A second laminated sheet 42 is disclosed with particular
reference to FIG. 8b and comprises an electrically conductive ply
formed using a conductive material such as a metal, preferably
aluminum. The metal is deposited, for example using a sputter or
vapor deposition technique, onto a carrier ply of translucent
plastics sheet. The deposition thickness may comprise, for example,
anywhere between 100 and 1500 Angstroms thick. The carrier ply may
be made for example from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or an
equivalent. In similar fashion to the environmental protection
layer, the exposed side of the electrically conductive ply 32 is
then covered by lamination thereto of an outer ply in the form of a
translucent plastics sheet 28, made for example from a heat
sealable material such as a low density polyethylene (PE) or
equivalent.
[0082] The two laminated sheets 40, 42 are then laminated together
by joining them in a back-to-back relationship across their
respective carrier plies, using in this embodiment an adhesive
bonding agent 36 and thereby forming a window sheet. Alternative
means of joining the two sheets 40, 42 may be used, such as for
example joining the sheets 40, 42 by means of a heat-sealable
layer, e.g. a polyethylene layer extruded between them. This forms
a one-piece window sheet 14; 140 in which the lamination of the
constituent layers is a necessary step in order to form a closed
bag, as otherwise openings may be left in the bags. The unitary
window sheet 14; 140 also provides ease of handling during
manufacture of packages, e.g. in comparison to trying to use
separate sheets 40, 42 to form the window 14; 140 by simply
overlaying them one-on-top of each other. Furthermore, lamination
of the sheets 40, 42 together reduces the chances of vapor or other
contaminants getting in between them and potentially reducing the
translucence of the combination 40, 42, e.g. by mist forming on or
in between the sheets 40, 42 which might happen if they were to be
left unlaminated.
[0083] In positioning the window sheet 14; 140, the outboard facing
side may be the side 40 incorporating the environmental protection
ply/layer 30, such that the electrical protection ply/layer 32 is
protected from externally originating physical contamination, such
as humidity, vapor or oxygen/air entry or other chemical
contamination. This arrangement may, however, be reversed.
[0084] The window sheet 14; 140 of the present invention alleviates
the situation found in some prior art arrangements in which one or
the other of environmental or electrical protection is compromised
in order to allow inspection of packaged goods or the effects of
the environment inside the packaging. The environmental protection
layer and the electrical protection layer combine to provide both
types of protection afforded by the surrounding metal laminate 12,
12a, 12b, 12c, 26, the conductive nature of the electrical
protection layer 42 providing electrostatic shielding protection
(ESP), electrostatic dissipation (ESD) and protection against the
effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI).
[0085] In FIG. 9 an embodiment is disclosed in which both the
environmental protection ply and the electrical protection ply are
deposited onto opposite sides of the same PET carrier ply. This
forms a combination ply 34 that is then sandwiched between two
layers of outer ply, each of which is preferably in the form of a
heat sealable material such as a polyethylene (PE) sheet. This
eliminates the need to provide separate layers for environmental
and electrical protection and then to laminate them together, but
might necessitate custom machinery or a special production run to
make it. This may contrast financially unfavorably with starting
from separate sheets 40, 42, as suitable such material is available
and laminating the two types together is a cost effective way of
realizing practical embodiments of the present invention without
major investment in tooling.
[0086] A further embodiment is disclosed with particular reference
to FIG. 10, which may be considered a variation of the
environmental protection layer discussed in relation to FIG. 8a. In
this variation, once the inorganic oxide (e.g. SiO.sub.2) has been
deposited onto the PET carrier ply, a further level of
environmental protection is added/deposited onto the carrier ply
before the outer ply 28 is included. A suitable material for such
extra protection is one that falls into the group known generically
as organically modified ceramics and referred to sometimes in the
art as ORMOCERs of which a sub-group is referred to as organically
modified silicates (ORCOSILs). These materials can be produced by
the sol-gel process and are preferably applied in a similar fashion
to varnish layers. This modification to the environmental
protection layer is applicable to each embodiment of the present
invention and reduces the transmission of environmental hazards
through the or each window 14.
[0087] FIG. 11 is a section through a variation to the material
used in FIG. 8a and comprises an arrangement 44 that may be
substituted for the equivalent arrangement of FIG. 8a used in the
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0088] Composite laminates suitable for use with the fourth
embodiment is shown schematically in FIGS. 12 to 14. As shown in
FIG. 12, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the
material used to provide the front panel 12 and optionally the back
panel 26 is a composite flexible laminate, comprising in one or
more sections of two carrier plies with a metal sheet layer 50
therebetween, for example a 20 micron thick aluminum foil/film
laminated in between the first carrier ply on one side and the
second carrier play on the other side. In a second section of the
composite laminate which is used for the window 14, the two carrier
plies are provided with an environmental protection and an
electrical protection as described above, i.e. having no metal
sheet layer therebetween but having a metal layer deposited on one
ply and an inorganic oxide deposited on the other. The two carrier
plies are laminated together back-to-back. A heat-sealable ply 28
is laminated on the inboard side of the composite laminate, e.g. at
the same time as other lamination processes, at least in positions
where a heat seal is to be made to the bottom panel. As described
above a carrier ply may comprise, for example, a polyester
material, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but may be
made from other materials such as orientated polypropylene (OPP)
and orientated polyamide (OPA). The heat-sealable ply may comprise
for example polyethylene (PE), e.g. either low density or high
density PE.
[0089] The variation of the embodiment of FIG. 12 shown in FIG. 13
only has the outer ply 28 on one side. Other details are the
same.
[0090] In the variant shown in FIG. 14, the laminate of FIG. 11 is
constructed in such as way that a metal sheet 50 is laminated
between the Ormocer/SiO.sub.2 ply 38 and the heat sealable ply 28
in those regions of the panel 12 where there is no window 14 and
optionally for the bottom panel 26. In the window region the metal
sheet is not laminated in.
[0091] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the composite
laminate may be made continuously from roll stock by laminating the
carrier ply or plies together with the metal sheet and optionally
an adhesive layer. The material properties and thicknesses for the
sheet materials of the various embodiments may be the same or
similar.
[0092] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with respect to a preferred embodiment, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and
detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention.
* * * * *