U.S. patent application number 13/549474 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-17 for load bearing structure having antimicrobial properties.
This patent application is currently assigned to AIRDEX INTERNATIONAL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Rick D. Imbrecht, Arthur James McCreary, Vance L. Seagle. Invention is credited to Rick D. Imbrecht, Arthur James McCreary, Vance L. Seagle.
Application Number | 20130014676 13/549474 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46604549 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130014676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Imbrecht; Rick D. ; et
al. |
January 17, 2013 |
LOAD BEARING STRUCTURE HAVING ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Abstract
The present invention provides a movable load bearing structure
with a surface that includes antimicrobial agents capable of
eliminating, preventing, retarding or minimizing the growth of
microbes and also minimizing cross-contamination when the load
bearing structure is being reused for cargos that differ from a
previously transported cargo, for example, different food types,
such as poultry, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit. The load
bearing structure may be a dunnage platform or a container for
storing and/or shipping cargo.
Inventors: |
Imbrecht; Rick D.;
(Henderson, NV) ; Seagle; Vance L.; (Henderson,
NV) ; McCreary; Arthur James; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Imbrecht; Rick D.
Seagle; Vance L.
McCreary; Arthur James |
Henderson
Henderson
Las Vegas |
NV
NV
NV |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AIRDEX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Henderson
NV
|
Family ID: |
46604549 |
Appl. No.: |
13/549474 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61508425 |
Jul 15, 2011 |
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|
61551323 |
Oct 25, 2011 |
|
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61551340 |
Oct 25, 2011 |
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61590323 |
Jan 24, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/57.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00338
20130101; B65D 2519/00815 20130101; C08J 2325/06 20130101; B32B
2266/0228 20130101; B65D 90/00 20130101; B65D 88/74 20130101; B32B
27/40 20130101; B65D 2519/00129 20130101; B65D 2519/00293 20130101;
B65D 2519/00711 20130101; B65D 2519/00174 20130101; B32B 2307/7145
20130101; B65D 2519/0086 20130101; B65D 2519/00034 20130101; B65D
88/14 20130101; B32B 2553/02 20130101; B32B 2266/0278 20130101;
B65D 2519/00069 20130101; B65D 2519/00442 20130101; B65D 2519/00661
20130101; B32B 2255/10 20130101; B65D 19/18 20130101; C08J 9/365
20130101; B65D 2519/00562 20130101; B65D 2519/00437 20130101; B32B
2255/102 20130101; B32B 27/302 20130101; B65D 2519/00641 20130101;
B65D 2519/00452 20130101; B65D 2519/00611 20130101; B65D 90/022
20130101; B65D 2519/00323 20130101; B32B 2255/26 20130101; B65D
2519/00457 20130101; B32B 27/065 20130101; B65D 2519/00273
20130101; B65D 2590/0083 20130101; C08J 9/42 20130101; B65D
2519/00208 20130101; B65D 2519/00621 20130101; B65D 2519/00716
20130101; B65D 2519/00502 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/57.25 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/04 20060101
B65D019/04 |
Claims
1. A loading bearing structure for use in clean rooms comprising:
an expanded polymer core with a first side, a second side and a
width, said first side, second side and width having exposed
surfaces; and at least one polymer layer combined with said
expanded polymer core on said first side of said expanded polymer
core and at least part of said width, said load bearing structure
comprises at least one substantially non-leaching antimicrobial
agent having some surface activity; wherein said load bearing
structure receives cargo generated in said clean room to facilitate
shipping and minimizing risk of contamination or damage.
2. The load bearing structure of claim 1, wherein said at least one
antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the material for making
the polymer layer.
3. The loading bearing structure of claim 1, wherein said at least
one antimicrobial is coated onto at least one of the exposed
surfaces of the structure.
4. The load bearing structure of claim 1, wherein said at least one
antimicrobial agent is capable of permanent or non-permanent
binding.
5. The loading bearing structure of claim 1, wherein said at least
one antimicrobial agent comprises one or both an organic compound
and an inorganic compound.
6. The loading bearing structure of claim 1, wherein said at least
one antimicrobial agent is mixed with a carrier.
7. The load bearing structure of claim 1 further comprising at
least two load enclosing structures on top of said load bearing
structure to form an enclosed container.
8. The load bearing structure of claim 7 wherein said at least two
loading enclosing structures comprise two identical substantially
L-shape cross-section halves or two identical clam shell
halves.
9. The load bearing structure of claim 7 wherein said first side
comprises pockets for locating a phase change material.
10. A loading bearing structure for loading cargo comprising: an
expanded polymer core with a first side, a second side and a width;
and at least one polymer layer combined with said expanded polymer
core on said first side of said expanded polymer core and at least
part of said width; wherein at least part of said second side
comprises at least one substantially non-leaching antimicrobial
agent that is substantially free of environmentally hazardous
material.
11. The load bearing structure of claim 10, wherein said polymer
core comprises porous surfaces.
12. The loading bearing structure of claim 10, wherein said
substantially non-leaching antimicrobial agent has a very low
volatility and very low water solubility.
13. The loading bearing structure of claim 10, wherein said
antimicrobial component is active against one or more foreign
hosts, selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses,
fungi, protists, helminths and insect larvae.
14. The load bearing structure of claim 10 wherein said at least
one antimicrobial agent is dispersed in a water based composition
comprising at least one polymeric carrier in the form of an
emulsion or dispersion.
15. The load bearing structure of claim 10 wherein a second one
polymer layer is combined with said expanded polymer core on said
second side of said expanded polymer core and at least part of said
width.
16. The load bearing structure of claim 10 wherein said at least
part of said second polymer layer is interposed between said at
least part of said second side and said antimicrobial agent.
17. A loading bearing structure comprising: an assembly of a
plurality of load bearing structures, each having: an expanded
polymer core with a first side, a second side and a width, said
first side, second side and width, at least one polymer layer
combined with said expanded polymer core on said first side, the
width and at least part of said second side of said expanded
polymer core; and a water based antimicrobial composition
comprising at least one polymeric carrier in the form of an
emulsion or dispersion and at least one substantially non-leaching
antimicrobial agent is coated on said second side.
18. The loading bearing structure of claim 17 wherein at least one
of said plurality of load bearing structures comprises pockets on
at least one of said sides for locating a phase change
material.
19. The loading bearing structure of claim 17 wherein said loading
bearing structure is adapted for receiving cargo generated in a
clean room to facilitate shipping and minimizing risk of
contamination or damage.
20. The loading bearing structure of claim 19 wherein said cargo
comprises electronic parts or pharmaceuticals.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/508,425, filed Jul. 15,
2011, entitled "CLIMATE CONTROL CARGO CONTAINER FOR STORING,
TRANSPORTING AND PRESERVING CARGO"; U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/551,323, filed Oct. 25 2011, entitled
"CARGO CONTAINER FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING CARGO"; U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/551,340, filed Oct. 25
2011, entitled "A LOAD BEARING STRUCTURE HAVING ANTIMICROBIAL
PROPERTIES"; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/590,323, filed Jan. 24, 2012, entitled "SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING
SECURITY CHECK OF SHIPMENT OF CARGO"; the contents of all of which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0002] The present application includes claims that may be related
to the claims of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/______, entitled "CARGO CONTAINER FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING
CARGO"; co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/______,
entitled "CLIMATE CONTROL CARGO CONTAINER FOR STORING, TRANSPORTING
AND PRESERVING CARGO"; and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12/______, entitled "SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING SECURITY CHECK OF
SHIPMENT OF CARGO"; the contents of all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention is in the general field of load-bearing
structure and, more particularly, a load bearing structure having
antimicrobial properties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A shipping pallet is a well known load-bearing, moveable
platform whereon articles are placed for shipment. The pallet
usually is loaded with a multiplicity of items, such as cartons or
boxes. The loaded pallet is movable with either a pallet truck or a
forklift.
[0005] The adoption of International Standardized Phytosanitary
Monitoring (ISPM)-15 for wood packaging material (WPM) requires
kiln dry treatment of all wood used in shipping crates and dunnage
platforms (pallets). The United States in cooperation with Mexico
and Canada began enforcement of the ISPM 15 standard on Sep. 16,
2005. The North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO)
strategy for enhanced enforcement will be conducted in three
phases. Phase 1, Sep. 16, 2005 through Jan. 31, 2006, call for the
implementation of an informed compliance via account managers and
notices posted in connection with cargo that contains noncompliant
WPM. Phase 2, Feb. 1, 2006 through Jul. 4, 2006, calls for
rejection of violative crates and pallets through re-exportation
from North America. Informed compliance via account managers and
notices posted in cargo with other types of non-compliant WPM
continues to remain enforce. Phase 3, Jul. 5, 2006, involves full
enforcement on all articles of regulated WPM entering North
America. Non-compliant regulated WPM will not be allowed to enter
the United States. The adoption of ISPM-15 reflects the growing
concern among nations about wood shipping products enabling the
importation of wood-boring insects, including the Asian Long horned
Beetle, the Asian Cerambycid Beetle, the Pine Wood Nematode, the
Pine Wilt Nematode and the Anoplophora Glapripwnnis.
[0006] Thus the wooden dunnage platform has become unattractive for
the international shipment of products. Further, the wooden surface
is not sanitary since it potentially can harbor in addition to
insects, mould and bacteria. Thus, the wooden crate is generally
ill-suited for the shipment of foodstuffs and other produce
requiring sanitary conditions. In addition, with the concern for
carbon emission, lighter weight platforms and containers are more
desirable.
[0007] Plastic dunnage platforms or pallets are known, see U.S.
Pat. No. 3,915,089 to Nania, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,608 to Woods
et al., which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety. Thermoplastic molded dunnage platforms are known, see for
example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,786,992, 7,128,797, 7,927,677, 7,611,596,
7,923,087, and 7,544,262, to Dummett, which is herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety, discloses applying thermoplastic
sheets to a preformed rigid structure for manufacturing dunnage
platforms.
[0008] While the plastic surface of the plastic pallet obviates
some of the sanitary problems with wood pallets, because of the
required repetitive use the surface can become unsanitary. As a
consequence when used for the shipment of foodstuffs and other
produce requiring sanitary conditions, the high cost of the plastic
pallet requires that the plastic surface be cleaned and kept clean
prior to use.
[0009] Some wood pallet manufacturers have attempted to produce a
more sanitary surface by combining foam with wooden surfaces. These
dunnage platforms still suffer a number of disadvantages including
their weight, the presence of wood requiring kiln treatment and the
possibility of the foam being stripped away to expose the wood
surface
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to a load bearing structure
that includes antimicrobial agents capable of eliminating,
preventing, retarding or minimizing the growth of microbes and also
minimizing cross-contamination when the structure is being reused
for cargos that are different from previous cargo, for example,
different food types, such as poultry, fresh vegetables, and fresh
fruits. The load bearing structure may also be suitable for use
directly in clean rooms where cargo is being made without
additional steps of transferring the cargo to a load bearing
structure after the cargo leaves the clean room. The products may
be placed directly on the structure after manufacture, thus
eliminating steps, saving time, minimizing manpower or robotics, or
risk of contamination or damage.
[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, a movable loading
bearing structure is a dunnage platform having a top side, and a
bottom side joined together to each other by a width. The platform
includes a light weight polymeric core and a polymeric layer
substantially covering the core. The layer may have anti-microbial
properties described above. In one aspect, the layer may cover the
top side and a portion of the width of the core. In another aspect,
the layer may cover the top and bottom side and substantially all
of the width of the core. The polymer layer may be a polymeric
sheet or a sprayed coating. In one exemplary embodiment, at least
one antimicrobial agent having some surface activity may be added
to the material used for making the sheet or coating. The
antimicrobial agent may be in powder form or in liquid form. In
another exemplary embodiment, at least one antimicrobial agent
having some surface activity may be coated onto the exposed surface
or surfaces of the sheet or coating. The antimicrobial agent may be
in powder form or in liquid form.
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, a movable load
bearing structure is a dunnage platform having a top side, and a
bottom side joined together to each other by a width. The platform
includes a light weight polymeric core made by injecting a polymer
composition into a mold to form the core and after removing the
core from the mold, spraying a polymer coating on the polymer core.
For example, liquid polyurethane may be injected into a mold to
form a polyurethane core which may or may not contain grooves,
protrusions and/or pockets which after curing is removed from the
mold and sprayed with polyurea to form one or more of the dunnage
platforms. In one embodiment, the polymer coating may include an
antimicrobial agent having some surface activity therein. In
another embodiment, an antimicrobial coating having some surface
activity may be applied to at least one of the exposed surfaces of
the dunnage platform after formation of the sprayed coating. The
antimicrobial agent may be in powder form or in liquid form.
[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, a movable load
bearing structure may be in the form of a container assembled from
a plurality of loading bearing structures such as dunnage
platforms, each having a light weight polymeric core and a high
impact polymeric sheet substantially covering the core. The dunnage
platforms may be also made by injecting a polymer into a mold to
form the core and after removing the core from the mold, spraying a
polymer coating on the polymer core.
[0014] In one embodiment, each of the walls, top and base of the
container may be made of a light weight core substantially covered
with a polymeric layer on at least one of its surfaces to form a
load bearing structure having a width as noted above. The layer may
have anti-microbial properties described above. In one aspect, the
polymer layer may cover the top side and a portion of the width of
the core. In another aspect, the polymer layer may cover the top
and bottom side and substantially all of the width of the core. In
one exemplary embodiment, at least one antimicrobial agent having
some surface activity may be added to the material used for making
the polymeric layer, for example, a high impact polymeric sheet.
The antimicrobial agent may be in powder form or in liquid form. In
another exemplary embodiment, at least one antimicrobial agent
having some surface activity may be coated onto the exposed surface
or surfaces of the sheet. The antimicrobial agent may be in powder
form or in liquid form.
[0015] In another embodiment, a structural metal mesh may be
inserted into the core to resist piercing of the surface. The
polymeric layer may have anti-microbial properties described above.
In one aspect, the polymeric layer, for example, a high impact
sheet, may cover the top side and a portion of the width of the
core. In another aspect, the polymeric layer, for example, a high
impact sheet, may cover the top and bottom side and substantially
all of the width of the core. In one exemplary embodiment, at least
one antimicrobial agent having some surface activity may be added
to the material used for making the layer. The antimicrobial agent
may be in powder form or in liquid form. In another exemplary
embodiment, at least one antimicrobial agent having some surface
activity may be coated onto the exposed surface or surfaces of the
layer. The antimicrobial agent may be in powder form or in liquid
form.
[0016] In yet a further embodiment of the invention, a load bearing
structure, for example, an easily movable structure, may be in the
form of a container assembled from a plurality of load bearing
structures such as dunnage platforms, each having one or more of
the walls, top and base portions having a light weight polymeric
core that may be made by injecting a polymer into a mold to form
the core and after removing the core from the mold spraying a
polymer coating on the polymer core. For example, liquid
polyurethane may be injected into a mold to form a polyurethane
core containing grooves, protrusions and/or pockets which after
curing is removed from the mold and sprayed with polyurea to form
one or more of the load bearing structures. In one embodiment, the
polymer coating may include an antimicrobial agent therein. In
another embodiment, an antimicrobial coating may be applied to at
least one of the exposed surfaces of the dunnage platform after
formation of the polymeric coating. The antimicrobial agent may be
in powder form or in liquid form.
[0017] In a still further embodiment of the invention, a container
that is light weight, strong, and assembled from a plurality of
movable load bearing structures discussed above, having
antimicrobial properties, and/or made of a fire retardant material
and ultra violet light barrier is disclosed.
[0018] In one embodiment, a porous surface, which may be a porous
sheet substrate or surface of the core, for example, an expanded
polystyrene core or polyurethane core, may be impregnated with a
water based antimicrobial composition, having at least one
polymeric carrier that may be in the form of an emulsion or
dispersion and at least one substantially non-leaching
antimicrobial component that is substantially free of
environmentally hazardous material. The porous surface may or may
not be overcoated or protected with a film layer after being
impregnated with the antimicrobial composition.
[0019] In another embodiment, a porous surface, which may be a
porous sheet substrate may be impregnated with a water based
antimicrobial composition, having at least one polymeric carrier
that may be in the form of an emulsion or dispersion and at least
one surface active antimicrobial component that is substantially
free of environmentally hazardous material.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, a non-porous sheet substrate may
be coated with a water based antimicrobial composition, having at
least one polymeric carrier that may be in the form of an emulsion
or dispersion and at least one substantially non-leaching
antimicrobial component that is substantially free of
environmentally hazardous material.
[0021] For load bearing structures having one thermoplastic sheet
over the core thereon, the exposed surfaces may be porous, as noted
above. The porous material may be impregnated with a water based
antimicrobial composition, also as mentioned above, making the
surface non-porous.
[0022] In some embodiments, the surfaces of the porous materials
impregnated with an antimicrobial composition may be non-porous
after drying or setting and may perform as if it has been coated or
covered with a thermoplastic sheet or layer mentioned above.
[0023] The same emulsion or dispersion mentioned above may also be
coated onto the exposed surfaces of load bearing structures having
two thermoplastic sheets over the core thereon.
[0024] Examples of antimicrobial component that is substantially
free of environmentally hazardous material may include sodium
omadine, sodium borate, zinc omadine, zinc borate, calcium borate,
barium metaborate, iodo alkynyl alkyl carbamates,
diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone, 2-4-thiazolyl-benzimidaxole,
2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate, zinc
2-mercaptobenzothiazole, potassium
n-hydroxymethyl-n-methyldithiscarbamate, sodium
2-mercaptobenzothiazole,
5-hydroxyemthoxymethyl-1-aza-3,7-dioxa-bicyclooctane,
2,3,5,6-tetra-chloro-4-pyridine, zinc 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide and
N-trichloromethylthiophthalimide, tetrachloroisophthalonitrile,
deltamethrin, fipronil, bifenthrin, chlorfenapyr, imidacloprid, and
mixtures thereof. For use in facilitating security check, metallic
compounds are not used.
[0025] Non-leaching antimicrobial materials are for example,
materials with a very low volatility and very low water solubility
such that it would only leach out to the extent sufficient to
maintain an effective and uniform concentration throughout the
exposed surface(s) of the antimicrobial article when its
concentration thereon is reduced due to its action against
microorganisms. In other words, the antimicrobial component is
selected not to be fugitive or migrating once being incorporated
into the impregnated article, but to have a very low water
solubility so that it could maintain an equilibrium concentration
throughout the article on its surface(s) whenever the concentration
reduction occurs thereon due to the attack of the microbes. The
antimicrobial component may have a water solubility of, for
example, from about 0.10 PPM to about 1.0 wt %, depending on each
individual antimicrobial component.
[0026] The porous sheeting material may include various woven or
non-woven fiberglass, Brattice cloth, cotton and other fabrics,
heavy weight paper, light weight wire mesh, ceramic cloths, or
polymeric material, such as, some synthetics, e.g., various woven
or non-woven polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, Nylon,
synthetic fiber blend, etc. an emulsion or dispersion of a
film-forming polymer that has a glass transition temperature (Tg)
of from about -70.degree. F. (about -57.degree. C.) to about
140.degree. F. (about 60.degree. C.). Wire mesh and other metallic
materials may not suitable for facilitating security check.
[0027] For example, the polymeric emulsion or dispersion has a
medium particle size of from about 0.10 micron to about 4.0 micron.
Examples of useful polymeric emulsion or dispersion includes, such
as, emulsions or dispersions of styrene acrylic copolymers, such as
Acronal S702 from BASF, Ucar 376 from Union Carbide, and Res 3077
from Rohm & Haas; styrene butadiene block copolymers, such as,
DL 313 NA from Dow Chemical, ND-565 and ND-422 from BASF, and
Rovene 6105 from Mallard Creek Polymers; ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers, such as Airflex 400/A405/460 from Air Products and
Elvace 1875 from Reichhold Chemicals; polyvinyl acetate
homopolymer, such as PD-316 from H.B. Fuller Company, and Airflex
XX-220/230 from Air Products; acrylate-acrylonitrile copolymers,
such as Synthemuls, various grades from Reichhold Chemicals; vinyl
acetate-vinyl chloride ethylene copolymers, such as Airflex 728
from Air Products; ethylene vinyl acetate butyl acrylate
terpolymers, such as Airflex 809 from Air Products;
butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, such as Tylac, various grades
from Reichhold Chemical; vinyl acrylic-vinyl chloride, such as
Haloflex 563 from Zeneca Resins; vinylidene chloride-acrylic-vinyl
chloride copolymers, such as Vycar 660X14 and Vycar 460X46 from
B.F. Goodrich; chloroprene polymers and copolymers, such as DuPont
Neoprene latex 115, 400, 654 and 750 from DuPont; water-borne
urethane polymers, such as Neo Rez R-962, 967 and 972 from Zeneca
Resins, and mixtures thereof.
[0028] The porous or non-porous sheet substrate may be useful as an
embodiment of the bag-like enclosure. The protective or overcoating
layer may also be moisture impervious and/or breathable. Examples
of impervious layers may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,826, as
disclosed above, the content of which is incorporated hereby by
reference in its entirety. Breathable packaging material, as
disclosed above, may be a multicomponent film structure, such as
that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,783, or a non-woven fabric
laminate, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5.482,765, or a
breathable film layer as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,547, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. Biodegradable, breathable enclosures may also be useful
and example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,910,645, the contents
of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0029] In any of the above embodiment, a zinc oxide material may
also be included into the coating.
[0030] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the container
may include two halves, each having a substantially L-shaped
cross-section. In one embodiment of the invention, the container
may include two identical or mirror images substantially L-shaped
cross-section halves each having at least two walls and a base or
top component, each of the components having corresponding
interlocking features to be mated together to form a container
having for example, a closed enclosure therein.
[0031] One of the load bearing structure or dunnage platform of the
container may also have a plurality of feet extending from the
bottom side of the structure.
[0032] In still another embodiment of the invention, the container
includes two halves, such as clam shell halves, in mirror images,
each having at least two walls and a base or top component, each of
the components having corresponding interlocking features to be
mated together to form a container having for example, a closed
enclosure therein. Each of the halves having an inner surface and
an outer surface joined by a width. The footprint of the knock-down
or collapsed container is not larger than the footprint of each of
the substantially L-shaped cross-section halves or clam shell
halves.
[0033] In one embodiment, each half is made of an inner light
weight core covered by at least one layer of strengthened coating.
The layer of strengthened coating includes antimicrobial
properties. In another embodiment, a structural metal mesh may be
inserted into the core to resist piercing of the surface. The layer
of strengthened coating includes antimicrobial properties. In a
further embodiment, one or more of the substantially L-shaped
cross-section halves may be made by injecting a polymer into a mold
to form the core and after removing the core from the mold,
spraying a polymer coating on the polymer core. For example, liquid
polyurethane may be injected into a mold to form a polyurethane
core containing grooves and pockets which after curing may be
removed from the mold and sprayed with polyurea to form one or more
of the load bearing structure and the half enclosures. At least
some of the exposed surfaces of the container may have
antimicrobial properties, for example, an antimicrobial agent
incorporated into the material of the surface layer or an
antimicrobial coating may be present on the exposed surfaces of the
inside and/or outside of the container.
[0034] The dunnage platforms useful for assembling may include
interconnecting features which mate together to form a
container.
[0035] According to one embodiment, the container may include an
enclosure having one undivided internal compartment. According to
another embodiment, the container may include an enclosure having
more than one internal compartments. In one aspect, the interior
may have dividers molded into the side of the component structures.
In another aspect, the dividers may be added to the container to
form separate compartments. Channels or depressions may be present
or molded into the components of the container to allow for
placement of external dividers to adjust the size of the
compartments.
[0036] According to one embodiment, features may be present or
molded into the components of the container for placement of cargo
or placement of other components for more secure location of cargo.
According to another embodiment, the channels or depressions
mentioned above may be used to locate the features.
[0037] In one aspect, the containers may be made of the size and
shape to accommodate the cargo. In another aspect, the cargo may be
contained in its own packaging and then inserted into the
container. In a further aspect, features may be located in the
container to aid in accommodating the cargo.
[0038] The present invention also relates to a load bearing
structure for use in clean rooms for the manufacturing of
electronic parts, snacks, food products or similar products that
have to be kept clean from dust, dirt or microbes. The products are
placed directly on or into the structure after making, thus
eliminating steps, saving time, minimizing manpower or robotics, or
risk of contamination or damage.
[0039] The present invention further relates to containers for
shipping and/or storage of cargo in which the climate within the
container is controlled.
[0040] According to the present invention, the polymeric core, for
example, may be a closed cell foam core such as an expanded
polystyrene core with a region proximal to its surface that is
combined with a high impact polymeric sheet, for example, a
polystyrene sheet, by heat and pressure. For a polyurethane core,
the core may be covered with a sprayed coating of, for example,
polyurea. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one antimicrobial
agent having some surface activity may be added to the material
used for making the sheet or coating. The antimicrobial agent may
be in powder form or in liquid form. In another exemplary
embodiment, at least one antimicrobial agent having some surface
activity may be coated onto at least one of the exposed surfaces of
the sheet or coating. The antimicrobial agent may be in powder form
or in liquid form.
[0041] Under heat and pressure, the strength of the combination of
the core and polymeric sheet is substantially increased, for
example, in the order of at least five times; more for example, in
the order of at least ten times that of the core before the
combination. For spray coating, no additional heat and pressure
application may be needed after coating.
[0042] This increase in strength allows the loading bearing
structures, such as a dunnage platform, to carry loads comparable
to loads carried by a wooden pallet, for example, which weighs many
times more. In addition to having antimicrobial properties, the
dunnage platform of the present invention also does not support
insect life and does not have splinters and nails that may cause
injury.
[0043] In any of the embodiments, the antimicrobial properties may
be generated from materials including chemical anti-microbial
materials or compounds that are capable of being substantially
permanently bonded, at least for a period such as the useful life
of the load bearing structures, either when at least one
antimicrobial agent is added to the material used for making the
polymeric layer, for example, a sheet or sprayed coating mentioned
above, or when at least one antimicrobial agent having some surface
activity is coated onto the exposed surface of the polymeric layer,
for example, sheet or sprayed coating mentioned above; or maintain
their anti-microbial effects when at least one antimicrobial agent
is coated with the aid of coating agents, onto the exposed surface
of the polymeric layer, for example, sheet or sprayed coating
mentioned above. In one example, the chemicals may be deposited on
the surface of the loading bearing structures by covalent
linkage.
[0044] When the antimicrobial agent or agents are incorporated in
the material used in making the polymeric layer, for example, a
sheet or sprayed coating, the agent or agents maybe dispersed
directly into the material, or with the aid of an appropriate
carrier, for example, a binding agent, a solvent, or a suitable
polymer mixing aid. These carriers may also be useful for coating
aids mentioned above. Effective binding agents are those that do
not interfere with the antimicrobial activities of the
antimicrobial agent. In one embodiment, when the anti-microbial
agent is incorporated into the material used either for making the
polymeric layer, for example, a sheet or sprayed coating mentioned
above, the antimicrobial agent maybe master batch in the material,
or an appropriate carrier at a higher concentration prior to adding
to the material for making the polymeric layer, for example, a
sheet or sprayed coating in desired proportions. In another
embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may be added directly to the
material for making the polymeric layer, for example, a sheet or
sprayed coating without the intermediate step.
[0045] In other embodiments, the antimicrobial agents, either in
coatings or incorporated into the materials for making the
polymeric layer, for example, sheets or surface coatings, may
include chemical antimicrobial materials or compounds that may be
deposited in a non-permanent manner such that they may slowly
dissolve, slowly leach or otherwise deliver antimicrobial
substances during use. The material may be adequately incorporated,
though temporarily and/or in sufficient amounts to last at least
for a period such as the useful life of the load bearing
structures, either when at least one antimicrobial agent is added
to the material used for making the polymeric layer, for example, a
sheet or sprayed coating mentioned above, or when at least one
antimicrobial agent is coated onto the exposed surface of polymeric
layer, for example, the sheet or sprayed coating mentioned above;
or maintain their anti-microbial effects when at least one
antimicrobial agent is coated with the aid of coating agents, onto
the exposed surface of the polymeric layer, for example, a sheet or
sprayed coating mentioned above. The suitable agent or agents are
those that tend to slowly migrate or non-leaching, as defined
herein, to the surfaces to provide antimicrobial properties to the
surfaces.
[0046] In still other embodiments, the antimicrobial agent either
in coatings or incorporated into the material used for making the
polymeric layer, for example, sheets or sprayed coatings may
include sources of anti-microbial agents which may leach and/or
release agents in a moist environment or upon contact with
moisture. These sources may be incorporated into the substrate
materials used for manufacturing the polymeric layer, for example,
sheet mentioned above, or included in the coatings spray coated on
the exposed surfaces of the core or sheet. Incorporation of these
sources may be especially suited to polymeric substrates.
[0047] Chemical antimicrobial materials or compounds may include a
variety of substances including, but not limited to antibiotics,
antimycotics, general antimicrobial agents, quaternary ammonium
cations, a source of metal ions such as metal ion generating
materials, triclosan, chlorhexidine or any other materials capable
of generating an antimicrobial effect, and/or any other appropriate
compound or mixtures thereof.
[0048] In yet further embodiments, antimicrobial activity may be
achieved by utilizing the antimicrobial properties of various
metals, especially transition metals which have little to no effect
on humans. Examples may include sources of free silver ions, which
are noted for their antimicrobial effects and few biological
effects on humans. Metal ion antimicrobial activity may be created
by a variety of methods that may include, for example, mixing a
source of a metal ion with the polymeric layer, for example, sheet
or coating material during manufacture, coating the surface by
methods such as plasma deposition, loosely complexing the metal ion
source by disrupting the surface of the polymeric layer, for
example, coating or sheet to form affinity or binding sites by
methods such as etching or coronal discharge, and depositing a
metal onto the surface by means such as electroplating,
photoreduction and precipitation. The coated surface may then
slowly release free metal ions during use that may produce an
antimicrobial effect.
[0049] In some embodiments, the source of metal ions may be an ion
exchange resin. Ion exchange resins are substances that carry ions
in binding sites on the surfaces of the material. Ion exchange
resins may be impregnated with particular ion species for which it
has a given affinity. The ion exchange resin may be placed in an
environment containing different ion species for which it has a
generally higher affinity, causing the impregnated ions to leach
into the environment, being replaced by the ion species originally
present in the environment.
[0050] In one embodiment, the polymeric layer, for example, sheet
or sprayed coating may include an ion exchange resin containing a
metal ion source, such as, for example, silver. Ion exchange resins
containing metal ion sources may include, for example,
Alphasan.RTM. (Milliken Chemical), which is a zirconium
phosphate-based ceramic ion exchange resin containing silver. An
ion exchange resin may be coated onto the polymeric layer, for
example, sheet or sprayed coating or it may be incorporated into
the material of the sheet or sprayed coating, as discussed
above.
[0051] In some embodiments, a layer of substantially non-permanent
coating including an anti-microbial compound may be present on top
of a layer of a substantially permanent coating including an
anti-microbial compound.
[0052] The substantially permanent anti-microbial coating may be,
for example, substantially flexible so that the coating
substantially covers the working surfaces of the loading bearing
structure during use even if the structure flexes. If the
anti-microbial compound is not capable of forming a substantially
flexible coating by itself, then a binding agent capable of forming
a substantially flexible coating may be used to aid in the
flexibility of the resulting coating.
[0053] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention
should be apparent from the following description of a preferred
embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top side of a core of a
dunnage platform that is in accordance with the invention;
[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bottom side of the core of
FIG. 1;
[0056] FIG. 3 shows a line drawing of a loaded cargo carrier
dunnage platform with a half enclosure positioned on the cargo
carrier dunnage platform, according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0057] FIG. 3A shows a line drawing of the cargo carrier dunnage
platform with phase change material containers positioned in
pockets;
[0058] FIG. 4 are shows an embodiment of a dunnage platform of the
present invention;
[0059] FIG. 4A shows a line drawing of the empty cargo carrier
dunnage platform with a half enclosure positioned on the cargo
carrier dunnage platform, according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0060] FIG. 4B shows a line drawing of a closed cargo carrier
dunnage platform with a both-half enclosures positioned on the
cargo carrier dunnage platform, according to an embodiment of the
invention
[0061] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention during assembly;
[0062] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention during assembly;
[0063] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention during assembly;
[0064] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention during assembly, depicting the interconnecting
features;
[0065] FIG. 8A shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention depicting the interconnecting features during
assembly;
[0066] FIG. 8B shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention depicting the interconnecting features during
assembly;
[0067] FIG. 8C shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention depicting the interconnecting features during
assembly;
[0068] FIG. 8D shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention depicting the interconnecting features during
assembly;
[0069] FIG. 8E shows an embodiment of a container of the present
invention depicting the interconnecting features during
assembly;
[0070] FIG. 9 shows a line drawing of the empty cargo carrier
dunnage platform with a half enclosure positioned on the cargo
carrier dunnage platform, according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0071] FIG. 10 shows an L-shaped half of an embodiment of the
container having features for locating cargo or partitions;
[0072] FIG. 10A show a full view of the inside bottom of an
embodiment of the container of the present invention having
features for locating cargo or partitions;
[0073] FIG. 11 shows fully assembled container of an embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0074] FIG. 11A shows an L-shaped half of an embodiment of the
container having features for locating cargo.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0075] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently exemplified systems, devices and
methods provided in accordance with aspects of the present
invention and are not intended to represent the only forms in which
the present invention may be prepared or utilized. It is to be
understood, rather, that the same or equivalent functions and
components may be accomplished by different embodiments that are
also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0076] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods, devices and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
invention, the exemplary methods, devices and materials are now
described.
[0077] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for
example, the designs and methodologies that are described in the
publications which might be used in connection with the presently
described invention. The publications listed or discussed above,
below and throughout the text are provided solely for their
disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application.
Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the
inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of
prior invention.
[0078] The loading bearing structure of the present invention,
which may be a dunnage platform or container, may have
anti-microbial properties. Antimicrobial means an agent that is
active against one or more organisms including bacteria, viruses,
fungi, protists, helminths and insect larvae. Foreign hosts mean a
microbe, pathogen or organisms that can be transported on a surface
of a load bearing structure.
[0079] In one exemplary embodiment, an antimicrobial agent capable
of eliminating, preventing, retarding or minimizing the growth of
microbes may be present on the exposed surfaces, for example, top
side 16, the edge 12 and/or the bottom side 18 of loading bearing
structure 10, as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, an expanded polymer
core 10a, for example, a polystyrene core, is in the general shape
of a rectangular slab with an edge 12a (FIG. 1) that has a width
14a which may be, for example, approximately one and three-fourths
to about two inches. The core 10a may have a smooth topside 16a
covered with a polymeric layer, for example, a high impact
polymeric sheet 67, such as a high impact polystyrene sheet, that
may be in the order of approximately four feet long and forty
inches wide. A bottom side 18a, as shown in FIG. 2 of the core 10a
may include legs 20-28. These legs may extend, for example,
approximately four to six inches therefrom.
[0080] The load bearing structure 10 also has a width 14, which is
the combined total width of the core 10a and sheet 67, mentioned
above.
[0081] The load bearing structure may also include a plurality of
wear resistant members that may be affixed to the second side of at
least some of the legs 20-28 of all of the embodiments of loading
bearing structures described herein. Details of the wear resistant
members may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,908,979, and 5,868,080,
the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0082] These wear resistant members may be similar to bridges that
extend between adjacent legs. In some embodiments, only one of
these members may be present. In other embodiments, two of these
may be arranged in the shape of a cross. In further embodiments,
one of each may be attached to each pair of adjacent legs around
the peripheral of the load bearing structure. In still other
embodiments, they may be attached to every pair of legs of the load
bearing structure.
[0083] In one embodiment, at least one antimicrobial agent may be
added to the material used for making the polymeric layer, for
example, sheet 67. The antimicrobial agent may be in powder form or
in liquid form. In another embodiment, at least one antimicrobial
agent may be coated onto the exposed surface 16 of the polymeric
layer, for example, sheet 67. The antimicrobial agent may be in
powder form or in liquid form.
[0084] For light weight load bearing structures, the core 10a is
generally made of foam, for example, a closed cell foam core 10a
such as an expanded polystyrene core 10a with a region proximal to
its surface that is combined with a polymeric layer, for example,
high impact polymeric sheet 67, for example, a polystyrene sheet,
by heat and/or pressure. In some embodiments, a polyurethane core
10a may be used and may be covered with a polymeric layer, for
example, a sprayed coating 67 of, for example, polyurea.
[0085] The foam core 10a may be made from already manufactured bulk
form, such as expanded polystyrene foam which may be cut to the
desired shape and size; or may be foamed in place in a mold of the
size and shape desired, such as a polyurethane foam. The foam
density may also be varied, depending on the degree of expansion of
the beads used to make the foam. The foam density may also decide
the suitable load or cargo to be loaded.
[0086] The foam core in general by itself, unless it is of higher
density, for example, the beads are not highly expanded, may not
have sufficient structural strength to be useable as a load bearing
platform. A dunnage platform with sufficient strength may be formed
by combining the core 10a with a high impact polymeric sheet 67,
for example, a polystyrene Sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet 67
may include an antimicrobial agent, which may be added to the
material used for making the sheet 67. The antimicrobial agent may
be in powder form or in liquid form. In another embodiment, at
least one antimicrobial agent may be coated onto the exposed
surface 16 of the sheet 67. The antimicrobial agent may be in
powder form or in liquid form. When the agent is coated, the
coating may take place before the sheet 67 is combined with the
core 10a or after the load bearing structure 10 is made.
[0087] The combination may be effected by heat and/or pressure. In
one specific example of a load bearing structure, a combination
process may cause portions of an expanded polystyrene core 10a
proximal to the bottom side 18a to be combined with the high impact
polystyrene sheet 67 to form a strengthened polystyrene by heat and
pressure. Additionally, a portion of the expanded polystyrene that
is proximal to the edge 12a and in a proximal relationship to the
bottom side 18a may be combined with the high impact polystyrene by
heat and pressure to form the strengthened polystyrene, if desired.
Details of this combination process may be found in U.S. Pat. No.
6,786,992, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
[0088] Another specific example of a load bearing structure 10 may
be as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,908,979, WO04041516 and U.S.
Pat. No. 7,413,698, the contents of all of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 2, the edge 12a is proximal to spaces 42,
44, 46, 48 on the bottom side 18a. The marginal spaces 42, 44, 46,
48 separate the legs 26-28, the legs 20, 23, 26, the legs 20-22 and
the legs 22, 25, 28, respectively, from the edge 12a.
[0090] As noted above, the structure 10 may be also made by
injecting a polymer into a mold to form the core 10a and after
removing the core 10a from the mold spraying a polymer coating 67
on the polymer core 10a. For example, liquid polyurethane may be
injected into a mold to form a polyurethane core 10a containing
grooves, protrusions and/or pockets that may be used to locate
phase change materials, which after curing is removed from the mold
and sprayed with polyurea to form one or more of the load bearing
structures 10. In one embodiment, the polymer coating may include
an antimicrobial agent therein. In another embodiment, an
antimicrobial coating may be applied to at least one of the exposed
surfaces of the structure 10 after forming the structure.
[0091] In another exemplary embodiment, an antimicrobial coating
capable of eliminating, preventing, retarding or minimizing the
growth of microbes may be present in the materials making up the
polymeric layer, for example, sheets or sprayed coatings or coated
on the exposed surface or surfaces of any of the walls, top and
base components of a container, as shown in FIG. 5-FIG. 7, and
FIGS. 8, 8A-FIG. 8E, which may be assembled from the load bearing
structure, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0092] The containers may have a base in the structure of, for
example, FIG. 4, which may also be made either by combining the
core 10a with a polymeric sheet 67, as noted above for FIG. 1, or
by injecting a polymer into a mold to form the core 10a and after
removing the core from the mold, spraying a polymer coating 67 on
the polymer core 10a. For example, liquid polyurethane may be
injected into a mold to form a polyurethane core containing
grooves, protrusions and/or pockets which after curing may be
removed from the mold and sprayed with polyurea to form one or more
of the load bearing structure 10.
[0093] In FIG. 3, a line drawing of a loaded cargo carrier dunnage
platform with a half enclosure 380 positioned on the cargo carrier
dunnage platform loaded with cargo 490, according to an embodiment
of the invention. Referring again to FIG. 4, the cargo carrier
dunnage platform 10 may be useful as a base of the container of
FIG. 3, with a top surface 115 and edges 110 is shown. In this
embodiment, the dunnage platform 10a shown has six (6) pockets 125
and two (2) grooves or recesses 130 penetrating the top surface
115, each of which may extend into the core 10a (not shown) of the
dunnage platform 10. In an embodiment of the invention, the pockets
125 may be used to locate phase change materials. In an embodiment
of the invention, the grooves or recesses 130 are used to locate
one or more enclosures. FIG. 4(A) shows the container of the
embodiment of FIG. 3, devoid of cargo.
[0094] FIG. 3A shows the cargo carrier dunnage platform with phase
change material containers or pouches 125a positioned in pockets
125 and a half enclosure positioned on the cargo carrier dunnage
platform, according to an embodiment of the invention. These
containers or pouches are shown here in substantially rectangular
form, but they may be in other forms.
[0095] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the base may also
be such as shown in FIG. 1, but again with groove 130.
[0096] In one exemplary embodiment, a container 100 (FIG. 5) or 300
(FIG. 6) may be a knock-down or collapsible shipping container made
up of a plurality of surfaces including a base 106 or 306, four
walls 101 (103) or 301 (303) and a top panel 404 (as shown in FIG.
7), each being made from a light weight core laminated with a
thermoplastic. In one embodiment of the invention structural metal
mesh can be inserted into the core 101a (not shown) to resist
piercing of any of the surfaces. In another embodiment of the
invention, the walls are held together with clasps 450, as shown in
FIG. 7. The shipping and/or storage container 400 is modular,
lightweight, and may be thermally insulating, and/or tamper proof,
and provides a sanitary surface coating and thermal capacity for
transportation of foodstuffs and other valuable products. Upon
delivery and unloading, the walls and top of the container can be
disassembled and stacked on the dunnage base to reduce the volume
of the container for storage or further shipment. The detail of
this container is as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,397, the
content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0097] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a knock
down or collapsible container for storage and/or shipping having a
base, four walls extending therefrom and a top panel to form an
enclosure therein, each of which having an inside surface, an
outside surface, a width joining the inside and outside surfaces,
and four inside edges and four outside edges. The container when
collapsed or knock-down, has a foot print not larger than the foot
print of the largest individual component, as shown in FIG. 8, FIG.
8A-FIG. 8E. In an embodiment of the invention, each of the base,
four walls and top includes a continuous feature extending
substantially along a surface no more than approximately 80
percent, of any of the four inside edges of the walls, base and top
of each of the components of the container, the features on
adjacent members are of opposite interlocking characteristics, as
shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 8A-FIG. 8E. That is, if an edge has a groove,
the groove is less than 80 percent of the length of the edge.
[0098] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the
base, four walls and top includes a continuous feature extending
substantially along a surface no more than approximately 90 percent
of any of the four inside edges of the walls, base and top of each
of the components of the container, the features on adjacent
members are of opposite interlocking characteristics. That is, if
an edge has a groove, the groove is less than 90 percent of the
length of the edge.
[0099] Interlocking features characteristics may also be defined as
a depression in a wall of a container corresponding to a protrusion
in the cargo such that the container `mates` with the cargo without
requiring a fastener. Interlocking characteristics may include
respective depression and protrusion features on adjacent
connecting components. For example, when the features along one
side have a receiving characteristic, the features on the adjacent
member are of a protruding characteristic so that the interlocking
features mate to form a container without any aid from additional
clips or fasteners. The phrase `without requiring a fastener` means
that the interlocking features are interlocked without the aid of
any component that is not the base, the four walls or the top.
Additional securing devices may be employed to insure further
integrity of the container, if needed, and such additional securing
devices may include straps and/or shrink wrap packaging. In one
embodiment, each of the walls, top and base of the container may be
made of a light weight core substantially covered with a polymeric
layer, for example, high impact sheet, having antimicrobial
properties or having at least one antimicrobial agents incorporated
therein or thereon, on at least one of its surfaces to form a load
bearing structure having a width as noted above. In another
embodiment, a structural metal mesh may be inserted into the core
to resist piercing of the surface, and each of the walls, top and
base of the container may be made of a light weight core
substantially covered with a polymeric layer, for example, high
impact sheet, having antimicrobial properties or having at least
one antimicrobial agents incorporated therein or thereon, on at
least one of its surfaces to form a load bearing structure having a
width as noted above. In a further embodiment of the invention, one
or more of the walls, top and base portions may be made by
injecting a polymer into a mold to form the core and after removing
the core from the mold spraying a polymer coating on the polymer
core. In one example, liquid polyurethane may be injected into a
mold to form a polyurethane core containing grooves, protrusions
and/or pockets which after curing is removed from the mold and
sprayed with polyurea having antimicrobial properties or having at
least one antimicrobial agents incorporated therein to form one or
more of the load bearing structures. In another example, a coating
having antimicrobial properties or having at least one
antimicrobial agents incorporated therein may be coated onto the
polyurea coating.
[0100] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled
container 800 which may generally include a base 812, side pieces
801, 802, 803 and 804, and a top 816. In general, the container 800
may be assembled into the form illustrated in FIG. 8 without the
use of adhesives, fasteners and/or other assembly aids and may
substantially assemble in a predetermined fashion and retain the
illustrated form. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the base
812 may generally be rectangular and may include a plurality of
channels or grooves 831, 832, 833 and 834, each adjacent to an edge
of the base 812. The grooves 831, 832, 833 and 834 may each
terminate at a corner which is substantially open to the edge, as
shown with corners 812a, b, c and d, such that the grooves are open
at least one end to insert a side piece. The corners 812a, b, c and
d may also include a closed edge which may thus act as a stop such
that, for example, a side piece(s) may abut against the closed edge
of the corner and be substantially retained and prevented from
advancing beyond the corner. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, a side
piece, such as side piece 801, may include a corresponding ridge
841, which may slide into and be retained in a corresponding
groove, such as groove 831 as illustrated. The side pieces, such as
illustrated with side piece 801, may further include a ridge 841 a
opposite ridge 841 which may correspond and be retained in a
corresponding groove of the top 816.
[0101] In general, the side pieces 801, 802, 803 and 804 may
include edges orthogonal to ridges which correspond to the grooves
of the top 816 and base 812, as illustrated in the top view of the
container 800 in FIG. 8C. In general, the orthogonal edges may mate
to each other with interlocking connections, as illustrated with
connections 853, 854 and 855. In general, to assemble the container
800, for example, the side piece 804 may be inserted into the
groove 834, followed by side piece 803 in groove 833, side piece
802 in groove 832 and then side piece 801 in groove 831. Side
pieces 801 and 802 may include a non-interlocking junction, as
illustrated with abutting edges 851 and 852, such that side piece
801 may be inserted without interference from a protruding piece.
The top 816 as illustrated in FIG. 8D, which may include grooves
833a, 833b, 833c and 833d, which may correspond to ridges 842a,
842b, 842c and 842d of the side pieces, respectively, may then be
placed such that the corresponding ridges fit into the grooves of
the top 816, closing the container 800. The top 816 may also, for
example, be placed before all of the side pieces are placed, such
as illustrated in FIG. 8E. The side pieces, such as side piece 801
as illustrated in FIG. 8E, may also include handling features, such
as the handle depressions 801d, such that the side pieces may be
manipulated with greater ease.
[0102] These embodiments of the container is described in detail in
co-pending U.S. Patent Application, entitled "Cargo Container for
Storing and Transporting Cargo", to be concurrently filed, the
content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0103] In a further exemplary embodiment, the container includes
two identical substantially L-shaped cross-section halves, 380,
each having at least two walls and a base or top component, each of
the components having corresponding or complementary interlocking
features to be mated together to form a container having an
enclosure therein, as shown in FIG. 4A. In other embodiments, the
base may not have pockets. Each of the halves having an inner
surface and an outer surface joined by a width. The footprint of
the knock-down or collapsed container is not larger than the
substantially L-shaped cross-section halves. In one embodiment,
each half is made of an inner light weight core covered by at least
one layer of strengthened coating. In another embodiment, a
structural metal mesh may be inserted into the core to resist
piercing of the surface. In a further embodiment, one or more of
the substantially L-shaped cross-section halves may be made by
injecting a polymer into a mold to form the core and after removing
the core from the mold, spraying a polymer coating on the polymer
core. For example, liquid polyurethane may be injected into a mold
to form a polyurethane core containing grooves and pockets which
after curing may be removed from the mold and sprayed with polyurea
to form one or more of the load bearing structure and the half
enclosures. In one aspect, the container may have thermal
insulating property for minimizing exposure of cargo to cold
temperatures. In another aspect, the container may have thermal
insulating property for minimizing exposure of cargo to high
temperatures. In a further aspect, the container may have a
combination of any of the properties described in the previous
aspects. According to one embodiment, the container may include an
enclosure having one undivided internal compartment. According to
another embodiment, the container may include an enclosure having
more than one internal compartments. These embodiments are also
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application entitled "Cargo Container for
Storing and Transporting Cargo", and U.S. Patent Application
entitled "Climate control Cargo Container for Storing, Transporting
and Preserving Cargo", to be concurrently filed, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0104] As noted above, the containers include those as described in
FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, (and also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,397,
the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirely,) at
least one of the exposed surfaces thereof may have antimicrobial
properties and pockets may be added for containing phase change
materials.
[0105] According to one embodiment, the container may include an
enclosure having one undivided internal compartment, as shown in
FIG. 3, FIG. 8C or FIG. 10. According to another embodiment, the
container may include an enclosure having more than one internal
compartments, not specifically shown. In one aspect, the interior
may have dividers molded into the side of the component structures
(not specifically shown). In another aspect, the dividers may be
added to the container to form separate compartments. Features 612
or 622, as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A, may be present
or molded into the components of the container to allow for
placement of dividers to adjust the size of the compartments.
[0106] FIG. 10, FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A show embodiments of a
substantially L-shaped cross-section half of a container 600,
having channel or groove, 130, molded or formed on the various
sides. Slots 612 or 622, are molded or formed on the interior of
all side, base or top components, 610 or 620 of FIG. 10, 10a or
11a, for attaching dividers (not shown) to create various
compartments inside the enclosure, or for attaching shaped features
700 for resting cargo, as shown in FIG. 11A. In one embodiment, the
slots 612 or 622, may be formed or molded in fixed distance apart,
as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A so that same size or
multiples of one size compartments may be formed. In another
embodiment, they may be formed or molded in varied distance apart
(not specifically shown), so that different size compartments may
be formed which may or may not be multiples of one size. In one
aspect, the slots are formed at corresponding positions on the
inside surfaces of the side, top or bottom components to form
compartments that are either substantially parallel to the
horizontal or vertical. In another aspect, the slots are formed at
an angle with respect to the horizontal or vertical.
[0107] According to one embodiment, features 700 may be formed or
molded into the components of the container for placement of cargo
or placement of other components for more secure location of
cargo.
[0108] FIG. 11 shows a closed container 600 by mating two
substantially L-shaped cross-section halves, such as that shown in
FIG. 10 or FIG. 11A.
[0109] The containers may be made of the size and shape to
accommodate the cargo, or the cargo may be contained in its own
packaging and then inserted into the container 380 or 600.
[0110] As noted above, the polymeric layer, for example, sheets or
sprayed coating or the coatings thereon the polymeric layer, for
example, sheets or sprayed coatings may include chemical
anti-microbial materials or compounds that are capable of being
substantially permanently bonded, at least for a period such as the
useful life of the loading bearing structure or maintain their
anti-microbial effects when coated with the aid of processing aids
or coating agents, onto the exposed surfaces of the polymeric
layer, for example, sheet or coating 67. In one example, the
chemicals may be deposited on the surface of the polymeric layer,
for example, sheet or coating 67 or incorporated into the material
of the polymeric layer, for example, sheet or coating 67.
Antimicrobial activity may be built into the surface 16 itself by,
for example, covalently bonding antimicrobial agents to the surface
of the polymeric layer, for example, sheet or coating 67, or if
incorporated into the bulk of the material for making the polymeric
layer, for example, sheet or sprayed coating, may migrate to the
surface. These covalently bonded materials may act to minimize
microbial growth on the surface, either disposable or reusable. In
addition, any microbial organisms that may chance to be attached to
the material may be killed by interaction with the coating. For
example, quaternary ammonium cations, such as N-alkyl-pyridiniums,
may be used as antimicrobial moieties in covalently attached
polymeric surface coatings. In one case,
poly(4-vinyl-N-hexylpyridinium) (N-alkylated-PVP) was previously
noted to have an optimum alkyl side chain length for antimicrobial
activity. Polyethylenimine (PEI) was also previously used as a
bacteriocidal coating when both N-alkylated on its primary amino
group and subsequently N-methylated on its secondary and tertiary
amino groups to raise the overall number of cationic quaternary
amino groups. Any such covalently bonded quaternary ammonium cation
polymeric coatings may be used to give an antimicrobial property to
the surface or surfaces of the loading bearing structures. Further
examples of quaternary ammonium compounds include, but are not
limited to, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,
methylbenzethonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium
chloride, cetrimonium, cetrimide, dofanium chloride,
tetraethylammonium bromide, didecyldimethylammonium chloride and
domiphen bromide.
[0111] For bulk incorporation of the antimicrobial agent or agents
into the material used in making the polymeric layer, for example,
sheet or sprayed coating, the agent or agents maybe dispersed
directly into the material, or with the aid of an appropriate
carrier, for example, a binding agent, a solvent, or a suitable
polymer mixing aid. These carriers maybe chosen so that they are
mixable with the material for making the polymeric layer, for
example, sheets or sprayed coatings and compatible with the
antimicrobial agent or agents used. Effective binding agents are
those that do not interfere with the antimicrobial activities of
the antimicrobial agent.
[0112] Depending on the materials used or the type of antimicrobial
agents, appropriate carriers may be more or less hydrophobic, or it
may even be both hydrophilic and hydrophobic. For surface coatings,
the same properties may also be true of the coating aids. For
example, useful carriers may include polymers of monoolefins and
diolefins, e.g. polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene,
poly-4-methylpent-1-ene, polyvinylcyclohexane, polyisoprene or
polybutadiene, and polymers of cycloolefins, e.g. of cyclopentene
or norbornene, polyethylene (which may optionally be crosslinked),
e.g. high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene
(MDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density
polyethylene (LLDPE), (VLDPE) and (ULDPE); copolymers of
monoolefins and diolefins with one another or with other vinyl
monomers, e.g. ethylene/propylene copolymers, linear low density
polyethylene (LLDPE) and blends thereof with low density
polyethylene (LDPE), propylene/but-1-ene copolymers,
propylene/isobutylene copolymers, ethylene/but-1-ene copolymers,
ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene copolymers,
ethylene/heptene copolymers, ethylene/octene copolymers,
ethylene/vinylcyclohexane copolymers, ethylene/cycloolefin
copolymers (e.g. ethylene/norbornene, such as COC),
ethylene/1-olefin copolymers, the 1-olefin being produced in situ;
propylene/butadiene copolymers, isobutylene/isoprene copolymers,
ethylene/vinylcyclohexene copolymers, ethylene/alkyl acrylate
copolymers, ethylene/alkyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl
acetate copolymers or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and salts
thereof (ionomers) and terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a
diene, such as, for example, hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or
ethylidenenorbornene; homopolymers and copolymers that may have any
desired three-dimensional structure (stereo structure), such as,
for example, syndiotactic, isotactic, hemiisotactic or atactic
Stereo block polymers are also possible; polystyrene,
poly(p-methylstyrene), poly(alpha-methylstyrene); aromatic
homopolymers and copolymers derived from vinylaromatic monomers,
including styrene, alpha-methylstyrene, all isomers of
vinyltoluene, in particular p-vinyltoluene, all isomers of
ethylstyrene, propylstyrene, vinylbiphenyl, vinylnaphthalene and
vinylanthracene and blends thereof, homopolymers and copolymers may
have any desired three-dimensional structure, including
syndiotactic, isotactic, hemiisotactic or atactic, stereo block
polymers; copolymers, including the abovementioned vinylaromatic
monomers and co-monomers selected from ethylene, propylene, dienes,
nitriles, acids, maleic anhydrides, maleimides, vinyl acetates and
vinyl chlorides or acryloyl derivatives and mixtures thereof, for
example styrene/butadiene, styrene/acrylonitrile, styrene/ethylene
(interpolymers), styrene/alkylmethacrylate, styrene/butadiene/alkyl
acrylate, styrene/butadiene/alkyl methacrylate, styrene/maleic
anhydride, styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate; blends having a
high impact strength and comprising styrene copolymers and other
polymers, e.g. polyacrylates, diene polymers or
ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymers; and block copolymers of
styrene, such as, for example, styrene/butadiene/styrene,
styrene/isoprene/styrene, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene or
styrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene. Hydrogen-saturated aromatic
polymers derived by hydrogen saturation of said polymers, in
particular including polycyclohexylethylene (PCHE) prepared by the
hydrogenation of atactic polystyrene (frequently designated as
polyvinylcyclohexane (PVCH)); polymers derived from alpha,
beta-unsaturated acids and derivatives thereof, such as, for
example, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polymethyl
methacrylates, polyacrylamides and polyacrylonitriles, made
impact-resistant with butyl acrylate, copolymers of said monomers
with one another and with other unsaturated monomers, such as, for
example, acrylonitrile/butadiene copolymers, acrylonitrile/alkyl
acrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile/alkoxyalkyl acrylates or
acrylonitrile/vinyl halide copolymers or acrylonitrile/alkyl
methacrylate/butadiene terpolymers; polymers derived from
unsaturated alcohols and amines or from acyl derivatives or acetals
thereof, for example polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate,
polyvinyl stearate, polyvinyl benzoate, polyvinyl maleate,
polyvinyl butyral, polyallyl phthalate or polyallylmelamine; and
copolymers thereof with olefins; homopolymers and copolymers of
cyclic ethers, such as, for example, polyalkylene glycols
polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide or copolymers thereof with
bisglycidyl ethers; polyacetals, such as, for example,
polyoxymethylene and those polyoxymethylenes which contain ethylene
oxide as a co-monomer, polyacetals modified with thermoplastic
polyurethanes, acrylates or MBS; polyamides and co-polyamides
derived from diamines and dicarboxylic acids and/or from
aminocarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactams, for example
polyamide 4, polyamide 6, polyamide 6/6, 6/10, 6/9, 6/12, 4/6,
12/12, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, aromatic polyamides starting
from m-xylenediamine and adipic acid; polyamides prepared from
hexamethylenediamine and isophthalic and terephthalic acid as
starting materials and with or without an elastomer as a modifier,
for example poly-2,4,4-trimethylhexamethyleneterephthal-amide or
poly-m-phenyleneisophthalamide; and also block copolymers of said
polyamides with polyolefins, olefin copolymers, ionomers or
chemically bonded or grafted elastomers; polyamides with
polyethers, for example with polyethylene glycol, polypropylene
glycol or polytetramethylene glycol; and also polyamides or
co-polyamides modified with EPDM or ABS; polyamides condensed
during the preparation (RIM polyamide systems); polyesters derived
from dicarboxylic acids and diols and/or from hydroxycarboxylic
acids or the corresponding lactones, for example polyethylene
terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate,
poly-1,4-dimethylolcyclohexane terephthalate, polyalkylene
naphthalate (PAN) and polyhydroxybenzoate, and also block
copolyetheresters derived from hydroxyl-terminated polyethers;
polycarbonates and polyestercarbonates, polyketones, polysulfones,
polyethersulfones and polyetherketones; crosslinked polymers
derived from aldehydes on the one hand and phenols, ureas and
melamines on the other hand, such as, for example,
phenol/formaldehyde resins, urea/formaldehyde resins and
melamine/formaldehyde resins; unsaturated polyester resins derived
from co-polyesters of saturated and unsaturated dicarboxylic acids,
polyhydric alcohols and vinyl components as cross linking agents,
and also halogen-containing modifiers thereof having low
flammability; crosslinked acrylic resins derived from substituted
acrylates, e.g. epoxyacrylates, urethaneacrylates or
polyesteracrylates; starch; polymers and co-copolymers of materials
such as polylactic acids and its copolymers, cellulose, polyhydroxy
alcanoates (PHA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate
(PBS)) polymers and copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone such as
polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate), and
crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone, Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol
(EvOH).
[0113] More for example, examples of thermoplastic polymers that
may be suitable as carriers may include the following:
Polypropylene, High Density Polyethylene, Polyolefin combined with
MS0825 Nanoreinforced.RTM. POSS.RTM. Polypropylene, thermoplastic
elastomers, thermoplastic vulcinates, Polyvinylchloride, Polylactic
acid, Polyester, unsaturated polyesters, acrylnitrilebutadiene
styrene, Polyoxamethalyne, Cellulosics, Polyamides,
Polyamideimides, ionomer, Polycarbonate, Polybutylene
terephthylate, Polyester elastomers, Linear low density
polyethelene, thermoplastic polyurethane, cyclic olefin copolymer,
bi-axially oriented polypropylene, ethylene copolymers, various
biodegradable polymers such as Cereplast-Polylactic Acid,
Purac-Lactide.RTM. PLA, Nec Corp PLA, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp GS
PLA resins, Natureworks LLC PLA, Cereplast-Biopropylene.RTM.,
Spartech.RTM.-PLA Rejuven8 Plus, resins made from starch,
cellulose, polyhydroxy alcanoates (PHA), polycaprolactone (PCL),
polybutylene succinate (PBS), or combinations thereof, such as
Ecoflex F BX 7011 and Ecovio L Resins from BASF, Germany,
Polyvinylchloride, and recycled and reclaimed Polyester such as
recycled soda bottles, Ecoflex F BX 7011 from BASF, Germany, and
Nodax.RTM.--biodegradable polyester made by P&G of Cincinnati,
Ohio.
[0114] The carriers may generally be present in a low percentage of
the total amount of the material used for making polymeric layer,
for example, sheets or sprayed coatings so that the effect, if any,
on the properties of the polymeric layer, for example, sheets or
sprayed coating may be minimized. In one embodiment, when the
anti-microbial agent is incorporated into the material used either
for making the polymeric layer, for example, sheet or sprayed
coating mentioned above, the antimicrobial agent maybe master batch
in the material or an appropriate carrier to form a concentrate at
a higher concentration prior to adding to the material for making
the sheet or sprayed coating in desired proportions. In another
embodiment, the antimicrobial agent may be added directly to the
material or making the polymeric layer, for example, sheet or
sprayed coating without the intermediate step.
[0115] For master batch operations, the carrier may be provided in
an amount of, for example, from about 10% to about 50% by weight of
the polymeric layer, for example, sheet, or sprayed coating 67;
more for example, from about 10% to about 25% by weight, and even
more for example, from about 10% to about 15% by weight; so that
when the master batch is diluted into the material for making the
polymeric layer, for example, sheet or sprayed coating 67, the
amount is minuscule.
[0116] These carriers may also be useful for coating aids mentioned
above and may be in the same amount as noted above. Master batching
may also be employed.
[0117] Antimicrobial coatings may be covalently attached to the
surface by a variety of methods and may include, for example,
creating suitable reaction sites, such as free hydroxyl or amino
groups, by coronal discharge, surface etching, hydrolyzation or
other methods that disrupt the smooth surface 16 of the structure
10 to create sites of suitable reactivity. The antimicrobial
coatings may then be synthesized by reacting the various precursors
with the prepared surface of the polymeric layer, for example,
sheet or coating 67 to build the proper coating. In other cases,
silanes may be used as coupling agents to complex antimicrobial
moieties to the surface of the polymeric layer, for example, sheet
or coating 67. Silanes or other strong affinity coupling agents may
be used in particular to bond coatings to polymer surfaces that may
resist other forms of attachment. Effective coupling agents are
those that do not interfere with the antimicrobial properties of
the antimicrobial agent or agents.
[0118] In other embodiments, to increase the coating efficiency,
the exposed surfaces to be coated may be roughened or pitted.
[0119] For bulk incorporation, antimicrobial agent or agents may
migrate to the surface and be covalently bonded to the surface.
[0120] In other embodiments, the coatings may include chemical
antimicrobial materials or compounds that may be deposited onto
exposed surface 16 in a non-permanent manner such that they may
dissolve, leach or otherwise deliver antimicrobial effects during
use, for example, in a moist environment. For bulk incorporation,
antimicrobial agent or agents may migrate to the surface and be
non-permanently bonded to the surface.
[0121] Chemical antimicrobial materials or compounds may include a
variety of substances including, but not limited to antibiotics,
antimycotics, general antimicrobial agents, metal ion generating
materials, or any other materials capable of generating an
antimicrobial effect. The anti-microbial compound may include, but
are not limited to, antibiotics, quaternary ammonium cations, a
source of metal ions, triclosan, chlorhexidine, and/or any other
appropriate compound or mixtures thereof. The anti-microbial
compound may also include materials or substances which may release
or generate reactive oxygen species. For example, titanium dioxide
and/or zinc coatings may, when for example exposed to a source of
light/UV radiation, air and moisture, photocatalyze the formation
of reactive oxygen species, such as, for example, superoxide
(O.sub.2.sup.-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH). Reactive oxygen species
may in general, inter alia, have an antimicrobial effect.
[0122] Antimicrobial agents may be employed to retard or kill
microbes on the surface Antimicrobial agents may include, but are
not limited to, antibiotics such as .beta.-lactams (e.g.
penicillin), aminoglycosides (e.g. streptomycin) and tetracyclines
(e.g. doxycycline), antimycotics such as polyene drugs (e.g.
amphotericin B) and imidazole and triazole drugs (e.g.
fluconazole), ternary complex of Cu(pcpa)2(aben)2
(pcpa=p-chlorophenoxyacetic acid anion, aben=2-amino
benzothiazole), Methylenebis(phenyl-1,5-benzothiazepine)s, carbon
nanotubes, such as single-walled nanotubes, and
Methylenebis(benzofuryl-1,5-benzothiazepine)s, and general
antimicrobial agents such as quaternary ammonium cations (e.g.
benzalkonium chloride) and compounds such as triclosan. Polymeric
antimicrobial compounds, which are based on positively charged
amino acid residues and hydrophobic moieties, such as those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7.504.381, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference, may also be utilized. The
composition may include a binding agent, an antimicrobial agent
and/or other materials conducive to its retention on the surface or
surfaces of the loading bearing structures and its use as a
sterilizing agent. Suitable binding agents may include, but are not
limited to, polymers such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polylactic
acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), polysaccharides such as
carrageenan, chondroitin sulfate, ethylcellulose,
hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose,
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Effective
binding agents are those that do not interfere with the
antimicrobial activities of the antimicrobial agent.
[0123] In still other embodiments, sources of anti-microbial agents
may leach and/or release agents in a moist environment or upon
contact with moisture. These sources may be incorporated into the
substrate materials used for manufacturing the polymeric layer, for
example, sheet or coating 67, as discussed above, or included in
the polymeric layer, for example, coatings or sheet 67 coated on
the exposed surfaces 16 of the structure 10. Incorporation of the
sources is especially suited to polymeric substrates, as in the
present invention.
[0124] Water soluble or hydrophilic carriers such as
hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone or carrageenan may be
employed to effect such action. In other embodiments, the
antimicrobial agent may be retained in an insoluble carrier that
may linger in the polymeric layer, for example, coating or sheet 67
and slowly release (time release) the agent. Insoluble high
molecular weight carriers, such as PEO, or biodegradable carriers,
such as PLA and PGA, may be employed to effect such action.
[0125] The antimicrobial layer or coating may be present on the
inside and/or outside of the container.
[0126] The antimicrobial treatment may be active against one or
more microbes or pathogens, not limited to bacteria, viruses,
fungi, protists (for example, plasmodium), helminths and insect
larvae. Bacteria may include gram negative and/or gram positive
bacteria. The antimicrobial treatment may be active against
Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Pseudomonas, Moraxella,
Helicobacter, Strenotrophomonas, Bdellovibrio and Legionella. The
antimicrobial treatment may be active against Bacillus,
Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Listeria (L.), Staphylococcus and
Streptococcus. The antimicrobial treatment may be active against L.
dinitrificans, L. grayi, L. innocua, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes,
L. murrayi, L. seeligeri and L. welshimeri. The antimicrobial
treatment may be active against one or more organisms including
Hymenoptera (H.) Aculeata eggs and/or nests. As used here the term
"active" means "toxic" and/or "killing" and/or to "inhibit
propagation". For example, toxic can describe an agent that
interferes with RNA or DNA synthesis, causes RNA or DNA strand
scission, blocks cell cycling, division, replication or is
otherwise cytotoxic to the microbe, pathogen or organism. The term
"active" with respect to inhibition may mean, for example,
inhibition of a microbe or pathogen's DNA synthesis, which results
in inhibition of DNA synthesis in an appropriate cultured cell line
by between approximately 50% and approximately 95%.
[0127] As noted above, an additional enclosure, such as bag like
enclosure may be used to cover any of the load bearing structures
described above. The present invention also discloses a system
designed to facilitate the security checking process, including a
light weight load bearing structure for loading perishable or
non-perishable cargo, the load bearing structure having a top deck,
a bottom deck and a width joining the top and the bottom, the
bottom deck having a plurality of legs extending therefrom and the
cargo is loaded onto the top deck of the load bearing structure;
and a bag-like enclosure for covering the cargo and at least a
portion of the width of the load bearing structure, with the
bag-like enclosure having an opening with an elastic property about
its circumference for stretching about the width of the load
bearing structure. The load bearing structure and bag-like
enclosure in this configuration are both transparent to magnetic
imaging scanners used in security scanning to facilitate the
security check of perishable cargo or non-perishable cargo, large
or small, without the need for unloading and reloading of the cargo
from the load bearing structure.
[0128] The bag like enclosure may be made from a film, a woven
sheet or a non-woven sheet having sufficient strength for
stretching over and covering a cargo and light weight enough not to
add unnecessary weight to the cargo. It may be closed on three
sides and opened at one end, with the open end having some elastic
property circumferentially about the opening. The cargo may be
packed and the bag-like material stretched over the entire cargo
with the open end stretched under the edge of base and tagged at
the origin and the complete structure may be shrink-wrapped. The
surfaces of the bag-like material may also have anti-microbial
properties. Any of the antimicrobial embodiments described above
may be suitable. More details are found in concurrently file U.S.
Patent Application entitled "SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING SECURITY CHECK
OF SHIPMENT OF CARGO", the content of which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
[0129] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and
detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *