Abstrict A container for containing moisture sensitive items has at least
one wall having a desiccating agent wherein the desiccating agent
absorbs moisture so as to inhibit such moisture from contacting
moisture sensitive items contained within the bag. The wall preferably
has a durable outer layer, a moisture barrier intermediate layer,
and a desiccant containing inner layer. The desiccant containing
inner layer preferably comprises microporous polyolefin impregnated
with silica.
Claims What is claimed is:
1. A container for containing moisture sensitive items, said container
comprising: a) at least one first wall comprising a desiccating
agent; and b) wherein said desiccating agent absorbs moisture so
as to inhibit such moisture from contacting moisture sensitive items
contained within said container.
2. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein said desiccating
agent is integrally formed with said first wall(s).
3. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein said first wall(s)
comprise microporous polyolefin impregnated with silica.
4. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein said first wall(s)
comprise: a) a durable outer layer; and b) desiccant containing
inner layer.
5. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein said first wall(s)
comprise: a) a durable outer layer; b) a moisture barrier intermediate
layer; and c) a desiccant containing inner layer.
6. The container as recited in claim 5 wherein: a) said outer layer
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: (i)
polyester terrephlalate; (ii) nylon; (iii) heat and abrasion resistant
lacquer; (iv) polypropylene; b) said intermediate layer comprises
a metal foil; and c) said inner layer comprises microporous polyolefin
impregnated with silica.
7. The container as recited in claim 5 further comprising: a) a
first adhesive layer disposed intermediate said outer layer and
said intermediate layer for bonding said outer layer to said intermediate
layer; and b) a second adhesive layer disposed intermediate said
intermediate layer and said inner layer for bonding said intermediate
layer to said inner layer.
8. The container as recited in claim 7 wherein said first and second
adhesive layers comprise at least one adhesive selected from the
group consisting of: a) solventless adhesive; b) solvent based adhesive;
and c) extruded polymers.
9. The container as recited in claim 7 wherein said first and second
adhesive layers comprise at least one of extruded polyethylene or
extruded polyethylene copolymer.
10. The container as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least
one second wall comprised of metal foil to which said first wall
is attached so as to define a bag.
11. The container as recited in claim 1 wherein said first wall
is configured so as to define a bag.
12. The container as recited in claim 1 comprising two first walls
bonded together to define a bag.
13. The container as recited in claim 12 further comprising a heat
seal lacquer bonding said two first walls together.
14. A moisture isolating material comprising: a) a durable layer;
and b) a desiccant containing layer formed to said durable layer.
15. The moisture isolating material as recited in claim 14 wherein
said desiccant layer comprises microporous polyolefin impregnated
with silica.
16. The moisture isolating material as recited in claim 14 further
comprising a moisture barrier layer formed intermediate said durable
layer and said desiccant containing layer.
17. The moisture isolating material as recited in claim 16 wherein:
a) said durable layer comprises a material selected from the group
consisting of: (i) polyester terrephlalate; (ii) nylon; (iii) heat
and abrasion resistant lacquer; (iv) polypropylene; b) said moisture
barrier layer comprises a metal foil; and c) said desiccant containing
layer comprises microporous polyolefin impregnated with silica.
18. The moisture isolating material as recited in claim 17 further
comprising: a) a first adhesive layer disposed intermediate said
durable layer and said moisture barrier layer for bonding said durable
layer to said moisture barrier layer; and b) a second adhesive layer
disposed intermediate said moisture barrier layer and said desiccant
containing layer for bonding said moisture barrier layer to said
desiccant containing layer.
19. The moisture isolating material as recited in claim 18 wherein
said first and second adhesive layers comprise at least one adhesive
selected from the group consisting of: a) solventless adhesive;
b) solvent based adhesive; and c) extruded polymers.
20. The moisture isolating material as recited in claim 18 wherein
said first and second adhesive layers comprise at least one of extruded
polyethylene or extruded polyethylene copolymers.
21. A method for forming a bag for containing moisture sensitive
items, said method comprising the steps of: a) forming a bag having
at least one first wall comprising a desiccating agent; and b) wherein
said desiccating agent absorbs moisture so as to inhibit such moisture
from contacting moisture sensitive items contained within said container.
22. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein the step of forming
a bag having at least one first wall comprising a desiccating agent
comprises forming a bag having a first wall within which the desiccating
agent is integrally formed.
23. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein the step of forming
a bag having at least one first wall comprises forming a bag having
at least one first wall comprised of microporous polyolefin impregnated
with silica.
24. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein the step of forming
a bag having at least one first wall comprises forming a durable
outer layer to a desiccant containing inner layer.
25. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein the step of forming
a bag comprises forming a bag having a durable outer layer, a moisture
barrier intermediate layer, and a desiccant containing inner layer.
26. The method as recited in claim 25 wherein the step of forming
an outer layer comprises forming an outer layer of a material selected
from the group consisting of: a) polyester terrephlalate; b) nylon;
c) heat and abrasion resistant lacquer; and d) polypropylene.
27. A method for forming a moisture isolating material, the method
comprising the steps of: a) forming a barrier layer; and b) forming
a desiccant containing layer thereto.
28. The method as recited in claim 27 wherein the step of forming
a desiccant containing layer comprised forming a desiccant container
layer comprised of microporous polyolefin impregnated with silica.
29. The method as recited in claim 27 wherein the step of forming
a durable layer comprises forming a durable layer comprised of a
material selected from the group consisting of: a) polyester terrephlalate;
b) nylon; C) heat and abrasion resistant lacquer; and d) polypropylene.
Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to packaging materials
and more particularly to a desiccant barrier container for containing
moisture sensitive items, wherein the desiccant barrier container
comprises microporous polyolefin impregnated with silica so as to
absorb moisture and thereby inhibit the moisture from contacting
moisture sensitive items contained within the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bags and the like for containing moisture sensitive items,
such as electronic components, are well known. Moisture sensitive
items are typically packaged within such moisture resistant bags
at their place of manufacture and are typically only removed therefrom
immediately prior to being utilized. Thus, the moisture sensitive
items so packaged are generally isolated from moisture contained
within the air, as well as from accidental moisture contamination
through handling, e.g., leaks, spills, body fluids, etc.
[0003] Further, it is well known to include a desiccant, such as
silica, within the moisture resistant package containing such items.
Such desiccant is typically enclosed within a moisture permeable
package such that the desiccant is isolated from the moisture resistant
items packaged therewith and such that moisture is readily absorbed
thereby. Thus, the moisture contained in the ambient air when the
package is sealed, as well as any moisture subsequently entering
the package is generally absorbed by the desiccant rather than substantially
contaminating the moisture sensitive item contained therein.
[0004] Although the use of such moisture resistant packaging in
combination with a desiccant has proven generally suitable for its
intended purpose, it possesses inherent deficiencies which detract
from its overall effectiveness and desirability.
[0005] For example, according to contemporary methodology, it is
necessary to purchase and store such desiccants prior to their use.
When needed, such desiccants must be retrieved from inventory, unpackaged,
and, generally, manually placed within each moisture resistant package
along with the moisture sensitive item contained therein. Thus,
the use of such desiccants according to contemporary methodology
requires substantial handling. As those skilled in the art will
appreciate, the costs associated with the use of such contemporary
desiccants thus includes not only their purchase price, but additionally
the cost associated with the labor required for such handling.
[0006] As such, it is beneficial to provide a moisture resistant
package which inhibits moisture contamination of moisture sensitive
items contained therein and which does not require the addition
of a separate desiccant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art.
More particularly, the present invention comprises a container comprised
of a moisture isolating material for containing moisture sensitive
items. The container comprises at least one wall comprising a desiccating
agent. The desiccating agent absorbs moisture contained within the
container so as to inhibit any moisture disposed within the container
from substantially contacting moisture sensitive items contained
within the container.
[0008] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the desiccating agent is integrally formed with at least a first
wall of the container. The wall(s) with which such desiccating agent
is integrally formed preferably comprise microporous polyolefin
impregnated with silica.
[0009] Further, according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the wall(s) within which such desiccating agent is integrally
formed comprise a durable outer layer and a desiccant containing
inner layer. The wall(s) preferably further comprise a moisture
barrier intermediate layer disposed between the durable outer layer
and the desiccant containing inner layer.
[0010] The outer layer preferably comprises either polyester terrephlalate,
nylon, heat and abrasion resistant lacquer, or polypropylene, and
the intermediate layer preferably comprises a metal foil. A first
adhesive layer is disposed intermediate the outer layer and the
intermediate layer for bonding the outer layer to the intermediate
layer. Similarly, a second adhesive layer is disposed intermediate
the intermediate layer and the inner layer for bonding the intermediate
layer to the inner layer. The first and second adhesive layers preferably
comprise either solventless adhesive, solvent based adhesive, or
extruded polymer, such as extruded polyethylene, extruded polyethylene
copolymer, or extruded ionomers.
[0011] The container may optionally be configured so as to comprise
at least one wall comprised of metal foil, to which said desiccant
containing wall is attached so as to define a bag, for example.
Thus, for a two-walled bag, for example, one of the walls comprises
a desiccant containing inner layer and the other wall does not.
[0012] Thus, according to the present invention, various different
containers, e.g., boxes, bags, etc., may be fabricated so as to
provide a substantially moisture resistant enclosure to which additional
desiccant does not need to be added in order to effectively protect
moisture sensitive items from exposure to moisture. According to
various alterative configurations of the present invention, either
one or a plurality of the walls of such containers may be fabricated
so as to integrally contain desiccant. The remaining walls need
not contain such integral desiccant, but must be resistant to moisture
permeation.
[0013] These, as well as other advantages of the present invention
will be more apparent from the following description and drawings.
It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and
described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing
from the spirit of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an exemplary container or bag formed to provide
a moisture resistant desiccant barrier according to the present
invention; and
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross section of a wall having outer, intermediate,
and inner layers, as utilized in the construction of a moisture
resistant desiccant barrier container according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently
preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended
to represent the only form in which the present invention may be
constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions
and sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention
in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood,
however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may
be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended
to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0017] The moisture resistant desiccant barrier container of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 which depict
a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. Referring now
to FIG. 1 one example of a container formed according to the present
invention is a bag 10 having at least one wall 12a or 12b formed
so as to comprise integrally formed desiccant upon the inner surface
32 thereof. Thus, either one or both of the two walls 12a or 12b
is formed to comprise integrally formed desiccant, the other wall
12b or 12a is comprised of a moisture isolating material, so as
to inhibit the flow of liquid into the bag, as discussed in detail
below and lacks an integrally formed desiccant. Of course, both
walls 12a and 12b may be comprised of integrally formed desiccant,
if desired.
[0018] The two walls 12a and 12b are joined via seam 32 which
may be formed via heat sealing, adhesively bonding, or otherwise
formed in a manner which inhibits flow of liquid or moisture ladened
air therethrough. In a similar manner, the opening 14 of the bag
10 may be sealed via heat sealing, adhesive bonding, or via the
use of a zip-lock.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2 at least one wall of the bag 10
is preferably formed to have a durable outer layer 30 preferably
formed of polyester terrephlalate, nylon, heat and abrasion resistant
lacquer, or polypropylene. The durable outer layer 30 provides a
gas barrier and also provides the strength and durability required
of packaging materials. The durable outer wall 30 is bonded, preferably
via adhesive layer 26. to a moisture barrier intermediate layer
22 which is preferably comprised of a metal foil, e.g., aluminum
foil, tin foil, etc. The moisture barrier intermediate layer 22
is bonded to inner layer 24 preferably via adhesive layer 28. As
those skilled in the art will appreciate, the particular adhesive
materials utilized are dependent upon the chosen fabrication process.
Solventless adhesive, waterborn adhesive, or solvent based adhesives
may be utilized if an adhesive laminator is used. Alternatively,
the adhesive layers are extruded polymers such as polyethylene or
polyethylene copolymers or ionomers, which are preferably applied
to the outer layer 30 immediate layer 22 and inter layer 24 in
a sandwich-like fashion immediately after extrusion. Alternatively,
the sandwiched layers are assembled and then heated to effect bonding.
Thus, the three wall materials may be laminated together by either
adhesive or extrusion lamination.
[0020] The inner layer 24 which defines the inner surface 32 of
the bag 10 is preferably formed of microporous polyolefin impregnated
with silica, so as to absorb moisture which is enclosed therein
along with the moisture sensitive article, as well as any moisture
which permeates the durable outer layer 30 and the moisture barrier
intermediate layer 22.
[0021] Thus, the user need merely insert the moisture sensitive
item into the container 10 of the present invention and seal the
container 10 in order to achieve desired moisture resistant packaging.
No separate desiccant needs to be added to the container, since
such desiccant is formed integrally therewith. Thus, the need for
separate desiccant packets is eliminated. Bags formed according
to the present invention are suitable for either vacuum or ambient
packaging of moisture sensitive items. The silica impregnated microporous
polyolefin inner layer 24 is heat sealable to various polyolefins
and heat seal lacquers, so as to facilitate the construction of
various different containers therewith.
[0022] The moisture barrier material of the present invention is
suitable for heat sealing to a foil laminate having a polyethylene
inner layer so as to form a two-part bag. Thus, that wall of the
two-part bag comprising integrally formed desiccant inhibits moisture
formation within the bag. The moisture isolating material formed
according to the present invention can also be sealed to itself
via the use of heat-seal lacquer applied to one or both portions
thereof which are to be sealed together, thereby facilitating the
construction of various bags, boxes, and other packages.
[0023] After being fabricated, the moisture isolating material
of the present invention is heated sufficiently to drive off any
moisture absorbed during processing, handling, and storage prior
to being formed into a container. Alternatively, the final, assembled
container may be heated, as necessary.
[0024] Containers and/or materials formed according to the present
invention are preferably packaged in a moisture resistant container,
preferably also formed according to the present invention, so as
to inhibit moisture absorption during shipping and storage thereof.
[0025] The durable outer layer 30 of the moisture isolating material
provides an effective gas barrier and the metal foil intermediate
layer 22 provides an effective barrier against moisture permeation.
The durable outer layer 30 also provides an effective moisture barrier.
[0026] It is understood that the exemplary moisture resistant container
described herein and shown in the drawings represents only a presently
preferred embodiment of the invention. Indeed, various modifications
and additions may be made to such embodiment without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as those skilled
in the art will appreciate, various different configurations of
containers are suitable for fabrication according to the present
invention. Additionally, various different configurations of the
moisture isolating material are contemplated. Thus, these and other
modifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in the
art and may be implemented to adapt the present invention for use
in a variety of different applications. |