Stock material or miscellaneous articles – Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or... – Composite having a component wherein a constituent is liquid...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-18
2001-01-23
Dawson, Robert (Department: 1712)
Stock material or miscellaneous articles
Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or...
Composite having a component wherein a constituent is liquid...
C524S502000, C524S378000, C524S503000, C524S524000, C524S525000, C524S526000, C524S514000, C524S537000, C524S540000, C524S450000, C523S128000, C428S905000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06177183
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to monolithic compositions comprising a water-insoluble polymer, a hydrophilic agent an activation material. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to modified polymers blended with one or more activation materials to form an activation material entrained polymer. The invention further relates to an entrained polymer that includes means by which the activation material located within interior portions of the polymer structure are exposed to conditions that are exterior to the polymer body. In one embodiment, the entrained polymer of the present invention is useful in the manufacture of containers and packaging for items requiring controlled environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many items that are preferably stored, shipped and/or utilized in an environment that must be controlled and/or regulated. For example, in the moisture control area, containers and/or packages having the ability to absorb excess moisture trapped therein have been recognized as desirable. One application in which moisture absorbing containers are desired is for the shipment and storage of medications whose efficacy is compromised by moisture. The initial placement of medicines into a sealed moisture free container is usually controllable. Furthermore, the container for the medicine is selected so that is has a low permeability to moisture. Therefore, the medication will normally be protected from moisture until it reaches the end user. Once the medicine is received by the customer, however, the container must be repeatedly opened and closed to access the medication. Each time the container is opened and unsealed, moisture bearing air will most likely be introduced into the container and sealed therein upon closure. Unless this moisture is otherwise removed from the atmosphere or head space of the container, it may be detrimentally absorbed by the medication. For this reason, it is a well known practice to include a desiccating unit together with the medication in the container.
Other items, electronic components may require reduced moisture conditions for optimal performance. These components may be sealed in containers, but excess moisture that is initially trapped therein must be removed. Furthermore, the housings may not be completely moisture tight, and moisture may be allowed to seep into the container. This moisture must also be retained away from the working components. For these reasons, it is important to include a desiccating agent within the housing for absorbing and retaining excess moisture. Because of the delicacy of many of the components that are to be protected from the moisture, it is important that the desiccant used not be of a “dusting” nature that may contaminate and compromise the performance of the components. Therefore, it has been recognized as advantageous to expose a desiccating agent to the interior space of such containers, while at the same time shielding the working components from actual contact with the desiccating material, including desiccant dust that may be produced therefrom.
In other instances, moisture may be released from items that have been placed in containers or sealed in packaging wrap for shipping and/or storage. Prime examples of such items are food stuffs-that release moisture during shipping and storage. In the instance of containers that are sealed and substantially impermeable to moisture, the released moisture will remain within the container. If not removed, this released moisture may have ill effects on the very item that released the moisture. It has been found that a substantial amount of moisture is released from certain food products within the first forty-eight (48) hours after manufacture and packaging. This released moisture will remain until removed. If the moisture is not removed shortly after its release, it may cause the food to degrade into a condition that is not saleable. In these cases, desiccants may be included together with the contained items to continually absorb the released moisture until the product is unpacked. In this way, a relatively dry environment is maintained about the stored item.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses both a structure and a method by which interconnecting channels are established throughout the composition. These interconnecting channels communicate the entrained activation material to the appropriate areas of the exterior of the composition in a manner that permits the desired property to migrate from outside the plastic structure to interior locations where the activation material is positioned. Furthermore, these interconnecting channels through which the desired property is permitted to travel are occupied by hydrophilic agents (e.g., channeling agents) that control the transmission rate into the composition. The hydrophilic agents are used to act as bridges from the surface of the composition inwardly to the activation material positioned within the composition.
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Capitol Specialty Plastics, Inc.
Dawson Robert
Dreier & Baritz LLP.
Peng Kuo-Liang
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