Patent Application
20230093894
Not applicable to this application.
Not applicable to this application.
The described example embodiments in general relate to a corrugated cardboard pest repellent system utilizing the space between layers of a corrugated cardboard construct for repelling and/or exterminating various pests while reducing the risk of contamination of goods or exposure by handlers.
Corrugated cardboard materials have become ubiquitous in shipping of a wide range of items. Such corrugated cardboard materials are used to form a number of different types of constructs that may be utilized for a wide range of purposes, such as for enclosing or protecting items being shipped.
By way of example, corrugated cardboard may be utilized to form a flexible, single-faced construct that may be utilized for a wide range of purposes, such as but not limited to use as a flexible protective wrap. Such single-faced constructs typically include a corrugated medium secured on one side to a liner (e.g., cardboard liner). As a further example, a double-faced construct may be formed by securing the second side of the corrugated medium to a second liner for purposes such as use as slip sheets or blanks for corrugated carton manufacturing.
Additional layers of medium may be applied as-needed to increase the thickness of the corrugated cardboard construct to suit different applications. For example, a double wall corrugated construct may be formed with two layers of medium sandwiched between three adjacent liners. As a further example, a triple wall corrugated construct may be formed with three layers of medium sandwiched between four adjacent liners.
While such corrugated cardboard constructs have been useful in packaging and shipping for many years, pests have been known to be drawn to corrugated packaging materials and into the dark, hidden spaces between the liners or within the mediums, and negatively impact the packaged contents, on or within the corrugated construct. Such pests can present a number of risks and undesirable situations due to such incursions within or between the layers of such corrugated cardboard constructs.
Various pests have been known to lay eggs within the corrugated cardboard constructs, thus exacerbating the problem. Additionally, when foods are being shipped, such pests can contaminate the foods. Various other items such as paper goods or plant materials may also be eaten by the pests. Finally, such pests have been known to defecate within the corrugated cardboard constructs, which can present serious health problems for any who handle the constructs at a later time.
While pest repellent treatments have been applied to various containers and liners, the regulation of such pest repellent treatments is highly regulated due to the toxic nature of many common repellents. It would be desirable to utilize corrugated cardboard constructs which repel such pests without any risk (or with a substantially lessened risk) of the repellent contaminating nearby goods or individuals who handle the corrugated cardboard constructs.
Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a corrugated cardboard pest repellent system that can repel and/or exterminate various pests within or between layers of a corrugated cardboard construct while reducing the risk of contamination of goods or exposure by handlers. Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include a first liner secured to a first corrugated medium to form a single face construct, with the first corrugated medium being treated by a pest repellent. In some embodiments, a second liner may be secured to the first corrugated medium to form a single wall construct. In some other embodiments, a second corrugated medium that has been treated by the pest repellent may be secured between the second liner and a third liner to form a double wall construct. In some other embodiments, a third corrugated medium that has been treated by the pest repellent may be secured between the third liner and a fourth liner to form a triple wall construct.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the various embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evidence to the contrary from the description, where elements in different FIGS. use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose.
Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a corrugated cardboard pest repellent system that can repel or exterminate various pests while minimizing exposure of a handler. Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure include a first liner 30 comprised of a sheet of a first material and a first medium 20 secured to the first liner 30. The first medium 20 is corrugated such that the first medium 20 comprises a plurality of crests 22 and a plurality of troughs 25. The first medium 20 includes a plurality of crest openings 28 defined between the plurality of crests 22 and a plurality of trough openings 29 defined between the plurality of troughs 25. An adhesive 51 is applied to the first medium 20 and/or the first liner 30 to secure the first liner 30 to the first medium 20. A pest repellent 63 is applied to the first medium 20 to repel pests.
The first liner 30 and the first medium 20 may each be comprised of containerboard. The first liner 30 may be comprised of linerboard and the first medium 20 may be comprised of fluting. The pest repellent 63 may be applied to an underside of each of the plurality of crests 22 of the first medium 20. The pest repellent 63 may be applied within each of the plurality of crest openings 28 of the first medium 20. The pest repellent 63 may be applied across an entire length of each of the plurality of crest openings 28 of the first medium 20. The adhesive 51 may be comprised of glue. The pest repellent 63 may be comprised of a plant-based substance or a scented oil. The adhesive 51 may be applied to select (i.e., some of) or each of the plurality of troughs 25 of the first medium 20.
Another exemplary embodiment may include first and second liners 30 each being comprised of a sheet, and a first medium 20 secured between the first and second liners 30. An adhesive 51 may be utilized to secure the first medium 20 between the first and second liners 30. A pest repellent 63 may be applied to the first medium 20.
Another exemplary embodiment may include a third liner 30 comprised of a sheet, and a second medium 20 secured between the second and third liners 30. A pest repellent 63 may be applied to the second medium 20.
Another exemplary embodiment may include a fourth liner 30 comprised of a sheet, and a third medium 20 secured between the third and fourth liners 30. A pest repellent 63 may be applied to the third medium 20.
As shown throughout the figures, a wide range of constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 may be assembled utilizing the methods and systems described herein. The constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 may be utilized for a wide range of purposes, such as but not limited to storage, transport, packaging, wraps, fillers, and the like.
A wide range of corrugated cardboard constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 may be formed to include pest repellent properties using the methods and systems described herein, and the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting in scope.
While the figures only illustrate certain exemplary embodiments of constructs 40, 42, 44, 46, it should be appreciated that a wide range of constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 not shown in the figures could benefit from the methods and systems described herein for repelling pests. For example, additional layers may be utilized (e.g., four layers, five layers, six layers, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple layers of mediums 20 may be positioned adjacent to each other without being separated by a liner 30.
While the methods and systems described herein will generally be utilized to form constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 comprised of corrugated cardboard materials, it should be appreciated that various other materials may be utilized. For example and without limitation, the systems and methods described herein may be utilized to form constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 which are comprised of materials other than cardboard, such as but not limited to paper, plastic, metals, metal alloys, composite materials, and the like.
In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and systems described herein may be utilized with constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 used to form a wide range of different containers such as boxes/cartons for storage or shipping. The constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 may be used to form a corrugated fiberboard carton such as a corrugated fiberboard box. In such embodiments, the constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 may be used as blanks which may be formed into the wide range of different container styles. By way of example and without limitation, the constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 may be used to form regular slotted containers, half slotted containers, overlap slotted containers, full overlap slotted containers, center special slotted containers, center special overlap slotted containers, center special full overlap slotted containers, telescope containers, rigid boxes, self-erecting boxes, one piece folders, five panel folders, trays, and the like. Such containers may include handles, with the constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 also being utilized to form such handles.
In another exemplary embodiment, the methods and systems described herein may be utilized with constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 used to form a wide range of interior forms (e.g., build-ups, dividers, partitions, and other inner packing pieces) that can be used to separate or cushion goods, to strengthen a container, or to fill voids. By way of example and without limitation, the constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 may be used to form pads, tubes, partitions, dividers, inner packing pieces, inner pack forms, and the like.
As a further example, the constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 formed by the methods and systems described herein may comprise multi-layer laminates adapted for use as various structural, interior, and decorative elements in various buildings such as industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. Exemplary laminates may comprise wood, wood fiber, paper, plant fiber, cotton, silicone-glass, synthetic materials, sheet aluminum, or other suitable materials, depending on the application. Structural elements may include framing, joists, flooring, ceilings, wall panels, and the like. Interior elements may include work surfaces, countertops, and the like. Decorative elements may include veneers or other ornamental structures known for their decorative appeal.
As described in more detail herein, the medium(s) 20 of each construct 40, 42, 44, 46 will generally be treated with a pest repellent 63 which is known to repel or exterminate various pests such as insects, arachnids, and the like so as to prevent incursion of such pests on, under, or between the liner(s) 30. The pest repellent 63 is preferably positioned so as to reduce or eliminate the likelihood that the pest repellent 63 will contact the goods being protected or any individuals who handle the constructs 40, 42, 44, 46.
i. Liners.
As shown in the figures, one or more liners 30 may be secured to one or more mediums 20 to form a resulting construct 40, 42, 44, 46. The type of liner 30 utilized may vary in different embodiments. The liner 30 may comprise a flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid material. By way of example and without limitation, the liner 30 may be comprised of containerboard, linerboard, cardboard, paper, plastic, composites, metals, metal alloys, and the like.
Each liner 30 will generally be comprised of a flat sheet of material as shown in the figures. It should be appreciated that the thickness of the liner 30 may vary and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The liner 30 may comprise a single sheet of material, or may be comprised of multiple sheets of materials either layered together (to increase thickness) or interconnected to form a larger sheet.
As best shown in
ii. Mediums.
As shown in the figures, a medium 20 may be secured to one or more liners 30 to form a single-face or multi-faced construct 40, 42, 44, 46. The medium 20 will generally be comprised of a corrugated material such as shown in the figures. However, it should be appreciated that various other shapes of materials may be utilized for the medium 20, such as but not limited to crimped materials, folded materials, bent materials, honeycombed materials, and the like.
The type of material used for the medium 20 may vary in different embodiments, and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary descriptions and figures included herein. By way of example, the medium 20 may be comprised of various paper-based materials such as various types of cardboards, containerboards, or papers. The medium 20 may also be comprised of various plastics, composite materials, metals, metal alloys, and the like. The flexibility of the medium 20 may vary, with some medium 20 materials being flexible and others being rigid or semi-rigid.
In the embodiment best shown in
In multi-layered constructs 44, 46 such as shown in
In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, it can be seen that the medium 20 is comprised of a fluted corrugated sheet of material (e.g., kraft containerboard or other paperboard materials). In the figures, it can be seen that each medium 20 is fluted so as to include a plurality of crests 22 (e.g., the top of each fluted “wave”) and a plurality of troughs 25 (e.g., the bottom of each fluted “wave”). While the figures illustrate fluting similar to a sine-wave, it should be appreciated that different, non-sinusoidal shapes may be utilized such as but not limited to squares (e.g., square wave), triangles (e.g., sawtooth wave), and the like.
As best shown in
Continuing to reference
As shown throughout the figures, each fluted medium 20 includes openings 28, 29 defined between the flutes. As shown in
As shown throughout the figures, a medium 20 may be secured to one or more liners 30 by an adhesive 51. The adhesive 51 may be applied to the medium 20 such as shown in
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
It should also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the adhesive 51 may be additionally or alternatively be applied to the crests 22 of the medium 20. By way of example, in single- or multi-wall constructs 42, 44, 46 such as shown in
In some embodiments, the adhesive 51 may be applied to each crest 22 of the medium 20. In other embodiments, the adhesive 51 may instead be applied to only some of the crests 22 of each medium 20 (e.g., every other or every third crest 22).
The manner by which the adhesive 51 is applied to the medium 20 and/or the liner 30 may vary in different embodiments.
In alternate embodiments, the adhesive 51 may be applied using various other methods. For example, the adhesive 51 may be painted directly onto the medium 20. As a further non-limiting example, the adhesive 51 may be sprayed onto the medium 20. In some embodiments, the medium 20 itself may be constructed with the adhesive 51 such that adhesive 51 does not need to be separately applied.
Various types of adhesives 51 known in the art to secure paper-based materials together may be utilized. In some embodiments, the adhesive 51 itself may include pest repellent properties (e.g., a pest repellent adhesive). The type of adhesive 51 utilized may vary among different embodiments depending on the requirements of the particular application and the desired characteristics of the adhesive, including porosity, viscosity, plasticity, bond strength, and elasticity. The adhesive 51 may comprise a liquid (e.g., glue) in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the adhesive 51 may comprise a solid (e.g., tape).
Depending on the embodiment, the adhesive 51 may be non-reactive, and comprise, e.g., drying adhesives, contact adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and hot adhesives. In other embodiments, the adhesive 51 may be reactive, and comprise, e.g., anaerobic adhesives, multi-part adhesives, pre-mixed adhesives, one-part adhesives, epoxies, and resins. In addition, the adhesive 51 may be natural or synthetic.
Generally, a pest repellent 63 is applied to the medium 20 of the construct 40, 42, 44, 46 either prior to, during, or after securing one or more liners 30 to the medium 20 to form the construct 40, 42, 44, 46. The pest repellent 63 will preferably be comprised of a substance known to deter (e.g., by odor) or exterminate various pests such as insects, arachnids, rodents, or any other living organism which is deemed a threat or a nuisance. The pest repellent 63 may be positioned in various crevices or openings within the construct 40, 42, 44, 46 so as to both prevent incursion by various pests and reduce or eliminate the risk of exposure to one handling the construct 40, 42, 44, 46.
Various types of pest repellents 63 known in the art to repel or exterminate various pests may be utilized. Such pests may include, among other things, insects (e.g. ants, flies, susa etc.), worms, rodents (e.g. mice, rats, etc.), arachnids (e.g., spiders), birds and/or other types of organisms. A wide range of different pest repellents 63 may be utilized, including solids and liquids including, but not limited to, oils or other substances/chemicals. The pest repellent 63 may be natural (e.g., plant-based), synthetic, or semi-synthetic. The pest repellent 63 may be scented, such as by being comprised of a scented oil.
In an exemplary embodiment, the pest repellent 63 may comprise one or more plant-based essential oils. Such oils include, e.g., cedarwood oil, geranium oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil, and Canada balsam oil. U.S. Pat. No. 6,337,081, the entire disclosure of which, except for any definitions, disclaimers, disavowals, and inconsistencies, is incorporated herein by reference, identifies various oil-based pest repellents 63 that may be utilized in connection with the systems and methods described herein.
In another exemplary embodiment, the pest repellent 63 may comprise isolated or synthesized constituents of plant-based essential oils, including aromatic compounds. Such aromatic compounds may include, without limitation, terpenes, e.g., cedrol, α-cedrene, β-cedrene, thujopsene, limonene, pulegone, geraniol, geranial, neral, citronellol, citronellal, citronellyl acetate, menthone, menthol, isomenthone, limonene, piperitone, α-phillandrene, β-phillandrene, β-myrcene, α-pinene, ρ-pinene, sabinene, camphene, cineole, camphor, α-terpineol, borneol, α-Citral, ρ-Citral, Nerol Geraniol, Citronellal, Terpinolene, Geranyl acetate, Myrecene, Terpinol and Methylheptenone, and phenols, e.g., luteolin, isoorientin 2′-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, kaempferol and apiginin. Aromatic compounds contemplated may include all enantiomers, isomers and racemic mixtures of same.
Other oils, chemicals, or substances having pest repellent properties not mentioned here but known in the art may be used. In addition, the pest repellent 63 may further comprise various additives as dictated by the particular application. For example, a colored dye may be added to the pest repellent 63 to ensure a visible residue is created upon application. Other additives that affect adhesive characteristics may also be utilized.
As yet another example, the pest repellent 63 may comprise plant-derived substances such as picaridin (also referred to as icaridin), balsam fir oil, various plant fibers, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil, corn cob oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, rosemary oil, citronella oil, cedarwood oil, geranium oil, geraniol oil, mixtures thereof, and the like.
The manner by which the constructs 40, 42, 44, 46 are assembled may vary widely in different embodiments to suit different applications. Generally, one or more mediums 20 will be secured to one or more liners 30. A pest repellent 63 is applied to one or more mediums 20, which acts to repel pests and/or prevent incursion of pests between the liners 30 or to exterminate any such pests.
The manner and timing of application of the pest repellent 63 to the medium 20 may vary in different embodiments as described herein. The pest repellent 63 may be applied to the medium 20 prior to the medium 20 being secured to a liner 30. The pest repellent 63 may be applied to the medium 20 as the medium 20 is being secured to the liner 30. The pest repellent 63 may be applied to the medium 20 after the medium 20 has been secured to the liner 30. In some embodiments, the medium 20 itself may include pest repellent properties (e.g., the material used to form the medium 20 may have previously been infused with or exposed to the pest repellent 63).
The manner of securing the medium 20 to the liner 30 may also vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the adhesive 51 may be applied directly to the medium 20, and then the liner 30 secured to the medium 20. In other embodiments, the adhesive 51 may be applied to the liner 30, and then the medium 20 secured to the liner 30. In other embodiments, adhesive 51 may be applied to both the medium 20 and the liner 30.
Continuing to reference
As shown in
The repellent applicator 62 may comprise an injector such as shown in the figures, or may comprise any other device capable of applying the pest repellent 63 to the medium 20, such as but not limited to various spray nozzles, brushes, and the like. The repellent applicator 62 may be fluidly connected (directly or indirectly) to a reservoir of the pest repellent 63, or may be manually refilled as-needed. The repellent applicator 62 may be fixed (e.g., not rotate with the gear 60) so as to apply the pest repellent 63 underneath each crest 22 of the medium 20, or may rotate with the gear 60 so as to apply the pest repellent 63 only to some of the crests 22 of the medium 20 (e.g., every third crest).
Continuing to reference
After the adhesive 51 has been applied to the medium 20 by the adhesive applicator 50 and the pest repellent 63 has been applied to the medium 20 by the repellent applicator 62, the medium 20 continues to be conveyed by the second gear 65 to be secured to the liner 30. In the embodiment shown in
The same steps may be repeated to add different layers of medium 20 and/or liner 30 as-needed to form various types of constructs 40, 42, 44, 46. In some embodiments, multiple assembly machines 12 may be utilized in series to add different layers. In other embodiments, the same assembly machine 12 may be utilized repeatedly to add layers as-needed. Some embodiments of the assembly machine 12 may comprise multiple stages, such as by utilizing additional gears 60, 65, rolls 52, 54, applicators 50, 62, and the like such that a single assembly machine 12 may be utilized to form multi-layered constructs 42, 44, 46.
As shown in
The pest repellent 63 may thus be applied only at or near the entrances to each crest opening 28 so as to repel and/or prevent incursion by various pests, or to exterminate any curious pests attempting to enter the crest opening 28, or to permit the scent of the repellent to be emitted from the crest opening 28 without risk of contamination or exposure by handlers. However, in some embodiments, the pest repellent 63 may be applied throughout the crest opening 28. While the figures illustrate that the pest repellent 63 is a cylindrical shape, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the pest repellent 63 may be a liquid that is dissolved or infused within the medium 20 and thus not separately visible. In some embodiments, as previously described, the pest repellent 63 may be dyed such that the medium 20 is itself dyed to indicate the presence of the pest repellent 63.
In the single wall construct 42, the pest repellent 63 is similarly applied to the medium 20 and, more specifically, may be applied on the underside of each (or some of) the crests 22 of the medium 20. Such an embodiment may be utilized as a blank to construct various containers as previously discussed, or may also be utilized as a padding, insert, or barrier.
In the double wall construct 44, it can be seen that a first medium 20 is sandwiched between first and second liners 30. A second medium 20 is stacked on top of the second liner 30, and sandwiched between second and third liners 30. The pest repellent 63 may be applied to only one layer of medium 20 or two both layers of medium 20 as shown in the figures. In this manner, both layers of medium 20 may be protected from pest incursion.
In the triple wall construct 46, it can be seen that a first medium 20 is sandwiched between first and second liners 30. A second medium 20 is stacked on top of the second liner 30, and sandwiched between second and third liners 30. A third medium 20 is stacked on top of the third liner 30, and sandwiched between third and fourth liners 30.
Both the double and triple wall constructs 44, 46 may be utilized as a blank to construct various containers as previously discussed, or may also be utilized as a padding, insert, or barrier. Additional layers may be added as-needed to suit different applications. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, not all layers of the medium 20 may be treated by the pest repellent 63. In other embodiments, however, each layer of the medium 20 may be treated by the pest repellent 63.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described above. All patent applications, patents, and printed publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, except for any definitions, subject matter disclaimers or disavowals, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case the language in this disclosure controls. The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the various embodiments in the present disclosure be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.
