Packaging

Abstract

A package 10 is disclosed which is adapted to receive and protect goods, such as for example electronic components 16. The package has a body which includes a translucent window 14 formed from a flexible laminated sheet material. A first layer 40 of said laminated sheet material comprises an environmental protection ply 30 including an inorganic oxide (SiO2) deposited onto a first carrier ply and a second layer 42 of said flexible sheet material comprises an electrical protection ply 32 including an electrically conductive material Al deposited onto a second carrier ply. The first and second carrier plies are laminated together in a back-to-back relationship and at least one and preferably both said protection plies 40, 42 has a heat-sealable outer ply 20 laminated thereto. In this manner, a package 10 according to the present invention provides at least a portion thereof comprising a translucent flexible sheet which is adapted for use as a window 14; 140 through which items such as goods or associated labeling can be inspected whilst in the package, e.g. in order to monitor the state of the items and / or to monitor conditions present or past to which items therein have been subjected.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT / US03 / 01283 filed on Jan. 16, 2003, claiming priority to EP 02001580.6 filed on Jan. 23, 2002 filed under 35 U.S.C 111(a); 35 U.S.C 365(c) and 35 U.S.C 1.20.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to packaging such as pouches, bags and containers and in particular to packages that are suitable for storage and transportation of goods that require protection from environmental dangers, such as electrical hazards, humidity and oxygen. Such goods may comprise for example electronic components and circuits or medical products, any of which may carry associated labeling. The present invention also relates to sheet material used in such packages and to methods of manufacture of such material and packages. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0003] The storage, protection and transport of some goods such as electronic components and circuits or some medical products is known to be risky for the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide improved packaging that is suitable for storage and transportation of goods. It is also an advantage of the present invention that an improved package can be provided which includes protection against electrostatic discharge and also provides environmental sealing, for example against ingress of vapor, humidity or oxygen, while at the same time allowing visual inspection of at least some aspect of items inside the package. It is a further object of this invention to provide methods and materials for producing improved packaging.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a package adapted to receive and protect goods, such as for example electronic components, said package having a body comprising a flexible laminated sheet material forming a translucent window. In any of the embodiments the package can be in the form of a container, a pouch, a pocket, a bag, etc. A first layer of said laminated sheet material comprises an environmental protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a first carrier ply, a second layer of said flexible sheet material comprising an electrical protection ply including an electrically conductive material deposited onto a second carrier ply, said first and second carrier plies being laminated together in a back-to-back relationship and at least one said layer having a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto. Both said layers may have a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto. Further layers may be included in the laminate, e.g. oil resistant layers as provided, for instance by a nylon layer, or heavier grade electrical protection, e.g. a metal sheet layer. The further layers may be coextensive / conterminous with, overlapping with or abutting the environmental and / or electrical protection layers. In this manner, a package according to the present invention provides at least a window comprising a translucent flexible sheet through which items such as goods or associated labeling can be inspected whilst in the package, e.g. in order to monitor the state of the items and / or to monitor conditions present or past to which items therein have been subjected. The further layer or layers may be incorporated in a single laminate from which at least one face of the package can be made.

[0009] Said carrier plies may be laminated together using therebetween at least one of an adhesive and a heat-sealable ply.

[0010] The present invention also provides a package adapted to receive and protect goods, such as for example electronic components, said package having a body which includes a translucent window formed from a flexible laminated sheet material, a layer of said laminated sheet material comprising an environmental protection ply including an inorganic oxide deposited onto a carrier ply and an electrical protection ply including an electrically conductive material deposited onto an opposite side of said carrier ply, at least one and preferably both said protection plies having a heat-sealable outer ply laminated thereto. Further layers may be included in the laminate, e.g. oil resistant layers as provided, for instance by a nylon layer, or heavier grade electrical protection, e.g. a metal sheet layer. The further layers may be coextensive / conterminous with, overlapping with or abutting the environmental and / or electrical protection layers. In this manner, a package according to the present invention provides at least a window comprising a translucent flexible sheet through which items such as goods or associated labeling can be inspected whilst in the package, e.g. in order to monitor the state of the items and / or to monitor conditions present or past to which items therein have been subjected. The further layer or layers may be incorporated in a single laminate from which at least one face of the package can be made.

[0011] Said deposited electrically conductive material may include a metal, such as aluminum applied for example by at least one of a sputter or vapor deposition technique.

[0012] Said window may completely cover an opening defined in said body and may be fixed in place by one or more heat seals. Alternatively, the window may be defined in a composite laminate, e.g. by a section where a metal sheet is not present in the laminate.

Problems solved by technology

The storage, protection and transport of some goods such as electronic components and circuits or some medical products is known to be risky for their well being.

Some such envelopes include material which is opaque rendering it difficult to inspect goods or labeling inside the packaging, such as for example thick laminates that incorporate a metal layer.

The absence of a metal layer helps with transparency but works against electrostatic protection.

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