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.

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-pen...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a load bearing structure that can stop the growth of microbes and prevent cross-contamination when it is used for different types of cargo. It can also be used in clean rooms where the cargo is made without needing to transfer it to a separate structure afterward. This saves time, reduces labor and the risk of contamination or damage. The antimicrobial agents used in the structure can kill or hinder the growth of microbes that can cause spoilage or foodborne illness.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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

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