MAGNETIC WRAP FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to magnetic wrap. The present invention is primarily directed magnetic wrap for light meals, fruit and such like. However, the invention is not limited to this field of use.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Food wrap has been in use for more than 50 years to preserve freshness. Although it is known that most materials interact only slightly with an impressed magnetic field, double blind clinical trials for some magnetic therapies have shown a statistically significant effect so long as the magnetic field is properly applied. Recently discovered magnetic materials have been suggested for use in applications involving therapies and food preservation. Such materials exhibit a very high magnetic adhesion force to diamagnetic materials, but also have a relatively sharp decline in magnetic field density with distance. Traditional research into magnetism has focussed on the effect of the material on the magnetic field without necessarily investigating the effect of the magnetic field on the material impressed by the magnetic field.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide magnetic wrap which provides an improvement over wraps of the prior art, or at least provides an alternative to existing food wraps or applications of magnetism to natural products. Other aims and advantages of the invention may become apparent from the following description.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one aspect resides broadly in magnetic wrap including:

[0005] a polymeric plastics film;

[0006] a plurality of magnetic regions in spaced relationship about the film, the magnetic regions each being provided by a respective layer of magnetic film formed with opposed magnetic poles on opposite faces of the polymeric plastics film.

[0007] The plurality of magnetic regions is preferably provided in a number of alternative forms. One of the alternative forms comprises spaced strips of magnetic tape aligned substantially parallel to one another. Another alternative form comprises spaced regions of spaced apart shapes, typically substantially identical to one another, such as spots or circular shapes spread about selected spaced regions of the polymeric plastics film. Strips or regions of non-magnetic film or material may also be provided at predetermined locations about the polymeric plastics film. The magnetic regions are arranged for enhancing a desired property of the material the proximity of which the magnetic wrap is applied.

[0008] For example, to increase the alkalinity of a natural product, the magnetic regions are arranged with their respective north poles directed towards the product. However, it will be appreciated that the magnetic wrap of the present invention may be reversed if so desired. In another form, a bipolar material is provided. In a preferred form, the magnetic regions are formed from a magnetic material fixed to a polymeric film by adhesive. The magnetic regions are constituted by suitably flexible material comprising bonded magnets in one or a combination of flexible binders and magnetic elements. „

[0009] The magnetic elements may be selected from commonly available ferromagnetic materials including, but not limited to neodymium-iron-boron, aluminium-nickel-cobalt, strontium ferrite, barium ferrite, or any other material capable of being permanently magnetised. In view of the requirement for relatively deep penetration rather than strong magnetic adhesion such as may be achieved with modem ferromagnetic material, it is preferred that the magnetic material be selected from aluminium nickel cobalt (ALNICO) in view of its favourable magnetic properties.

[0010] The film is preferably transparent, but non-transparent film may be used. The film may carry indicia such as product markings, labelling and/or advertising markings. Polymeric plastics films are preferred, such as polyethylene or other polyolefins, polyvinyl chloride or such like. The magnetic regions may also be applied to paper, such as waxed or greaseproof paper or such like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

{0011 ] In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will described with reference to the following drawings, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of magnetic s wrap according to the invention; Figs 2 and 3 are alternative forms of magnetic strips shown in cross section; Fig 3 is an alternative version of magnetic wrap according to the invention;

Figs. 4 to 6 are diagrammatic pictorial views of further examples of the invention for placement around bottles or cups and onto wounds respectively; and

Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrammatic sectional views of examples of magnetic wrap according to the invention having three and two layers respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The magnetic wrap 10 shown in Fig. 1 includes a flexible sheet 1 1 having three strips 12 of magnetic material extending substantially parallel to one another along one dimension of the wrap. Each strip is about 6 mm wide. Two further narrow strips 14 of magnetic material are provided alongside the outer two of the three strips previously mentioned, spaced there from by a spacing 15 (typically 10cm) and spaced in from a side edge 17. The spacing typically at 16 between the magnetic strips is 6.3cm.

[0013] The magnetic strip shown in diagrammatic cross section in Fig 2 is the preferred form with all of the poles aligned so that effectively once faced with the magnetic strip material is one polarity with the opposite polarity being on the opposite face. Although there is an alternative form of magnetic material as shown at 12a in Fig. 3, this is not preferred because it does not provide the preferred arrangement of magnetic poles, and therefore does not produce the preferred form of magnetic field in respect of the material to which the magnetic strip is in proximity.

[0014] An alternative form of wrap shown in Fig.4 may be useful for wrapping about the neck of a bottle being a magnetic wrap approximately 20 cm wide with flexible magnetic material shown

in a dark colour centrally of a rectangular piece of flexible material 24. The magnetic strip is spaced inwardly from the longer side edges by about 5 mm, and the magnetic strip is 1 Ocm long and 10mm wide. In such form, the magnetic wrap can be wrapped about the neck of a bottle of liquid to apply the magnetic field appropriately to the liquid as it passes through the bottle or opening.

[0015] The further examples of the wrap shown in Figs. 4 and 5 indicate the extent of the suitable wrapping material in dashed outline. The north pole magnetic flux at 21 is directed towards the product and the magnetic material is shielded on the south pole to minimise the adverse effects of the adverse magnetic field on the user with an overlay as at 22. Magnetic strips on the ends of the wrap without overlay as at 23 are for adhesion to the product by virtue of magnetic attraction of opposite magnetic poles.

[0016] The north magnetic pole 28 is placed on one side of a suitable wrap as shown in Fig. 6. The north pole therefore has a barrier of wrap between the magnetic material and the product, the north pole being directed to the product. The south pole side 26 facing away from the product has an adhesive flux shield or barrier. Additional magnetic strips 27 are provided on the ends of the wrap for adherence to the product by virtue of opposite pole attraction. The flux shield can have text or images 29 printed thereon.

[0017] The magnetic wrap 30 in Figs. 7 and 8 has magnetic ion polymer matrix 31 applied to one face of base material 32. In the form shown in Fig. 7, a third layer of barrier material 33 is provided. The barrier material may be selected to provide a barrier or to carry text, pictures or other indicia.

[0018] In use, magnetic wrap according to the invention may be applied to a third product in the form of the wrap directly to the product or as a covering for food in a container. The magnetic field or flux emanating from the magnetic wrap impinges on products, the contents or packaging encapsulated wholly or in part within the wraps perimeter. Text or images may be printed onto the magnetic wrap if desired. Packaging or products may be wrapped with a flexible magnetic or magnetic/ion material or incorporated in coated onto the packaging. For example, a magnetic polymer matrix or magnetic ion polymer matrix and/or a nanocomposite of the same may be adhesively applied, coated, impregnated, imbedded or infused to wrap or packaging (bottles, cartons, takeaway and storage containers) composed of various materials including but not

limited to for example cling wrap, flow film, wax wrap, a shrink wrap formed from materials such as but not limited to polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyvinylchloride, fibered derivative and alike. Of course, some foods may be wrapped in textile materials and the magnetic strips of the present invention may be applied thereto to form magnetic s wrap in accordance with the invention.

10019] It is preferred that the process for the formation of the magnetic material manipulates the magnetic poles, flux alignments strengths and patterns to provide the preferred arrangement of polarity, pole density and thereby magnetic field strength. Magnetism can be applied on either one side or both sides of the flexible magnetic polymer material. Preferably the magnetic pole density is between two and sixty poles per inch, the pole distance being 2 mm. Additionally, magnetic material may be applied in strips across the ends or edges of magnetic wrap according to the invention so that the food wrap itself adheres to the product by virtue of one of the magnetic strips at one end of the wrap magnetically adhering to the magnetic strip at the other end of the food wrap.

[0020] Alternatively a natural adhesive tape may be applied as a dimensional end line or tab for simple dispensing or separation line or tab for cutting or tearing from adjoining wraps. The dimension cut-offline or end line is free of the affixed flexible magnetic material for ease of cut or tear and to reduce drag, distortion or damage. The weight of flexible magnetic material upon the fragile wrap when pulled off may cause tearing upon separation or peeling of the product for reuse unless the end line tab is applied to both ends of a wrap square. For removal and reuse the placement of the flexible magnetic material and the adhesive tape end lines adds strength and stability to the wrap allowing removal intact form a item without twisting upon itself stretching or tearing. Additionally, when applied to an item the line/tab tape clearly identifies the start or end of the wrap.

[0021] In use, the magnetic wrap of the present invention radiates a homogeneous field and flux encapsulating and conforming wholly or in part to the outline, shape or form of a product, which is to be taken to include product, packaging or content or any combination of same. The magnetic wrap is formed to provide a free or clean face which may be placed in contact with the product thereby substantially preventing transmission of the polymer matrix composition used to form the magnetic regions to the product. One face of magnetic wrap will encapsulate and conform wholly

or on part to a product's outline in order to reduce air head space and air circulation around the product and reduces dust and/or other materials from contaminating the product. T firm joining may be provided by overlapping ends and/or the attraction of opposite magnetic poles of laid over the top of one another.

[0022] Nanocomposites may be used to increase barrier and strength and rigidity, therefore flexible magnetic regions in spaced relationship may be provided about the film to ensure that the magnetic wrap is light, flexible and permeable or impermeable. The non-active face can provide a hygienic, smooth, cleanable surface for re-use. A laminate version may be provided having both sides smooth and re-usable. In another form, the wrap may be shaped to conform permanently to a product as a disposable item. The magnetic regions may be coated or laminated to one or more faces of the product.

[0023] The magnetic material may be placed on a substrate e.g. plastic, PET, cellophane, film, cling, paper, cardboard etc. thereby preventing transgress of the polymer magnetic matrix composition (chemicals etc.) to the product, packaging or contents. The magnetic may be intimately applied to a plastic, PET container, or fresh product or product outline, shape or forms surface providing a secure fixture and barrier e.g. eliminate absorption of elements and space whereby contamination e.g. dust or air can enter. In one form (preferred form) the magnetic wrap will provide a continuous circumvent, without spaced relationships, slits, openings, apertures, indents or air holes when intimately applied to the product, packaging or contents surface. By the intimate encircling action the magnetic/ion wrap applies magnetic pressure and flux to the product or packaging along the dimensions of the magnetic material.

[0024] Magnetic elements and nanocomposites increase barrier, strength and rigidity of a material (film or fabric etc.) therefore magnetic wrap simplifies handling and application to products and is light, flexible, non bulky and transportable i.e. folded into purse size. Magnetic wrap's lightweight form allows non bulky sealing of the ends by heat or cold welded, bonded or fused together. In one form the magnetic wrap allows the free sides to be sealed by a twist action or folded under an item. The magnetic/ion material or magnetic wrap in one form resides permanently to the product, packing or contents via coating, imbedding or laminating therefore rendering the magnetic/ion wrap disposable.

[0025] In another form the magnetic wrap's face can provide a smooth, wipe clean surface in a lightweight non bulky form suitable for storage and reuse. In one form the observable or identified magnetic regions can receive personal friction i.e. rubbing action to become charged and release (magnetic/ion) energy. Magnetic polymer may contain other particles (Crystals: Tourmaline - metals: silver etc.). The magnetic poles are present on the side facing the product or internal side of wrap. Magnetic flux radiates in an internal direction to provide homogeneous filed intensity to product. Magnetic Slurry process.

[0026] The slurry is "printed" as a stripe. The stripe is made up of tiny magnetic particles in a resin or polymer. The particles (slurry) are either applied directly to the substrate or made into a stripe on a plastic backing (PET) carrier layer which is then applied to the substrate. Some magnetic stripes have coatings over the stripe to protect the stripe such as printing material, foil.

[0027] "In one method of producing magnetic stripes, uniform slurry is mixed containing finely divided, gamma iron oxide, vinyl resin, and a volatile solvent is applied directly to a paper substrate by a gravure coating process. In another method, the slurry may be coated onto .a plastics sheet and dried. The coating is very thin and the plastic allows the coating to be handled. It may then be sliced into stripe widths and applied to the substrate during the card manufacturing process. The methods of application include lamination (where the stripe and backing is laminated into the card), hot-stamp (where a heated die is used to transfer the oxide stripe from the backing onto the card after the card is cut to size), and cold-peel (where the oxide stripe is peeled from the backing, and then laminated into the card).

[0028] Standard low coercivity stripes use iron oxide as the material to make the particles, high coercivity stripes are made from other materials like barium ferrite. These materials are mixed with a resin to form uniform slurry which is then coated onto a substrate

[0029] Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth and defined by the following claims.