[0001] The use of sorbent containers in packaging with certain products is conventionally known. However, conventional sorbent containers, especially those for use with food or pharmaceutical products, have a number of problems. One problem is that the sorbent material disposed within the container often includes very fine particles, and such particles may escape from the container and contaminate the products the sorbent containers are designed to protect. Another problem is that ink printed on the container, by way of labels, warnings, and the like, is exposed to the products that the container is designed to protect. Contact with the ink by the product may result in removal of the ink, thereby potentially removing necessary indicia from the container and/or contaminating the product.

[0002] Moreover, conventional sorbent canisters include a cap heat-sealed on a base. Heat sealing requires additional machinery and results in a relatively slower throughput of completed, filled canister. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the heat seals may vary from part-to-part, depending upon a number of factors.

[0003] Thus, there is a need for a sorbent container that may be used in food and pharmaceutical applications that significantly reduces and preferably eliminates contamination of the product by the sorbent material. There also is a need for a sorbent container upon which indicia may be printed without contaminating or otherwise affecting the products with which the container is used. SUMMARY

[0004] This application describes improved sorbent containers for controlling the atmosphere in a package. In one aspect of the disclosure, a sorbent container includes a first member having a first end and a first sidewall depending from the first end defining a first internal space and a second member for attachment to the first member to form a closed container. The second member includes a second end and a second sidewall depending from the second end defining a second internal space. One or more holes are formed through at least one of the first end or the second end. A vapor permeable membrane is arranged to extend across the one or more holes.

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a sorbent container according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. IB is an exploded perspective view of the sorbent container illustrated in FIG. 1 A.

[0008] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first member of the sorbent container illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the first member illustrated in FIG.

2A, taken along section line 2B-2B. [0010] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a second member of the sorbent container illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the second member illustrated in

FIG. 3A, taken along section line 3B-3B.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the first member of the sorbent container illustrated in FIGs. 2A and 2B.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a sorbent container according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section view of a portion of the first member illustrated in FIG. 3B, taken along section line 6-6, according to an alternate embodiment of this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section view of a portion of the second member illustrated in FIG. 3B, taken along section line 7-7, according to an alternate embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] This disclosure describes sorbent containers and methods associated with such containers. The described sorbent containers may be used in packages with food or pharmaceuticals, for example.

[0017] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate a sorbent container 100. The container 100 generally includes a first member or base 102 and a second member or cap 104 selectively attachable to the base 102. A portion of the cap 104 is made up of a membrane 106, which may be a vapor or gas permeable membrane. The base 102 may also, or alternatively, include the membrane 106. The base 102 and the cap 104 are configured for attachment to create the complete container 100 defining an internal volume. In practice, the internal volume contains a sorbent material, which may be a desiccant, scavenger, or the like.

[0018] Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate the base 102 in more detail. Specifically, fig.

2A is a perspective view of the base 102, and fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line 2B— 2B in fig. 2 A.

[0019] As illustrated, the base 102 generally includes a base end 202 and a base sidewall 204 depending from the base end 202. The sidewall 204 generally includes an inner surface 204a and an outer surface 204b. The sidewall 204 terminates at a distal end 206, and the distal end 206 defines an opening 208. The end 202 and the sidewall 204 generally define an internal volume 210.

[0020] Although in the illustrated embodiment the base is generally circular and the sidewall 204 is generally cylindrical, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to any shape. Depending upon the application, the base 202 and the sidewall 204 may take other shapes. However, as will be described in more detail below, it is generally desirable that the base 102 and the cap 104 have complementary shapes and/or profiles, so they can be attached to form the complete canister 100.

[0021] One or more openings 212 preferably are formed as holes through the base end 202 to provide fluid communication between the internal volume 210 and the ambient air. In the illustrated embodiment, support members 214 define sides of the openings 212. The support members 214 are configured as three ribs extending radially outwardly from a center of the base end 202. The support members 214 may include more or fewer ribs, or may take an entirely different shape. For example, the support members 214 may be configured as a lattice. In still other embodiments, the support member 214 may not be necessary at all. When no support member 214 is provided, the one or more openings 212 may consist of a single opening through the base end 202. In still other embodiments, a laser or other mechanism may be used to pierce or otherwise form the holes through the base end 202.

[0022] The membrane 106 is disposed to extend across the one or more openings 212 in the end 202. More specifically, the membrane is disposed to completely cover the openings such that any passage through the openings must necessarily pass through the membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane 106 is vapor or gas permeable, but otherwise impermeable, for example, so that moisture or other gases may be absorbed by a sorbent contained in the canister 100, but the sorbent cannot exit the canister. In one aspect of the disclosure, as illustrated in Fig. 2B, the membrane 106 is disposed within the end 202 of the base 102. In this implementation, the membrane 106 is a relatively thin sheet of material that is partially embedded in the end 202. An annular retaining lip 216 may be provided on an inner surface of the end 202 such that at least a portion of the periphery of the membrane 106 is retained between the lip 216 and the remainder of the base end 202. In one method of making the base 102 with the embedded membrane 106 as just described, the membrane 106 may be provided in a mold with the remainder of the base 102 being molded over and around the membrane 106.

[0023] In other embodiments, the lip 216 may not be necessary, as the membrane 106 may be retained to cover the openings 212 in a different manner. For example, the membrane 106 may be affixed to an inner surface of the end 202 such as with an adhesive or by a welding process. In still other embodiments, the membrane may be disposed on an outer surface of the end 202. That is, on a side opposite the inner volume 210. More than one means for affixing the membrane 106 may also be provided. For example, an adhesive may be used in addition to the retaining lip 216.

[0024] Although the membrane is illustrated as being a single membrane that covers all of the openings 212 formed through the end 202, more than one membrane may be provided. For example, a different membrane may be provided for each opening 212.

[0025] As illustrated in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the end 202 also includes a flange

218 that extends radially outwardly past the outer surface 204b of the sidewall 204. In one implementation, the flange 218 overhangs approximately the same distance as a thickness of a sidewall of the cap 104.

[0026] An annular protrusion 220 is also provided on the sidewall 204. As will be described in more detail below, the protrusion 220 cooperates with a mating recess on the cap 104 to act as a locking mechanism to retain the cap 104 on the base 102.

[0027] FIGs. 3 A and 3B illustrate the cap 104 in more detail. Specifically, those

Figures show a perspective view and a section view of the cap 104, respectively.

[0028] As will be appreciated, the cap has some structural similarities to the base 102. In particular, the cap 104 includes a cap end 302 and a cap sidewall 304 depending from the end 302. The cap sidewall 304 includes an inner surface 304a and an outer surface 304b and terminates at a distal end 306. The distal end 306 defines an opening 308. The end 302 and the sidewall 304 define an internal volume 310. [0029] The cap sidewall 304 is generally cylindrical to complement the base sidewall 204, although as noted above, either or both of the sidewalls 204, 304 and the ends 202, 302 may have different shapes.

[0030] Also like the base 102, one or more openings 312 preferably are formed through the cap end 302 providing fluid communication between the internal volume 310 and the ambient air. Support members 314 may be provided to define sides of, or otherwise separate the openings 312. As with the support members 214 described above, the support members 314 may take any shape or configuration, or may not be used at all. Moreover, the openings 312 may be formed as small openings, such as by a laser.

[0031] The membrane 106 preferably is disposed in the end 302 to allow selective passage of materials through the openings 312. For example, the membrane 106 may be a vapor or gas permeable membrane that allows passage of vapor or other gases therethrough, but prevents passage of other materials. In some aspects, the membrane will ensure that solid sorbent contained within the canister 100 does not leave the canister 100.

[0032] As with the base 102, a sealing lip 316 or the like may be provided to secure the membrane 106 in the end 302. Other modifications or configurations such as those discussed above with respect to the end 202 and the membrane 106 may also be utilized in the end 302.

[0033] An annular channel 318 is also illustrated as being formed in an inner surface of the end 302, proximate the sidewall 304. [0034] An annular recess 320 may also be provided in the inner surface 304a of the sidewall 304.

[0035] In operation, the base 102 is filled with a sorbent material, and the cap

104 is fit over the base 102. In the illustrated examples, the sidewall 204 of the base 102 is sized to be received in the volume defined by the sidewall 304 of the cap 104. More specifically, the cap 104 is slid axially relative to the base 102 until the annular recess 320 contacts and subsequently receives the annular protrusion 220. The recess 320 and the protrusion 220 constitute a locking mechanism that prevents ready removal of the cap 104 from the base 102. Although illustrated on the base 102 and the cap 104, respectively, the protrusion 220 may be formed instead on the cap 104 and the recess 320 may be formed on the base 102.

[0036] Although the protrusion 220 and the recess 320 are illustrated as generally semi-circular in cross-section, other profiles may be used. FIG. 6 illustrates a base 600 having a protrusion 602 with a different profile. Specifically, the cross- section of the protrusion 602 is such that it extends the farthest from a sidewall 604 closest to an end 606, and reduces in height from the sidewall farther from the end 606. The cross-section thus appears to be quarter-circular. Alternatively, the profile could appear to be triangular, for example. In this embodiment, because of the abrupt edge of the protrusion, it may be more difficult to remove the cap from the base 600, especially when the protrusion contacts a similar angular feature on the recess in the cap. However, the taper of the protrusion from the sidewall to the abrupt edge promotes attachment of the cap to the base. [0037] The locking mechanisms just described may also be designed to provide a feedback to a user, such as a user responsible for attaching the cap 104 to the base 102. Specifically, the interaction of the protrusion 220 and the recess 320 will provide a tactile response, as the protrusion seats into the recess. Moreover, as the protrusion 220 comes to rest in the recess 320, an audible sound, such as a "snap" or "pop" may result. Either or both of these feedback mechanisms will signal to the user that the protrusions 220 and the recess 320 are properly engaged, and thus the cap is secured to the base.

[0038] Alternative features and/or methodologies may be used as locking mechanisms to secure the cap 104 on the base 102. For example, Figure 7 shows a modification to a cap 700 in which a protrusion 702, like the protrusion 220 described above, is formed on the inner surface of the sidewall 704 of the cap 700, proximate the distal end 706 of the cap 700. In the Figure, a portion of a base is shown in phantom lines. As can be seen, the flange is not provided on the end 202 of the base 102, because the sidewall 704 of the cap is longer than the sidewall of the base. When the cap is applied to the base, the protrusion 702 is arranged at the end of the base, instead of cooperating with a recess formed in a sidewall, as in previously-described embodiments. In this embodiment, the base is completely contained within the cap, making it very difficult to remove the cap 700 from the base without destroying the cap and/or base. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 220 is tapered, to promote insertion of the base into the cap 700.

[0039] Another locking mechanism may include no protrusion or recess. For example, the sidewalls 204, 304 may be designed to provide an interference fit between the base 102 and the cap 104 sufficient to retain the cap 104 on the base 102. To facilitate such a fit, the outer surface 204a of the sidewall 204 of the base 102 and/or the inner surface 304b of the sidewall 304 of the cap 104 may be tapered so as to be wider further away axially from the respective end 202, 302. As the cap 104 is slid onto the base 102, the sidewalls will engage, creating a friction fit. One or more of sidewalls 204, 304 may have tapered features even when the cap is fixed to the base using a different locking mechanism, such as those described above. Other locking mechanisms, such as engaging threads, adhesives, welding, e.g., ultrasonic or heat- based, or the like, may also be used to secure the cap 104 on the base 102.

[0040] Securing the cap 104 to the base 102 may seal the cap relative to the base such that contents of the canister 100 cannot exit the canister, and vice versa. The locking mechanism may effectuate this seal. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the base 102 contacts the annular channel 318 formed in the end 302 of the cap 104. This contact also promotes sealing of the two pieces. In other embodiments, a seal, such as a fin seal, may be provided on one or both sidewalls and/or at the distal end of the cap 104. In the embodiments just described, a seal is created by contact of the cap 104 with the base 102, but a pliable gasket or the like may be provided to create a seal.

[0041] As described above, the canister 100 may be configured to be locked and/or sealed. Moreover, this sealing/locking is accomplished through a relatively simple mechanical connection. The improved designs described herein may result in faster throughput less expensive manufacturing machinery, e.g., because there is no need for a weld and the machinery that accompanies such welding. The mechanical connection may also result in a stronger capsule, e.g, because it does not have a weakness at a weld line, as in some conventional canisters.

[0042] In other aspects, a further advantage of the canister 100 is that the absorptive functioning of the canister 100 may be tunable. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the permeable membrane 106 is provided in both the base 102 and the cap 104. The membrane may be formed from any number of materials, including, but not limited to, high density, spun-bonded polyolefm materials. By varying the materials and features of the materials used as the membrane, the absorptive properties of the canister may be varied.

[0043] The absorptive properties of the canister 100 may also be tailored by including the permeable membrane 106 in only one of the base 102 and the cap 104. When only one of the base 102 and the cap 104 has the membrane, the other may include an impermeable material in the place of the permeable membrane 106. In this manner, a single machine that is configured for inclusion of a membrane may be used to create permeable and impermeable components. In still other embodiments, the base/cap that does not include a permeable membrane may be molded from a single, impermeable material, i.e., such that there are no openings 212, 312.

[0044] Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that absorptive characteristics of the canister may be varied by choice of sorbent, as well. Moreover, a variety of sorbents are known for absorbing water vapor, oxygen, odors, and the like, and may be used in embodiments of the disclosure. Humectants may also be used, which may cause the canister to behave as a humidity control device. Antimicrobial and/or antifungal materials may also or alternatively be used in the canister 100. In still other embodiments, materials that emit rather than absorb gasses may be used, such as odorants, flavorants, and the like. The canister 100 of this disclosure may be used in any number of applications.

[0045] As will be appreciated from the foregoing description, in some embodiments, when the cap 104 is fixed to the base 102, only the sidewall 304 of the cap 104 is exposed to the atmosphere. However, the "sidewall" of the canister actually includes the sidewall 204 of the base 102, as well. In some embodiments, the sidewall 304 of the cap 104 may be light-transmissive, e.g., transparent or opaque, such that a user viewing the canister can see through the sidewall 304. The sidewall 204 of the base 102 may be equally light-transmissive, such that the user may view the sorbent, for example. In other embodiments, indicia may be printed on the sidewall 204 of the base 102. As will be appreciated, the indicia thus printed is viewable to a user, but is not exposed to the atmosphere. In this manner, ink or the like used to create the indicia will not rub off. The ink will therefore continue to be visible and cannot contaminate the product with which the canister is packaged.

[0046] Modifications to the above-described canister 100 are also contemplated. For example, Figure 4 shows the inclusion of a vent 402, formed as a plurality of axial channels in the outer surface 204b of the sidewall 204 of the base 102. The vent allows air to escape the canister 100 during placement of the cap 104 on the base 102. The vent 402 may instead or in addition be formed as a featured on the cap 104. The vent 402 may include more or fewer channels than illustrated, and the channels may take other shapes, such as a spiral, or the like. [0047] FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment, in which a canister 500 includes a base 502 and a cap 504 similar to the base 102 and the cap 104. The base 502 includes an end 506 and a sidewall 508 depending from the end 506, and the cap 504 includes an end 510 and a sidewall 512 depending from the end 510. Unlike in the previous embodiments, however, no permeable membrane is used. Instead, at least a portion of the cap 504 or the base 502 is gas permeable. For example, the cap 504 and/or the base 502 may be molded from a gas permeable polymer, such as low- density polyethylene. Alternatively, only a part, e.g., an end, of the cap and/or the base may be formed from the vapor or gas permeable polymer. The base 502 and/or the cap 504 may also be formed from a material that exhibits sufficient gas permeability below a predetermined thickness. Thus, in some embodiments, portions of the base 502 and/or the cap 504 may be made thinner than other portions. For example, by forming the ends 506, 510 thinner than the respective sidewall 508, 512, it is possible to create a container 500 that has sufficient gas permeability through the ends, but that inhibits passage of gasses through the sidewalls. The base 502 and the cap 504 may include some or all of the features described herein in connection with alternative embodiments.

[0048] Canisters made according to embodiments of this disclosure have comparable effectiveness to conventional canisters, but with many benefits, including those described above. For example, canisters according to this disclosure, when filled with conventional oxygen scavenging mixtures absorbed oxygen at a rate comparable to conventional canisters. Similarly, canisters containing a conventional moisture absorbing, silica gel-based mixture absorbed moisture at rates comparable to conventional canisters.

[0049] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.