CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION [0001] This application claim priority to and the benefit thereof from provisional U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/915,137, filed on October 15, 2019, titled “ Case with Corrosion Inhibition System ” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to a storage solution for storing articles that might be susceptible to corrosion and, more particularly, a storage solution that includes a corrosion inhibition system for storing such articles.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] A storage solution is disclosed that provides substantial advantages over existing storage solutions. The storage solution includes a corrosion inhibition system that can protect ferrous or non-ferrous materials from corrosion or oxidation. The storage solution can include a case comprising a first body portion and a second body portion that can be assembled or closed with respect to each other to form an enclosed chamber or cavity. The first body portion can include a top part of the case; and, the second body portion can include a base part of the case. At least one of the first and second body portions can be configured to receive or hold a portion of the corrosion inhibition system, or to include the corrosion inhibition system. The portion of the corrosion inhibition system can include the entire corrosion inhibition system, or less than the entire corrosion inhibition system. The storage solution can include a latch, a lock, or a hinge. The hinge can include a living hinge. [0004] The storage solution with corrosion inhibition system can have a geometry that allows free progression or dispersion of volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) molecules in the chamber or cavity formed or enveloped in the storage solution. The geometry can be configured to allow VCI molecules to freely migrate into recesses and hard to reach areas on even the most complex shaped articles situated in the chamber or cavity. The geometry can allow VCI molecules to be uniformly dispersed or distributed in a storage chamber in the storage solution.

[0005] In a non-limiting embodiment of the corrosion inhibition system, the top part and/or the base part of the case can include the corrosion inhibition system. In the non-limiting embodiment, the top part and/or base part of the case can be infused with a VCI compound that can emit VCI molecules. For example, an inner wall of the top part and/or base part of the case can be infused with the VCI compound.

[0006] The corrosion inhibition system can include one or more pads. A pad can be configured to be seated in or attached to at least one of the first and second body portions in the case.

[0007] The pad can include one or more foam layers. The pad can include an open-cell foam layer. The pad can include a closed-cell foam layer. The foam layer can include a polyurethane foam, a reticulated foam, a polyester foam, a polyether foam, or a polyethylene foam. The pad can include a viscoelastic (or memory) foam.

[0008] The pad can be infusible or infused with the VCI compound that can emit VCI molecules. The pad can include a material that can be infused with VCI molecules emitted by a corrosion inhibition insert, which can be installed in a receptacle in the pad.

[0009] The pad can include a plurality of receptacles. Each receptacle in the pad can be configured to receive a corrosion inhibition insert. [0010] The pad can include a plurality of removable cutouts that can be removed to form one or more receptacles.

[0011] The pad can include a multidimensional array of cutouts or receptacles. The plurality of cutouts or receptacles can be arranged in a plurality of rows or columns along a length or width of the pad. The multidimensional array can include a two-dimensional (2D) m x n array, where m is a positive integer greater than 1 and n is a positive integer greater than 2. The multidimensional array can include a three-dimensional (3D) array. In a non-limiting embodiment of the pad, m can be the same as or different from n.

[0012] The corrosion inhibition insert can include a volatile corrosion inhibition (VCI) insert. The corrosion inhibition insert can include a VCI compound. The corrosion inhibition insert can include a VCI emitter package. The corrosion inhibition insert can include a foam that is infusible or infused with a VCI compound.

[0013] The VCI emitter package can include a VCI emitter disk. The VCI emitter package can include a housing that can be opened or separated to remove or install a VCI emitter disk. The housing can include, for example, a pair of attachable body portions that can be attached or closed to form a cavity capable of receiving and holding the VCI emitter disk.

[0014] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced.

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a nonlimiting embodiment of a storage solution comprising a corrosion inhibition system.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows another nonlimiting embodiment of a storage solution comprising a corrosion inhibition system.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows nonlimiting examples of a plurality of pads, any of which can be included in the corrosion inhibition system.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a nonlimiting example of a portion of a pad that can be included in the corrosion inhibition system.

[0020] The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description and drawings that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE [0021] The embodiments of the disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques can be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examples are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a storage solution comprising a corrosion inhibition system, according to the principles of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the storage solution comprises a case 1 having a first body portion 10 and a second body portion 20. The first and second body portions 10, 20 can be attached or closed with respect to each other to form an enclosed chamber or cavity in the case 1. At least one of the first and second body portions 10, 20 can be configured to receive, hold or attach to a portion of a corrosion inhibition system 30. The portion of the corrosion inhibition system 30 can include the entire corrosion inhibition system 30, or less than the entire corrosion inhibition system 30, such as, for example, a single pad 30. The case 1 can include a latch, a lock, or a hinge. The hinge can include a living hinge.

[0023] The storage solution, which can include the case 1 and corrosion inhibition system 30, can have a geometry that allows free progression or dispersion of volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) molecules in the chamber or cavity formed or enveloped in the case 1. The geometry can be configured to allow VCI molecules to freely migrate into recesses and hard to reach areas on even the most complex shaped articles that can be situated in the chamber or cavity in the case 1. [0024] The corrosion inhibition system can include one or more pads 30 and one or more corrosion inhibition inserts 40. A non-limiting embodiment of the corrosion inhibition system can include a single (or more than one) corrosion inhibition insert 49. The corrosion inhibition insert 49 can have a different size, shape, texture, color, or other characteristic from the other corrosion inhibition inserts 40.

[0025] A pad can be configured to be seated in or attached to at least one of the first and second body portions 10, 20 in the case 1. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the corrosion inhibition system comprises a pair of pads, one of which is installable in the first body portion 10 in the case 1, and the other of which is installable in the second body portion 20 in the case 1.

[0026] The pad 30 can include one or more foam layers. The pad can include an open-cell foam layer. The pad can include a closed-cell foam layer. The foam layer can include a polyurethane foam, a reticulated foam, a polyester foam, a polyether foam, a polyethylene foam, or any other type of foam suitable for the intended purpose for the particular storage solution or application. The pad can include a viscoelastic or memory foam.

[0027] The pad 30 can be infused with a VCI compound that can emit VCI molecules. The pad 30 can include a material that can receive, store or emit VCI molecules.

[0028] Alternatively, the inner wall(s) of the first body portion 10 and/or second body portion 20 can be infused with the VCI compound to emit VCI molecules into the cavity or chamber formed by the first and second body portions 10, 20. The pad(s) 30 can include a material that can receive, store and emit VCI molecules that are emitted by the inner wall(s) of the first and/or second body portions 10, 20. [0029] A non-limiting embodiment of the storage solution can include a mechanism (not shown) in the first body portion 10 and/or second body portion 20, such as, for example, a receptacle (not shown), a cavity (not shown), a housing (not shown), an adhesive or other means that can hold or attach to a desiccant (not shown), VCI emitter disk (not shown), or VCI emitter package (discussed below, not shown), such that VCI molecules can be emitted into the cavity or chamber formed by the first and second body portions 10, 20.

[0030] The pad 30 can include a plurality of receptacles 35 (shown in FIGS. 2-4). Each receptacle 35 can be configured to receive a corrosion inhibition insert 40. The receptacles 35 can have any shape, including, for example, an oval, a circle, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, a triangle, a sphere, a cylinder, a block, a rod, a star or any other two or three dimensional shape capable of receiving a corrosion inhibition insert 40.

[0031] The pad 30 can include one or more removable cutouts (not shown) that can be removed to form the receptacles 35. The receptacles 35 can be preformed in the pad 30, with or without the removable cutouts (not shown).

[0032] The receptacles 35 can be arranged in a plurality of rows or columns along a length or width of the pad 30. The receptacles 35 can be arranged in one or more m x n arrays, where m is a positive integer greater than 1 and n is a positive integer greater than 2. In a non-limiting embodiment of the pad, m can be the same as or different from n. The receptacles 35 can be arranged randomly or in any pattern. Embodiments are contemplated where a multidimensional array of receptacles 35 can include a three-dimensional array, such as, for example, one or more m x n arrays stacked atop of or proximate to each other. A multidimensional array of receptacles 35 can include a random array of receptacles 35, or any other pattern of receptacles 35 formed in the pad(s) 30. [0033] The corrosion inhibition insert 40 can be made of the same or a different material than the pad 30. For example, the corrosion inhibition insert 40 can include or be made of a foam material. The corrosion inhibition insert 40 can include a VCI compound. The corrosion inhibition insert 40 can include a VCI emitter package (not shown). The corrosion inhibition insert 40 can include a foam infused or infusible with a VCI compound. The corrosion inhibition insert 40 can have any shape, including, for example, an oval, a circle, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, a triangle, a sphere, a cylinder, a block, a rod, a star, a bar, or any other two- or three- dimensional shape capable of being received, held or attached in or to the receptacle 35.

[0034] As noted above, the corrosion inhibition system can include a single insert 49, or two or more corrosion inhibition inserts 40 (including 49). The corrosion inserts 40 can have different shapes, sizes, textures, materials, colors, VCI compounds, or other characteristics from each other.

[0035] The VCI emitter package (not shown) can include a VCI emitter disk (not shown). The VCI emitter package (not shown) can include a housing that can be opened or separated to remove or install a VCI emitter disk. The housing can include, for example, a pair of attachable body portions that can be attached or closed to form a cavity capable of receiving and holding the VCI emitter disk. The pair of attachable body portions can have, for example, a clam-like structure so that, when attached and closed, form a cavity in the clam-like structure. It is noted that the VCI emitter package housing (not shown) can have any shape, size, material, or other characteristic. It is also note the VCI emitter package housing (not shown) can be formed integrally with or attached to an inner wall of the first and/or second body portions 10, 20.

[0036] The case 1 can be made in any shape, size, finish, color or material. The case 1 can store articles such as, for example, firearms, ammunition, bait, crankbait, tackle, weights, floats, tools, or any other article that might be useful to the user. The case 1 can include a latch to close and secure the case 1 in a closed position.

[0037] The corrosion inhibition system 30 can include an attachable structure that can be permanently or removably affixed to or formed integrally with the first and/or second body portions 10, 20 in the case 1. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the corrosion inhibition system can include first and second pads 30 that are installable (or installed) or attachable (or attached) to the first and second body portions 10, 20 of the case 1. In this embodiment, one or both pads 30 (or 31) can be made of a foam material that is configured, when installed in the case 1, to securely hold an article in the case 1 and keep it from moving such as during transport. Also, the corrosion inhibition inserts 40 can be made of the same (or different) foam material as the pad(s) 30 (or 31). The corrosion inhibition inserts 40 can be configured to be seamlessly installed in the receptacles 35 in the pad(s) 30, as seen in FIG. 1.

[0038] The corrosion inhibition system can include a liner pad 31(shown in FIG. 3), which can be infused or infusible with a VCI compound. The liner pad 31 can be installable or attachable in or to at least one of the first and second body portions 10, 20, of the case 1. The liner pad 31 can have any shape, size, or thickness. The liner pad 31 can be made of the same or a different material than the pad 30. The liner pad 31 can be installable together with a pad 30. For example, the liner pad 31 can be positioned between an inner wall of the first or second body portion 10, 20 and a pad 30.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a storage solution comprising a case 1 with a corrosion inhibition system 30. In this example, the pad(s) 30 include receptacles 35 that have oval shapes. Each receptacle 35 can receive a corrosion inhibition insert 40 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1). Preferably, the corrosion inhibition inserts 40 have a shape that matches the shape of the receiving receptacle 35, which in this example is an oval. The width or height of the corrosion inhibition inserts 40 can be configured to have the same width or height as an associated receptacle 35 in the pad 30.

[0040] The receptacles 35 can have different shapes, sizes, or materials from each other. [0041] The corrosion inhibition inserts 40 can have different shapes, sizes, or materials from each other.

[0042] In a non-limiting embodiment of the corrosion inhibition system, the first body portion 10 (e.g., top part of the case 1) and/or the second body portion 20 (e.g., the bottom or base of the case 1) can be infused with the VCI compound that can emit VCI molecules. For example, one or more inner walls of the top part and/or base part case can be infused with the VCI compound to emit VCI molecules into the cavity or chamber formed in the case 1.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows examples of a plurality of pads 30, 31, any of which can be included in the corrosion inhibition system. As seen, the pad 30 can include a three-dimensional structure, which can include a planar structure having a plurality of receptacles 35 formed uniformly across the entire or nearly the entire area of the structure.

[0044] The liner pad 31 can include a three-dimensional structure, which can include a planar structure. The liner pad 31 can have a liner thickness, such as, for example, less than 0.5cm, 0.5 cm, 1cm, or more than 1cm, and the liner pad 31 can be designed to attach to an inner wall of the first or second body portion 10, 20 in the case 1. The liner pad 31 can have any other thickness that might suitable for the intended application or purpose for the storage solution, including the case 1. For example, the liner pad 31 can have a liner thickness, such as, for example, 5cm, 10cm, or more, where the liner pad 31 is intended to contact and form around the shape of article held in the case 1, thereby preventing the article from moving, for example, during transport while simultaneously protecting the article against damage.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the pad 30 that can be included in the corrosion inhibition system. As seen in FIG. 4, the pad 30 can include a receptacle 35 that has a different size from the other receptacles 35.

[0046] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as used in this disclosure, means “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0047] The terms “including,” “comprising,” and variations thereof, as used in this disclosure, mean “including, but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0048] Although process steps, method steps, or the like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes and methods can be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes or methods described herein can be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps can be performed simultaneously. [0049] When a single structure or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single structure or article may be used in place of the more than one structure or article. The functionality or the features of a structure or article may be alternatively embodied by one or more other structures or articles that are not explicitly described as having such functionality or feature.

[0050] While the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the disclosure.