Method and apparatus for wrapping a shipment

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system for shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The cover system can be adapted to any skid such as wooden or plastic pallets used for smaller loads used in air transport or any other mode of transportation. The cover system can include one or multiple parts. Each part of the cover system can be made of one or more layers. Each layer can be made of a single material or a combination of different materials. Different parts of the cover can be made of different materials or different combination of materials. The cover system provides thermal protection to temperature-sensitive products in or on the ULD. The cover system maintains the proper relative humidity level and gas concentrations for horticultural product loads. The cover system decreases the amount of water vapor released in the cargo holds.

Claims

1. A method for covering a load on a unit load device or on a skid, comprising: covering an entire load on a unit load device or on a skid via a cover, such that the cover separates the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid from the surrounding environment; securing the cover in a covered position around the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid such that the cover separates the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid from the surrounding environment, wherein the cover provides thermal protection to the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid from conductive and convective heat transfer, wherein the cover has a permeance for oxygen of at least 15.610.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d), wherein the cover has a permeance for carbon dioxide of at least 23.410.sup.3 L.sub.CO2/(m.sup.2 atm d), and wherein the cover has a permeance for water vapor between 110.sup.3 g.sub.water(m.sup.2 atm d) and 5010.sup.3 g.sub.water/(m.sup.2 atm d); and transporting the entire load with the cover secured in the covered position via: air; or a mode of transportation other than air.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover is adapted for covering various size loads on the unit load device or on the skid.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an outside surface with physical properties affecting radiative heat transfer with the surrounding environment in such a way that the cover helps to maintain the temperature of the load.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a single layer.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises multiple layers.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises multiple parts.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein a first of the multiple parts has a first permeance for oxygen and a first permeance for carbon dioxide, wherein a second of the multiple parts has a second permeance for oxygen and a second permeance for carbon dioxide, wherein the first permeance for oxygen is different than the second permeance for oxygen and the first permeance for carbon dioxide is different than the second permeance for carbon dioxide, wherein the permeance for oxygen is determined by the first permeance for oxygen, the second permeance for oxygen, and permeances for oxygen of any other of the multiple parts, wherein the permeance for carbon dioxide is determined by the first permeance for carbon dioxide, the second permeance for carbon dioxide, and permeances for carbon dioxide of any other of the multiple parts.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover allows the respiration of horticultural products by providing adequate gas exchange rates of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the load and the surrounding environment.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover allows water vapor exchange between the load and the surrounding environment.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the water vapor exchange between the load and the surrounding environment acts to maintain a level of relative humidity to avoid condensation on the load.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover allows the exchange of gases between the load and the surrounding environment.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein when the load is horticultural products the exchange of gases between the load and the surrounding environment acts to allow the respiration of the horticultural products by providing adequate gas exchange rates of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the horticultural products and the surrounding environment.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein for a covered load loaded in a cargo hold, the cover allows the exchange of water vapor between the load and the cargo hold environment so as to avoid a release of water vapor in the cargo hold sufficient to trigger a cargo hold compartment smoke detection system.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a material that absorbs or eliminates ethylene.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein a concentration of ethylene around the load is <0.01 ppm.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a material imbedded or coated with antimicrobial agents that will decrease and/or stop the growth of microorganisms and/or kill microorganisms.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover protects the covered shipment from one or more of the following: precipitation, condensation, dust, wind, insects, and small animals.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover is made entirely or partially from a material or a combination of materials that is RFID friendly.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover allows the use on and/or under the cover system of RFID tags such as but not limited to passive, semi-passive, active, semi-active.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover is perforated.

21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises flash spun polyolefin.

22. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a homogeneous permeance for oxygen of at least 15.610.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d) and a homogeneous permeance for carbon dioxide of at least 23.410.sup.3 L.sub.CO2/(m.sup.2 atm d).

23. The method according to claim 1, wherein an oxygen concentration inside the cover is substantially the same as an oxygen concentration outside of the cover.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein a carbon dioxide concentration inside the cover is substantially the same as a carbon dioxide concentration outside of the cover.

25. The method according to claim 1, wherein a carbon dioxide concentration inside the cover is substantially the same as a carbon dioxide concentration outside of the cover.

26. The method according to claim 1, wherein covering the entire load on a unit load device or on a skid via a cover, such that the cover separates the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid from the surrounding environment, and securing the cover in a covered position around the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid such that the cover separates the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid from the surrounding environment, comprises: positioning at least a portion of the cover on the unit load device or skid and positioning the entire load on the cover such that the at least the portion of the cover is between the unit load device or skid and the entire load; and positioning a remaining portion of the cover and securing the cover, such that the cover is in a covered position around the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid such that the cover separates the entire load on the unit load device or on the skid from the surrounding environment.

27. The method according to claim 1, wherein transporting the entire load with the cover secured in the covered position via: air; or a mode of transportation other than air, comprises: transporting the entire load with the cover secured in the covered position via air.

28. The method according to claim 1, wherein transporting the entire load with the cover secured in the covered position via: air; or a mode of transportation other than air, comprises: transporting the entire load with the cover secured in the covered position via the mode of transportation other than air.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a two-part cover system used for an aircraft pallet where the bottom part 2 has been installed under the products 3 and the top part 1, which allows gas and water vapor exchange with the surroundings, is being installed over the products 3.

(2) FIG. 2 shows how the top part of the cover system of FIG. 1 used with an aircraft pallet 4 overlaps the bottom part to avoid the infiltration of any types of precipitation.

(3) FIG. 3 shows the installation of an embodiment of a one-part cover system.

(4) FIG. 4 shows the final installation of the cover system of FIG. 3 with the top portion overlapping the bottom portion of the cover system and tape 5 (wider lines) covering different junctions.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a variation of the two-part cover system of FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 6 shows how the top part of the two-part cover system of FIG. 5 unfolds.

(7) FIG. 7 shows how the top part of the cover system of FIG. 5 overlaps the bottom part to avoid the infiltration of any types of precipitation.

(8) FIG. 8 shows the final installation of the cover system of FIG. 5 with the top portion overlapping the bottom portion of the cover system and tape 6 covering the junctions of the top portion of the cover system and the junction of the top and bottom portions.

(9) FIG. 9 shows the final installation of an embodiment of a cover system with flaps and openings 7 to allow gas and water vapor exchange with the surroundings.

(10) FIG. 10 shows the installation of an embodiment of a one-part cover system over a lower deck aircraft container 8.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

(11) Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with unit load devices (ULDs). The dimensions of the cover system can vary depending on the ULD they are designed to be used with. Size variations of the cover system can also be adapted to any individual skid, such as wooden or plastic pallets used for smaller loads, transported by air or any other mode of transportation. The cover system can include one or multiple parts that wrap the shipment.

(12) FIGS. 1 and 5 show embodiments having multiple parts. Each part of the cover system can be made of one or more layers. Each layer can be made of a single material or a combination of different materials, and different layers can incorporate different materials. The different parts of the cover can be made of different materials or different combination of materials. Material such as TYVEK (trademarked, DUPONT) brand flash spun polyolefin and perforated and/or non-perforated polyethylene film can be used. One or more of the junctions of the cover system can be linked together using, for example, an adhesive material or a fastening system. In an embodiment, all junctions are linked together.

(13) With respect to specific embodiments, the top part of the cover system overlaps the bottom part of the cover system at horizontal junctions, to avoid any potential water infiltration due to, for example, any type of precipitation. FIGS. 2 and 4 show examples of embodiments where the top part overlaps the bottom part and/or the top portion of a part overlaps the bottom portion of the part when installed. In specific embodiments, materials used for the cover system are RFID friendly. Embodiments can utilize materials that allow the use within, and/or under the cover system of RFID technologies such as but not limited to passive, semi-passive, active and semi-active tags. These tags can be used to store information, such as electronic airway bill, to track products, as well as to monitor different parameters, such as temperature, relative humidity, and pressure. RFID tags may also be directly imbedded in the cover.

(14) Embodiments of the cover system provide thermal protection to temperature-sensitive products, such as horticultural products, pharmaceutical products, fresh meat and fish, frozen goods, and electronics. The thermal protection arises from the cover's effect on conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer.

(15) Specific embodiments of the cover system can allow the respiration of horticultural products by providing adequate gas exchange rates for gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide between the inside (under the cover) and the outside environments. In a specific embodiment, the volumetric concentration of oxygen underneath the cover system needs to be greater than or equal to 1%, and the volumetric concentration of carbon dioxide needs to be less than or equal to 15%. The gas exchange rate for oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as for other gases, can be accomplished with different techniques. A gas permeable material or specially perforated material can be used for the cover or for specific sections of the cover. Openings in the cover material having various shapes, sizes, number, and distribution can also be used to achieve the proper gas exchange. In a specific embodiment, the distribution of openings and the characteristics of the openings are selected to allow the intake of oxygen for the whole load while not compromising the thermal protection. The technique and the characteristics of the technique, for example, the exchange area, distribution over the cover, and other factors used to accomplished the gas exchange, depend on the size of the ULD, the type of products, its temperature, and the packaging system of the products itself. In specific embodiments, the cover systems shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 9 and 10 can incorporate openings in at least a portion of the cover to enhance gas exchange.

(16) In a specific embodiment, to allow sufficient gas exchange and avoid anaerobic respiration of certain products, the cover system having homogeneous properties is designed to have permeances for oxygen and carbon dioxide of at least 15.610.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d) and 23.410.sup.3 L.sub.CO2/(m.sup.2 atm d) respectively. These permeances were calculated to provide a modified atmosphere to horticultural products that prevents anaerobic respiration while contributing to maintaining their quality and extend their shelf life. These permeances were calculated for a cover system with homogeneous properties. Additional embodiments of the subject cover system may include different parts that may be made of different materials, the cover system's permeance to different gases is likely not to be uniform. In a specific embodiment, the total permeance of the cover system in L/(atm d), which is obtained by summing the products of the permeance of each part of the cover system and its corresponding surface area, is at least 15.610.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d) for oxygen and 23.410.sup.3 L.sub.CO2/(m.sup.2 atm d) for carbon dioxide, taking into account the entire exposed surface area of the cover system. The following describes an example for oxygen exchange:

(17) Cover system for a lower deck PMC aircraft pallet: Width: 2.44 m, Length: 3.18 m and Height 1.57 m.

(18) The total exposed surface area of the load is the entire surface area of the load exposed to the environment and therefore does not include the bottom which is in direct contact with the aircraft pallet. The total exposed surface area of the load can be calculated as:
A.sub.LOAD=2.Math.(2.441.57)+2.Math.(1.573.10)+(2.443.18)=25.4 m.sup.2

(19) In order to fit the load, the total surface area of the cover system slightly exceeds the total exposed surface area of the load. In this case the total exposed surface area of the cover system is taken as 26.5 m.sup.2.

(20) The permeance of the cover system is 9.210.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d) except for the two 1 m.sup.2 diffusion windows having a permeance to oxygen of 97.510.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d). To verify whether the permeance to oxygen of this cover system respects the criterion of a minimum of 15.610.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d), the concept of total permeance can be used since the properties of the cover are not homogeneous. Therefore, in order for the cover system to have a total permeance to oxygen equal or exceeding the total permeance of a cover system having the same exposed surface area with homogeneous minimum permeance of 15.610.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d), which can be calculated as:

(21) $\begin{array}{c}{p}_{\mathrm{TMIN}}=p_{\mathrm{MIN}}{A}_{\mathrm{COVER}}\\ =15.6{10}^3\frac{L_{O2}}{m^2.Math.\mathrm{atm}.Math.d}26.5m^2=413.4{10}^3\frac{L_{O2}}{\mathrm{atm}.Math.d}\end{array}$
Taking into account the diffusion windows, the total permeance of the actual cover system can be calculated by summing the products of the permeance of each part of the cover system and its corresponding surface area:

(22) $p_T=p_{\mathrm{COVER}}\left(A_{\mathrm{COVER}}-2.Math.A_{\mathrm{WINDOW}}\right)+2.Math.\left(p_{\mathrm{WINDOW}}{A}_{\mathrm{WINDOW}}\right)$$p_T=9.2{10}^3\frac{L_{O2}}{m^2.Math.\mathrm{atm}.Math.d}\left(26.5m^2-21m^2\right)+2.Math.\left(97.5{10}^3\frac{L_{O2}}{m^2.Math.\mathrm{atm}.Math.d}1m^2\right)$$p_T=420.4{10}^3\frac{L_{O2}}{\mathrm{atm}.Math.d}$

(23) Since p.sub.T exceeds p.sub.T MIN the cover satisfies the criterion of the minimal permeance to oxygen. Similar calculations can be repeated in the case of the carbon dioxide. For certain commodities, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeances smaller than the minimum permeances recommended earlier (15.610.sup.3 L.sub.O2/(m.sup.2 atm d) and 23.410.sup.3 L.sub.CO2/(m.sup.2 atm d) respectively) may be preferred.

(24) In specific embodiments, the gas exchange technique used for the cover system can also allow the transport of water vapor, in order to keep a proper relative humidity level around the products (under the cover system). Incorporation of openings in the at least a portion of the covers for cover systems shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 9 and 10 can allow for the transport of water vapor in accordance with specific embodiments of the invention.

(25) Embodiments of the cover system can allow the transport of water vapor, while maintaining a proper level of relative humidity around the products, and still can provide a resistance to the transport of water vapor. Embodiments of the cover system can reduce the amount of water that may be released in the surroundings when compared with an uncovered load of horticultural products or other moisture releasing loads. Once the ULDs are loaded in the aircraft, the resistance to the transport of water vapor can restrict the amount of water vapor released in the cargo hold.

(26) Embodiments of the cover system with homogeneous properties can allow a proper humidity level underneath the cover while limiting the amount of water vapor released in the cargo compartment by having a permeance of the cover system to water vapor between 110.sup.3 g.sub.water/(m.sup.2 atm d) and 5010.sup.3 g.sub.water/(m.sup.2 atm d). As with oxygen and carbon dioxide permeances discussed above, comparison using the total permeance, in this case in g.sub.water/(atm d), can be made for cover systems made of parts have different water vapor permeances. The range of water vapor permeances can calculated to take into account the different characteristics of the cargo compartments including their size, ventilation/temperature control systems (including non-ventilated cargo compartments), and the types of smoke detection systems.

(27) Embodiments of the cover system can include one or more parts that incorporate a material having the capacity to absorb or eliminate certain gases, such as ethylene, from the surrounding environment (aircraft, ramp vehicles, etc.) as well as from the horticultural products themselves. Embodiments of the cover system can be designed to absorb or eliminate ethylene coming from both exogenous and endogenous sources and can have the capability to reduce the ethylene concentration to harmless levels (<0.01 ppm) around and within loads of horticultural products.

(28) Antimicrobial agents can also be imbedded in the cover material or added as a coating on parts or the entirety of the cover system. These antimicrobial agents decrease or stop the growth of microorganisms or kill microorganisms such as bacteria or mold. These microorganisms include those susceptible to negatively affect the quality of horticultural products as well as those susceptible to cause a threat to human consumption.

(29) The cover in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can protect the load from one or more of the following: precipitation, condensation, dust, wind, insects, and small animals.

(30) All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

(31) It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.