AU2009200818A1

AU2009200818A1 - Container absorbent liner

Info

Publication number: AU2009200818A1
Application number: AU2009200818A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Branko Tintor
Original assignee: THERMASORB Pty Ltd
Current assignee: THERMASORB Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-28
Filing date: 2009-03-02
Publication date: 2009-09-24

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): THERMASORB PTY LTD Invention Title: CONTAINER ABSORBENT LINER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P74659.AU.2 PatSeLFlng Application 2009-3-2.doc (M) -2 CONTAINER ABSORBER LINER FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to inserts for location within shipping containers to protect the contents of the shipping container from damage or deterioration. In one form, the present invention relates to absorber 10 inserts or absorbent liners for location within shipping containers for absorbing moisture to reduce damage to the contents of the shipping container caused by water, particularly water produced within the container. 15 In one form, the present invention relates to an absorbent liner, panel or insert for location within a shipping container for providing protection for the contents of the shipping container by forming a barrier to absorb moisture, water, vapour or similar to protect the contents 20 of the shipping container against the adverse effects of condensation occurring within the container or other forms of water or moisture present or produced within the shipping container, including against the effects of water entering into the container. 25 The present invention finds particular application as an absorbent liner or an absorbing barrier or similar for lining the inside of a shipping container in such a manner to prevent condensation from dripping onto the contents of 30 the container during use of the container, particularly condensation formed on the ceiling or walls of the shipping container as a result of the container being subjected to varying atmospheric conditions which N:\elb oumo\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03/09 - 3 condensation has a tendency to form droplets that drip onto the contents of the container from the ceiling or leak into the contents of the container from the walls, thereby possibly causing water damage or spoilage to the 5 items within the container, including both the packaging and contents of the packaging. Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to one form of the absorber or 10 absorbent liner, it is to be noted that the scope of the invention is not restricted to the described embodiment but rather the scope of the present invention is more extensive so as to extend to other forms and arrangements of the absorber and absorbent liner and to other forms and 15 variations of the engaging elements and to the fastening elements for supporting the absorber within the container in use, and to other applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 20 Shipping containers have revolutionised the shipping of items by sea by providing a more secure arrangement and environment for the transportation of valuable items by sea and by road. However, during transit, particularly at 25 sea, shipping containers are subjected to a variety of differing atmospheric conditions including changes in temperature, pressure and humidity and the like caused by encountering a variety of different weather. In many instances, condensation forms within the container owing 30 to the changes in atmospheric conditions. Often the condensation forming on the ceiling or undersurface of the top of the container, and possibly on the upper side walls, drips or otherwise leaks onto the contents of the N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-1 1.doc 2103/09 container. This is referred to as "Container Rain". In some circumstances, the amount of condensation caused by repeated changes in atmospheric conditions is sufficient to damage either the items being transported in the 5 container or the packaging of the goods, or both, such as for example, water damage to the packaging resulting in the packaging becoming misshapen, collapsing or the like or the printing of the packaging deteriorating so that the visual appeal of the packaging makes it difficult to sell 10 the goods at their premium price. Therefore, there is a need for a system or arrangement which can be used to counteract the adverse effects of condensation and/or container rain occurring within a shipping container. 15 Accordingly, it is one aim of the present invention to provide an absorber for forming a barrier within a shipping container to absorb moisture to protect the contents of the shipping container against water damage caused by condensation and/or water entry into the 20 container. It is another aim of the present invention to provide an absorbent liner for use within a shipping container to protect the contents of the container against damage 25 and/or deterioration caused by water droplets formed from condensation occurring within the container causing damage and/or deterioration of the contents of the container. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 30 According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an absorber for use in an interior or a part of the interior of a shipping container to protect items N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Speci\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2103/09 - 5 located within the shipping container against the adverse effects of moisture, water or water vapour comprising a first panel provided with a multitude of engaging elements located at spaced apart locations for cooperatively s engaging with a multitude of fastening elements provided on the container at spaced apart locations and a movable second panel capable of being located adjacent an opening of the container, said second panel being movable between an open position allowing items to be introduced into or 10 withdrawn from the container through the opening and a closed position forming a protective barrier at or near to the opening of the container for absorbing moisture, water or water vapour entering through the opening, wherein when the engaging elements of the first panel cooperatively 15 engage with the fastening elements of the container, the absorber and the second panel are supported in place within the container such that the liner is supported above the items in the container to reduce and/or to prevent condensation formed on the ceiling of the 20 container from dripping onto the items in the container by forming an absorber barrier thereby providing protection for the items in the container and wherein the second panel is supported in the opening of the container by the absorber. 25 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of protecting items located in a shipping container against the effects of condensation occurring within the shipping container comprising the 30 steps of cooperatively engaging a multitude of engaging elements located at spaced apart locations on a first panel of an absorber in cooperative engaging relationship with a multitude of fastening elements provided on the N:Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03/09 - 6 container to support the first panel above the items located in the container, moving a second panel from an open position allowing items to be introduced into or withdrawn from the container in the opening of the 5 container, to a closed position for forming a protective barrier at the opening of the container by absorbing moisture, water or water vapour admitted through the opening wherein when the absorber is located in place within the container with the engaging elements 10 cooperatively engaged with the fastening elements, the first panel is supported above the items in the container and the second panel is supported to one side of the items to prevent condensation formed on the ceiling of the container from dripping onto the items in the container 15 and when the second panel is in the closed position, a barrier providing protection for the items in the container is formed. According to another aspect of the invention, there is 20 provided a method of making an absorber liner for use within an interior of a shipping container to protect contents of the container against the effects of water or moisture comprising the steps of forming a sheet material into the absorber liner wherein the sheet material is 25 manufactured by the steps of selectively applying an adhesive material or a fixative material to a first material, selectively applying an absorbent material to selected parts of the surface of the first material to form a first set of regions of the first material having a 30 covering of absorbent material and a second set of regions of the first material substantially free of absorbent material, selectively sealing parts of a second material to the second set of regions of the first material to form N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\74659.AU.2\Specis\74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-1 I.doc 2/03/09 a multitude of sealed areas to contain the absorbent material within the sealed areas whereby the absorbent material absorbs water, moisture or water vapour to provide protection for the contents of the shipping s container when the absorber liner is located in place within the shipping container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 10 In one form, the shipping container is a standard sized shipping container having an opening located at one end of the container. Typically, the shipping container is provided with a double door arrangement at one end for closing the opening of the container. More typically, the 15 double door arrangement is a swing door or hinged door arrangement with the doors being hinged at or along their respective sides to the sides of the container. Even more typically, the shipping container is a lockable container in which the door arrangement is provided with a lock. 20 Even more typically, the container is not a watertight container when the doors are closed, but rather the container allows the ingress of vapour, water, moisture or the like into the container even when the doors are 25 locked, particularly during transit. In one form, the container is provided with a multitude of fastening elements. Typically, the fastening elements are associated with the ceiling of the container, more 30 typically with the undersurface of the top of the container and/or, with the upper portion of the side walls of the container, or the like. Typically, the fastening elements are fixedly connected to the interior walls N:\Melboum\Cases\Patent\7400-74999\P74659.AU 2\Specis\P74659.AU 2 Specification 2009-2-i1.doc 2/0309 - 8 and/or ceiling of the container. Preferably, the fastening elements are arranged in spaced apart relationship to one another, preferably in a regular spaced apart array or similar. More preferably, the 5 fastening elements are located in a spaced apart linear array. More preferably, there are two linear arrays of spaced apart fastening elements. More preferably, the two rows of fastening elements are located along the respective edges of the top of the side walls of the 10 container, preferably, the longitudinally extending edges. Typically, the fastening elements are continuations of the top of the side walls of the container. In one form, there are two linear arrays, each located along one longitudinal edge of the container in parallel spaced 15 apart relationship to each other. Preferably, the fastening elements are container roof hooks. Typically, the fastening elements are, or are provided with projections. More typically, the projections extend 20 from the ceiling or side wall. Even more typically, the projections have a free end. Preferably, the projections are hooks. Typically, the hooks are straight. Alternatively, the hooks are bent, such as for example, having a tongue portion inclined to the stem or shank of 25 the hook. It is to be noted that the hooks can have any suitable or desirable shape, and take any form or configuration. In one form, the container absorber is locatable within 30 the container. Typically, the container absorber is made from plastics material or other flexible material that is impervious to water, moisture or the like. Typically, the absorbent liner is made from non woven fabric, paper, N:Melboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74659 AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03/09 -9 plastic, impregnated paper, or other suitable material. In one form, the absorbent liner is made from a single material whereas in other forms, the absorbent liner is 5 made from two or more materials laminated together or combined together. The individual layers can be moisture impervious or moisture permeable, including combinations of both types. 10 Typically, the material from which the absorber liner is made is of a layer, or layered construction including a top or outer layer and a lower or inner layer with a suitable absorbent material located intermediate the outer and inner layers. One form of the outer layer is a layer is of non-woven material which is essentially hygroscopic for absorbing water, water droplets, moisture, water vapour or the like. Examples of the outer layer include polyester, viscose fibre, rayon or the like including combinations thereof. The range of components of the outer layer 20 extend from 0% to 100% by weight of each component so that the outer layer can have any range of amounts of the component materials. One form of the absorbent material is water absorbent 25 material, preferred super absorber, such as for example, sodium polyacrylate, acrylic acid, or the like. In one form, the absorbent material is a cloth material, particularly a non-woven cloth material impregnated with sodium polyacrylate. Any amount of sodium polyacrylate 30 can be used. In one form, the sodium polyacrylate is impregnated onto one or other of the layers forming the absorber liner. It is to be noted that the layer of sodium polyacrylate is the inner layer so that it faces N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU 2\Speis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2/0309 - 10 inwards. One form of the inner layer is a non-woven material that is essentially hydrophobic which is impervious to water to s trap water within the layered material by preventing it from escaping from the layered construction. The inner and outer layers can be connected together, such as for example by having their respective edges sealed to 10 one another by an adhesive, welding, including sonic welding, stitching or the like. The inner and outer layers, when partially or selectively sealed together, form cavities or voids between them in is the form of pockets, pouches, cells, envelopes, receptacles, or the like for containing the absorbent material such as the sodium polyacrylate. In one form, the absorber liner is made as a cellular 20 construction having cells, envelopes, pockets or the like located over its entire surface area, such that the first panel, second panel and flaps all have a cellular construction in which the super absorber is fixed within each individual cell. The cellular form may be of closed 25 cells or of open cells. The purpose of having a cellular structure and fixing the super absorber in place within the individual cells is so that moisture, water, water vapour and similar is absorbed 30 over the entire surface of the absorber liner and the super absorber is retained in place on or in the linear so that the absorber does not collect in one location or accumulate in one area or region of the absorber liner as N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03/09 - 11 the absorber is installed within the shipping container and during transportation of the shipping container such as when the ship rolls from side to side during transit owing to the action of waves or ocean currents. 5 In one form, the first panel is a cellular construction consisting of any number of individual rows or columns of cells across the width of the first panel. However, any arrangement or number of cells is possible. In one form, 10 there are five rows. Further, the containment of the sodium polyacrylate in the individual pockets, cells, envelopes, voids, cavities or the like enables the moisture to be absorbed over the is entire surface of the absorber liner so that the water does not accumulate in one location which could distort the absorber thus pulling the liner away from the shipping container resulting in water being able to drip directly onto the contents. 20 In one form, the inner layer is impervious to water but allows the transmission of water vapour therethrough so that the water vapour, particularly in a gaseous phase, can be absorbed by the super absorber in the individual 25 cells. This layer is selective in allowing one way transmission of water etc. In one form, the multitude of engaging elements provided on the absorber liner includes a multitude of spaced apart 30 loops or similar. In one form, the engaging elements are located in a linear array along one side of the liner, typically, along a longitudinal side of the absorber liner in the form of a hanger strap or similar containing a N:Melboume\Cases\Patent740O0-74999\P74659.AU 2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2/03/09 - 12 multitude of roof hanging loops or similar. More typically, there are two linear arrays of engaging elements, one located along each longitudinally extending side or edge of the absorber. Each linear array of loops s has the loops arranged corresponding to the spacing of the hooks along the sides of the container liner in substantially spaced apart relationship corresponding to the spacing of the hooks along the sides of the container liner so that the loops of the hanger strap on one side of 10 the cooperates with the hooks of the container and the loops on the other side of the absorber liner form a hanger strap on the other side of the absorber liner for cooperatively with the hooks on the other side of the container. 15 Typically, individual engaging elements of the linear array are located at regularly spaced apart locations. Typically, the position of the loops corresponds to the 20 position of the hooks when the absorber is in place within the container, so that the hooks are received within the loops. In one form, the hooks and loops are complementary to one another and have the same spaced apart relationship to one another. 25 Typically, when the loops are received over the hooks, the first panel of the absorber is supported by being suspended from the hooks. Typically, all of the surface of the absorber liner collects water. 30 Preferably, the hooks are formed from stitching webbing at spaced apart locations situated at 288.5 mm centres with stitching of 20 mm so that the loops are 268.5 mm in N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-1 .doc 2/03/09 - 13 length. However, other sizes are possible. In one form, the first panel is a single continuous panel from one end to the other. In one form, the first panel s comprises two sheets located in overlapping side by side relationship to each other. In one form, the two sheets are adhered together, bonded together, stitched together or similar. In one form, the stitching is zig-zag stitching so as to increase the strength and durability of 10 the liner. In one form, the second panel is a side or end panel. In one form, the side panel is integral with the first panel. In other forms, the side panel is connected or attached to 15 the main panel. In one form, the second panel is a continuation of the first panel. Typically, the second panel is suspended from the loop and hook arrangement, more typically, the 20 second panel is suspended by the suspension of the first panel. In one form, the second panel is movable so as to be capable of being moved out of the way to allow goods to be 25 inserted into the container or withdrawn from the container. Typically, the second panel can be moved by being rolled upon itself, furled, folded or the like, typically for storage on the top of the container while the container is being loaded/unloaded. 30 Typically, the second position of the second panel is a closed position in which the second panel conforms to the opening of the container so as to close the opening to N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659 AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 doc 2/03/09 - 14 form a liner for the door of the container, or to line the inside of the doorway or opening of the container. The second panel of the absorber liner of the present 5 invention is provided to absorb water or moisture entering the shipping container through the opening, particularly during transit as the doors are not watertight even when locked. 10 Typically, the use of the absorber liner of the present invention is to combat the effect of container rain occurring within shipping containers, particularly when the shipping containers are packed with hot product directly off the production and/or manufacturing line, 15 such as for example, bags of hot flour which have been recently filled with hot flour and directly conveyed to the shipping container from the manufacturing facility. "Container Rain" is the term applied to condensation forming within the container due to changes in 20 temperature, pressure, humidity and the like. Typically, the absorber liner includes side panels and an end strip in the form of flaps. More typically, the flaps are connected to the main panel along one edge only so 25 that the free end of the side panels and end strip are free to move around to cover the contents of the container, such as for example, to be draped over the carton or the like within the container. 30 Typically, the side flaps can extend part way along the sides of the container, such as for example, about 300 mm, or can extend along the entire height or length of the walls. In one embodiment, the edge flaps extend to the N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Speas\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2/03/09 - 15 floor of the container. A cardboard liner is optionally present to provide protection/insulation for the contents of the container if 5 needed. However, it is to be noted that such embodiments are less preferred. If fitted, the cardboard liner is located intermediate the side flaps of the absorber liner and the walls of the shipping container. 10 One embodiment of the container absorbent liner is provided with auxiliary fasteners or fastening elements which can be used in place of, or in addition to the main fastening elements or fasteners and/or engaging elements, typically the place of the hooks and loops The auxiliary 15 fasteners can take any suitable shape or type. However, one preferred type of auxiliary or additional fasteners are magnetic fasteners for engaging with the metal parts of the container, such as for example, the roof, sides or other fittings located within the interior of the 20 container. In one form, the magnetic fasteners are in the form of magnets. The magnets can have any suitable or desirable shape. One particularly preferred shape can be readily 25 attached to or incorporated within the container liner, such as for example, being located on the surface of the liner or incorporated internally within the liner. In one form, the magnets are essentially planar. However, 30 other shapes or configurations are possible. Suitable shapes include round, square, rectangular or other four sided shapes, polygonal shape such as hexagonal, octagonal or the like. A particularly preferred shape is round, N:\elboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659 AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2103/09 - 16 circular, disc-like, either solid or open such as having a ring structure, annular shape or the like. The magnets may be permanent magnets or be magnetisable, 5 such as for example, by the application of an electric current or similar, such as a solenoid or similar, electromagnet and the like. A particularly preferred magnet is a solid disc of about 2 10 to 5 cms in diameter and of about 2 to 4 mm thickness, preferably about 2 to 3 cms diameter and 3 mm of thickness. In one form, the magnets are stuck to one of the surfaces 15 of the absorbent liner, such as for example, by gluing, adhesive or suitable bonding agent. Alternatively, the magnets are stitched to the material from which the liner is made, such as for example, by being located in flaps, pockets, pouches, envelopes, or the like. In one form, 20 the flaps, pockets, pouches, envelopes or the like are stitched to one or more of the layers of the absorbent liners in a cellular or cell like structure. In one form, the absorbent liner is two or more layers or 25 laminates in which the magnets are located intermediate two adjacent layers, such as for example by being sandwiched between the outer layer and the, or one of the inner layers of the liner. Preferably, the position or location of the magnet is maintained by the magnets being 30 fixed in place, such as for example, using a chemical bonding agent or by using a mechanical means, such as a pocket, sleeve or the like, or a suitable fastener, much as a stable or the like. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\7400-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-1 1.doc 2/03/09 - 17 In one form of the present invention, magnets are located at strategic locations for holding the liner in place. It is to be noted that any number of magnets can be used in 5 any pattern or orientation depending upon requirements. In one form, the magnets are provided on the top of the liner, such as for example in the panel. In other embodiments, the magnets are provided in the second panel or still further, embodiments in the flap or flaps. In 10 other embodiments, the magnets are provided in any combination of panels and/or flaps. In one embodiment, the magnets are located in linear arrays, such as for example, extending in spaced apart is locations along one lateral side of the panel or flaps, preferably along both lateral sides of the panels or flaps and more preferably, in other longitudinal linearly extending lines located intermediate the two lines at either side of the panel or flap. 20 The magnets may be located at regularly spaced apart locations or in random locations. The magnets may be located in regular patterns or arrays comprising a grid or grid-like appearance or array, such as in rows and 25 columns. Other patterns such as circular patterns, spiral patterns, or the like can be used. In one form, the magnets are discrete magnets whereas in other forms, the magnets are magnetic strips arranged in 30 shapes, such as linear lengths, circles, rings, or the like. In some forms, magnetic material is incorporated into filler or carrier material for use as the magnetic fasteners such as for example, plastics materials N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74659.AU 2\Specis\P74659.AU 2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2103/09 - 18 impregnated with magnetic materials, extruded or otherwise moulded or formed into suitable shapes, such as for example, the type of material from which "fridge magnets" are manufactured. 5 In one form, the magnetic material, such as for example, in the form of particles, is incorporated into the material from which the absorbent liner of the present invention is being made so that the liner itself is 10 substantially magnetic. It is to be noted that the liner need not have uniform magnetic properties but rather magnets or concentrations of magnetic material are provided at certain locations, 15 such as for example at the corners of each panel, flap or the like to ensure the liner stays in contact with the ceiling or walls of the container to assist in absorbing excess moisture. 20 In use of the liner having the auxiliary or additional magnetic fastener or similar, the magnet or magnetic material interacts with the interior of the metal container to assist in holding the liner in place because of the increased retention of the liner against the 25 ceiling and/or walls of the container. In one form, each cell, pocket, envelope or the like provided with absorber, such as for example, the superabsorber, acrylic acid or similar, is also provided 30 with a magnet or magnetic material such as for example, mixed with the super absorber within each cell or the like, so that the liner is more uniformly held in place. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03109 - 19 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described by way of non limiting example with reference to the accompanying s drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of one form of the container liner of the present invention; 10 Figure 2 is a plan view of part of the container liner of Figure 1 showing the position of the row of loops along one side edge of the main panel; Figure 3 is a top perspective view of one form of the 15 container liner of the present invention located within the shipping container with the end flap in the closed position; Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the liner of Figure 20 3 showing the end flap located within a shipping container in an open position; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of one form of the hook and loop securing arrangement of the present 25 invention; and Figure 6 is an end elevation view of the end flap in a closed position within the opening of the container showing one form of the cellular like construction of this 30 panel having individual cells. N:\elboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2- I.doc 2/03/09 - 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One form of the container liner of the present invention will now be described in detail. 5 One form of a shipping container, generally denoted as 2, to which the present invention applies, is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Shipping container 2 is a generally open ended paralleliped having two longitudinal side walls 4a, 10 4b, a closed end wall 6, an opened end defining an opening 8, a top 10, and a base or floor 12. A pair of swing doors 14a, 14b are hingedly connected to side edges of side walls 4a, 4b forming the opening 8 allowing goods or items forming the contents of container 2 to be introduced 15 into and withdrawn from container 2 as required. The container liner of the present invention, generally denoted as 20, is locatable within container 2 as will be described later in this specification. A row of individual fastening elements in the form of individual 20 hooks 16 is located along each upper edge of each longitudinal side of container 2. Liner 20 is suspended from hooks 16 in use to catch the drips of condensation. Hooks 16, can take any suitable form, shape, size, type or the like. One form is a straight planar projection 25 whereas other forms have a straight stem or shank and an inclined tip, end or the like including angularly inclined or having a gradual curved inclination to the body of the hook. 30 In one form, container liner 20 has a first or main panel 22 and a movable end panel or end flap 40 together with two side panels 60, 62 as shown more particularly in Figure 1. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03109 - 21 Main panel 22 is substantially rectangular and has dimensions matched to the internal dimensions of a standard shipping container so as to be able to underlie s roof 10 of container 2. The second panel in the form of the movable end panel 40 is also rectangular to conform to the size and shape of opening 8 in the end of container 2. The height of end panel 40 is matched to the height of the shipping container so that end panel or flap 40 fills 10 opening 8 to provide a barrier in the opening substantially providing the ingress of water, moisture or similar. The pair of side panels or side strips 60, 62 are located 15 along each longitudinal edge of main panel 22 to form side skirts at the side of liner 20 to be placed in alignment with the top side edges of container 2 to further deflect moisture droplets formed on the underside of roof 10 from dripping onto the contents of the container. An end strip 20 90 is located along the transverse edge of main panel 22 opposite to the transverse edge having movable end panel 40. The container liner of the present invention may be made 25 from any suitable material or materials. However, materials which are substantially impervious to water or moisture, such as for example, plastics material, typically polyethylene, PVC or the like are preferred, for at least one of the layers in the event the liner is a 30 laminate or has a layered structure. Another material from which the liner may be made is a non-woven permeable fabric as the material, or one of the materials since such materials are impervious to water but permeable to water N:\Mlboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU-2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03A09 - 22 to water vapour. Combinations of different suitable materials can be used to form liner 20, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose fibres, rayon, polyesters, paper, non-woven fabric or the like, including 5 impregnated materials. In one form, the container liner 20 can be made from a single sheet of plastics material having fold lines located intermediate the different panels or sections 10 forming liner 20 to enable the liner to be folded to conform to the internal dimensions of the shipping container. In another form of liner 20, the liner may be made from 15 two or more sheets connected together, such as for example, by being bonded together using a suitable adhesive, welding, such as sonic welding or heat welding or other means of joining the two or more sheets together. The sheets may be a single layer, or a multiple layer, or 20 laminated. In one embodiment, each of main panel 22, end panel 40, side panels 60, 80 and end strip 90 may be separate sheets connected together by suitable means. Other combinations 25 of sheets and numbers of sheets may be possible. In one form, container liner 20 may be made from a number of different sheets, such as for example, two sheets 28, 30 arranged in overlapping side by side parallel 30 relationship two each other joined along the central axis of the liner as shown in the embodiments of container liner 20 illustrated in the drawings. In this form, two sheets 28, 30 are joined to each other lengthwise about N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\SpecisP74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03X)9 - 23 the central axis. In one form, the two sheets are stitched together in overlapping relationship, such as for example, using two rows of zig-zag stitching 32a, 32b along the edges of each sheet so as to form a strong bond 5 between the two sheets. Even though it is desirable that the entire liner be absorbent, in one form, which is less preferred, there are two rows of stitching, 32a, 32b which are arranged in two 10 spaced apart rows forming a channel 36 therebetween for collecting and/or directing excess water than can be absorbed by the liner in extreme cases from droplets dripping from the ceiling or undersurface of the shipping container on to panel 22. In some embodiments, channel 36 15 formed between the two lines of stitching 32a, 32b directs water to a suitable receptacle (not shown) located in the shipping container for collecting and/or storing water. In other embodiments, channel 36 directs condensed water to an aperture and/or conduit for discharge from the 20 container. However, this arrangement is less preferred. A row of suitable engaging elements is located along each longitudinal side edge of the liner between main panel 22 and the respective side panels 60, 62 at either side of 25 liner 20. In one form, the engaging elements are in the form of closed loops 42 arranged to extend in a linear array 44 along the respective side edges of main panel 22. In one form, loops 42 are made from suitable webbing material stitched to the main panel at spaced apart 30 locations along the edges as shown more particularly in Figures 3, 4 and 5 In use, loops 42 are slipped over the free ends 18 of N :Melboume\Cases\Patent\74D0O-74999\P74659 AU 2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 20092-1 I.doc 2/0309 - 24 hooks 16 provided in the interior of shipping container 2. In one form, loops 42 are arranged in two linear arrays 44 positionable along the upper side edges of the container so that when hooks 16 engage with loops 42, liner 20 is 5 supported by being suspended from hooks 16 within the container as shown in Figures 3 and 4. It is to be noted that the side panels 60, 62 are arranged to adopt a position below and slightly to the side of the 10 row of loops so as to deflect moisture droplets towards the side wall of the container and away from falling onto the contents of the container below the liner. In one form, movable end panel 40 of liner 20 is movable 15 between an open configuration as shown in Figure 4 and a closed configuration as shown in Figure 3. Goods and items can be inserted into and withdrawn from the shipping container through opening 8 when end flap 40 is in the open position during loading and unloading of the 20 container. When filling or emptying of the container is complete, end panel 40 can be moved to a closed position forming a barrier in the opening of the container by rolling the end panel from a furled or rolled or folded position as shown in Figure 4, to an unfurled or unfolded 25 position, such as for example, as shown in Figure 3 to form the barrier. In one form, the absorber is provided with individual pockets, pouches, cells, envelopes, receptacles or the like for containing the super absorber. One form of the cellular construction of the second 30 movable panel is shown in Figure 6 where there are rows and columns of individual cells 46. In operation of the liner of the present invention, the N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-7499P74659 AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .dc 2/03109 - 25 liner is located within the container by attaching the multitude of loops 42 over the multitude of corresponding hooks 16 so as to securely suspend liner 20 from hooks 16 at the top of the container just below the undersurface of 5 the top of the container. The container, with the end panel in the open position, by being folded above the container, can be filled with goods. When the container is full, the end panel is unfurled to fill in the opening of the container whereupon the doors of the container can 10 be closed. The container is then ready for transportation. During transportation, owing to the variation in atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and humidity, condensation forms on the undersurface of the top of the container. The use of the absorber liner 15 is particularly applicable when transporting materials susceptible to damage by contact with water, such as for example, food substances in packaging and the packaging itself which can be spoiled or decayed if they become too laden with water, e.g. cans rusting, cardboard cartons 20 becoming sodden with water and collapsing and the like. When it is desired to unpack the container, the doors of the container are opened, the movable end panel is rolled up from the closed position to the open position allowing 25 access to the interior of the container for unpacking the goods which are still in a dry state being protected from moisture by the container liner. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 30 - Faster positioning of the absorbent liner within the container since the installation of the absorber liner within the shipping container is labour saving. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11. doc 2103109 - 26 - There is total coverage of the entire surface of the contents within the container by the absorber liner, rather than part coverage or overlapping coverage 5 which can result in gaps or spaces where water can leak through the different separate parts of the liner. - The construction of the absorber liner permits 10 adsorption of moisture through the total surface area of the absorber liner. - Prevents water going right through the layers of the absorber liner and moisture and vapour are internally 15 absorbed so that there is no transmission of vapour/moisture/water through the absorber liner. - Acts in similar way to desiccant action, water from atmosphere is collected and trapped in the cells of 20 the absorber liner. The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every 25 novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations 30 and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659 AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU-2 Specification 2009-2-11 doc 2/03/09 - 27 and scope. N:VMelboume CasesPatent7400O-74999P746S9 AU.2%SpecisIP74659.AU.2 Specificabon 2009-2-1Ildoc 2/03/09

Claims

1. An absorber for use in an interior or a part of the interior of a shipping container to protect items located 5 within the shipping container against the adverse effects of moisture, water or water vapour comprising a first panel provided with a multitude of engaging elements located at spaced apart locations for cooperatively engaging with a multitude of fastening elements provided 10 on the container at spaced apart locations and a movable second panel capable of being located adjacent an opening of the container, said second panel being movable between an open position allowing items to be introduced into or withdrawn from the container through the opening and a is closed position forming a protective barrier at or near to the opening of the container for absorbing moisture, water or water vapour entering through the opening, wherein when the engaging elements of the first panel cooperatively engage with the fastening elements of the container, the 20 absorber and the second panel are supported in place within the container such that the liner is supported above the items in the container to reduce and/or to prevent condensation formed on the ceiling of the container from dripping onto the items in the container by 25 forming an absorber barrier thereby providing protection for the items in the container and wherein the second panel is supported in the opening of the container by the absorber. 30

2. A method of protecting items located in a shipping container against the effects of condensation occurring within the shipping container comprising the steps of cooperatively engaging a multitude of engaging elements N:\Melboum e\Case\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2Spcificaion

2009-2-11 .doc 2103109 - 29 located at spaced apart locations on a first panel of an absorber in cooperative engaging relationship with a multitude of fastening elements provided on the container to support the first panel above the items located in the 5 container, moving a second panel from an open position allowing items to be introduced into or withdrawn from the container in the opening of the container, to a closed position for forming a protective barrier at the opening of the container by absorbing moisture, water or water io vapour admitted through the opening wherein when the absorber is located in place within the container with the engaging elements cooperatively engaged with the fastening elements, the first panel is supported above the items in the container and the second panel is supported to one is side of the items to prevent condensation formed on the ceiling of the container from dripping onto the items in the container and when the second panel is in the closed position, a barrier providing protection for the items in the container is formed. 20

3. A method of making an absorber liner for use within an interior of a shipping container to protect contents of the container against the effects of water or moisture comprising the steps of forming a sheet material into the 25 absorber liner wherein the sheet material is manufactured by the steps of selectively applying an adhesive material or a fixative material to a first material, selectively applying an absorbent material to selected parts of the surface of the first material to form a first set of 30 regions of the first material having a covering of absorbent material and a second set of regions of the first material substantially free of absorbent material, selectively sealing parts of a second material to the N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Speas\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2/03109 - 30 second set of regions of the first material to form a multitude of sealed areas to contain the absorbent material within the sealed areas whereby the absorbent material absorbs water, moisture or water vapour to 5 provide protection for the contents of the shipping container when the absorber liner is located in place within the shipping container.

4. An absorber or method according to any preceding 10 claim in which the container is provided with a multitude of fastening elements located at or towards the ceiling of the container or at or towards the upper portion of the side walls of the container in two linear arrays in which the fasteners of each linear array are located at spaced is apart locations.

5. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the fastening elements are in the form of hooks having a first portion and a second portion in which 20 the first portion is a stem or shank and the second portion is a tip portion wherein the tip portion is inclined to the shank portion.

6. An absorber or method according to any preceding 25 claim in which the absorber is a container liner made from one or more plastics materials or other flexible material which is generally impervious to water, moisture or the like. 30

7. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the absorbent liner is made from non-woven permeable fabric, paper, plastic, impregnated material or any suitable material including being made from a single N:AMelboume\Cases\Patent\74O0-74999XP74659.AU 2\Specis\P74659 AU.2 Specification 2009-2-1 I.doc 2103/09 - 31 material or a combination of two or more materials.

8. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the liner has a layered structure or 5 laminated structure in which one or more of the layers forming the layered or laminate structure are either moisture impervious or moisture permeable, such as a non woven permeable material. 10

9. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the liner having the layered or laminated structure comprises an upper or outer layer, an inner or lower layer and an intermediate or central layer located between the outer and inner layers in which the 15 intermediate layer is an absorbent layer or a layer of absorbent material.

10. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the outer or upper layer is a layer of non 20 woven film material which is essentially hydroscopic for absorbing water, water droplets, moisture or, water vapour.

11. An absorber or method according to any preceding 25 claim in which the outer layer includes polyester, viscous fibre, rayon, or similar, including combinations of two more such materials.

12. An absorber or method according to any preceding 30 claim in which the absorbent material is a super absorber including sodium polyacrylate or acrylic acid. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659 AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2/03/09 - 32

13. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the intermediate absorbent layer is a non woven cloth material impregnated with sodium polyacrylate. 5

14. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the inner layer is a non-woven material that is essentially hydrophobic which is impervious to water in order to maintain or hold water within the layered structure of the absorber thereby preventing water 10 form escaping from the layered construction for contacting the contents of the shipping container.

15. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim wherein the inner and outer layers are partially or 15 selectively sealed together to form cavities or voids between the two layers in the form of pockets, cells, pouches, envelopes ,or receptacles for containing the sodium polyacrylate absorbent material. 20

16. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the liner is in the form of a cellular construction having a multitude of cells in which the cells of the cellular construction are closed cells extending almost entirely over the surface of the liner. 25

17. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the sodium polyacrylate is located within the cells, voids or cavities. 30

18. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the first panel is of a cellular construction having a multitude of individual rows or columns of cells across the width of the first panel. N:Welboume\Cases\Patenl740O0-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03/09 - 33

19. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the inner layer is impervious to water but allows the transmission of water vapour through so that s the water vapour can be absorbed by the absorber in the individual cells to selectively allow one way transmission of water through the liner thereby retaining the water.

20. An absorber or method according to any preceding 10 claim in which the liner is provided with a multitude of engaging elements located at spaced apart locations.

21. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the engaging elements are located in a 15 linear array along both sides of the liner in the form of a hanger strap or similar located along each side edge of the liner in which the hanger strap is made from a webbing material. 20

22. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the engaging elements are in the form of loops arranged in spaced apart relationship to each other wherein the spacing of the loops corresponds to the of the hooks so that the loops can co-operatively engage with the 25 hooks to support the first panel of the liner in position over the contents of the shipping container.

23. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the loops are arranged in spaced apart 30 relationship to one another to form a hanger strap comprising the multitude of spaced apart loops.

24. An absorber or method according to any preceding N:\elboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2/03109 - 34 claim in which the hooks are formed in the hanger strap by a webbing material wherein the webbing material is stitched together at spaced apart locations having 288.5mm centres with stitching of 20mm in length so that the loops s are 268.5mm in length.

25. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the first panel is a single continuous sheet or comprises two sheets located in overlapping side 10 by side relationship to one another in which the two sheets are adhered together, bonded together, stitched together or fastened together to form the first panel wherein the overlapping extends in the longtitudinal extending direction. 15

26. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the second panel is a side panel or end panel in which the second panel is formed integrally or continuously with the first panel or the first panel and 20 second panel are separate panels fixedly connected to each other along respective edges in partially overlapping relationships to each other.

27. An absorber or method according to any preceding 25 claim in which the second panel is suspended within the shipping container by suspension of the first panel by the hook and loop arrangement co-operatively interacting together to suspend the liner within the shipping container. 30

28. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the container is provided with an opening and the second panel is movable between an open position N:\Melboume\Casea\Patent\740O0-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11.doc 2/03/09 - 35 allowing contents of the container to be introduced into and withdraw into the container through the opening and a closed position in which the second panel is located within the opening so as to form a barrier to the ingress 5 of water, moisture or similar into the container when in a closed configuration.

29. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which when the second panel is in the closed 10 position, the second panel conforms to the opening of the container so as to substantially close the opening to form a barrier for the opening adjacent to the door of the container to absorb water or moisture entering the shipment container through the opening wherein the second 15 panel is movable between the open and closed positions by folding, furling or rolling up upon itself.

30. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the absorber further comprises side panels 20 and an end strip in the form of flaps wherein the flaps are connected to the first panel along one edge only so that the flap has a free end enabling the flap to move around within the container to adopt a position so as to cover the contents of the container. 25

31. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the side flaps extend part way along the height of the sides of the container to a length of about 300mm. 30

32. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the flap is an end flap that extends from the top of the container to the floor of the container N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-1 .doc 210309 - 36 and/or a side flap that extends from the first panel to at or towards the floor of the container.

33. An absorber or method according to any preceding 5 claim in which the absorber is provided with auxiliary or additional fasteners or fastening elements which can be used in place of, or in addition to, the main fastening elements or fasteners and/or engaging elements such as the hooks and loops arrangement to assist in retaining the 10 liner in place over the contents of the container wherein the auxiliary or additional fasteners engage with the roof and/or ceiling of the container.

34. An absorber or method according to any preceding 15 claim in which the auxiliary or additional fastener is a magnetic fastener located at spaced apart locations in the first panel of the liner for co-operating with the roof of the container to retain magnetically the first panel in position above the contents of the container. 20

35. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the magnetic fasteners are adhered or bonded to the liner or are stitched within the liner, particularly in the first panel of the liner. 25

36. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the magnets are located within the cells formed in the liner. 30

37. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the magnets are discreet magnets or are arranged in strips of magnets or are magnetic material incorporated into filler or carrier material located N:\elboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74659 AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU.2 Specification 2009-2-11 .doc 2/03/09 - 37 within the cells of the first panel or incorporated into a super absorber or incorporated into the film of the liner and into a layer of the liner, including the intermediate layers. 5

38. An absorber or method according to any preceding claim in which the magnets are discrete magnets in the form of solid discs arranged in a grid arrangement of rows and columns of magnets over the surface of the first 10 panel, and optionally, the flaps, in which the spacing of the magnets in the rows and columns corresponds to the location of the cells, voids, cavities of the first panel.

39. An absorber or method according to any preceding 15 claim substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

40. A method substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 20 N:\elb oume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999P74659.AU.2\Specis\P74659.AU-2 Specification 2009-2-1 idoc 2103109