Controlled humidity container

• US 20020070129A1
• Filed: 10/01/2001
• Published: 06/13/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Coverall Limited
• Original Assignee: Coverall Limited
• Inventors: Tunstall-Behrens, Martin Hilary
• Application Number:
  US09/968,089
• Publication Number:
  US 20020070129A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/204
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2585/646 pianos or organs
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/64 for bulky articles
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 22/00 Control of humidity

Abstract

This invention relates to a container for an item, in which the item is selected from the group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and antiques, which container comprises a flexible, gas impermeable material adapted to be disposed around the item or a substantial portion thereof; sealing means for forming the material into a substantially sealed bag around the item or a substantial portion thereof, said sealed bag defining a chamber having an enclosed atmosphere; and means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere. The container is particularly useful for musical instruments, especially keyboard instruments. A preservation system for an item and a method for preserving an item which utilize such a container are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A container for an item, in which the item is selected from the group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and antiques, which container comprises a flexible, gas impermeable material adapted to be disposed around the item or a substantial portion thereof;

sealing means for forming the material into a substantially sealed bag around the item or a substantial portion thereof, said sealed bag defining a chamber having an enclosed atmosphere; and

means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere.

2. A container according to claim 1 in which the flexible, gas impermeable material is adapted to define a space for receiving the item or a substantial portion thereof.

3. A container according to claim 1 in which the flexible, gas impermeable material is a plastics material or a fabric treated with a plastics material.

4. A container according to claim 1 in which the sealing means comprises a fastener selected from a zipper, a velcro strip or lacing.

5. A container according to claim 1 in which the means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere comprises a material capable of absorbing and desorbing moisture.

6. A container according to claim 1 which further include a hygrometer.

7. A container according to claim 1 which further includes a sealable access opening.

8. A container according to claim 1 which further includes a heater.

9. A container according to claim 1 which further includes means for monitoring the temperature of the enclosed atmosphere.

10. A container according to claim 1 which further includes a warning or alarm system.

11. A container according to claim 1 which is shaped to correspond to the shape of the item or a case in which the item is located.

12. A container according to claim 1 in which the item is a musical instrument.

13. A container according to claim 1 in which the item is a keyboard instrument.

14. A preservation system for an item, in which the item is selected from the group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and antiques, which system comprises a container according to claim 1 and the item to be disposed within the chamber.

15. A method for preserving an item, in which the item is selected from the group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and antiques, which method comprises selecting a container according to claim 1;

disposing the flexible, gas impermeable material around the item or a substantial portion thereof;

utilizing the sealing means to form a substantially sealed bag around the item or a substantial portion thereof; and

utilizing the humidity control means to control the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere.

16. A container for use in the method for preserving an item according to claim 15.

17. A container according to claim 2 in which the flexible, gas impermeable material is a plastics material or a fabric treated with a plastics material.

18. A container according to claim 2 in which the sealing means comprises a fastener selected from a zipper, a velcro strip or lacing.

19. A container according to claim 2 in which the means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere comprises a material capable of absorbing and desorbing moisture.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising providing means for measuring the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere.