Load bearing structure having antimicrobial properties

Abstract

The present invention provides a movable load bearing structure with a surface that includes antimicrobial agents capable of eliminating, preventing, retarding or minimizing the growth of microbes and also minimizing cross-contamination when the load bearing structure is being reused for cargos that differ from a previously transported cargo, for example, different food types, such as poultry, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit. The load bearing structure may be a dunnage platform or a container for storing and/or shipping cargo.

1 . A loading bearing structure for use in clean rooms comprising:
 an expanded polymer core with a first side, a second side and a width, said first side, second side and width having exposed surfaces; and   at least one polymer layer combined with said expanded polymer core on said first side of said expanded polymer core and at least part of said width, said load bearing structure comprises at least one substantially non-leaching antimicrobial agent having some surface activity;   
       wherein said load bearing structure receives cargo generated in said clean room to facilitate shipping and minimizing risk of contamination or damage. 
     
     
         2 . The load bearing structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the material for making the polymer layer. 
     
     
         3 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one antimicrobial is coated onto at least one of the exposed surfaces of the structure. 
     
     
         4 . The load bearing structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one antimicrobial agent is capable of permanent or non-permanent binding. 
     
     
         5 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one antimicrobial agent comprises one or both an organic compound and an inorganic compound. 
     
     
         6 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one antimicrobial agent is mixed with a carrier. 
     
     
         7 . The load bearing structure of  claim 1  further comprising at least two load enclosing structures on top of said load bearing structure to form an enclosed container. 
     
     
         8 . The load bearing structure of  claim 7  wherein said at least two loading enclosing structures comprise two identical substantially L-shape cross-section halves or two identical clam shell halves. 
     
     
         9 . The load bearing structure of  claim 7  wherein said first side comprises pockets for locating a phase change material. 
     
     
         10 . A loading bearing structure for loading cargo comprising:
 an expanded polymer core with a first side, a second side and a width; and   at least one polymer layer combined with said expanded polymer core on said first side of said expanded polymer core and at least part of said width;   
       wherein at least part of said second side comprises at least one substantially non-leaching antimicrobial agent that is substantially free of environmentally hazardous material. 
     
     
         11 . The load bearing structure of  claim 10 , wherein said polymer core comprises porous surfaces. 
     
     
         12 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 10 , wherein said substantially non-leaching antimicrobial agent has a very low volatility and very low water solubility. 
     
     
         13 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 10 , wherein said antimicrobial component is active against one or more foreign hosts, selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, helminths and insect larvae. 
     
     
         14 . The load bearing structure of  claim 10  wherein said at least one antimicrobial agent is dispersed in a water based composition comprising at least one polymeric carrier in the form of an emulsion or dispersion. 
     
     
         15 . The load bearing structure of  claim 10  wherein a second one polymer layer is combined with said expanded polymer core on said second side of said expanded polymer core and at least part of said width. 
     
     
         16 . The load bearing structure of  claim 10  wherein said at least part of said second polymer layer is interposed between said at least part of said second side and said antimicrobial agent. 
     
     
         17 . A loading bearing structure comprising:
 an assembly of a plurality of load bearing structures, each having:   an expanded polymer core with a first side, a second side and a width, said first side, second side and width,   at least one polymer layer combined with said expanded polymer core on said first side, the width and at least part of said second side of said expanded polymer core; and   a water based antimicrobial composition comprising at least one polymeric carrier in the form of an emulsion or dispersion and at least one substantially non-leaching antimicrobial agent is coated on said second side.   
     
     
         18 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 17  wherein at least one of said plurality of load bearing structures comprises pockets on at least one of said sides for locating a phase change material. 
     
     
         19 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 17  wherein said loading bearing structure is adapted for receiving cargo generated in a clean room to facilitate shipping and minimizing risk of contamination or damage. 
     
     
         20 . The loading bearing structure of  claim 19  wherein said cargo comprises electronic parts or pharmaceuticals.