Abstract:
A packaging system for repeatably storing chemical moth and insect repellent products that hinders oxygen and ultraviolet lighting from penetrating to prevent sublimation of the product prior to purchase. A user can store unused products after initial use and reopen the package at a later time to minimize the unused product&#39;s exposure to oxygen. Such storage prevents color and physical degradation of the product and adverse interaction of the product with ink used on the packaging material. Also provided is a method for using naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor as an outdoor rodent, pest, moth, and insect repellent. The outdoor product can be scented and can be in various shapes or chemical forms, such as crystals.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/722,823 having a filing date of Sep. 30, 2005 and entitled PACKAGING FOR CHEMICAL MOTH AND INSECT REPELLENT PRODUCTS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING THE PRODUCTS; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/736,113 having a filing date of Nov. 10, 2005 and entitled PACKAGING FOR CHEMICAL MOTH AND INSECT REPELLENT PRODUCTS, METHOD FOR PACKAGING THE PRODUCTS, AND METHOD FOR USING NAPTHALENE, PARADICHLOROBENZE, AND CAMPHOR AS AN OUTDOOR RODENT, PET, MOTH, AND INSECT REPELLENT. The contents of each of the above-identified applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to packaging, and, in particular, to packaging for products containing naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor and other chemical moth and insect repellent products that sublimate during usage and methods for packaging such products.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     As used herein, a moth or insect repellent product (“Product”) is any product that contains naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor, and related active and/or inactive ingredients, some of which are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for the purpose of repelling and/or killing such insects inside or outside the home. Presently, the EPA has approved naphthalene and para-dichlorobenzene for repelling moths indoors (use of these products can be made for storing clothing).  
         [0004]     Products made of naphthalene, para-dichlorobenze, and camphor are sensitive to oxygen and will degrade over time (“sublimate”) when exposed to such. This degradation includes chemical discoloration, loss of shape of product, and, in some circumstances, complete absorption and loss of product. This is especially true when the products are placed outdoors as a result of the relatively more severe environmental characteristics, including extreme temperature, rain, wind, sleet, snow, and humidity, to name a few.  
         [0005]     The products are conventionally sold in metal cans or in paperboard folding cartons that may have a transparent window. Typically, these containers are not gas-tight. Even if these containers include an inner bag holding the moth balls, the bag does not prevent exposure to oxygen after being opened. Further, the bag does not protect the moth balls from ultraviolet radiation.  
         [0006]     The packaging for the products contains no protective barrier or oxygen absorber that prevents transmission of oxygen into the inner package containing the repellent. Contact between the product and oxygen causes the chemical product to prematurely sublimate, which erodes the life and strength of the product before it is even opened. Once opened, current packaging cannot reseal to prevent oxygen from further degrading unused product or to prevent further erosion of the product by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Given that the smallest available container is 4 to 5 times larger than the typical recommended quantity of product per use, current product packaging allows the sublimating product to penetrate into the environment, which causes significant degradation and loss of product, not to mention unintentional release of a possibly undesirable odor.  
         [0007]     Additionally, the sublimation of the chemical on a partial or complete basis will interfere with the ink printed on the consumer package, causing an unattractive bleeding through the package. Furthermore, it is known that naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor and other chemical products adversely interact with oil-based ink conventionally used on paperboard folding cartons. Thus, the printing on such packaging becomes blurred over time as a result of this interaction.  
         [0008]     In view of the foregoing, there exists a need for improved packaging for moth balls and other chemical moth and insect repellent products.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention provides a protective packaging for products containing naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor and other chemical moth and insect repellent products that sublimate during usage. Specifically, the protective packaging provides a protective barrier, substantially preventing the migration of oxygen through the packaging material.  
         [0010]     Additionally, the protective packaging can be resealable, having an opening which can be opened and resealed. The resealing mechanism provides a gas-tight seal, preventing the migration of oxygen into the packaging. In this manner, the unused products can be stored after the initial use and opening of the package, minimizing the unused product&#39;s exposure to oxygen and degradation.  
         [0011]     The packaging material can further provide protection from ultraviolet radiation, having an opacity which inhibits the transmission of the ultraviolet radiation through the packaging material. Alternatively, the material of the packaging can have an inherent ultraviolet reflective properties or a coating. In such a case, it may not be necessary to make the packaging opaque.  
         [0012]     In an embodiment, the present invention provides a packaging system for a chemical repellent. The packaging system includes a hollow bag member having a wall member and a open end defining an interior space, wherein the wall member is made of an impermeable material. A resealable closure mechanism is attached to the wall member of the hollow bag member in the open end. The resealable closure mechanism is positionable from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the open end is sealed in a gas-tight seal. A repellant is positioned in the interior space of the hollow bag member, wherein the repellant sublimates in air. The gas-tight seal of the resealable closure mechanism prevents exposure of the repellant to air, substantially preventing sublimation of the repellant.  
         [0013]     The invention is primarily illustrated and described herein as embodied in packaging for products containing naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor and other chemical moth and insect repellent products that sublimate during usage, a method for packaging such products, and a method for using naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor as an outdoor rodent, pest, moth, and insect repellent. It is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. For example, the present invention can be used with any material that sublimates or otherwise degrades.  
         [0014]     The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts a packaging system of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of a two-ply wall of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of a three-ply wall of the packaging system of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  depicts the packaging system of the present invention including a sealing mechanism;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a sealing mechanism;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of another sealing mechanism;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging according to the invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an evacuation device according to the invention; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary diagrammatic illustration of a portion of the packaging of  FIG. 1  with another exemplary embodiment of the evacuation device according to the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     The present invention provides a chemical moth and insect repellent (“repellent”) which includes naphthalene, para-dichlorobenzene, camphor, and/or other chemicals and packaging system therefore. In addition to acting as a moth and insect repellent, such chemicals can also be used as a repellent for rodents and pests, both in indoor and outdoor uses.  
         [0027]     As used herein, Naphthalene is a crystalline, aromatic, white, solid hydrocarbon, best known as the primary ingredient of moth balls. Its molecules consist of two fused benzene rings. When exposed to air, naphthalene slowly sublimes from a solid to a vapor. It is the vapor that acts as an insect repellant.  
         [0028]     Para-dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene or p-DCB) is a white solid with a strong, pungent odor. It is an aromatic chemical compound having the chemical formula C 6 H 4 Cl 2 . It consists of two chlorine atoms substituted onto a benzene ring. When exposed to air, p-DCB slowly sublimes from a solid to a vapor. It is the vapor that acts as an insect killer.  
         [0029]     Camphor is a white transparent waxy crystalline solid with a strong penetrating pungent aromatic odor. It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C 10 H 16 O. Camphor crystals when exposed to air, sublime from a solid to a vapor which acts as an insect killer.  
         [0030]     The above chemicals can be used individually or in combinations to form the repellant, being provided in a variety of consistencies, shapes and sizes, which can be used to control the rate of sublimation. For example, the chemicals can be provided in a powder or crystalline form. Alternatively, the chemical can be provided in a substantially spherical form, i.e., moth balls, having a diameters ranging from 0.5 inches to 1 inch. It is contemplated that the chemical spheres can have larger or smaller diameters as desired.  
         [0031]     From a strictly geometric point of view, a sphere has the greatest surface area, allowing for greater exposure to the environment and, thereby, increased degradation of the product. However, it has been unexpectedly discovered that moth or insect repellent products having spherical shapes that are significantly larger than conventionally manufactured spheres (which measure approximately 2.22 cm (⅞ inches) in diameter) actually sublimate at a slower rate, which increases their effectiveness and life span. As such, larger diameter spheres are especially suitable for outdoor use, where there repellent is exposed to a more extreme environment.  
         [0032]     In an embodiment, the outdoor moth or insect repellent product made in a spherical or round shape is twice the circumference of conventional indoor moth balls to effectively slow down the sublimation process and extend the life of the product.  
         [0033]     Alternatively, to minimize degradation, the repellent uses the chemicals in their crystalline or powder form. Such crystals and powders are able to fit into small crevices in the lawn and garden area, for example, and, as such, will last longer than conventional moth balls having more surface area to be exposed to the elements outdoors. The crystal shape allows the user to specifically place the product in holes, ant hills, and hard to reach areas where insects, roaches and some rodents reside. The net effect is a more pin-point placement of such items causing increased effectiveness of the product. Additionally, unlike chemical moth balls of any size, crystallized outdoor products are easily carried into ant hills by the ants and other areas where insects nest, effectively reaching the source of many insect and animal breeding areas before their sublimation.  
         [0034]     As previously discussed, the repellent is provided in a solid form, which when exposed to air sublimates to a vapor, which acts as repellant. In the vapor form, the repellant can have a strong, unpleasant odor. As such, it is contemplated that an aromatic can be added to the repellant, where the aromatic has a substantially pleasant odor which can mask the odor of the repellant.  
         [0035]     In an embodiment, the aromatic can have properties similar to that of the repellant, where the aromatic acts as a repellent, and may enhance the effectiveness of the repellant. For example, the aromatic can be cedar, citronella, pepper, frankincense, among others.  
         [0036]     Alternatively, the aromatic can be a scent which masks the odor the repellant. Such scent can be provided in a variety of fragrances, for example, pine, lavender, lemon, potpourri, etc.  
         [0037]     As previously discussed, the repellant of the present invention sublimates when exposed to air, such that when in use the repellent changes from a solid to a vapor. However, when not in use, it is desirable to prevent sublimation, allowing the repellant to be stored for later use. As such, another aspect of the present invention is a packaging system which substantially prevents exposure of the repellant to air, moisture, etc.  
         [0038]     Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  a packaging system  10  of the present invention. The packaging system  10  is provided in a pouch form having first and second ends  12  and  14 , and two walls  16  and  18  defining an interior space  20  therein. The repellant  22  is positioned in the interior space  20 , being sealed within the packaging system  10 . The first and second ends  12  and  14  are provided in a closed form, preventing propagation of air there through.  
         [0039]     In a method of manufacture, the walls  16  and  18  can be positioned on opposite sides of the repellant  22 , where the peripheries of the walls  16  and  18  are sealed together forming the pouch containing the repellant  22 . The peripheries of the walls  16  and  18  can be sealed using known sealing techniques, such as heat sealing, gluing, etc.  
         [0040]     Alternatively, the packaging system  10  can initially be provided in a bag form in which the first end  12  is open, allowing the repellent  22  to be deposited in the interior space  20 . Once filled, the first end  12  is sealed preventing entry of air into the interior space  20  there through. The first end  12  can be sealed using known sealing techniques, such as heat sealing and/or gluing.  
         [0041]     The walls  14  and  16  are made of a substantially impermeable material which prevents the propagation of air into the interior space  20 . In this manner, the repellant  22  is maintained in a sealed environment within the packaging material, preventing sublimation of the repellant  22 . It is also envisioned that the repellant is vacuumed sealed.  
         [0042]     In an embodiment the walls  16  and  18  are made of flexible polymeric or plastic materials. For example, the walls  16  and  18  can be made of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, oriented polypropylene, and the like. Additionally, to prevent penetration of ultraviolet radiation, the walls  14  and  16  can be opaque or have a coating that reflects ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the material of the walls  16  and  18  can have inherent ultraviolet reflective properties.  
         [0043]     The walls  16  and  18  can be formed using a plurality of layers, wherein each of the layers can be made from the same or different materials. Each of the layers can have the same or different thickness. The materials for each of the layers are selected to combine to form a flexible impermeable wall that substantially prevents the propagation of air there though.  
         [0044]     In an embodiment, each of the material layers of the walls  16  and  18  can be made from a plastic material, such as, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, oriented polypropylene, and the like, either as a whole in combinations thereof. The material layers can be bonded together using known bonding techniques, such as gluing and/or heat sealing. Additionally, the thickness of each layer can be selected, such that the thickness of each of the walls  16  and  18  is between about 0.05 mm and 15 mm.  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the walls  16  and  18  are two-ply members, having an inner layer  24  and outer layer  26 . Each of the material layers  24  and  26  can be made from a plastic material, such as, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, oriented polypropylene, and the like. The layers  24  and  26  are combined such that each of the walls  16  and  18  has the thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.10 mm.  
         [0046]     In an example, the inner layer  24  is made from polyethylene and the outer layer  26  is made from polyethylene terephthalate. The inner and outer layers are bonded together using known bonding techniques, such as gluing. The layers  24  and  26  are combined such that each of the walls  16  and  18  has the thickness of about 0.06 mm, where the inner layer  24  can have a thickness of about 0.045 mm and the outer layer  26  can have a thickness of about 0.015 mm.  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the walls  16  and  18  are three-ply members, having an inner layer  28 , a middle layer  30 , and outer layer  32 . Each of the material layers  28 ,  30 , and  32  can be made from a plastic material, such as, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, oriented polypropylene, and the like. The layers  28 ,  30 , and  32  are combined together such that each of the walls  16  and  18  has the thickness of 0.10 mm to 0.15 mm.  
         [0048]     In an example, the inner layer  28  is made from polyethylene, the middle layer  30  is made from polyethylene terephthalate, and the outer layer  32  is made from oriented polypropylene. The inner, middle, and outer layers are bonded together using known bonding techniques, such as gluing. The layers  28 ,  30 , and  32  are combined together such that each of the walls  16  and  18  has the thickness of about 0.12 mm. The inner layer  28  can have a thickness of about 0.07 mm, the middle layer  32  can have a thickness of about 0.015 mm, and the outer layer has a thickness of about 0.025 mm.  
         [0049]     The oriented polypropylene of the outer layer  28  can be oriented to provide an inherent ultraviolet protection to the packaging system  10 , whereby the orientation is selected to give an ultraviolet reflectivity to the outer layer  28  of the walls  16  and  18 .  
         [0050]     In the above embodiments, the packaging material  10  is provided to the consumer in a sealed condition, such that the sublimation of the repellant  22  is retarded, increasing the shelf life of the repellant  22 . It is also contemplated that the packaging system  10  can include a resealing mechanism, wherein after opening and partial removal of the repellant  22  therein, the packaging system  10  can be resealed to protect the remaining repellent  22 . The sealing mechanism provides a gas-tight seal to the open portion of the packaging system  10 , preventing entry of air therein.  
         [0051]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the packaging system  10  is shown having an open first end  12  which can be opened by cutting, tearing, and the like. A sealing mechanism  34  is provided, proximal to the open first end  12 . The sealing mechanism  34  seals the open first end  12  when the ends of wall  16  and  18  are compressed together.  
         [0052]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of the sealing mechanism  34  includes adhesive coatings  36  and  38  provided on the walls  16  and  18 , proximal to the first end  12 . The adhesive coatings  36  and  38  are bonded to the inner surfaces  40  and  42  of the walls  16  and  18 , such that when the walls  16  and  18  are compressed together the adhesive coatings  36  and  38  bond together, sealing the open first end  12 . The adhesive coatings  36  and  38  are such that the walls  16  and  18  can be separated, separating the adhesive coatings  36  and  38  to open the first end  12  and thereafter compressed together to reseal the open first end  12 . It is contemplated that this opening and resealing can be accomplished a plurality of times, until all of the repellant  22  contents have been used. It is further contemplated that one of the adhesive coatings  36  and  38  can be eliminated such that the remaining adhesive coating attaches directed to either wall  16  or wall  18 .  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a different embodiment of the sealing mechanism  34  includes a tongue and groove sealing mechanism  44 . In particular, a groove portion  46  is provided on an inner surface  48  of the wall  16  and a tongue portion  50  is provided on an inner surface  52  of wall  18  proximal to the first end  12 . The walls  16  and  18  are compressed together such that the tongue portion  50  engages the groove portion  46 , sealing the open first end  12 . The sealing mechanism  44  is designed such that the walls  16  and  18  can be separated to open the first end  12  and thereafter compressed together to reseal the open first end  12 , providing a gas-tight seal. It is contemplated that this opening and resealing can be accomplished a plurality of times, until all of the repellant  22  contents have been used.  
         [0054]     In the above embodiment, a single tongue and groove sealing mechanism  44  is depicted. However, it is contemplated that multiple tongue and groove sealing mechanisms  44  can be utilized. The multiple sealing mechanisms  44  are positioned in the open first end  12  in a spaced apart parallel relationship. The use of multiple sealing mechanisms  44  is effective in increasing the efficiency of the gas-tight seal. In an exemplary embodiment, two tongue and groove sealing mechanisms  44  are provided in the open first end  12 .  
         [0055]     The present invention contemplates other sealing mechanisms. For example, reclosable fastener assemblies often include a plastic zipper and a slider. Typically, the plastic zippers include a pair of interlockable fastener elements, or profiles, that form a closure. As the slider moves across the profiles, the profiles are opened or closed. The profiles in plastic zippers can take on various configurations. The sliders for opening or closing the reclosable fasteners are generally shaped so that the slider straddles the profiles. The sliders often include a separating element that is inserted through the profiles in order to open the fastener. In other types of sliders, the separating element does not penetrate the profiles, but rather, slides above the profiles on a specially adapted track located above the profiles. The separating elements may have various shapes, such as a V-shaped separating element or a tapered separating element with a circular end.  
         [0056]     In a laboratory investigation, the sublimation rate of unused repellant in a stored condition was determined for a prior art packaging and for a resealed three-ply packaging system  10  of the present invention.  
         [0057]     The prior art packaging included a cardboard box container having an outer plastic wrapping. The top right side and two adjacent ends of the outer plastic wrapping were cut, allowing the top flap to be opened by breaking the glue seam and thereby exposing the repellent therein. The repellent was removed, weighed, and placed back into the prior art packaging. The top flap was lower back into place and the prior art packaging was positioned in a test environment. The initial weight of the repellant provided in the prior art packaging was 731.5 g.  
         [0058]     The test packaging system  10  of the present invention includes three-ply walls  16  and  18  and two tongue and groove sealing mechanisms  44  provided at the first end  12 . The three-ply walls  16  and  18  had an inner layer  28  made from polyethylene, a middle layer  30  made from polyethylene terephthalate, and an outer layer  32  made from oriented polypropylene. The inner layer had a thickness of approximately 0.07 mm, the middle layer had a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm, and the outer layer had a thickness of approximately 0.025 mm. The inner, middle, and outer layers were bonded together. The first end  12  of the test packaging system  10  was opened. The repellent was removed, weighed, and placed back into test packaging system  10 . The first end of test packaging system  10  was resealed using the two tongue and groove sealing mechanisms  44  and the test packaging system  10  was positioned in a test environment. The initial weight of the repellant provided in the test packing system  10  was 694.7 g.  
         [0059]     The prior art packaging and the test packaging system  10  were each placed in a test environment for a twelve-day test period. Each of the test environments included a sealed fifty-five gallon steel drum placed in an outdoor environment and exposed to direct sunlight. The interior temperature of the drum was monitored, recording cyclic temperature changes based on the ambient outdoor temperature, where temperature spikes of 50° C. were recorded.  
         [0060]     As noted above, the weight of the repellant in the prior art packaging was 731.4 g. Upon completion of the test period, the weight of the repellant in the prior art packaging was 713.3 g., resulting in a percent loss of 2.47%. A projected percent weight loss for a twelve-month period is estimated at 59.39%.  
         [0061]     In comparison, the initial weight of the repellant in the test packaging system  10  was 694.7 g. Upon completion of the test period, the weight of the repellant in the test packaging system  10  was 694.7 g, resulting in no observable loss. Based on the foregoing, the test packaging system  10  according to the present invention would result in a projected percent weight loss for a twelve-month period of less than 10% and more preferably less than 1.0%.  
         [0062]     The results of the laboratory investigation demonstrate the benefits of packaging system  10  of the present invention. As repellent is frequently sold in quantities greater than required for use, the unused repellent is inevitably stored for later use. As demonstrated by the laboratory investigation, storage in prior art packaging results in significant loss of repellent due to sublimation. In contrast, storage in the packaging system  10  of the present invention results in negligile loss of repellant, estimated at less than 10% (and more preferably less than 1.0%) over month period.  
         [0063]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an oxygen limiting device  60 ,  62  is either separate from the packaging  10  (as in the case for device  62 ) and placed inside the packaging  10  or is part of the packaging  10  (as in the case for device  60 ). This device  60 ,  62  is contained within the packaging with the repellant  22  before the seat  34  is closed.  
         [0064]     When the repellant  22  is inserted in the packaging  10  to the desired level of filling, it is desirable to evacuate the air present in the packaging  10 . Therefore, preferably, the packaging  10  flexible so that it can be made to conform to the shape of the items therein and, thereby, minimize the amount of air therein.  
         [0065]     To better conform the shape of the packaging  10  to the repellant  22  to be stored therein the packaging  10  is, in an alternative and/or additional exemplary embodiment, provided with an evacuation device  64 . One exemplary embodiment of the evacuation device  64  is a siphon, which can be in the form of a syringe that is first located within the packaging  10 . The packing  10  is then closed about the evacuation device  64  and the evacuation device  64  is cause to draw the air out from the interior  20  of the packaging  10 .  
         [0066]     Another exemplary embodiment of the evacuation device is a siphon  64 , which can be in the form of a syringe or any other kind of vacuum generating device, such as a pump, that is not associated with the packaging  10 . Instead, a sealing portal  66  is located at the packaging  10  and forms a gas-tight seal when the siphon  64  is not attached thereto but permits gas to be drawn out from the interior  20  of the packaging  10  when the siphon  64  is inserted into the portal  66 .  
         [0067]     A method for packaging a chemical insect and moth repellent  22  according to the invention includes providing a substantially gas-tight package having an interior for receiving the repellant  22  therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the package has walls that are opaque to prevent penetration of ultraviolet radiation or that have a coating that reflects ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the material of the packaging can have inherent ultraviolet reflective properties.  
         [0068]     A device for removing or minimizing oxygen is associated with the interior of the packaging.  
         [0069]     The package is then sealed with the repellant  22  and oxygen minimizing device therein. To further minimize oxygen in the package, an evacuation device can be fluidically connected to the interior of the package and air in the package can be removed therefrom. If the package is flexible, then evacuation of the air will cause the package to conform to the outer shape of the contents and minimize oxygen in the package.  
         [0070]     After being sealed in the package, the life of the product can be extended virtually perpetually after initial use of the product. Anytime after sealing, the package can be reopened, a quantity of the repellant  22  can be removed for use, and the package can be resealed and reevacuated for further storage and preservation of the product.  
         [0071]     All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.  
         [0072]     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.