Abstract:
The integration of insecticide or insect repellent to the adhesive used in the construction of corrugated cardboard boxes/containers and to the application of such repellent to surfaces of at least portions of such boxes/containers. A benefit thus enjoyed is the elimination or minimization of entomological contamination to products, such as sensitive electronic items, shipped in corrugated cardboard boxes/containers.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    When computers or other sensitive electronic items, or parts thereof, are shipped long distances, a common concern is insect infestation. This can often be true in the case of such goods being shipped in corrugated cardboard boxes or containers. Insects including, but not limited to, a wide variety of roaches and silverfish, are attracted to adhesives used in the construction of corrugated cardboard boxes/containers as well as to any possible food or water sources that may have migrated into the boxes/containers. 
         [0002]    Often, the infestation takes place in electronic items such as computers that already have been assembled, but often as well it takes place in boxes/containers where merely one part or another is being shipped. Either way, functional problems have been noted in computers, other electronic items, or any parts thereof that have been so infested; for instance, the power supply might be compromised when an end user tries to power on. 
         [0003]    Typically, adhesives used in the construction of cardboard are starch-based, and thus contain varying amounts or forms of corn, wheat or potato. Such starch-based adhesives indeed serve to significantly attract insects, while if the boxes/containers are shipped in large (e.g., corrugated metal) cargo containers then the moisture and darkness provide an even more inviting space for insects. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Broadly contemplated herein, at least one presently preferred embodiment, involves the integration of insecticide or insect repellent to the adhesive used in the construction of corrugated cardboard boxes/containers, and to the application of such repellent to surfaces of at least portions of such boxes/containers. 
         [0005]    In summary, one embodiment provides a method comprising: securing a first container liner sheet, a container wall interior sheet portion and a second container liner sheet to be adjacent to one another such that the first and second liner sheets sandwich the container wall interior sheet portion therebetween; and introducing a substance comprising entomological repellent to regions among the first container liner sheet, the container wall interior portion and second container liner sheet that will be interior to a space defined between the first and second liner sheets upon performing the securing. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising: a first container liner sheet, a container wall interior sheet portion and a second container liner sheet being secured to be adjacent to one another such that the first and second liner sheets sandwich the container wall interior sheet portion therebetween; and a substance comprising entomological repellent introduced to regions among the first container liner sheet, the container wall interior portion and the second container liner sheet that are interior to a space defined between the first and second container liner sheets. 
         [0007]    For a better understanding of exemplary embodiments, together with other and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the claimed embodiments will be pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a computer system. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows in perspective view a clamshell or laptop computer. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows in perspective view the computer of  FIG. 2  in latched condition. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows in perspective view a clamshell or laptop computer being introduced to a corrugated cardboard container. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional view of an edge of the container of  FIG. 4 , taken from ellipse V in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates basic mechanics of a spraying process during assembly of a corrugated cardboard box or container. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates basic mechanics of a process of applying adhesive during assembly of a corrugated cardboard box or container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described exemplary embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, but is merely representative of exemplary embodiments. 
         [0016]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments. 
         [0018]    The description now turns to the figures. The illustrated embodiments will be best understood by reference to the figures. The following description is intended only by way of example and simply illustrates certain selected exemplary embodiments as claimed herein. 
         [0019]    It should be noted that the flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, apparatuses, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
         [0020]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a computer system  100 .  FIG. 1 , by way of an illustrative and non-restrictive example, will help with an appreciation of the types of sensitive internal components of a computer whose functioning might be particularly vulnerable to insect infestation, to the extent that insects might otherwise be attracted to a cardboard container with a computer therein and then migrate into a computer by way of, e.g., a disk drive opening or other opening. 
         [0021]    Though particular reference is made to laptop personal computers, it should be understood that the illustrative embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1  may be an electronic device such as a laptop or desktop personal computer, a mobile/smart phone or the like. 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , computer system  100  includes at least one system processor  42 , which is coupled to a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  40  and a system memory  46  by a processor bus  44 . System processor  42 , which may comprise one of the AMD line of processors produced by AMD Corporation or a processor produced by INTEL Corporation, is a general-purpose processor that executes boot code  41  stored within ROM  40  at power-on and thereafter processes data under the control of an operating system and application software stored in system memory  46 . System processor  42  is coupled via processor bus  44  and host bridge  48  to Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) local bus  50 . 
         [0023]    PCI local bus  50  supports the attachment of a number of devices, including adapters and bridges. Among these devices is network adapter  66 , which interfaces computer system  100  to LAN, and graphics adapter  68 , which interfaces computer system  100  to display  69 . Communication on PCI local bus  50  is governed by local PCI controller  52 , which is in turn coupled to non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM)  56  via memory bus  54 . Local PCI controller  52  can be coupled to additional buses and devices via a second host bridge  60 . 
         [0024]    Computer system  100  further includes Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus  62 , which is coupled to PCI local bus  50  by ISA bridge  64 . Coupled to ISA bus  62  is an input/output (I/O) controller  70 , which controls communication between computer system  100  and attached peripheral devices such as a as a keyboard, mouse, serial and parallel ports, et cetera. A disk controller  72  connects a disk drive with PCI local bus  50 . The USB Bus and USB Controller (not shown) are part of the Local PCI controller ( 52 ). 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows in perspective view a clamshell or laptop computer  200 . Generally, it should be noted that for the purposes of discussion herein, the terms “clamshell” and “laptop” may essentially be considered to be interchangeable, referring to a computer with two portions hingedly connected with one another. Also, it should be understood that computer  201  shown in  FIG. 2 , as well as that indicated at  401  in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , may be embodied internally by essentially any suitable computer system, such as (but by no means limited to) that indicated at  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0026]    As shown, a clamshell computer may typically include an upper portion  202 , which includes screen  204 , and a lower portion  206 . Upper and lower portions  202 / 206  are typically hingedly connected w/ one another via suitable hinges  208  or other analogously functioning mechanism(s) for affording relative pivotal displacement of the upper and lower portions  202 / 206  with respect to one another about a hinge axis z. Typically, as is well-known, lower portion  206  will include a keyboard and other user controls. 
         [0027]    A latch mechanism, with cooperating portions  210   a ,  210   b  disposed at upper computer portion  202  and lower computer portion  206 , respectively, will typically act to secure the upper and lower portions  202  and  206  with respect to one another, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Such secured latching, of course, is often not sufficient to prevent insect infestation of the computer  201 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , a computer  401  (which may be similar in function and makeup to the computer  201  discussed above) latched securingly via latch  410   a ,  410   b  (similar to components  210   a ,  210   b  discussed above) may be placed in a corrugated cardboard container  412  for shipping. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5 , for its part, shows a cross sectional view of an edge of container  412  taken from ellipse V in  FIG. 4 . As can be appreciated from  FIG. 5 , corrugated cardboard, particularly a cross-section of a side of a corrugated cardboard box or container  412 , may typically include three sandwiched parts, namely, first and second liner sheets  416   a ,  416   b  which sandwich therebetween a fluted portion, or flute,  418 . The flute  418  can be corrugated as shown, with essentially a cross-sectional wave pattern in which apices of the “wave” alternately contact first sheet  416   a  and second sheet  416   b  respectively. 
         [0030]    Through any of a very wide variety of possible manufacturing processes, typically the flute  418  is secured to first and second sheets  416   a ,  416   b  via applications of adhesive  420 , typically at portions of flute  418  in the vicinity of the aforementioned wave apices that contact the first and second sheets  416   a ,  416   b.    
         [0031]    In accordance with one embodiment, entomological repellent may be incorporated into the adhesive before it is applied, during manufacturing of box or container  412 , to the sheets  416   a ,  416   b  and/or flute  418  to secure flute  418  to sheets  416   a ,  416   b . This will then ensure that entomological repellent (or essentially any suitable type of insecticide or insect-repelling substance) is internally disposed in walls of box or container  412 , to provide an effective barrier against insect migration into the interior of box/container  412 . 
         [0032]    In accordance with a variant embodiment, as indicated by dotted lines near surfaces of the sheets  416   a ,  416   b  and flute  418 , an entomological repellent or similar substance may be sprayed onto such surfaces, wherein residue R of the spray will remain on the surfaces. Thus, this can alternatively ensure that entomological repellent or similar substance is internally disposed in the walls of box/container  412 . 
         [0033]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, both of the above-discussed measures may be undertaken, that is, both incorporating entomological repellent or similar substance into adhesive  420  and spraying such a substance additionally onto surfaces of portions  416   a ,  416   b  and flute  418  to leave a residue R which additionally serves to repel insects and/or prevent their migration into an interior of the box/container  412 . 
         [0034]    Preferably, the entomological repellent or other substance will be non-toxic, so as not to affect sensitive components of the computer or other sensitive electronic device contained within box/container  412 . Thus, an example of an entomological repellent is oil of citronella. Oil of citronella is one nontoxic solution that would not contaminate the contents of the container if the cardboard were damaged. 
         [0035]    Another example of non-toxic entomological repellent that may be employed is d-limonene. This may be employed in essentially any suitable concentration, such as about 5.8%. An example of a commercial product containing d-limonene, that may be employed is “ORANGE GUARD”, manufactured by of Carmel Valley, Calif. (http://www.orangeguard.com). “ORANGE GUARD”, in its present incarnation, contains about a 5.8% concentration of d-limonene. 
         [0036]    Other examples of non-toxic entomological repellent that may be employed are boric acid and catnip. Catnip, for its part, contains nepetalactone, which is known to be a highly effective roach repellent. 
         [0037]    While discussion hereinabove has mainly covered the incorporation of entomological repellent into interiors of walls of corrugated cardboard boxes/containers which transport assembled and latched computers (such as that indicated at  201  in  FIG. 3 ), it should be understood that a similar arrangement of incorporating entomological repellent into interiors of walls of corrugated cardboard boxes/containers which transport other sensitive electronic items, or parts of computers or other sensitive electronic items (prior to their being assembled into a computer or other sensitive electronic item). 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates basic mechanics of a spraying process in accordance with certain embodiments during assembly of a corrugated cardboard box/container. As shown, prior to their integration and securing with respect to one another, a first liner sheet  616   a , a flute  618  and a second liner sheet  616   b  may be disposed in spaced-apart relation with respect to one another, or otherwise separate from one another, and be separately sprayed upon by one or more spray nozzle arrangements  622 . (Sheets  616   a ,  616   b  and flute  618  may be similar in makeup and function to sheets and flute  416   a / 416   b / 418  shown in  FIG. 4 .) As discussed above, the spray may contain a non-toxic entomological repellent. Preferably, the spray is sprayed in a manner to leave a residue  624  covering internally-facing surfaces of sheets  616   a ,  616   b  (i.e., those faces that will face and otherwise come into contact with flute  618 ) as well as on both surfaces of flute  618 . However, it is also conceivable to spray onto the balance of the surfaces of sheets  616   a ,  616   b  as well. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates basic mechanics of a process of applying adhesive in accordance with certain embodiments, during assembly of a corrugated cardboard box/container. As shown, prior to their integration and securing with respect to one another, a first liner sheet  716   a , a flute  718  and a second liner sheet  716   b  may be disposed in spaced-apart relation with respect to one another, or otherwise separate from one another. (Sheets  716   a ,  716   b  and flute  718  may be similar in makeup and function to sheets and flute  416   a / 416   b / 418  shown in  FIG. 4 .) Preferably, adhesive  728 , administered, e.g., from one or more suitable adhesive guns or the like  726 , is introduced respectively between first sheet  716   a  and flute  718 , and between flute  718  and second sheet  716   b . (Whether it is applied specifically only along lines of contact between apices of flute  718  and each sheet  716   a ,  716   b , or applied without such precision, is a matter of choice with respect to the general manufacturing process being used.) As discussed above, the adhesive  728  may contain a non-toxic entomological repellent. 
         [0040]    While  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the mechanics of different manners of introducing entomological repellent to the interior of walls of corrugated cardboard boxes/containers during manufacture of such boxes/containers, it should be appreciated that both manners may be employed in the same manufacturing process, e.g., via first spraying as shown in  FIG. 6  and then applying adhesive as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0041]    Additional variants on the processes described hereinabove of course are contemplated. For instance, a flute portion comprising more than one flute may be employed in the manufacturing of a corrugated cardboard box or container. 
         [0042]    It should be noted that the terms “repellent”, “insect repellent” and “entomological repellent”, as broadly employed herein, may be considered to be interchangeable with one another and also with the term “insecticide”. 
         [0043]    This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
         [0044]    Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those particular descriptions, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.