Film archival storage and preservation system

Abstract

An archival film storage container and a system of using the same for the archival storage and preservation of motion picture and photographic film and paper, videotape, magnetic tape and the like are disclosed, wherein the container is perforated to permit off gassing released from material archived within the closed storage container to permeate outside the container. A fire retardant filter material may be located over the inner surface of the archival container, covering all of the perforations and providing a filtering function by preventing particulate matter from entering the closed container.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . An archival film storage and preservation container comprising: 
 a bottom receiving portion shaped to substantially conform in a concentric relationship to the shape of a film to be stored therein, having an inner surface, an outer surface, a substantially flat bottom wall region, and an upstanding peripheral side wall; and    a separable fitted lid shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the bottom receiving portion and having a substantially flat top wall portion, and a downwardly extending peripheral side wall,    wherein the downwardly extending peripheral side wall of the lid securely engages the upstanding peripheral side wall of the bottom receiving portion in order to effectively close the archival storage container; and    wherein the top wall portion of the lid, and the bottom wall region and at least one of the peripheral side walls contain perforations to permit off gassing released by film stored within the container to permeate outside the container.    
     
     
         2 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , further comprising a flame-retardant, particle filter layer located inside the storage container covering all of the perforations.  
     
     
         3 . The storage container according to  claim 2 , wherein the flame-retardant layer comprises an aramid fabric.  
     
     
         4 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the perforations have a diameter within a range from about {fraction (1/16)}″ to about ⅜″.  
     
     
         5 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the perforations have a diameter of about {fraction (3/16)}″.  
     
     
         6 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the total area of the perforations as a percentage of the total exposed surface area of the container when closed is substantially as shown in the drawings.  
     
     
         7 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the bottom receiving portion and the lid comprise raised embossed and unperforated regions that are at least about {fraction (1/16)}″ higher than the areas that are perforated.  
     
     
         8 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , further comprising a label viewing region located on an outer surface of the storage container for receiving an identification means.  
     
     
         9 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , in which the bottom receiving portion and the lid have an outer diameter within a range from about 12 inches to about 16 inches.  
     
     
         10 . The storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage container is constructed from metal or a metal alloy.  
     
     
         11 . The storage container according to  claim 8 , wherein the metal alloy comprises stainless steel.  
     
     
         12 . The storage container according to  claim 9 , wherein the stainless steel has a thickness of about 0.032″.  
     
     
         13 . A film storage and archival preservation system comprising the steps of placing films and/or tapes in archival storage containers according to  claim 1 , closing the containers; and storing the containers in a controlled environment in appropriately spaced stacks that will enable off gasses permeating the containers to be collected and discharged from the environment.  
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the appropriate environment comprises the step of maintaining temperature and humidity levels at a constant level and at a maximum of 50° F./10° C. and 50% RH.