WO2015049692A1

WO2015049692A1 - Ventilation board and a method of forming a ventilation board

Info

Publication number: WO2015049692A1
Application number: PCT/IN2013/000781
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vinay K. Mehta; Ranjith Rajendra PRASAD
Original assignee: Mehta Vinay K
Priority date: 2013-10-04
Filing date: 2013-12-19
Publication date: 2015-04-09
Also published as: IN2013MU03162A

Abstract

The present invention provides a ventilation board having means for splitting level of the ventilation board for providing ventilation and/or insulation. The ventilation board when used to make a panel defining an enclosed space such as a box or carton for food packaging provides sufficient ventilation and/or insulation to the box so that water condensed from food vapors does not run onto the food in the box along with sufficient insulation so that the food in the box is kept warm.

Description

TITLE.: VENTILATION BOARD AND A METHOD OF FORMING A VENTILATION

BOARD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a ventilation board and a method of forming a ventilation board and also relates to articles made thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Ventilation is required in panels used for making boxes, drums, cans, containers, cases, pallets, crates, shipping containers etc. Many of these applications ,are used for storage purposes where, commonly, ventilation or insulation or both are importarit considerations. Both of these considerations are important in designing fast food packaging.

[003] Fast food packaging has three aims. The packaging, such as, a carton or other sort of box, should retain the heat of the food it contains, it should prevent the food from becoming soggy as the result of steam condensing into water on the inner surface of the carton, and also should be cost effective, as the packaging is usually disposable.

[004] Generally, packaging that is widely used at present achieves the last aim with only one of the first two aims. It has been difficult to create packaging, which meets all three objectives simultaneously.

[005] Known packaging fails to meet all of these three aims partly because of the following reasons. As the packaging and the food within it, are transported, heat from the food and packaging disperses and steam is released into the atmosphere within the packaging. The packaging is cooler than the food. As the heated steam from the food rises vertically above the food, it rises towards the lid, or covering, of the packaging. On contact with the lid, the steam condenses into water on the lid transferring heat to the packaging. The condensed water is then free to fall back on to the food making it soggy and reducing its taste.

[006] Cartons made of Styrofoam attempt to overcome this problem by retaining the heat within the carton, as Styrofoam is a highly insulative material. However, after time, heat still escapes from the carton, so that condensation forms within the carton above the food.

[007] Another carton that is well known is made of corrugated paperboard. Corrugated paperboard is used to make the carton because of properties inherent in its corrugated structure. The inherent corrugated structure imparts resistance to, and distribution of, forces applied parallel to and perpendicular to the corrugations of the corrugated structure. When a force is applied in the direction of the flutes in the corrugated structure, the flutes are in compression, and, acting like columns, thereby resist the compression force. The corrugated structure therefore improves the compression strength of the board. When the force is applied perpendicular to the direction of the flutes of the corrugated structure, the flutes deform, absorbing the energy of the impacting force and distributing the force through the board. Thus, the corrugated structure improves the strength of the board by providing resistance to the applied force.

[008] Where multilayer corrugated board is used, the layers of the board are generally used with their flutes parallel to the flutes of the adjacent layers. Thus, in a multilayer board it is possible to withstand compressive forces and forces that would normally deform the flutes. In these circumstances, the board remains rigid. The food within a carton made of paperboard, typically of three or five ply, is protected from physical impacts during transportation. Yet, even with these advantages, condensation would form on the surfaces on the inside of this carton, making the food soggy on delivery.

[009] Therefore, as these types of known cartons show, there is a need in the fast food industry, particularly those establishments that sell pizzas, for packaging that retains the heat of the hot food without unwanted water condensation forming within the carton, particularly on the underside of the lid.

[010] Developments have been made to allow some of the steam out of such a carton. One such development is the provision of holes or slits on the sides, or near the edges, of the carton. However, for products such as pizzas, the hot air and steam from the center of the pizza cools the steam sufficiently to condense into water on the under surface of the lid above the food before the air and the steam reaches the holes. The holes and slits in the carton are not located directly above the food, which would allow the steam to escape quickly from the carton. The location of holes above the food could permit foreign objects and contaminants to fall on P the food. Furthermore, the use of such direct holes through the panels of the board reduces the strength of the board.

[01 1 ] Therefore, there is a need of a means that solves at least one of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[012] Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a ventilation board having at least one corrugated surface and at least one planar surface, the ventilation board comprising, a first tab and a second tab, the second tab provided adjacent and aligned with the first tab such that at least one corrugation of the corrugated surface extends between the first tab and the second tab. According to the present invention, the tabs are defined by a slit extending through the ventilation board that allows the tabs to move pivotally relative to the ventilation board thereby splitting level of the corrugation. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one passageway is formed by corrugations of the corrugated surface when the first tab and/or second tab are pressed up or down or in up and down combinations and splits the level of the corrugations in the board for permitting the passage of fluid there between and/or through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board.

[013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a ventilation board made of multi-layer material having at least one corrugated surface and at least one planar surface, comprising at-least one tab and at least one aperture. The tab is defined by a slit extending through the ventilation board that allows the tab to move pivotally relative to the ventilation board for splitting level of the corrugation. According to the present invention, the aperture is provided adjacent and aligned with the tab such that at least one corrugation of the corrugated surface extends between the tab and the aperture. According to the present invention, at least one passageway is formed when the tab is pressed up or down thereby permitting the passage of fluid there between and through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board.

[014] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a ventilation board made of at-least one layer with a planar surface, the ventilation board comprising a slit extending through the layer, and a tab having a corrugated surface for inserting in the slit such that at least a portion of the tab passes through the slit and remains in an inclined position. The tab in the inclined position forms a passageway through corrugations of the tab allowing hot fluid to pass through the corrugations and release to the outer atmosphere thereby providing ventilation.

[015] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a ventilation board, the ventilation board having at least one corrugated surface and at least one planar surface. The said method comprises the steps of forming a tab in the board, the tab configured to move pivotally relative to the ventilation board for splitting level of the corrugations in the board, forming either another tab in the board or an aperture in one of the layer, the said another tab or aperture adjacent and aligned with the tab such that atleast one corrugation of the corrugated layer extends between the tab or the tab and the aperture, wherein at least one passageway is formed by corrugations of the corrugated surface when at-least one tab is pressed up or down thereby permitting the passage of fluid there between and/or through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board.

[016] In an alternative aspect, the present invention also provides an insulation board having at least one corrugated surface and at least one planar surface, comprising at least one tab defined by a slit extending/passing through the board for allowing the tab to move pivotally relative to the ventilation board and split a level of the corrugation in the board to form at least insulation passageways.

[017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the passageway includes a ventilation passageway and/or an insulation passageway.

[018] According to another embodiment of the present invention the slit is perpendicular to the board. Advantageously, the slit can be made with an inward angle or outward angle with the board. [019] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a box having a panel comprising of ventilation board or insulation board or in combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[020] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a ventilation board in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where

Figure 1A shows a top view of the ventilation board;

Figure 1 B shows a bottom view of the ventilation board; and

Figure 1 C & 1 D shows the ventilation board adapted to a box.

Figure 2 shows a ventilation board in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where

Figure 2A shows a top view of the ventilation board;

Figure 2B shows a bottom view of the ventilation board; and

Figure 2C shows the ventilation board adapted to a box Figure 3 shows a ventilation board in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where

Figure 3A shows a top view of the ventilation board; and Figure 3B shows the ventilation board adapted to a box Figure 4 shows a ventilation board in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where

Figure 4A shows a top view of the ventilation board;

Figure 4B shows a tab for the ventilation board; and

Figure 4B shows the ventilation board adapted to a box Figure 5 shows perspective views of a box comprising the ventilation board illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.

Figure 6 shows an insulation board in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where

Figure 6A shows a bottom view of the insulation board; and

Figure 6B shows the insulation board adapted to a box

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[021] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a ventilation board having means for splitting level of the ventilation board for providing ventilation and/or insulation. Accordingly the ventilation board of the present invention when used to make a panel defining an enclosed space such as a box or carton for food packaging provides sufficient ventilation and/or insulation to the box so that water condensed from food vapors emanating from the hot food does not run onto the food in the box along with sufficient insulation so that the food in the box is kept warm.

[022] In general, the present invention provides a ventilation board made of atleast one corrugated surface and a planer surface, comprising at least two adjacent and aligned tabs or a combination of a tab and an aperture to form atleast one passageway of corrugation of the corrugated surface for permitting the passage of fluid there between and through the corrugation of the ventilation board. The passageway is formed when the tab is pressed up or down or in up and down combinations, splitting level of corrugation which exposes corrugation in the tab and ventilation board. The tab can be made by a slit which extends or passes through the board and aperture is provided either in corrugated surface or planer surface.

[023] Referring Figures 1 through 4 shows a ventilation board and cross-sectional view of box having ventilation board in accordance with preferable embodiments of the present invention. The ventilation board as shown in Figures 1-4 can be used or provided in a box for carrying hot food as shown in Figure 5. The ventilation board shown in the Figures 5 is located in a lid or a top panel of the box. However, the ventilation board or insulation board can be located in any panel of the box including side panels and bottom panels of the box.

[024] The ventilation board according to the present invention can be selected from a group comprising of two-ply corrugated board, three-ply corrugated board and the like as per requirement. By way of an example the figures show a three-ply corrugated board. Accordingly, the ventilation board as shown in the figures comprises an inner layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer.

[025] Referring Figures 1A and 1B show top and bottom perspective views of a ventilation board (100) in accordance with one of the preferable embodiments of the invention. The ventilation board comprises three layers - an inner planer layer (110), a middle corrugated layer (120) and an outer planer layer (130). The ventilation board (100) comprises a first tab (102) and a second tab (104) wherein the second tab (104) as shown in the Figures 1A and 1B is adjacent and aligned to the first tab (102). [026] According to the present invention, the tabs (102, 104) shown in Figure 1A are defined by a slit (X). The slit (X) is a cut that passes through and through the ventilation board extending from a top surface of the outer layer (130) to a bottom surface of the inner layer (1 10) of the board (100) and enabling the tabs (102, 104) to move up and down pivotally as per the users requirement for forming passageways.

[027] The slit (X) can be a perpendicular slit (X1 ) or an angular slit (X2). The slit (X1 ) as shown in Figure 1 C is perpendicular or vertical to the plane of the ventilation board (100). In other words, the slit (X1 ) extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the board in a straight line.

[028] The slit (X2) as shown in Figure 1 D is diagonal or angular to the plane of the ventilation board (100). In other words, the slit (X2) extends angularly from the top surface to the bottom surface of the board. The angular slit (X2) is such that the tabs formed will have wider outer edge and surface compared to inner edge and surface so that when the tab is pressed up/down outer wider edge with the help of the surface to which it is in contact restricts returning of the tab to its original position. The outer edge and inner edge of the tab referred herein are related to moving direction of the tabs. A person skilled in the art can easily understand that the outer edge should be broader than the inner edge with respect to the moving direction restricting the tab from returning or aligning with the board. For example if tab is configured to move in upward direction then the bottom of the tab which will be outer edge in relation to moving direction will be broader than the top of the tab that is inner edge of the tab in relation to the moving direction of the tab.

[029] According to the present invention, the slits or cuts can be U-shape, C-shape, wave formed, or any other chosen shape that forms a tab and allows the tab to move pivotally for splitting the level of the board without forming a substantial direct through and through hole. In a relative aspect, the tab can be of different sizes and shapes. Further, the tabs are aligned with each other in such way that at least one corrugation of the corrugated surface extends between the tabs forming at least one passageway by inherent shape of the corrugations of the corrugated surface when the tabs are pressed up or down or in up and down combinations pivotally. In other words, the tabs have atleast one common corrugation of the corrugated surface between the tabs which forms passageway when one or more tabs are pressed pivotally up or down or in combinations which exposes the corrugations of the ventilation board.

[030] According to the present invention, the slit (X1 , X2) allows the tab (102, 104) to move pivotally between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the tab (102, 104) is aligned with the board and in the second position the tab (102, 104) is angularly positioned with respect to the board splitting level of the layers, and thereby the corrugation. In the second position, free end of the tab (102, 104) moves and accordingly exposes edge of the corrugation of the ventilation board (100). Thus, in the second position, the tabs (102, 104) provide passageways through the corrugations, wherein air can escape from one side of the board to the other side of the board through passageways formed due to the angularly positioned tab (102, 104). According to the present invention, the second position is the position at which the tab (102, 104) rests or adjusts near the bottom surface of the board avoiding formation of substantial through and through hole. In one of the preferable embodiment, when the tab is formed by an angular slit, the tab has outer edges wider compared to that of the tab formed by perpendicular slit and the wider edges enable the tab to rest against on the bottom surface of the ventilation board as shown in Figure 1D and resist to return to the first position when the level of the board is split by pressing the tab in the second position, thereby restricting the tab in second position.

[031] The tab (102, 104) can be moved between the first position and the second position by pressing the tab (102, 104) downwards pivotally. In a relative aspect, the slit formed on the ventilation board is such that the tab. can be pressed downwards with relative ease without distorting or destroying the ventilation board.

[032] Referring to Figures 1C and 1 D where the ventilation board (100) is adapted to a box (150). As shown, the second tab (104) is provided adjacent and aligned with the first tab (102) such that when the first tab (102) and/or the second tab (104) are pressed down, ventilation passageway (106) and insulation passageway (108) is formed.

[033] The ventilation passageway (106) is formed through the first tab (102) when the first tab (102) and second tab (104) are pressed down as shown in Figure 1C and 1D. When the first tab ( 02) and the second tab (104) are pressed down the level of the corrugations splits, and the tabs provide a ventilation passageway (106) for hot fluid from inside to outside of the box (150) as shown in Figures 1C and 1 D. Since the second tab (104) is adjacent and aligned with the first tab (102), when both the tabs are pressed down the first tab (102) allows hot fluid to pass through the passageways formed by the corrugations and release to the outer atmosphere thereby providing ventilation. Figure 1C shows the fluid move along the ventilation passageway (106) created by the corrugated layer of the first tab (102). Advantageously, the present invention provides ventilation without exposing the items located beneath the ventilation board to risk of contamination. [034] The insulation passageway (108) includes the second tab (104), the insulation passageway (108) is formed when the second tab (104) is pressed down. As shown in the Figure 1C when the second tab (104) is pressed down the level of the corrugations splits, and the second tab (104) provides a pathway for hot fluid. Figure 1C shows the fluid move into the insulation passageway (108) created by the corrugated layer of the second tab (104). The second tab (104) allows hot fluid to pass into the corrugations, and the hot fluid is absorbed by the fabric of the material of the board if the board is made of paper. When the fluid is humid, the fluid condenses within the insulation passageway. Advantageously, the insulation passageway retains heat in the ventilation board and prevents water from falling back on items located beneath the ventilation board.

[035] In a relative embodiment, the ventilation board (100) can be configured to only provide insulation by pressing down any one of the first tab (102) or the second tab (104). The passageway through corrugations of the first tab or the second tab enables the board to function as an insulator as herein described, but without the ventilation feature. Alternatively, the ventilation board can be configured to only provide insulation by providing two non-aligned tabs (not shown), wherein both the tabs when pressed down provide insulation.

[036] Referring Figure 2 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation board (200) as shown in Figures 2A to 2C comprises an inner planar layer (210), a middle corrugated layer (220), ah outer planar layer (230), a tab (202) and an aperture (204). [037] The tab (202) as shown in Figure 2 is similar to the tabs (102, 104) shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, the tab (202) can pivotally move between a first position and a second position by pressing down the tab (202).

[038] As shown in Figure 2A and 2C, the aperture (204) is provided on the outer planar layer (230) of the ventilation board (200). Alternately, the aperture can be provided through the outer planar layer and the middle corrugated layer. As shown in the Figures, the aperture (204) is provided on the opposite side of the movement of the tab (202). As shown in the Figure 2A, the aperture (204) is provided adjacent and aligned with the tab (202). Referring Figure 2C shows the ventilation board (200) adapted to a box (250). As shown, the ventilation passageways (206) and insulation passageways (208) are formed, when the tab (202) is pressed down.

[039] The ventilation passageway (206) includes the tab (202), and an outer aperture (204), the ventilation passageway (206) is formed through the tab (202) when the tab (202) is pressed down. As shown in Figure 2C when the tab (202) is pressed downward, the corrugations in the tab (202) provide a pathway for hot fluid from inside to outside of the box (250). Since the aperture (204) is adjacent and aligned with the tab (202), when the tab (202) is pressed down the tab (202) allows hot fluid to pass through valleys of the corrugations and release to the outer atmosphere through the aperture (204), thereby providing ventilation. Alternately, if the aperture is formed through the outer planar layer and the middle corrugated layer, the ventilation passageway is formed through hill and valley of the corrugations of the tab when the tab is pressed down allowing hot fluid to pass through the corrugations and release to the outer atmosphere. Advantageously, the present invention provides ventilation without exposing the items located beneath the ventilation board to risk of contamination.

[040] The insulation passageway (208) is formed through hills of the corrugation of the tab (202) when the tab is pressed down. Alternately, to provide the insulation passageway the aperture can be formed on the inner layer of the ventilation board. However to provide the insulation passageway through the aperture on the inner layer, the aperture should not be adjacent or in-line with the tab. In an alternate embodiment, the aperture can be provided on inside layer of the board and tab can be pressed upwards for forming the ventilation and insulation passageways.

[041] Figure 3 shows a ventilation board in accordance with one another preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in Figure 3 the ventilation board (300) comprises an inner planer layer (310), a middle corrugated layer (320), an outer planer layer (330), and two tabs namely a first tab (302) and a second tab (304).

[042] The tabs (302, 304) are similar to tabs (102, 104) shown in Figure 1. In this regard, the tabs (302, 304) can pivotally move between a first position and a second position. As shown in Figure 3A the tab (304) is configured to move upwards and the tab (302) is configured to move downwards. Referring Figure 3B shows the ventilation board (300) adapted to a box (350). As shown, when the first tab (302) is pressed downwards and the second tab (304) is pressed upwards, they form ventilation passageways (306) and insulation passageways (308). As shown in Figure 3B, the ventilation passageway (306) extends between corrugations of the first . tab (302) and the second tab (304). The insulation passageway (308) as shown in Figure 3B is formed through corrugations of the ventilation board (300) which are exposed by second position of the second tab (304). [043] According to the present invention, when the tabs are pressed down or upwards pivotally in the second position, the tabs due to inherent elasticity of the board tends to rest against the inner layer or outer layer of the ventilation board i.e. even though the tabs are pushed down or up, they will move back closer to the board and rest against the inner layer or outer layer of the board without returning to the first position due to the inherent properties. Advantageously, the ventilation board provides ventilation and/or insulation without exposing the items below the ventilation board to the risk of contamination.

[044] The present invention provides a method of forming a ventilation board shown in Figures 1 and 3. The method comprises step of forming a first tab in the board, forming a second tab in the board aligned with the first tab such that atleast one corrugation of the corrugation surface extends between the first tab and the second tab and then splitting the levels of the ventilation board by moving the tabs from first to second position to form atleast one ventilation and/or insulation passageway.

[045] The present invention also provides a method of forming a ventilation board shown in Figure 2. The method comprises step of forming a first tab in the board, forming an aperture in one of the surface of the board aligned with the first tab such that atleast one corrugation of the corrugation surface extends between the tab and the aperture and then splitting the level of the ventilation board by moving the first tab from first to second position to form atleast one ventilation and/or insulation passageway.

[046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of forming first or second tab includes step of providing slit passing through and through the board. [047] According to the present invention, the slit can be vertical or angular. Advantageously, the slits passes from top to bottom for allowing overlapping of the top edge of the tab over the bottom surface of the board when the levels of the board are split by pressing the tab. Advantageously, the angular slit moves from top to bottom forming a wider edge compared to a slit formed vertically allowing the top edge or bottom edge of the tab to rest over the top or bottom surface of the board when the levels of the board are split by pressing the tab in the second position, thereby restricting the tab at the second position.

[048] Referring Figure 4 shows a ventilation board (400) in accordance with one more preferred embodiment of the present invention. The ventilation board in Figure 4 has a single layer (410). The layer shown is a planer layer. Alternatively, the layer can be a multi layer and may include a corrugated layer. The ventilation board comprises a slit (420) and a tab (430) having a corrugated layer (432).

[049] The slit (420) extends through the layer as shown in Figure 4A. In an embodiment the slit is linear i.e. the slit is a straight line. The tab (430) is configured to be inserted into the slit (420) as shown in Figure 4A. The tab (430) can be inserted manually such that at least a portion of the tab passes through the slit (410) and thereby the ventilation board. The tab (430) as shown in Figure 4B has a corrugated layer (432) and is rectangular. Alternatively, the tab can be of any shape including triangular, trapezoidal, circular shape and the like. The tab (430) when inserted through the slit (420) remains in an inclined position such that at least one ventilation passageway is formed. Referring Figure 4G shows the ventilation board (400) adapted to a box (450). As shown, a ventilation passageway (402) is formed through the corrugations of the tab (430) in inclined position allowing hot fluid to pass through the corrugations and release to the outer atmosphere thereby providing ventilation. Alternatively, the slit as shown in the Figure 4 can be a through and though aperture and a tab can be adapted pivotally in the slit providing a ventilation passageway.

[050] In an embodiment of the invention, the ventilation board and the tab shown through Figure 1 to 4 can be made of the same material or different materials as per requirement.

[051] The present invention also provides an insulation board as shown in Figure 6. The insulation board as shown comprises an inner planar layer (610), a middle corrugated layer (620), an outer planar layer (630)and at least one non-aligned tab (602). The tab (602) is similar to the tab shown in Figure 1 defined by a slit extending/passing through the board for allowing the tab to move relative to the ventilation board for splitting level of the corrugation. According to the present invention, when the tab is pressed up or down, insulation passageways (604) as shown in Figure 6B are formed permitting the passage of fluid in to the corrugation of the insulation board.

[052] Figure 5A through 50 illustrates various embodiments of a box (500) comprising a ventilation board (shown through figure 1 to 4), where Figure 5A shows a box 500A with ventilation board 100 shown in Figure 1A & 1B, Figure 5B shows a box 500B with ventilation board 200 shown in Figure 2A & 2B, Figure 5C shows a box 500c with ventilation board 300 shown in Figure 3A, and Figure 5D shows a box 500D with ventilation board 400 shown in Figure 4A. The preferred embodiment of the box is a take away food box such as a pizza box. The box as shown in the figures has a square base and a shallow depth. The width of the box is many times its height. In such a box, the distance between the sides and the edges from the center of the box is too great for effective ventilation to be provided by ventilation holes located only on the sides and edges of the box. As shown through Figure 5A to 5D, the ventilation board can be used as the top panel of such a box enabling a ventilation passageway and/or insulation passageway to be located directly above the hot food. Thus, as the tabs or aperture of the ventilation board are located directly above the food in the box, steam emanating from the food freely passes through the ventilation board to the atmosphere external to the box. The steam does not condense on the inner surface of the inner layer above the food. As the tabs are pressed down or up angularly foreign objects cannot drop onto the food from outside of the box. Furthermore, as the path of the steam from inside the box to the outside is not direct but passes between layers of the multi layer material, the ventilation board acts as a heat exchanger, retaining heat within the carton. This is achieved by lengths of the ventilation passageway and insulation passageway.

[053] Advantageously, the ventilation board of the present invention allows excess steam to flow out of the box and/or retain in the insulation passageways and prevents condensation from steam of the hot food from forming on the interior surface of the box, reducing the effect of condensation, and thereby reducing the sweating of the food which makes it soggy and chewy.

[054] The degree of ventilation of the carton can be varied by a number of different parameters of the ventilation board including cross-sectional area of the tabs; the displacement between the tabs, and therefore also the length of the passageway connecting the tabs; the shape of the tabs; the configuration of the passageway; the relative orientation of each passageway to the rest of the panel; the material (e.g. the type of paper) used to make the multi-layered material; the number of corrugations; the shape and cross-sectional size of the corrugations used to make the passageway; and the number of ventilation passageways in the box.

[055] Similarly, the degree of insulation provided by the panel of ventilation board in the box can be varied by a number of different parameters of the ventilation board. These parameters include: the cross-sectional area and shape of the tabs; the shape, configuration and length of each insulation passageway; the relative orientation of each passageway to the rest of the panel; the number of insulation passageways through each tab; the cross-sectional size of the corrugation used to make each insulation passageway; and the number of ventilation passageways in the box.

[056] The ventilation board can be used for items that require ventilation and insulation, such as for breathing. Such items include agricultural products, horticultural products, flowers, fruits, vegetables, frozen products, dairy products, etc. The ventilation board can also be used in numerous other applications where ventilation is required, for example, in kitchen appliances including tiffin, food storages, coasters and buildings including architectural applications, a dark room etc.

[057] It is intended that the panels used to make boxes, can be made of a variety of raw materials other than paper board, which includes (in a non limiting list) different types of white and Kraft paper (including duplex board, laminated paper, coated paper, butter paper, etc.), different types of plastics (such as high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonates) PET, PVC, glass, fiber, glass fiber, rubber, timber, particle board, plywood, . wood, laminates, veneer, metal sheeting including galvanized iron or aluminum, alloys, ceramics, cement, clay, earth, soil, asbestos sheets, sheets of wire or mesh, woven or non-woven fabrics or combinations of these materials. The layers making up the plies of the ventilation board can be of all the same material or different materials in various combinations.

[058] Embodiments of a box made from ventilation board, as shown in the preferred embodiment, can be dimensioned for use in ovens, such as microwave ovens, and refrigerators. These embodiments can be made from materials that are suited for these uses, preferably cardboard. Some embodiments of a box made from ventilation board, the passageways and the layers, in which the tabs are located, could be made from different elements that in combination inter-relate with each other to provide a ventilation system that functions in the same manner as the ventilation board described herein.

[059] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A ventilation board made of multi-layer material having at least one corrugated surface and at least one planar surface, the ventilation board comprising:

a first tab and a second tab, the second tab provided adjacent and aligned with the first tab such that atleast one corrugation of the corrugated surface extends between the first tab and the second tab, each tab defined by a slit extending through the ventilation board, the slit allowing the tabs to move pivotally relative to the ventilation board thereby splitting level of the corrugations in the board, wherein at least one passageway is formed by corrugations of the corrugated surface when the first tab and/or second tab are pressed up or down or in up and down combinations and split the level of the corrugations in the board thereby permitting the passage of fluid there between and/or through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board.

2. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the passageway includes a ventilation passageway and/or an insulation passageway.

3. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ventilation passageway is formed through the first tab when the first and second tabs are pressed up or down or in up and down combinations, thereby providing ventilation by permitting the passage of fluid there between and through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board from one side to the other side of the board.

4. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 2, wherein the insulation passageway is formed though the first tab or the second tab when either one of the first tab or the second tab is pressed down, thereby providing insulation by permitting passage of fluid along and into the corrugation of the ventilation board.

5. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the slit can be U-shape, C-shape, V- shape, wave-shape and the like.

6. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, the slit is perpendicular to the board.

7. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the slit makes an inward angle or outward angle with the board.

8. A ventilation board made of multi-layer material having at least one corrugated surface and at least one planar surface, the ventilation board comprising:

at-least one tab, the tab defined by a slit extending through the ventilation board, the slit allowing the tab to move pivotally relative to the ventilation board for splitting level of the corrugation;

at least one aperture provided adjacent and aligned with the tab such that atleast one corrugation of the corrugated surface extends between the tab and the aperture;

wherein at least one passageway is formed by corrugations of the corrugated surface when the tab is pressed up or down thereby permitting the passage of fluid there between and through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board.

9. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one passageway includes a ventilation passageway and/or insulation passageway.

10. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ventilation passageway is formed through the tab when the tab is pressed up or down, thereby providing ventilation by permitting the passage of fluid there between and through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board.

11. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 9, wherein the insulation passageway is formed through the tab when the tab is pressed down, thereby providing insulation by permitting passage of fluid along and into the split level of the corrugation of the ventilation board.

12. A method of forming a ventilation board, the ventilation board having atleast one corrugated layer and atleast one planar layer, said method comprising the steps of:

forming a tab in the board, the tab configured to move pivotally relative to the ventilation board for splitting level of the corrugations in the board; forming either another tab in the board or an aperture in one of the layer, the said another tab or aperture adjacent and aligned with the tab such that atleast one corrugation of the corrugated layer extends between the tabs or the tab and the aperture;

wherein at least one passageway is formed by corrugations of the corrugated surface when at-least one tab is pressed up or down thereby permitting the passage of fluid there between and/or through the split level of corrugation of the ventilation board.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of forming tab includes step of providing slit passing through the board. 015/049692

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the slit is perpendicular or angular to the board.

15. A ventilation board made of at-least one layer, the ventilation board comprising:

a slit extending through the layer; and

a tab having a corrugated surface, the tab configure to be inserted into the slit such that at least a portion of the tab passes through the slit and remains in an inclined position;

wherein the tab forms atleast one ventilation passageway through the corrugation of the tab allowing hot fluid to pass through the corrugations and release to the outer atmosphere thereby providing ventilation.

16. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 15, wherein the ventilation board and the tab can be of the same material or different material.

17. The ventilation board as claimed in claim 15, wherein the tab can be rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, circular shape and the like.

8. A ventilation board as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation board is made of at least one material including, in a non-limiting list, paper, paper board, white paper, Kraft paper, duplex board, laminated paper, coated paper, butter paper, a plastics material, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, poly carbonates, PET, PVC, glass, fibre, glass fibre, rubber, timber, particle board, plywood, wood, laminates, veneer, metal, including metal sheeting, galvanised iron, aluminium, alloy, a ceramics material, ·^■>. cement, clay, earth, soil, asbestos sheets, sheets of wire or mesh, woven or non-woven fabrics, a compound material or in combination thereof.

19. An insulation board having at least one corrugated surface and at least one planar surface, said insulation board comprising at least one tab defined by a slit extending or passing through the board for allowing the tab to move relative to the ventilation board for splitting level of the corrugation wherein atleast one insulation passageway is formed when the tab is press up or down.

20. The insulation board as claimed in claim 19, wherein the board comprises plurality of tabs non aligned to each other.

21. A box having a panel comprising a ventilation board as claimed in claims 1 to 18 or insulation board as claimed in claims 19 to 20 and in combination of

. said ventilation board and insulating board.