DESC:
FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970

(39 of 1970)

&

THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

[See Section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE:

“MULTITIER PACKAGING BOX”

APPLICANT:

MANIPAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
A company under Indian Companies Act, 1956 having address at
Press corner, Manipal-576104
Karnataka

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multitier packaging box. More particularly, the invention relates to a multitier box assembly designed specifically with a unique locking mechanism that locks the preceding deck at the centre of the bottom panel via a “T” shaped insert, also allowing the preceding deck to move away from the centre thereby simultaneously allowing access to all the tiers without dissociation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The corrugated boxes are commonly used to carry food or any other product for temporary storage/transportation purpose. Proper ventilation for any baked/cooked food item is one of the fore most requirements to maintain the food quality. The steam should ideally be extruded to avoid condensation and sogging, and the temperature of the box must also be maintained as long as possible.
The boxes conventionally carry single food items, even when several food items are ordered together. Although, it is a convenient method of carrying a singly packed item but there are a lot of problems associated with such packing. There is a persistent problem of misplacing the order, if the boxes are packed separately, therefore in carrying more than one food item as the stack does not stand on its own and it falls down so they are placed in a bag or tied up with a string.
Although, there are boxes which provide a multi-deck carry option, however they are not successful due to improper ventilation that leads to compromising the quality of food due to improper ventilation such as causing sogginess. The steam goes up from lower decks or tiers and due to improper ventilation the steam is absorbed by the food such as pizza. After certain while the boxes absorb the steam as well compromising the integrity of the boxes. If plastic coated boxes are provided then they speed up the process of condensation and effectually increase the price of packaging.
Moreover, the conventional multi-deck assembly have a drawer type arrangement of deck that is not suitable for serving food, as all the decks have to be dislodged from the frame for proper presentation of food. The cost of building such boxes are also considerably higher owing to the fact that a supporting frame is required. The other measure that can be implied is by having stronger and thicker boxes to hold more than one pizza but these measures prove to be costlier.
Apart from storage of food items for delivery, there are often required multitier, simultaneously operable tiers in day to day life for general utility. For instance, segregation of jewellery or other petty items like hair clips, safety pins, or other cosmetic items is useful for easy and quick access.
US 20020079357 provides a pizza packaging system for packaging more than one pizza in a stacked configuration and for delivery to a consumer comprising: a pizza box having a bottom section and a lid panel, said bottom section including a bottom panel bounded by a plurality of side panels extending upwardly from said bottom panel to define a pizza receiving compartment, said bottom panel being adapted to receive and support a first pizza, and said lid panel being hingably attached to said bottom section in a manner to provide topographical access to contents placed within said pizza receiving compartment; and an upper level insert sized to be inserted into said pizza receiving compartment, said upper level insert including at least one downwardly foldable support flap which extends downwardly to support said upper level insert elevated above said bottom panel and providing an upper level surface adapted to receive and support a second pizza, said upper level insert further including a vent formed upon downwardly folding said at least one support flap.
US2005199687 provides a multiple level carton box assembly for pizza, various other foods and pastry consists of a series of open carton boxes each of which interlocks into the adjacent carton box above so that the base (floor) of each carton box acts as a serving tray and also becomes the cover of the adjacent box below thus forming a rigid embodiment. The carton boxes (trays) of our multiple level carton box assembly are secured to each other by means of vertical interlocking tongues extending above the front-back side walls of each carton box (tray) which penetrate and lock into cuts on the edges of the front-back side walls of the base of the adjacent carton box (tray) above called “slits-slots”. These “slits-slots” are cuts of different thickness. The center part called “slot” is thicker to guide the vertical interlocking tongue into the slot while the “slits” which are much thinner cuts on either end of the slot wedge the vertical interlocking tongue in place to secure it against movement. By these interlocking devices, the multiple level carton box assembly attains a rigidity which secures it from shifting, sliding, separating, bouncing or any other movement during transport and the assembly becomes an embodiment.
In EP2284086 a multi-pizza packing embodiment consisting of pizza boxes allowing stacking boxes without separation from each other as per the number of pizzas to be delivered and developed for delivery of more than one pizzas in the same container. The invention provides a box with cover containing an interlocking space located in lower part of rear surface and lower part of front surface and at least one coverless box in the form of tray capable of stacking on top of each other containing stacking tab located on front surface and rear surface in order to keep the boxes of the said embodiment together and to carry them without shaking, interlocking space located on lower part of rear surface and lower part of front surface in order to provide interlocking of the said stacking tab and mounting of the boxes to each other, and ventilation tab located on the side surfaces so as to prevent vaporization of pizzas.
EP 0319493 provides stackable carrier for take away foods such as pizza and similar products of the type fashioned from a single sheet of material punched with longitudinal and transverse creases and cuts in such a way as to fold into a base 4 with side wall, characterized in that the height of a single side wall is identical to that of the wall directly opposite and dissimilar to that of the wall adjoining; in that at least three adjoining side walls extend at their adjoining ends into respective flaps of height substantially identical to that of the lower side walls, fashioned by effecting cuts along the relative creases between wall and base; and in that two single adjoining flaps form a mutually perpendicular pair, of which one extends into a tuck, hinged parallel along a full-¬length longitudinal crease and provided with a lug on its projecting longitudinal edge which, once the relative side walls have been bent relative to the base into the folded position, the flaps of each pair turned in toward the middle of the base with the tuckless flap innermost, and the tuck folded down flush with the tuckless flap, is insertable in a slot located in the base.

All these prior arts provide effective solution for multi-tier stacking of pizza boxes, the method of attachment includes interlocking spaces for stacking tray on top of each other inside the box, hence creating multi tier inside the box. Further other methods include stacking of separate compartments externally which interlocks into the adjacent carton box above so that the base (floor) of each carton box acts as a serving tray and also becomes the cover of the adjacent box below thus forming a rigid embodiment.
However, none of the attachment provides interlocking mechanism allowing the preceding deck to move away from the centre thereby allowing access to all the tiers without dissociation. Further, such mechanism also allows more than two tiers to be stacked,

Therefore, there is a technical gap wherein a multi-tier storage box is required that provides a longer moisture free environment due to multi level ventilation channel. Additionally, a locking mechanism is also required to hold this multi-tier condensation free box and allowing them to open and operate all the tiers simultaneously.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the main object of the invention is to provide a multi-tier packaging box with interlocking mechanism allowing the preceding tier to move away from the centre in same or opposite direction thereby simultaneously allowing access to all the tiers without dissociation.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a moisture free multitier box/container assembly, for storage and/or transportation of utility products.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a multitier box/container assembly, with a channel that allows ventilation from lower tiers of the box to the upper tier of the box and finally outside, allowing the excess moisture to escape and prevent condensation, so as not to alter the intended quality of the stored products like imparting sogginess.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a multi-tier packaging box with interlocking mechanism allowing the preceding tier to move away from the centre in same or opposite direction thereby simultaneously allowing access to all the tiers without dissociation and further providing at least a channel that allows ventilation from lower tiers of the box to the upper tier of the box and finally outside, allowing the excess moisture to escape and prevent condensation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a multitier packaging box assembly designed specifically for storage and transportation of products in a manner to allow excess moisture to escape so as to maintain quality of the stored products. Further, a unique locking mechanism keeps the box intact while serving the food wherein all the tiers can be accessed simultaneously.
In an embodiment of the invention a multitier box/container assembly is provided with multitier ventilation to allow excess moisture or condensation to escape from each tier via the cut out/channel provided at the base of each upper tier, to allow the steam to traverse from inside the box to outside the box thereby minimizing condensation and spoiling the intended quality of the food. The intended path of such ventilation includes form bottom tier to the upper tier through the cut outs provided at the bottom of the upper tier to outside.
In yet another embodiment of the current invention a condensation free multitier box/container assembly comprises of plurality of tiers stacked vertically, each tier having protruded extended sleeve for supporting the adjacent tier and acting as an independent base for the individual tier, provided on at least half the walls of each tier. The lowest tier having protruded extended sleeve facing upwards and the adjacent tier facing downwards and on remainder of walls, and so on. The boxes are independent of shape; however they need to be identical.
In yet another embodiment of the current invention a condensation free multitier box/container assembly comprising of a unique locking mechanism via a "T Shaped Insert" provided to hold the upper tier and the bottom tier, specifically engaging through the cut out/channel at the base of the upper tier to at least one wall of the bottom tier.
In another exemplary embodiment a multi-tier packaging assembly comprising: a plurality of tiers stacked vertically and a locking mechanism interlocking the tiers; at least one circular cut on each said tiers; a base plate on each said tiers; at least one protruding extended sleeve on each side of said tears; wherein: said tiers are customised by incorporating said protruding extended sleeve for supporting the tier while accessing the contents, provided on at least half of the walls of each said tier, with only the bottom tier having said protruded extended sleeve facing upwards and the rest facing downwards; said protruding extended sleeves are strategically placed on opposite walls to allow the multi-tier packaging assembly to close; said locking mechanism comprising of a locking receiver installed on any wall without having said protruding extended sleeve, a detachable locking insert engaging the said locking receiver, and said circular cut provided on the base of each said tier for allowing reversible or irreversible said interlocking by passing the locking insert through the cut out/channel into the locking receiver; said locking mechanism allowing the preceding deck to move away from the centre thereby simultaneously allowing access to all the tiers without dissociation; said circular cut out forming a central passage allowing the flow of steam through different said tiers of the box thereby minimizing condensation; and optionally, said base plate covering the base having passages allowing and maintaining a continuous flow of steam inside the box from said bottom tier to top tier.
In yet another embodiment the multi-tier packaging assembly is independent of shape and size. Further the packaging assembly should be identical in shape and size. The insert is preferably a narrow at tip and extended at top such as T-shaped.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A complete understanding of the system and method of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 shows the top view of the multitier box/container assembly of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows the top view and side view of the multitier box/container assembly;
Figure 3 shows the top view of the multitier box/container assembly without the lid; and
Figure 4 illustrates the complete assembly of the multitier box/container assembly without the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
For the purpose of illustration a double-decker multitier condensation free box has been used. However, without departing from the scope of invention, the box can have more than two tiers.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 provides different views of the multitier box/container assembly are shown wherein an upper tier 1 is levelled on a lower tier 2. The upper tier 1 has slit openings 101 to allow moisture to escape.
Figure 3 shows the multitier box/container assembly with lid 3 of tier 1 removed. The base plate covers the interlocking mechanism 102 provided in the base of the upper tier 1.
Figure 4 illustrates the whole assembly of the multitier box/container assembly with the lid 3 of tier 1 removed and tier 1 slid on tier 2. Downwardly protruding corrugated sheet 201 provided on three sides of the hexagonal shaped box prevents tier 1 from falling down while in open position. Upwardly protruding corrugated sheet 202 provided on three sides of the hexagonal shaped box prevents tier 1 from sliding/slipping away during transportation or mishandling.
Figure 5 illustrates the locking mechanism of the multitier box/container assembly. The upper tier 1 and the lower tier 2 are interlocked to provide support to the tier 1. A unique locking assembly that holds the upper tier 1 and the lower tier 2 comprises of a "T Shaped Inset" 104, cut out/channel 103 provided in the base of each upper tier wherein at least one wall of the bottom tray specifically aligned vertically to engage the base of the upper tier and the wall of the lower tier using the "T-Shaped Inset" through the cut out/channel 103.
In an embodiment the top and base trays have layered corrugated sleeve that provides a gap for ventilation. Additionally, the top tray, the base tray, base plates, and the lid are provided with the cut outs, slits and locks for better ventilation.
The locking flaps of each tray when folded inwardly in the box have the further benefit of providing a means of ventilation to allow excess moisture or condensation to escape from the box. The big circular cut-out on the top tray in addition to provide ventilation helps for the better movement of the base tray due to locking mechanism.
In yet another embodiment of the current invention the multitier box/container assembly comprises of a unique locking mechanism via a "T Shaped Insert" provided to hold the upper tray and the bottom tray, specifically engaging through the cut out/channel at the base of the upper deck to at least one wall of the bottom tray.
In an exemplary embodiment the multitier box/container assembly comprises of two vertically stacked tiers for delivering two pizzas for delivering the products in a desirable condition. This enables the delivery of the two pizzas in the same box to the same customer. The proper ventilation for the hot pizza is one of the most important criteria for maintaining the pizza in the edible condition. The locking flaps of each tray when folded inwardly in the box have the further benefit of providing a means of ventilation to allow excess moisture or condensation to escape from the box. The top and base trays are pasted to the corrugated sleeve in such a way that it forms gap for ventilation. Additionally the top tray, the base tray, base plate and the lid are provided with the cut-outs, slits and locks for better ventilation. The big circular cut-out on the top tray in addition to provide ventilation helps for the better movement of the base tray due to locking mechanism. This prevents the pizzas from becoming soggy during transport.
In another exemplary embodiment the purpose of the invention is to develop a condensation free multitier box/container assembly which can be used for delivering, temporary storing any desired product. Any type of the product, which is typically stored or transported in a box, may be contained in the box of the present invention as per type, size, and weight of the product by adjusting the size of the trays and other components. The shape of the box can also be varied.
In another exemplary embodiment a multi-tier packaging assembly comprising: a plurality of tiers stacked vertically and a locking mechanism interlocking the tiers; at least one circular cut on each said tiers; a base plate on each said tiers; at least one protruding extended sleeve on each side of said tears; wherein: said tiers are customised by incorporating said protruding extended sleeve for supporting the tier while accessing the contents, provided on at least half of the walls of each said tier, with only the bottom tier having said protruded extended sleeve facing upwards and the rest facing downwards; said protruding extended sleeves are strategically placed on opposite walls to allow the multi-tier packaging assembly to close; said locking mechanism comprising of a locking receiver installed on any wall without having said protruding extended sleeve, a detachable locking insert engaging the said locking receiver, and said circular cut provided on the base of each said tier for allowing reversible or irreversible said interlocking by passing the locking insert through the cut out/channel into the locking receiver; said locking mechanism allowing the preceding deck to move away from the centre thereby simultaneously allowing access to all the tiers without dissociation; said circular cut out forming a central passage allowing the flow of steam through different said tiers of the box thereby minimizing condensation; and optionally, said base plate covering the base having passages allowing and maintaining a continuous flow of steam inside the box from said bottom tier to top tier.
In yet another embodiment the multi-tier packaging assembly is independent of shape and size. Further the packaging assembly should be identical in shape and size. The insert is preferably a narrow at tip and extended at top such as T-shaped.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A multi-tier packaging assembly comprising:
a plurality of tiers stacked vertically and a locking mechanism interlocking the tiers;
at least one circular cut on each said tiers;
a base plate on each said tiers;
at least one protruding extended sleeve on each side of said tears;
wherein:
said tiers are customised by incorporating said protruding extended sleeve for supporting the tier while accessing the contents, provided on at least half of the walls of each said tier, with only the bottom tier having said protruded extended sleeve facing upwards and the rest facing downwards;
said protruding extended sleeves are strategically placed on opposite walls to allow the multi-tier packaging assembly to close;
said locking mechanism comprising of a locking receiver installed on any wall without having said protruding extended sleeve, a detachable locking insert engaging the said locking receiver, and said circular cut provided on the base of each said tier for allowing reversible or irreversible said interlocking by passing the locking insert through the cut out/channel into the locking receiver;
said locking mechanism allowing the preceding deck to move away from the centre thereby simultaneously allowing access to all the tiers without dissociation;
said circular cut out forming a central passage allowing the flow of steam through different said tiers of the box thereby minimizing condensation; and
optionally, said base plate covering the base having passages allowing and maintaining a continuous flow of steam inside the box from said bottom tier to top tier.
2. The multi-tier packaging assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein packaging assembly is independent of shape and size.

3. The multi-tier packaging assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein packaging assembly should be identical in shape and size.

4. The multi-tier packaging assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insert is preferably a narrow at tip and extended at top such as T-shaped.

5. The multi-tier packaging assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width and shape of the circular cut is variable, allowing accommodating the insert.

6. The multi-tier packaging assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the circular cut is directly provides allowing the preceding deck to move away from the centre.

7. A system for packaging, protecting and transporting food items comprising multitier ventilation to allow excess moisture or condensation to escape from each tier via the cut out/channel provided at the base of each upper tier, to allow the steam to traverse from inside the box to outside the box thereby minimizing condensation and spoiling the intended quality of the food.
8. The system for packaging as claimed in claim 7, wherein the top and base trays have layered corrugated sleeve that provides a gap for ventilation wherein the top tray, the base tray, base plates, and the lid are provided with the cut outs, slits and locks for better ventilation.
9. The system for packaging as claimed in claim 7, wherein the multitier box is accommodated for any type of the product, which is typically stored or transported in a box, may be contained in the box as per type, size, shape, and weight of the product by adjusting the size of the trays and other components.