Pulp molded container

Abstract

Provided is a paper pulp molded container in which the fitting strength is maintained even when a reverse taper shape is not used. The paper pulp molded container has a container main body that is a bottomed frame, and a lid that is fitted to the container main body, the container main body and the lid each have a main body side sidewall portion and a lid side sidewall portion that are engaged with each other, the main body side sidewall portion includes a first resin film layer that forms an engaging surface thereof, the lid side sidewall portion includes a second resin film layer that forms an engaging surface thereof, the engaging surface of the lid side sidewall portion is configured to be in close contact with the engaging surface of the main body side sidewall portion of the container main body, and is fitted to the engaging surface of the main body side sidewall portion in a detachable manner, and the hardness of one of the first resin film layer and the second resin film layer is greater than the hardness of the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pulp molded containers for storing food, etc. Background Technology

[0002] In food containers used for storing food, a type of fitting that is highly effective in preventing leakage of contents is known, which is a resin-made inner fitting container with a lid in which the fitting part of the lid fits tightly against the inner surface of the side wall of the upper opening of the container body.

[0003] In resin-made inner-fitting containers with lids, the fitting portion on the inner surface of the side wall of the upper opening of the container body is typically formed in an inverted conical shape, and the fitting portion of the lid is formed in a conical shape corresponding to the inner surface of the inverted conical side wall of the container body (e.g., Patent Document 1). In the case of resin-made inner-fitting containers with lids, the fitting portion of the lid is tightly attached to the inner surface of the side wall of the container body and is deeply embedded, thus reducing the likelihood of leakage of contents compared to outer-fitting containers where the lid is externally fitted into the container body.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-127301 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Recently, from an environmental perspective, there has been an increasing demand for food containers made from biodegradable raw materials, such as molded pulp containers. Molded pulp containers are manufactured by molding and dehydrating water-soluble pulp fibers using a pre-defined mold that is shaped to the same form as the container, followed by drying. In this manufacturing process, the molded container needs to be removed from the mold before drying. However, when the sidewall of the upper opening of the container body is designed as an inverted cone shape, it becomes difficult to remove the molded container from the mold. In other words, it is difficult to manufacture internally fitted molded pulp containers.

[0009] Therefore, the sidewalls of the container body are not tapered. For example, it is necessary to make the sidewalls of the container body perpendicular to the bottom wall of the container body so that the molded container can be easily pulled out of the mold. On the other hand, when the sidewalls of the container body are not tapered, the fitting of the lid, which is in close contact with the fitting part of the inner surface of the sidewall of the container body, becomes weaker, and the fitting strength between the container body and the lid may be reduced.

[0010] In view of the above background, the objective of the present invention is to provide an interlocking pulp molding container that can maintain interlocking strength even without using an inverted conical shape.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pulp molding container 1 includes: a container body 2 having a bottom frame; and a lid 3 fitted into the container body 2. The container body 2 and the lid 3 each have a body-side sidewall portion (second sidewall portion 7) and a lid-side sidewall portion (fourth sidewall portion 12) that engage with each other. The body-side sidewall portion 7 includes a first resin film layer 15 forming its engagement surface, and the lid-side sidewall portion 12 includes a second resin film layer 16 forming its engagement surface. The engagement surface of the lid-side sidewall portion 12 is configured to be in close contact with the engagement surface of the body-side sidewall portion 7 of the container body 2, and is fitted into the engagement surface of the body-side sidewall portion 7 in a detachable manner. In the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16, the hardness of one is greater than that of the other.

[0013] According to this structure, in the embedded pulp molded container 1, a layer of resin film with different hardness is provided on the joint surface of the container body 2 and the cover 3, which can improve the tightness and maintain the fitting strength.

[0014] In the above-mentioned pulp molding container 1, the hardness of the first resin film layer 15 may be greater than the hardness of the second resin film layer 16.

[0015] Based on this structure, the fitting strength between the container body 2 and the cover 3 can be further improved by utilizing the difference in hardness of the synthetic resin film.

[0016] In the pulp molding container 1 described above, the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 may be selected from PET, PP, PLA, PBS or CCP.

[0017] Based on this configuration, the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 can be manufactured using appropriate materials.

[0018] In the above-mentioned pulp molding container (1), one of the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 may be PET and the other may be PP.

[0019] Based on this structure, the difference in hardness between PET and PP can further improve the fitting strength between the container body 2 and the lid 3.

[0020] In the above-mentioned pulp molding container 1, the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 can be either PET or PLA.

[0021] Based on this structure, the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 can be adhered even when the inner surfaces of the container body 2 and the lid 3 have complex shapes, thanks to the hardness and elasticity of PET or PLA.

[0022] In the pulp molding container 1 described above, the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 may have a thickness of 30 μm to 50 μm.

[0023] According to this structure, the fitting strength can be further improved by adjusting the shape of the joint surface between the container body 2 and the cover 3.

[0024] In the pulp molding container 1 described above, the main body side wall portion 7 may also have a mesh-shaped unevenness at the joint surface.

[0025] According to this structure, the friction is increased by the mesh-shaped irregularities formed on the container body 2, and the fitting strength between the container body 2 and the lid 3 is further improved during fitting.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to this structure, the fitting strength can be maintained in the embedded pulp molding container 1. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the pulp molding container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the container body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the pulp molding container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the container body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of the container body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the pulp molding container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the container body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a pulp molding container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a pulp molding container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 1: Pulp Molded Containers

[0041] 2: Container body

[0042] 3: Cover

[0043] 4: Bottom wall

[0044] 5: First side wall portion

[0045] 6: First flange portion

[0046] 7: Second side wall (main body side wall)

[0047] 8: Second flange portion

[0048] 9: Up the wall

[0049] 10: Third side wall

[0050] 11: Third flange portion

[0051] 12: Fourth side wall (side wall of the cover)

[0052] 13: Fourth flange portion

[0053] 15: First resin film layer

[0054] 16: Second resin film layer

[0055] 26: Concave and convex. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The following is for reference Figures 1-6 A pulp molding container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0057] <<First Implementation>>

[0058] The pulp molding container 1 of the present invention is a sealed container for receiving food such as rice and side dishes, etc. Figure 1As shown, the container has a main body 2 and a lid 3 fitted into the main body 2. It should be noted that in this specification, "above" refers to the side of the lid 3 when the pulp molding container 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, and "below" refers to the side of the main body 2. Furthermore, hereinafter, "inner surface" refers to the surface approximately facing the inside of the main body 2.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the container body 2 is formed as a bottom frame body, having a generally rectangular bottom wall 4, an annular first side wall portion 5 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 4, an annular first flange portion 6 extending outward from the upper end of the first side wall portion 5, an annular second side wall portion (body side wall portion) 7 extending upward from the outer periphery of the first flange portion 6, and an annular second flange portion 8 extending outward from the second side wall portion 7 and defining the upper opening of the container body 2.

[0060] As described above, the second flange portion 8 is located above the first flange portion 6. Furthermore, a second sidewall portion 7 is provided between the outer edge of the first flange portion 6 and the inner edge of the second flange portion 8. Thus, a step is formed between the first flange portion 6 and the second flange portion 8.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the second sidewall portion 7 can have a cone angle θ of about 0.5 to 1 degree, extending outward from its upper end relative to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the second sidewall portion has a cone angle θ of 0.5 degrees.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 3 has an upper wall 9 that is generally rectangular when viewed from above, an annular third side wall portion 10 extending downward from the periphery of the upper wall 9, an annular third flange portion 11 extending outward from the lower end of the third side wall portion 10, an annular fourth side wall portion (cover side wall portion) 12 extending upward from the outer periphery of the third flange portion 11, and an annular fourth flange portion 13 extending outward from the upper end of the fourth side wall portion 12.

[0063] As described above, a fourth sidewall portion 12 is provided between the outer edge of the third flange portion 11 and the inner edge of the fourth flange portion 13. As a result, a step is formed between the third flange portion 11 and the fourth flange portion 13.

[0064] The fourth sidewall portion 12 may have a cone angle θ′ of about 0.5 to 1 degree, extending outward from its upper end relative to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the fourth sidewall portion 12 has a cone angle θ′ of 1 degree.

[0065] like Figure 4As shown, the fitting structure of the container body 2 and the lid 3 is an internal fitting structure. This internal fitting structure is achieved by the tight contact between the mating surface of the second side wall portion 7 of the container body 2 and the mating surface of the fourth side wall portion 12 of the lid 3, the tight contact between the mating surface of the first flange portion 6 of the container body 2 and the mating surface of the third flange portion 11 of the lid 3, and the tight contact between the mating surface of the second flange portion 8 of the container body 2 and the mating surface of the fourth flange portion 13 of the lid 3. In the fitted state of the container body 2 and the lid 3, the mating surface of the second side wall portion 7 of the container body 2 is in close contact with the mating surface of the fourth side wall portion 12 of the lid 3. In addition, the mating surface of the first flange portion 6 is in close contact with the mating surface of the third flange portion 11, and the mating surface of the second flange portion 8 is in close contact with the mating surface of the fourth flange portion 13. Thus, the movement of the lid 3 in the direction of fitting with the container body 2 is restricted, and their fitted state is stably maintained.

[0066] In the internal fitting structure of the pulp molding container 1 of the present invention, one or both of the first flange portion 6 of the container body 2 and the third flange portion 11 of the cover 3 may be omitted. When the first flange portion 6 is omitted, the container body 2 has a generally rectangular bottom wall 4, an annular first side wall portion 5 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 4, an annular second side wall portion 7 extending upward in a planar manner from the upper end of the first side wall portion 5, and an annular second flange portion 8 extending outward from the second side wall portion 7 and defining the upper opening of the container body 2. When the third flange portion is omitted, the cover 3 has: an upper wall 9, which is generally rectangular when viewed from above; an annular third side wall portion 10 extending downward from the periphery of the upper wall 9; an annular fourth side wall portion 12 extending upward from the lower end of the third side wall portion 10; and an annular fourth flange portion 13 extending outward from the upper end of the fourth side wall portion 12. In the absence of one or both of the first flange portion 6 and the third flange portion 11, the in-line structure is achieved by the close contact between the mating surface of the second sidewall portion 7 and the mating surface of the fourth sidewall portion 12, and the close contact between the mating surface of the second flange portion 8 and the mating surface of the fourth flange portion 13.

[0067] Similarly, one or both of the second flange portion 8 of the container body 2 and the fourth flange portion 13 of the lid 3 may be omitted. When the second flange portion 8 is omitted, the container body 2 has a generally rectangular bottom wall 4, an annular first side wall portion 5 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 4, an annular first flange portion 6 extending outward from the upper end of the first side wall portion 5, and an annular second side wall portion 7 extending upward from the outer periphery of the first flange portion 6. When the fourth flange portion 13 is omitted, the lid 3 has a generally rectangular upper wall 9, an annular third side wall portion 10 extending downward from the periphery of the upper wall 9, an annular third flange portion 11 extending outward from the lower end of the third side wall portion 10, and an annular fourth side wall portion 12 extending upward from the outer periphery of the third flange portion 11. In the absence of one or both of the second flange portion 8 of the container body 2 and the fourth flange portion 13 of the cover body 3, an interlocking structure is achieved by the close contact between the mating surface of the second side wall portion 7 and the mating surface of the fourth side wall portion 12, and the close contact between the mating surface of the first flange portion 6 and the mating surface of the third flange portion 11.

[0068] The second sidewall portion 7 and the fourth sidewall portion 12 may have the same height (vertical width), or the upper edge of the second sidewall portion 7 may extend to a position slightly higher than the upper edge of the fourth sidewall portion 12. In this case, for example, the vertical width of the second sidewall portion 7 may be approximately 6.5 mm to 7 mm, and the vertical width of the fourth sidewall portion 12 may be approximately 6 mm to 7 mm. The second sidewall portion 7 extends to the same height as or slightly higher than the fourth sidewall portion 12, thereby reliably ensuring tight contact between the mating surfaces of the first flange portion 6 and the third flange portion 11, and between the mating surfaces of the second flange portion 8 and the fourth flange portion 13, when the cover 3 is fitted into the container body 2, thus stably maintaining the fitted state.

[0069] At least one tongue 14 is provided on the outer edge of the fourth flange 13 of the lid 3 to facilitate opening the lid 3. The tongue 14 is provided at at least one corner of the lid 3, which has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. The tongue 14 extends outward from the periphery of the fourth flange 13. When the container body 2 and the lid 3 are engaged, the tongue 14 extends outward beyond the outer periphery of the second flange 8 of the container body 2 when viewed from above. When the container body 2 and the lid 3 are engaged, the user can easily remove the lid 3 from the container body 2 by grasping the tongue 14 with two fingers and lifting the lid 3 upward.

[0070] The inner surface of the container body 2 has fine mesh-shaped irregularities 26. For example... Figure 6As shown, during the papermaking of the pulp molding container 1, the base component 24 forming the pulp molding container 1 is pressed against the metal mesh 18 installed in the specified mold 17 described later, thereby forming a mesh-shaped protrusion 26 on one side of the base component 24 that is in contact with the metal mesh 18.

[0071] The pulp molding container 1 of the present invention has mesh-shaped protrusions 26 on the inner surface of the container body 2, but not on the inner surface of the lid 3. Specifically, mesh-shaped protrusions 26 are formed on the mating surfaces of the second sidewall portion 7, the first flange portion 6, and the second flange portion 8 of the container body 2, but not on the mating surfaces of the fourth sidewall portion 12, the third flange portion 11, and the fourth flange portion 13 of the lid 3. When the container body 2 and the lid 3 are fitted together, the mesh-shaped protrusions 26 on the mating surfaces of the container body 2 are in close contact with the mating surfaces of the lid 3 where the mesh-shaped protrusions 26 are not formed, thereby increasing friction and further improving the fitting strength between the container body 2 and the lid 3.

[0072] The inner surface of the container body 2 has a first resin film layer 15, and the inner surface of the cover 3 has a second resin film layer 16. The first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 are bonded to a substrate component 24 made of pulp fibers forming the pulp molded container 1. The first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 are formed as sheet-like synthetic resin films. The material of the synthetic resin film can be, for example, selected from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PLA (polylactic acid), PBS (polybutylene succinate), or CCP (unstretched polypropylene). The material of the synthetic resin film used in this invention is not limited to these, as long as it is a sheet-like synthetic resin film capable of being bonded to a component made of pulp fibers.

[0073] When the first resin film layer 15 is attached to the substrate component 24, the irregularities 26 of the mesh pattern formed on the substrate component 24 are also reflected in the first resin film layer 15. Therefore, the inner surface of the container body 2 having the first resin film layer 15 has irregularities 26 of the mesh pattern.

[0074] The thickness of the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 can be approximately 30 μm to 50 μm. By appropriately varying the thickness of the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 according to the shape variations of the inner surface of the container body 2 and the inner surface of the lid 3, the fitting strength between the container body 2 and the lid 3 can be further improved. In the pulp molded container 1 of the present invention, the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 each have a thickness of 50 μm.

[0075] When the inner surfaces of the substrate component 24 of the container body 2 and the lid 3 have complex shapes, the materials of the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 are more preferably PET or PLA. PET or PLA is not too soft and has excellent elasticity. Therefore, even when the inner surfaces of the container body 2 and the lid 3 have complex shapes, it is possible to prevent the formation of excess wrinkles when bonding the synthetic resin film. As a result, by using PET or PLA, the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 can be uniformly bonded to the substrate component 24.

[0076] The first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16 can be made of the same material, or materials with different hardness can be used for each layer. For example, the hardness of one of the first resin film layers 15 and the second resin film layer 16 can be greater than the hardness of the other layer. In this way, by setting a hardness difference between the first resin film layer 15 of the container body 2 and the second resin film layer 16 of the cover 3, the fitting strength between the container body 2 and the cover 3 can be further improved.

[0077] In the pulp molding container 1 of the present invention, the hardness of the first resin film layer 15 is greater than that of the second resin film layer 16. Here, "hardness" refers to the ultra-micro hardness specified in JIS Z2255. This ultra-micro hardness is calculated based on the test load applied to the target load using a triangular pyramidal diamond indenter and the indentation depth of the indenter. Specifically, the first resin film layer 15 uses a synthetic resin film of PET, and the second resin film layer 16 uses a synthetic resin film of PP, which is a raw material softer than PET. As described above, a mesh-shaped irregularity 26 is formed on the inner surface of the container body 2. Therefore, when the container body 2 is fitted with the lid 3, the inner surface of the lid 3, having the second resin film layer 16 made of PP (softer than PET), is embedded tightly against the mesh-shaped irregularity 26 on the inner surface of the container body 2, having the first resin film layer 15 made of PET. In this way, when a mesh-shaped protrusion 26 is formed on the inner surface of either the container body 2 or the lid 3, the tightness during fitting is improved by attaching a soft synthetic resin film to the inner surface of the other, thereby further improving the fitting strength between the container body 2 and the lid 3.

[0078] The container body 2 and the lid 3 of the present invention are manufactured as follows: after dissolving the pulp slurry using a prescribed mold 17, the base component 24 is dehydrated, dried, and shaped, and then a synthetic resin film is adhered to the inner surface of the container body 2 and the lid 3. The manufacturing process will be described below.

[0079] Mold 17 consists of an upper mold 19 and a lower mold 20. Figure 5 and Figure 6The image shows an upper mold 19 and a lower mold 20 used to manufacture the container body 2. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the lower mold 20 is fixed at the bottom, and the upper mold 19 is configured to move in the vertical direction.

[0080] The lower mold 20 has a recess 21 that opens upwards and includes an inner peripheral surface 21A with the same shape as the container body 2. The upper mold 19 has a protrusion 22 that protrudes downwards and includes an outer peripheral surface 22A with the same shape as the container body 2. The outer peripheral surface 22A of the protrusion 22 of the upper mold 19 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface 21A of the recess 21 of the lower mold 20 in a manner that allows it to slide in the vertical direction.

[0081] The lower mold 20 has multiple dewatering paths 23 that pass through the inner circumferential surface 21A of the recess 21 and reach the outside of the mold. The dewatering paths 23 are connected to a predetermined drainage passage (not shown) located below the lower mold 20. A heating device (not shown) is provided above the upper mold 19. A metal mesh 18 formed with the same shape as the container body 2 is installed on the outer circumferential surface 22A of the protrusion 22 of the upper mold 19.

[0082] Next, the molding method of the container body 2 of this application will be described. First, as... Figure 5 As shown, pulp slurry is drawn from the outer surface of the metal mesh 18 of the upper mold 19, and the base component 24 is transferred onto the metal mesh 18. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 22 of the upper mold 19 descends from above toward the recess 21 of the lower mold 20, sandwiching the substrate component 24. The outer peripheral surface 22A of the protrusion 22 of the upper mold 19 engages with the inner peripheral surface 21A of the recess 21 of the lower mold 20, thereby applying pressure to the substrate component 24. Simultaneously, heating is applied using a heating device. This dehydrates and dries the substrate component 24 that has been transferred onto the metal mesh 18. The water removed from the substrate component 24 transferred onto the metal mesh 18 is discharged through the dehydration path 23 to a drainage path (not shown) outside the mold. Furthermore, in this process, the substrate component 24 is stamped and formed by the pressing of the upper mold 19 and the lower mold 20, thereby forming the container body 2. In this embodiment, the dehydration path 23 is provided only in the lower mold 20, but it is also possible to provide a dehydration path in the upper mold 19.

[0083] As described above, the metal mesh 18 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface 22A of the protrusion 22 of the upper mold 19. The metal mesh 18 is a woven metal mesh formed by weaving fine metal wires at predetermined intervals along a predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the metal mesh 18 is formed by a plain weave where the longitudinal and transverse metal wires intersect one by one. In addition, the metal mesh 18 may also be formed by a twill weave, a herringbone twill weave, a plain Dutch weave, or a twill Dutch weave. In the stamping process performed by pressing the upper mold 19 and the lower mold 20, the mesh-shaped relief 26 of the woven metal mesh is transferred onto the metal mesh 18 side of the substrate component 24, i.e., the inner surface of the container body 2.

[0084] Regarding the lid 3, it is formed using an upper mold having a protrusion 22 formed with the same shape as the lid 3 and a lower mold having a recess 21, in the same process as the container body 2. Furthermore, in the pulp molded container 1 of this application, the outer surface of the lid 3 is formed with the side facing the metal mesh 18 mounted on either the upper or lower mold. Therefore, the mesh-shaped protrusions 26 of the metal mesh 18 are transferred to the outer surface of the lid 3, while the mesh-shaped protrusions 26 of the metal mesh 18 are not transferred to the inner surface of the formed lid 3.

[0085] After the container body 2 is formed, a first resin film layer 15, on which a synthetic resin film is adhered, is formed on the base component 24 that forms the container body 2. The process of forming the first resin film layer 15 will be briefly described below.

[0086] First, a sheet-like synthetic resin film is placed between an upper mold and a lower mold, both of which have the same shape as the container body 2. Next, an adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the synthetic resin film. The adhesive can be any known adhesive. Then, the container body 2 is positioned below the heated synthetic resin film with its opening facing upwards. Next, the upper mold is lowered from above towards the lower mold, clamping the container body 2 and the synthetic resin film together, thereby pressing them together. This adheres the synthetic resin film to the surface of the container body 2 on the opening side from above the base component 24. Finally, the excess synthetic resin film extending from the container body 2 is cut off using a cutting machine (not shown). This forms a first resin film layer 15 on the inner surface of the container body 2.

[0087] For the lid 3, an upper mold and a lower mold, which are formed to have the same shape as the lid 3, are used to form a second resin film layer 16 on the inner surface of the lid 3 through the same process as the container body 2. It should be noted that, as described above, synthetic resin films of different materials can be used for the first resin film layer 15 and the second resin film layer 16.

[0088] The mold 17 used for molding the container body 2 and the mold used for forming the first resin film layer 15 can be the same. Similarly, the mold used for molding the lid 3 and the mold used for forming the second resin film layer 16 can be the same. In this way, by using the same molds for molding the container body 2 and forming the first resin film layer 15, and for molding the lid 3 and forming the second resin film layer 16, the manufacturing cost of the container body 2 and the lid 3 of this application can be reduced.

[0089] <<Second Implementation>>

[0090] The pulp molding container 101 of the second embodiment differs from the pulp molding container 1 of the first embodiment in that the shapes of the container body 2 and the lid 3 are different. In the following description, only the different structures will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used to mark the same structures as those in the pulp molding container 1 of the first embodiment. The description will be omitted due to reference to the above description.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the container body 102, like the pulp molding container 1 of the first embodiment, is formed as a bottom frame body, having: a bottom wall 104 that is generally rectangular when viewed from above; an annular first side wall portion 105 extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 104; an annular first flange portion 106 extending outward from the upper end of the first side wall portion 105; an annular second side wall portion 107 extending upward from the outer periphery of the first flange portion 106; and an annular second flange portion 108 extending outward from the second side wall portion 107 and defining the upper opening of the container body 102. Fine mesh-shaped irregularities 126 are formed on the inner surface of the container body 102.

[0092] The container body 102 of the second embodiment has a partition portion 131 on its bottom wall 104 that divides the interior of the container body 102 into multiple regions. The partition portion 131 is formed by a portion of the bottom wall 104 of the container body 102 protruding upwards. The partition portion 131 has: a plurality of partition sidewall portions 132 that extend upwards perpendicularly to the bottom wall 104 and have surfaces parallel or perpendicular to the first sidewall portions 105; and a partition top portion 133 that connects the upper edges of the plurality of partition sidewall portions 132 with surfaces. In the container body 102 of this embodiment, there are five partition sidewall portions 132 that are formed in a ring and interconnected, and one partition top portion 133. Thus, the interior of the container body 102 is divided into a total of five regions. By dividing the interior of the container body 102 into multiple regions, it is possible to store various ingredients in the container body 102 without mixing them.

[0093] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the top part 133 of the partition has a connecting portion 135 that connects to a first flange portion 106 that defines the upper opening of the container body 102, an inclined portion 136 that slopes upward from the connecting portion 135 toward the inside of the container body 102, and an upper end portion 137 that extends substantially horizontally from the inclined portion 136. With this structure, the height of the upper end portion of the partition sidewall portion 132 is slightly higher than that of the first flange portion 106 that defines the upper opening of the container body 102. Specifically, the connecting portion 135 that connects to the first flange portion 106 is formed to the same height as the first flange portion 106, but the inclined portion 136 that extends from the connecting portion 135 toward the inside of the container body 102 slopes upward, thereby making the height of the upper end portion 137 of the partition sidewall portion 132 higher than that of the upper edge of the first flange portion 106, i.e., the first sidewall portion. In the container body 102 of this embodiment, the upper end portion 137 of the partition sidewall portion 132 is higher than that of the second flange portion 108. By making the upper end portion 137 of the partition sidewall portion 132 higher than the second flange portion 108, the movement of the cover 103 toward the container interior is restricted even when the cover 103 is deformed by being pressed from above. This prevents the contents inside the pulp molding container 101 from being crushed. Furthermore, the inclined portion 136 of the partition sidewall portion 132 is inclined upward toward the inside of the container body 102, so that when the cover 103 is fitted into the container body 102, the third sidewall portion 110 of the cover 103 will not interfere with the partition sidewall portion 132.

[0094] In this embodiment, the upper end portion 137 of the partition sidewall portion 132 corresponds to the highest single surface among the partition top surfaces 133 of the interconnected partition sidewall portions 132, but other arrangements are also possible. For example, multiple partition top surfaces 133 can be provided by forming the partition sidewall portions 132 as non-connected to each other, that is, multiple upper end portions 137 can be provided. Alternatively, multiple non-connected partition sidewall portions 132 of different heights can be provided, with the highest surface among the multiple partition top surfaces 133 serving as the upper end portion 137. Alternatively, the connecting portion 135 can be omitted, and the inclined portion 136 can be directly connected to the first flange portion 106. Alternatively, the inclined portion 136 can extend vertically relative to the bottom wall 104 without tilting upwards. In this embodiment, the third side wall portion 110 of the cover 103 is formed to open outwards and downwards. However, when the inclined portion 136 extends vertically upwards without tilting, in order to prevent the third side wall portion 110 from interfering with the separating side wall portion 132 when the cover 103 is fitted into the container body 102, the third side wall portion 110 can also extend vertically downwards.

[0095] The container body 102 has a plurality of tongues 134 extending outward from the second flange portion 108. The tongues 134 are disposed at at least one corner of the container body 102, which has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. The tongues 134 extend outward from the outer peripheral edge of the second flange portion 108. In this embodiment, the tongues 134 of the container body 102 extend outward from the long side of the container body 102 from the outer peripheral edge of the second flange portion 108, and the outer peripheral edge is formed in an arc shape.

[0096] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, similar to the first embodiment, the cover 103 has: an upper wall 109, which is generally rectangular when viewed from above; an annular third side wall portion 110 extending downward from the periphery of the upper wall 109; an annular third flange portion 111 extending outward from the lower end of the third side wall portion 110; an annular fourth side wall portion 112 extending upward from the outer periphery of the third flange portion 111; and an annular fourth flange portion 113 extending outward from the upper end of the fourth side wall portion 112.

[0097] The cover 103 has a plurality of tongues 114 extending outward from the fourth flange portion 113. The tongues 114 are disposed at at least one corner of the cover 103, which has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. The tongues 114 extend outward from the outer peripheral edge of the fourth flange portion 113. In this embodiment, the tongues 114 of the cover 103 extend outward from the shorter side of the cover 103 from the outer peripheral edge of the fourth flange portion 113, and the outer peripheral edge is formed in an arc shape.

[0098] As described above, the tongue 134 of the container body 102 extends outward from the long side of the container body 102, and the tongue 114 of the lid 103 extends outward from the short side of the lid 103. Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, when the container body 102 and the lid 103 are fitted together, the tongue 134 of the container body 102 and the tongue 114 of the lid 103 are staggered and do not overlap when viewed from above. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the tongue 134 of the fitted container body 102 with the fingers of one hand and the tongue 114 of the lid 103 with the fingers of the other hand. By lifting the tongue 114 of the lid 103, which is thus grasped, upwards, the user can easily remove the lid 103 from the container body 102.

[0099] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the container body 102 and the cover 103 in Embodiment 2 is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0100] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0101] Furthermore, not all of the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments are necessary; they can be appropriately selected or omitted as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pulp molding container, wherein, The pulp molding container has the following features: As a container body with a bottom frame; and The lid that fits into the main body of the container. The container body has: bottom wall; A first annular sidewall portion extending upward from the periphery of the bottom wall; An annular first flange portion extending outward from the upper end of the first sidewall portion; as well as An annular second sidewall extending upward from the outer periphery of the first flange portion. The cover has: upper wall; A ring-shaped third sidewall portion extending downward from the periphery of the upper wall; An annular third flange extending outward from the lower end of the third sidewall portion; as well as An annular fourth sidewall portion extending upward from the outer periphery of the third flange portion. The first flange portion and the second sidewall portion include a first resin film layer forming their mating surfaces. The third flange portion and the fourth sidewall portion include a second resin film layer forming their mating surfaces. The second sidewall portion has a cone angle θ of 0.5 to 1 degree as its upper end extends outward relative to the vertical direction. The fourth sidewall portion has a cone angle θ′ of 0.5 to 1 degree as its upper end extends outward relative to the vertical direction. The container body and the lid are fitted together by means of the tight contact between the mating surfaces of the first flange and the third flange, and the tight contact between the mating surfaces of the second sidewall and the fourth sidewall. The first resin film is made of polyethylene terephthalate, which makes it harder than the second resin film made of polypropylene.

2. The pulp molding container according to claim 1, wherein, The first resin film layer and the second resin film layer are either polyethylene terephthalate or polylactic acid.

3. The pulp molding container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first resin film layer and the second resin film layer have a thickness of 30 μm to 50 μm.

4. The pulp molding container according to claim 1, wherein, The second sidewall portion has a mesh-shaped irregularity at its mating surface.

5. The pulp molding container according to claim 1, wherein, The pulp molded container includes partitions that divide the interior of the container body into multiple regions. The upper end of the partition is higher than the upper edge of the second sidewall.

6. The pulp molding container according to claim 1, wherein, The container body, which is generally rectangular, has a first tongue extending outward from the long side at at least one corner of the outer periphery of the second sidewall. At least one corner of the outer periphery of the fourth sidewall portion, at a position corresponding to at least one corner of the outer periphery of the second sidewall portion where the first tongue is provided, has a second tongue extending outward from the short side. When the container body and the lid are fitted together, the first tongue and the second tongue are staggered when viewed from above.

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