Container

Abstract

To positively prevent a content from moving between adjacent accommodation spaces while maintaining the handleability in opening / closing of a lid.SOLUTION: A container comprises a container body and a lid. The container body comprises first and second receiving portions that are adjacently provided inside a body-sided peripheral edge portion defining an outer edge in a top face and a body-sided coupling portion that couples the two receiving portions together and connects with the body-sided peripheral edge portion. The lid comprises a lid-sided peripheral edge portion to fit with the body-sided peripheral edge portion, a first cover portion to cover the first receiving portion, a second cover portion to cover the second receiving portion and a lid-sided coupling portion coupling the two cover portions together to cover the body-sided coupling portion. The lid-sided coupling portion comprises a fit portion to be inserted in an opening edge of the first receiving portion and a non-fit portion to be inserted in an opening edge of the second receiving portion. The fit portion is to fit with a fit-receiving portion provided in an opening edge of the first receiving portion in an in-fit manner and the non-fit portion is to contact an inner wall of the second receiving portion without fitting with the opening edge of the second receiving portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container. [Background technology]

[0002] A container is known that includes a container body having two storage sections separated by a partition, and a lid that closes the container body. A container is also known in which a structure for the partition is provided on both the container body and the lid. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a food packaging container that is characterized in that a fitting groove is formed on the entire upper surface of a partition part that rises from the bottom wall of the container body, a fitting convex rib that is accommodated in the fitting groove is formed on the inner end surface of the partition part that is formed at the same position as the partition part on the container body side on the back surface of the top plate of the lid, and the tip of the inner end surface is located inside the fitting groove over the entire width of the tip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6619566 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a container that can reliably prevent the movement of contents between adjacent storage sections while maintaining the operability of the lid when opening and closing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A container according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a container comprising a container body having a plurality of storage sections each having an opening on a top surface, and a lid body removably attached to the container body, wherein the container body comprises a body-side peripheral edge portion defining the outer edge of the top surface, a first storage section and a second storage section provided adjacent to each other on the inside of the body-side peripheral edge portion, and a body-side connecting portion connecting the first storage section and the second storage section and connecting to the body-side peripheral edge portion, and the lid body comprises a lid body-side peripheral edge portion that fits into the body-side peripheral edge portion, and a first storage section and a second storage section that are provided adjacent to each other on the inside of the body-side peripheral edge portion. The housing has a first cover part covering the first storage part, a second cover part covering the second storage part, and a lid side connecting part connecting the first cover part and the second cover part and covering the main body side connecting part, the lid side connecting part having a fitting part inserted into the inside of the opening edge of the first storage part and a non-fitting part inserted into the inside of the opening edge of the second storage part, the fitting part fits into the fitting receiving part provided on the opening edge of the first storage part by an internal fitting method, and the non-fitting part contacts the inner wall of the second storage part without fitting with the opening edge of the second storage part.

[0006] In this aspect, when the lid closes the opening of the container body, the lid side connecting part is inserted inside the opening edge of both the first storage part and the second storage part. As a result, the gap between the first storage part and the second storage part is blocked, and the movement of the contents between the two storage parts is prevented. In addition, since the body side connecting part and the lid side connecting part do not use a fitting method on the second storage part side, the force required to close the lid is smaller than when a fitting method is used on both the first storage part and the second storage part side for these connecting parts, and therefore the lid is easier to close. These mechanisms make it possible to more reliably prevent the movement of the contents between adjacent storage parts while maintaining the operability of the lid when opening and closing. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to more reliably prevent the movement of contents between adjacent storage sections while maintaining the operability of the lid when opening and closing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a container according to an example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container according to an example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container body according to an example. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a container body according to an example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lid according to an example. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the lid according to the example. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion Pa in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion Pb in FIG. [Figure 10] 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion Pc in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Container Overview] Hereinafter, a container according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The container is an article for storing contents. The container includes a container body for storing the contents and a lid body that is removably attached to the container body.

[0010] When the opening is closed by the lid, the direction from the container body to the lid is defined. In this disclosure, this direction is referred to as the height direction. In the height direction, the container body side is referred to as the lower side, and the lid side is referred to as the upper side. The direction perpendicular to the height direction is referred to as the horizontal direction.

[0011] The container body includes a plurality of storage sections that are structures for storing contents. The plurality of storage sections include adjacent first and second storage sections. In one example, the first storage section is used to store a first content, and the second storage section is used to store a second content different from the first content. Each storage section includes a bottom surface, an inner wall formed to rise from the periphery of the bottom surface, and an opening edge located at the upper end of the inner wall and forming an opening of the storage section. If a virtual surface that faces the bottom surface of each storage section and is located at the upper end of the container body is called a top surface, it can be said that each storage section has an opening on the top surface.

[0012] The lid body includes a plurality of cover parts corresponding to the plurality of storage parts. The plurality of cover parts include a first cover part and a second cover part corresponding to the first storage part and the second storage part, respectively. The first cover part and the second cover part are adjacent to each other, similar to the positional relationship between the first storage part and the second storage part. Each cover part covers the corresponding storage part. "Covering the storage part" may be rephrased as "closing the opening of the storage part" or "closing the storage part." A closed space is formed by the cover part covering the storage part.

[0013] The container has a partition between the first storage section and the second storage section to prevent the first content or the second content from unintentionally moving to an adjacent storage section. When the container has three or more storage sections, the container has a partition for at least one pair of the first storage section and the second storage section.

[0014] The contents refer to tangible objects contained in the container. The contents may be food such as rice, noodles, side dishes, soups, and seasonings. For example, if the container is used to serve curry rice, the first container may contain curry roux and the second container may contain cooked rice. In this case, the partition prevents the curry roux and cooked rice from being mixed together unintentionally.

[0015] [Container structure] The structure of a container 1 according to an example will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 10. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of container 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of container 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of container body 10. Fig. 4 is a plan view of container body 10. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of lid body 20. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of lid body 20. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of portion Pa in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of portion Pb in Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of portion Pc in Fig. 7.

[0016] First, the container 1 will be described with reference mainly to Figures 1 and 2. The container 1 includes a container body 10 for containing the contents, and a lid body 20 that is removably attached to the container body 10.

[0017] Both the container body 10 and the lid 20 are produced by molding a synthetic resin sheet material into a predetermined shape using a predetermined mold.

[0018] The container body 10 may be made of a non-foamed sheet material. The non-foamed sheet material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The non-foamed sheet material may be a sheet containing an inorganic component such as calcium carbonate, talc, or a filler to improve heat resistance. The non-foamed sheet material may be multi-layered or single-layered. A film may be attached to the non-foamed sheet material. The non-foamed sheet material may be transparent or have various colors or patterns. Various additives may be added to produce the non-foamed sheet material.

[0019] The container body 10 may be made of a foamed synthetic resin sheet material. The foamed synthetic resin sheet material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. For example, a foamed polystyrene sheet made by foaming polystyrene, or a heat-resistant foamed polystyrene sheet made by foaming polystyrene with excellent heat resistance may be used.

[0020] The lid 20 may be made of a transparent synthetic resin sheet material. The transparent synthetic resin sheet material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. For example, a polystyrene sheet obtained by biaxially stretching polystyrene, or a heat-resistant biaxially stretched styrene-based resin sheet may be used. The lid 20 may be made of a translucent or opaque synthetic resin sheet material. The non-transparent synthetic resin sheet material may be high impact polystyrene (HIPS) that contains a rubber component to enhance impact resistance, or PP filler (filler-containing polypropylene).

[0021] Examples of methods for forming the container body 10 or the lid body 20 include vacuum forming, pressure forming, vacuum pressure forming, double-sided vacuum forming, and hot plate forming. The container body 10 or the lid body 20 can be produced by thermoforming a synthetic resin sheet by any of these methods. When a stretched sheet is used, hot plate forming may be employed in which the sheet is sandwiched between a heated hot plate and a mold to perform molding.

[0022] The container body 10 comprises a body-side peripheral portion 11 that defines the outer edge of the top surface, a first storage portion 12 and a second storage portion 13 that are provided adjacent to each other inside the body-side peripheral portion 11, and a body-side connecting portion 14 that connects the first storage portion 12 and the second storage portion. The container body 10 has an inverted frustum shape (cup shape) as a whole. When the container body 10 is viewed along the height direction, the body-side peripheral portion 11 has an annular shape. "Annular" refers to a shape like a ring. Examples of annular shapes include a circle and an ellipse.

[0023] The lid 20 includes a lid-side peripheral portion 21 that fits into the main body-side peripheral portion 11, a first cover portion 22 that covers the first storage portion 12, a second cover portion 23 that covers the second storage portion 13, and a lid-side connecting portion 24 that connects the first cover portion 22 and the second cover portion 23. When the lid 20 is viewed along the height direction, the lid-side peripheral portion 21 has a ring shape that corresponds to the shape of the main body-side peripheral portion 11. The positions and shapes of the first cover portion 22, the second cover portion 23, and the lid-side connecting portion 24 correspond to the first storage portion 12, the second storage portion 13, and the main body-side connecting portion 14, respectively.

[0024] An internal fitting method is adopted to attach the lid body 20 to the container body 10. The lid body side peripheral portion 21 is fixed to the body side peripheral portion 11 by the internal fitting method. The internal fitting method is a mechanism in which the lid body 20 fits inside the container body 10. In the internal fitting method, the lid body 20 fitted to the container body 10 applies pressure toward the container body 10, so that the lid body 20 is unlikely to come off the container body 10. As a result, liquid leakage from the container body 10 is prevented or suppressed.

[0025] When the lid 20 is attached to the container body 10, the first cover 22 covers the first storage section 12, and the second cover 23 covers the second storage section 13. The lid side connector 24 covers the body side connector 14 in such a manner that it is inserted into the inside of the opening edge of the first storage section 12 and the inside of the opening edge of the second storage section 13. "The lid side connector 24 is inserted into the inside of the opening edge of the storage section" means that the lower part of the lid side connector 24 is located below the opening edge of the storage section. When viewed along the horizontal direction, the lid side connector 24 inserted into the inside of the opening edge of the storage section covers the upper end of the inner wall of the storage section. By inserting the lid side connector 24 in this way, the first storage section 12 and the first cover 22 form a first section 2 which is a closed space, and the second storage section 13 and the second cover 23 form a second section 3 which is a closed space. The overlapping lid side connecting part 24 and main body side connecting part 14 function as a partition that separates the first storage part 12 (first compartment 2) and the second storage part 13 (second compartment 3).

[0026] The internal fitting method is realized by a fitting structure that pairs a fitting portion provided on the lid 20 with a fitting receiving portion provided on the container body 10. When the fitting portion fits into the fitting receiving portion, it is fixed to the fitting receiving portion. Fitting refers to a method in which the fitting portion that has advanced from the first side toward the fitting receiving portion passes over the fitting receiving portion and is positioned on the second side, which is the opposite side to the first side with the fitting receiving portion in between, so that the fitting portion fits into the fitting receiving portion.

[0027] (Container body) The container body 10 will be described mainly with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The body-side peripheral portion 11 is formed as a flat surface along the horizontal direction as a whole. The body-side peripheral portion 11 plays a role in supporting the lid-side peripheral portion 21. A protrusion 111 protruding upward is formed along almost the entire circumference of the outer edge of the body-side peripheral portion 11. The area where the protrusion 111 is not provided functions as a knob receiving portion 112 that supports a knob 211 of the lid body 20 described later.

[0028] The first storage section 12 includes a first bottom surface 121, a first inner wall 122 formed to rise from the periphery of the first bottom surface 121, and a first opening edge 123 located at the upper end of the first inner wall 122 and forming a first opening 129 of the first storage section 12. The first storage section 12 has an inverted frustum shape (cup shape) as a whole. When the container body 10 is viewed from above, both the first bottom surface 121 and the first opening edge 123 have an annular shape (a shape like a ring). The first inner wall 122 has a tapered shape that narrows from the first opening edge 123 to the first bottom surface 121. The major axis of the first opening edge 123 is larger than the major axis of the first bottom surface 121.

[0029] The second storage section 13 includes a second bottom surface 131, a second inner wall 132 formed to rise from the periphery of the second bottom surface 131, and a second opening edge 133 located at the upper end of the second inner wall 132 and forming a second opening 139 of the second storage section 13. The area of ​​the second opening 139 is larger than the area of ​​the first opening 129. The second opening edge 133 is longer than the first opening edge 123. The second storage section 13 has an inverted frustum shape (cup shape) as a whole. When the container body 10 is viewed from above, both the second bottom surface 131 and the second opening edge 133 have a crescent shape. The second inner wall 132 has a tapered shape that narrows from the second opening edge 133 to the second bottom surface 131.

[0030] The body side connecting portion 14 is an elongated planar structure formed to connect the first storage portion 12 and the second storage portion 13. The body side connecting portion 14 is provided so as to cross the container body 10 in an arc shape along the minor axis direction of the container body 10 and connect to the body side peripheral portion 11. The first end 141 and the second end 142 of the body side connecting portion 14 are each connected to the body side peripheral portion 11. Hereinafter, the region of the body side peripheral portion 11 connected to the first end 141 is referred to as the first connecting portion 113, and the region of the body side peripheral portion 11 connected to the second end 142 is referred to as the second connecting portion 114. With such an arrangement of the body side connecting portion 14, the first storage portion 12 and the second storage portion are arranged along the major axis direction of the container body 10.

[0031] When the container body 10 is viewed along the height direction, the body-side connecting portion 14 has an arc shape that is convex toward the second storage portion 13. In relation to such an arc-shaped body-side connecting portion 14, the second storage portion 13 has a first corner portion 134 located near the first connection portion 113 and a second corner portion 135 located near the second connection portion 114. That is, the second storage portion 13 has a first corner portion 134 and a second corner portion 135 that correspond to the first connection portion 113 and the second connection portion 114, respectively.

[0032] At both the first corner 134 and the second corner 135, the curvature of the second inner wall 132 near the second bottom surface 131 is smaller than the curvature of the second inner wall 132 near the second opening edge 133. That is, at both the first corner 134 and the second corner 135, the second inner wall 132 is formed so as to bend relatively gently near the second bottom surface 131, whereas it is bent relatively tightly near the second opening edge 133. When the container body 10 is viewed from above, at both the first corner 134 and the second corner 135, the bend of the second inner wall 132 near the second bottom surface 131 is located closer to the center of the second storage section 13 than the bend of the second inner wall 132 near the second opening edge 133.

[0033] At each of the first corner 134 and the second corner 135, the second inner wall 132 includes a recess 136 for realizing such a difference in curvature. When viewed along the height direction, the recess 136 is formed over a range from the upper end of the second inner wall 132 to a midpoint of the second inner wall 132 in the height direction. When viewed along the horizontal direction or the circumferential direction of the second inner wall 132, the recess 136 has a semicircular shape that is convex downward. Regarding the inclination angle of the second inner wall 132 with respect to a virtual horizontal plane parallel to the second bottom surface 131, the angle at the recess 136 is smaller than the angle in the range from the second bottom surface 131 to the lower end of the recess 136. That is, at each of the first corner 134 and the second corner 135, the inclination of the second inner wall 132 is relatively gentle at the upper portion and relatively steep at the lower portion.

[0034] (Lid) The lid 20 will be described with reference mainly to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The end (outer edge) of the lid-side peripheral portion 21 is designed to match the inside of the convex portion 111 of the main body-side peripheral portion 11 as a whole. Therefore, the lid-side peripheral portion 21 is located inside the end (outer edge) of the main body-side peripheral portion 11 as a whole. The lid-side peripheral portion 21 includes a knob 211 formed to protrude outward along the horizontal direction. This knob 211 can be used when removing the lid 20 from the container body 10. When the lid 20 is viewed along the horizontal direction, the lid-side peripheral portion 21 is a surface that extends from the end toward the inside along a substantially horizontal direction. The lid-side peripheral portion 21 does not have a portion that hangs down toward the container body 10. In most of the sections of the outer edge of the lid-side peripheral portion 21 except for the knob 211, a large number of fine dot-like ribs are provided. Due to the collection of fine ribs, the end of the lid body side peripheral portion 21 extending substantially horizontally is formed in a wavy shape rather than a straight line.

[0035] The first cover part 22 is formed so as to bulge upward in a frustum shape (dome shape) as a whole. When the lid body 20 is viewed along the height direction, the first cover part 22 has a ring shape. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the first cover part 22 has a first edge part 221 that matches the first opening edge 123 of the first storage part 12. The first edge part 221 has a generally U-shape that is convex downward. Focusing on the U-shape, the first edge part 221 has an inner side surface 221a facing the center direction of the first cover part 22, an outer side surface 221b located outside the inner side surface 221a so as to face the inner side surface 221a, and a lower surface 221c extending along the horizontal direction and connecting the lower ends of the inner side surface 221a and the outer side surface 221b.

[0036] The second cover part 23 is formed so as to bulge upward in a frustum shape (dome shape) as a whole. When the cover body 20 is viewed along the height direction, the second cover part 23 has a crescent shape. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, the second cover part 23 has a second edge part 231 that matches the second opening edge 133 of the second storage part 13. The second edge part 231 has a downwardly convex, generally U-shape. Focusing on the U-shape, the second edge part 231 has an inner side surface 231a facing the center direction of the second cover part 23, an outer side surface 231b located outside the inner side surface 231a so as to face the inner side surface 231a, and a lower surface 231c extending along the horizontal direction and connecting the lower ends of the inner side surface 231a and the outer side surface 231b.

[0037] The lid side connecting part 24 is an elongated bridge-like structure formed to connect the first cover part 22 and the second cover part 23. The position and shape of the lid side connecting part 24 correspond to the body side connecting part 14. The lid side connecting part 24 is provided so as to cross the lid 20 in an arc shape along the minor axis direction of the lid 20 and connect to the lid side peripheral part 21. The first end 241 and the second end 242 of the lid side connecting part 24 are each connected to the lid side peripheral part 21. Hereinafter, the area of ​​the lid side peripheral part 21 connected to the first end 241 is referred to as the first connecting part 212, and the area of ​​the lid side peripheral part 21 connected to the second end 242 is referred to as the second connecting part 213. As shown in FIG. 8, when a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction of the lid side connecting part 24 (cross section in the height direction) is viewed, the lid side connecting part 24 has an approximately U-shape convex upward. Focusing on this U-shape, the lid body side connecting part 24 includes a first inner side surface 243 located on the side of the first cover part 22, a second inner side surface 244 located on the side of the second cover part 23, and a connecting surface 245 extending along the horizontal direction and connecting the upper ends of the first inner side surface 243 and the second inner side surface 244. It can be said that the first inner side surface 243 is a part of the first edge part 221 of the first cover part 22, and the second inner side surface 244 is a part of the second edge part 231 of the second cover part 23.

[0038] A rib 25 is provided on each of the first connection portion 212 and the second connection portion 213. The rib 25 is structured to protrude upward or downward along the height direction. Therefore, the rib 25 has a convex or concave shape. At least one rib 25 extends along the circumferential direction of the lid body side peripheral portion 21. In one example, two ribs 25 are formed in each of the first connection portion 212 and the second connection portion 213 so as to be aligned along the radial direction of the lid body 20.

[0039] When the lid 20 is viewed along the height direction, the lid side connecting part 24 has an arc shape that is convex toward the second cover part 23. In relation to such an arc-shaped lid side connecting part 24, the second cover part 23 has a first corner part 232 located near the first connection part 212 and a second corner part 233 located near the second connection part 213. That is, the second cover part 23 has the first corner part 232 and the second corner part 233 that correspond to the first connection part 212 and the second connection part 213, respectively.

[0040] 9, the outer surface 221b of the first edge portion 221 of the first cover portion 22 is connected to the lid body side peripheral portion 21 in the non-partition section extending along the lid body side peripheral portion 21. As shown in FIG. 8, in the partition section extending along the lid body side connecting portion 24, the outer surface 221b can also be said to be the first inner surface 243 of the lid body side connecting portion 24.

[0041] 10, the outer surface 231b of the second edge portion 231 of the second cover portion 23 is connected to the lid body side peripheral portion 21 in the non-partition section extending along the lid body side peripheral portion 21. As shown in FIG. 8, in the partition section extending along the lid body side connecting portion 24, the outer surface 231b can also be said to be the second inner surface 244 of the lid body side connecting portion 24.

[0042] (Mechanism in the first section) The fitting structure is provided for at least the first section 2. In the present disclosure, the fitting structure in the first section 2 is also referred to as a first fitting structure 30. The fitting portion and the fitting receiving portion of the first fitting structure 30 are also referred to as a first fitting portion 31 and a first fitting receiving portion 32, respectively. The first fitting structure 30 will be described with reference mainly to Figs. 7 to 9.

[0043] The first fitting portion 31 is provided without interruption around the entire circumference of the outer side surface 221b of the first edge portion 221 of the first cover portion 22. Therefore, the first fitting portion 31 is provided on the first inner side surface 243 of the lid body side connecting portion 24. In other words, the lid body side connecting portion 24 has the first fitting portion 31. The first fitting portion 31 has a tapered structure that protrudes horizontally on the outer side surface 221b of the first edge portion 221 (the first inner side surface 243 of the lid body side connecting portion 24) in a direction away from the outer side surface 221b (first inner side surface 243). The first fitting portion 31 includes a lower surface 31a formed to face the first housing portion 12 when the first cover portion 22 covers the first housing portion 12, an upper surface 31b positioned above the lower surface 31a and formed to face the lower surface 31a, and a tip surface 31c connecting tips of the lower surface 31a and the upper surface 31b. When looking at a cross section of the first fitting portion 31 perpendicular to the outer surface 221b (first inner surface 243), the first fitting portion 31 has a tapered shape narrowing toward the tip.

[0044] The first fitting receiving portion 32 is provided without interruption around the entire circumference of the first opening edge 123. Therefore, the first fitting receiving portion 32 is provided along the main body side connecting portion 14. The first fitting receiving portion 32 has a tapered structure that protrudes toward the center of the first storage portion 12 along the horizontal direction. The first fitting receiving portion 32 includes a lower surface 32a formed to face the first bottom surface 121, an upper surface 32b formed above the lower surface 32a to face the lower surface 32a, and a tip surface 32c that connects the tips of the lower surface 32a and the upper surface 32b. When looking at a cross section of the first fitting receiving portion 32 perpendicular to the first inner wall 122, the first fitting receiving portion 32 has a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip.

[0045] When the lid 20 is attached to the container body 10, the first fitting portion 31 is inserted inside the first opening edge 123 and fits into the first fitting receiving portion 32 by an internal fitting method. The fitted first fitting portion 31 is located below the first opening edge 123. When the first fitting portion 31 fits into the first fitting receiving portion 32, the upper surface 31b of the first fitting portion 31 and the lower surface 32a of the first fitting receiving portion 32 are positioned so as to hook onto each other. The upper surface 31b and the lower surface 32a that function in this way are also called "reverse tapered portions."

[0046] (Mechanism in the second section) The second section 3 is provided with a mechanism for maintaining the operability of the lid 20, which employs the internal fitting method, when opening and closing. "Maintaining the operability of the lid when opening and closing" means making it as easy as possible to attach and detach the lid 20 to the container body 10. In order to realize this mechanism, the lid side connecting part 24 is provided with a non-fitting part 50. When the lid 20 is attached to the container body 10, the non-fitting part 50 is inserted inside the second opening edge 133. Therefore, the non-fitting part 50 located at the lower end of the lid side connecting part 24 on the second cover part 23 side is located below the second opening edge 133. The non-fitting part 50 will be described with reference mainly to Figs. 7 and 8.

[0047] The non-fitting portion 50 is provided on the upper part of the second inner side surface 244 of the lid body side connecting portion 24 along the circumferential direction of the second inner side surface 244. The non-fitting portion 50 is a flat surface formed so as to face the second storage portion 13, i.e., to face downward, in the entire height direction. The non-fitting portion 50 is formed so as to be in surface contact or line contact with the second inner wall 132. Surface contact refers to contact in which the area where the non-fitting portion 50 and the second inner wall 132 contact each other has a two-dimensional shape. Line contact refers to contact in which the area where the non-fitting portion 50 and the second inner wall 132 contact each other has a line shape. For example, the non-fitting portion 50 that is in surface contact with the second inner wall 132 is formed by matching the inclination angle of the non-fitting portion 50 to the inclination angle of the second inner wall 132. In either case, since the non-engaging portion 50 is a flat surface extending uniformly along the height direction, it contacts or interferes with the second inner wall 132 without engaging with the second opening edge 133. Interference refers to a situation in which the non-engaging portion 50 contacts the second opening edge 133 with the non-engaging portion 50 and the second opening edge 133 pressing against each other. The non-engaging portion 50 having such a structure is also called a "forward tapered portion."

[0048] When the lid body side connecting portion 24 is viewed horizontally, the lower end of the non-fitting portion 50 is located higher than the lower end of the first fitting portion 31 .

[0049] As described above, the upper part of the second inner side surface 244 is provided with the non-engaging portion 50 that comes into contact with the second inner wall 132. Meanwhile, the lower part of the second inner side surface 244 is provided with a slope formed so as to move away from the second inner wall 132. When the lid body 20 is attached to the container body 10, a gap exists between this slope and the second inner wall 132.

[0050] In one example, a mating structure is also provided for the second section 3. In the present disclosure, the mating structure in the second section 3 is also referred to as a second mating structure 40. The mating portion and the mating receiving portion of the second mating structure 40 are also referred to as a second mating portion 41 and a second mating receiving portion 42, respectively. The second mating structure 40 will be described mainly with reference to Figs. 7 and 10.

[0051] The second fitting portion 41 is provided over a non-partition section along the lid body side peripheral portion 21 of the outer side surface 231b of the second edge portion 231 of the second cover portion 23. The second fitting portion 41 is not provided on the second inner side surface 244 (i.e., the partition section) of the lid body side connecting portion 24. The second fitting portion 41 has a tapered structure that protrudes in a direction away from the outer side surface 231b along the horizontal direction on the outer side surface 231b of the second edge portion 231. The second fitting portion 41 includes a lower surface 41a formed to face the second housing portion 13 when the second cover portion 23 covers the second housing portion 13, an upper surface 41b formed to be located above the lower surface 41a and face the lower surface 41a, and a tip surface 41c that connects the tips of the upper surface 41b and the lower surface 41a. When looking at a cross section of the second fitting portion 41 perpendicular to the outer surface 231b, the second fitting portion 41 has a tapered shape narrowing toward the tip.

[0052] The second fitting receiving portion 42 is provided over the non-partition section along the main body side peripheral edge portion 11 of the second opening edge 133. The second fitting receiving portion 42 is not provided in the partition section along the main body side connecting portion 14. The second fitting receiving portion 42 has a tapered structure that protrudes toward the center of the second storage portion 13 along the horizontal direction. The second fitting receiving portion 42 includes a lower surface 42a formed to face the second bottom surface 131, an upper surface 42b formed above the lower surface 42a to face the lower surface 42a, and a tip surface 42c that connects the tips of the lower surface 42a and the upper surface 42b. When looking at a cross section of the second fitting receiving portion 42 perpendicular to the second inner wall 132, the second fitting receiving portion 42 has a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip.

[0053] When the lid 20 is attached to the container body 10, the second fitting portion 41 is inserted inside the second opening edge 133 and fits into the second fitting receiving portion 42 by an internal fitting method. The fitted second fitting portion 41 is located below the second opening edge 133. When the second fitting portion 41 fits into the second fitting receiving portion 42, the upper surface 41b of the second fitting portion 41 and the lower surface 42a of the second fitting receiving portion 42 are positioned so as to hook onto each other. The upper surface 41b and the lower surface 42a that function in this way are also called "reverse tapered portions."

[0054] As shown in Fig. 4, at both the first corner 134 and the second corner 135 of the second housing portion 13, the second opening edge 133 is formed to bulge outward along the radial direction of the main body side peripheral edge portion 11. This bulge 137 is related to the manufacturing method of the container 1. When preparing a mold for manufacturing the container 1, it is necessary to precisely adjust the portion of the mold that corresponds to the fitting structure. It can be said that the bulge 137 is the result of this adjustment.

[0055] 6, at both the first corner 232 and the second corner 233 of the second cover part 23, the second edge part 231 is formed to bulge outward along the radial direction of the lid body side peripheral part 21. This bulge 234 is also related to the manufacturing method of the container 1, and the reason for forming the bulge 234 is similar to the bulge 137 of the second storage part 13.

[0056] [How to use the container] A method of using the container 1 will be described below, showing food as an example of the contents. The user puts the first food into the first storage section 12 from the first opening edge 123, and the second food into the second storage section 13 from the second opening edge 133. The user then positions the lid 20 relative to the container body 10 so that the first cover section 22 is located on the first storage section 12 and the second cover section 23 is located on the second storage section, and attaches the lid 20 to the container body 10. Most of the ends of the lid side peripheral portion 21 are wavy due to a large number of fine dot-like ribs, so there is no need to worry about the user's hands or fingers being cut by the ends when handling the lid 20.

[0057] During the installation, the first fitting structure 30 for forming the first compartment 2 functions as follows. When the user positions the first edge 221 of the first cover portion 22 on the first opening edge 123 of the first storage portion 12, the lower surface 31a of the first fitting portion 31 comes into contact with the upper surface 32b of the first fitting receiving portion 32. When the user pushes the lid body 20 into the container 1, at least one of the first edge 221 and the first opening edge 123 undergoes elastic deformation due to pressure acting from the first fitting portion 31 toward the first fitting receiving portion 32. Thereafter, the first fitting portion 31 moves over the first fitting receiving portion 32 and below the first fitting receiving portion 32. As a result, the first fitting portion 31 fits into the first fitting receiving portion 32. Due to this fitting, the first fitting portion 31 is fixed to the first fitting receiving portion 32 so as to cover the upper end portion of the first inner wall 122. Through this process, the first compartment 2 containing the first food is isolated from the outside. The first fitting structure 30, which is composed of the first fitting portion 31 and the first fitting receiving portion 32, is provided continuously around the entire circumference of the first opening edge 123. Therefore, even if the first food contains liquid, leakage of the liquid from the first storage portion 12 can be prevented.

[0058] During the above-mentioned mounting, the non-fitting portion 50 and the second fitting structure 40 for forming the second compartment 3 function as follows. When the user positions the second edge portion 231 of the second cover portion 23 on the second opening edge 133 of the second storage portion 13, the lower surface 41a of the second fitting portion 41 comes into contact with the upper surface 42b of the second fitting receiving portion 42. When the user pushes the lid body 20 into the container 1, the lower end of the second inner surface 244 of the lid body side connecting portion 24 presses the upper end of the second inner wall 132, and elastic deformation occurs at least in one of the lower end and the upper end due to the pressure acting downward. When the lid body side connecting portion 24 moves further downward, the non-fitting portion 50 comes into contact with or interferes with the second inner wall 132. Due to this contact or interference, the non-fitting portion 50 covers the upper end of the second inner wall 132. The descent of the non-fitting portion 50 is not hindered by anything. Meanwhile, when the second fitting structure 40 is pushed in, at least one of the second edge 231 and the second opening edge 133 undergoes elastic deformation due to pressure acting from the second fitting portion 41 toward the second fitting receiving portion 42. The second fitting portion 41 then climbs over the second fitting receiving portion 42 and moves below the second fitting receiving portion 42. As a result, the second fitting portion 41 fits into the second fitting receiving portion 42. By this fitting, the second fitting portion 41 is fixed to the second fitting receiving portion 42 so as to cover the upper end of the second inner wall 132. By this process, the second compartment 3 that contains the second food is isolated from the outside.

[0059] When the lid body 20 attached to the container body 10 is viewed horizontally, the lower end of the non-engaging portion 50 is located above the lower end of the first engaging portion 31 and below the body side peripheral portion 11.

[0060] By this attachment, the lid-side connecting part 24 overlaps with the body-side connecting part 14 to form a partition and close the gap between the first compartment 2 and the second compartment 3. As a result, movement of food between the two compartments is prevented. The first food continues to be contained in the first storage part 12 without leaking into the second storage part 13, and the second food continues to be contained in the second storage part 13 without leaking into the first storage part 12.

[0061] With regard to the second compartment 3, when the second storage section 13 is closed by the second cover section 23, the non-engaging portion 50 of the lid-side connecting portion 24 moves downward without any hindrance. This reduces the force required to close the lid 20, making it easier to close the lid 20. When the lid 20 is about to be closed, the slope formed on the lower part of the second inner side surface 244 elastically deforms. However, since there is a gap between this slope and the second inner wall 132, this deformation does not lead to an increase in the load applied when the lid 20 is closed.

[0062] In one example, the user first fits the first fitting portion 31 of the first cover portion 22 into the first fitting receiving portion 32 of the first housing portion 12 to close the first opening 129 with the first cover portion 22, and then fits the second fitting portion 41 of the second cover portion 23 into the second fitting receiving portion 42 of the second housing portion 13 to close the second opening 139 with the second cover portion 23. The user can save force for closing the second cover portion 23 by the amount that the force required to lower the non-fitting portion 50 is reduced.

[0063] As for the second section 3, the fitting is not performed in the partition section along the lid side connecting portion 24, but in the non-partition section along the lid side peripheral portion 21. Therefore, when the lid 20 is attached, a force is applied to press the second cover portion 23 toward the lid side connecting portion 24. Since the non-fitting portion 50 is in contact with the second inner wall 132 but is not fixed to the second inner wall 132, the non-fitting portion 50 can move upward due to the pressing force. As a result, the lid 20 may bend upward and the lid side connecting portion 24 may separate from the body side connecting portion 14. However, since the ribs 25 are formed on the first connecting portion 212 and the second connecting portion 213, the first connecting portion 212 and the second connecting portion 213 can withstand the pressing force. Therefore, such bending is prevented or suppressed. The end (outer edge) of the lid-side peripheral portion 21 does not hang down toward the container body 10, and the lid-side peripheral portion 21 is a surface extending along the horizontal direction. If one focuses only on the shape of the lid-side peripheral portion 21, it can be said that the lid 20 has a structure that is easily deformed. However, by providing the rib 25, such bending can be prevented or suppressed even if the lid-side peripheral portion 21 does not have a hanging portion. Since a hanging portion is no longer necessary, the area of ​​the lid-side peripheral portion 21 can be reduced accordingly. Therefore, the resources (i.e., sheet material) required to manufacture the lid 20 can be saved.

[0064] [Variations] Various examples of the present disclosure have been described in detail above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. Various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0065] The shape of the periphery of the container is not limited to annular, and may be other shapes such as rectangular, polygonal, and rounded rectangle. The rounded rectangle in the present disclosure includes a rectangle with four corners formed in an arc shape and a shape in which the short side of a rectangle is replaced with a semicircle (such as a shape of an athletics track). The shape of each storage section is not limited to annular and crescent, and may be other shapes such as rectangular, any polygonal, etc. The inner wall of at least one storage section may be provided so as to be perpendicular to the bottom surface without being inclined with respect to the bottom surface. In the above example, the second storage section 13 into which the non-fitting section 50 is inserted has a second opening 139 wider than the first opening 129 and a second opening edge 133 longer than the first opening edge 123. However, the area of ​​the opening of the second storage section may be smaller than the area of ​​the opening of the first storage section. Alternatively, the opening edge of the second storage section may be shorter than the opening edge of the first storage section.

[0066] With respect to the first section (the opening edge of the first housing section and the outer edge of the first cover section) and the second section (the opening edge of the second housing section and the outer edge of the second cover section), the fitting structure may not be provided in at least a part of the non-partition section. In the non-partition section, the fitting structure may be formed in a plurality of places at a predetermined interval. Assume that such a modified example is applied to the above-mentioned first fitting section 31 and first fitting receiving section 32. In this case, the first fitting section 31 is provided in at least one interrupted shape around the entire circumference of the outer surface 221b of the first edge section 221 of the first cover section 22. The first fitting receiving section 32 is provided in at least one interrupted shape around the entire circumference of the first opening edge 123, similar to the first fitting section 31.

[0067] In the above example, the lid-side peripheral portion 21 is fitted to the main body-side peripheral portion 11 by an internal fitting method, but the lid-side peripheral portion may be fitted to the main body-side peripheral portion by a method other than the internal fitting method. For example, an internal-external fitting method that is a combination of the internal fitting method and the external fitting method may be adopted. The use of the internal-external fitting method means that the internal fitting method is partially used.

[0068] In the above example, the cover 20 includes at least one rib 25. However, this rib may be omitted.

[0069] In the above example, when the lid body side connecting part 24 is viewed horizontally, the lower end of the non-fitting part 50 is located above the lower end of the first fitting part 31. However, when viewed horizontally, the position of the lower end of the non-fitting part in the lid body side connecting part may be the same as the lower end of the fitting part, or may be located below the lower end of the fitting part.

[0070] The curvature of the inner wall of the second housing section near the bottom surface of the second housing section may be greater than the curvature of the inner wall near the opening edge of the second housing section, or the curvature may be the same at the lower end and the upper end of the inner wall of the second housing section.

[0071] In the above example, the second opening edge 133 is formed so as to bulge outward along the radial direction of the main body side peripheral edge 11, and the second edge 231 is formed so as to bulge outward along the radial direction of the lid body side peripheral edge 21. However, such a bulge does not have to be provided in at least one of the second housing portion and the second cover portion.

[0072] At least one of the first cover part and the second cover part may be provided with a vent hole for discharging steam in the corresponding compartment to the outside of the container. For example, the vent hole is provided on the upper surface of the cover part. The vent hole may be a group of one or more small holes, or may be realized by a flap formed by a U-shaped slit.

[0073] [Note] As can be seen from the various examples above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. (Appendix 1) A container comprising a container body having a plurality of storage sections each having an opening on a top surface, and a lid body removably attached to the container body, the container body includes a body-side peripheral portion that defines an outer edge of the top surface, a first storage portion and a second storage portion that are provided adjacent to each other inside the body-side peripheral portion, and a body-side connecting portion that connects the first storage portion and the second storage portion and is connected to the body-side peripheral portion; the lid includes a lid-side peripheral portion that fits into the main body-side peripheral portion, a first cover portion that covers the first storage portion, a second cover portion that covers the second storage portion, and a lid-side connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion and covers the main body-side connecting portion, the lid body side connecting portion includes a fitting portion that is inserted into the inside of an opening edge of the first storage portion and a non-fitting portion that is inserted into the inside of an opening edge of the second storage portion, the fitting portion is fitted into a fitting receiving portion provided on the opening edge of the first housing portion by an internal fitting method; the non-engaging portion contacts an inner wall of the second housing portion without engaging with the opening edge of the second housing portion; container. (Appendix 2) The lid-side peripheral portion is fitted to the main body-side peripheral portion by the internal fitting method. Container as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The lid further includes a rib provided at a connection portion of the lid side peripheral portion that is connected to the lid side connecting portion. A container as described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The rib has a convex or concave shape extending along the circumferential direction of the lid body side peripheral portion. Container as described in Appendix 3. (Appendix 5) When the direction from the container body to the lid is defined as a height direction, and the container body side is defined as a lower side and the lid side is defined as an upper side in the height direction, a lower end of the non-engaging portion of the lid side connecting portion is positioned higher than a lower end of the engaging portion. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) The main body side peripheral edge portion has an annular shape, The main body side connecting portion has an arc shape that is convex toward the second housing portion, The opening edge of the second storage portion is crescent-shaped, At a corner of the second housing portion corresponding to a connection portion of the main body side peripheral portion that is connected to the main body side connecting portion, a curvature of an inner wall of the second housing portion near a bottom surface of the second housing portion is smaller than a curvature of the inner wall near the opening edge of the second housing portion. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) The main body side peripheral edge portion has an annular shape, The main body side connecting portion has an arc shape that is convex toward the second housing portion, The opening edge of the second storage portion is crescent-shaped, At a corner of the second housing portion corresponding to a connection portion of the main body side peripheral portion that is connected to the main body side connecting portion, the opening edge of the second housing portion is formed so as to bulge outward along a radial direction of the main body side peripheral portion. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0074] According to Supplementary Note 1, when the lid closes the opening of the container body, the lid side connecting part is inserted inside the opening edge of both the first storage part and the second storage part. As a result, the gap between the first storage part and the second storage part is blocked, and the movement of the contents between the two storage parts is prevented. In addition, since the second storage part does not use a fitting method for the main body side connecting part and the lid side connecting part, the force required to close the lid is smaller than when a fitting method is used for both the first storage part and the second storage part, and therefore the lid is easier to close. These mechanisms make it possible to more reliably prevent the movement of the contents between adjacent storage parts while maintaining the operability of the lid when opening and closing.

[0075] According to supplementary note 2, since the internal fitting method is also adopted for the peripheral portion of the container, the lid body can be more securely attached to the container body.

[0076] According to Supplementary Note 3, the connection part provided with the rib can withstand the pressing force acting toward the non-fitted part due to the internal fitting at the peripheral part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the phenomenon in which the lid bends upward and the lid side connecting part separates from the main body side connecting part.

[0077] According to supplementary note 4, since the direction in which the ribs extend is substantially parallel to the direction of the expected pressing force, the resistance of the ribs to the pressing force is increased, and thus the upward bending of the lid body can be more reliably prevented or suppressed.

[0078] According to supplementary note 5, the dimension in the height direction is saved for the non-fitting portion that does not require fitting, which makes it possible to easily mold the lid body.

[0079] According to Supplementary Note 6, the corners of the inner wall of the second container part, which has a crescent-shaped opening edge, are curved more gently on the bottom side, making it easy to take out the contents near the corners with a tool such as a spoon. On the other hand, the inner wall is formed so that it is curved more sharply near the opening edge than on the bottom side, which increases the volume of the second container part and gives the user the impression that the container can hold a large amount of contents.

[0080] According to Appendix 7, the above-mentioned adjustment of the mold for manufacturing the container can be visually represented by the bulge. Therefore, it is possible to infer the manufacturing method of the container from this bulge. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] Reference Signs List 1...container, 2...first compartment, 3...second compartment, 10...container body, 11...body side peripheral portion, 12...first storage section, 13...second storage section, 14...body side connecting portion, 20...lid, 21...lid side peripheral portion, 22...first cover portion, 23...second cover portion, 24...lid side connecting portion, 25...rib, 30...first fitting structure, 31...first fitting portion, 32...first fitting receiving portion, 40...second fitting structure, 41...second fitting portion, 42... Second mating receiving portion, 50...non-mating portion, 121...first bottom surface, 122...first inner wall, 123...first opening edge, 129...first opening, 131...second bottom surface, 132...second inner wall, 133...second opening edge, 134...first corner, 135...second corner, 136...recess, 137...bulge, 139...second opening, 212...first connecting portion, 213...second connecting portion, 232...first corner, 233...second corner, 234...bulge.

Claims

1. A container comprising a container body having a plurality of storage sections each having an opening on a top surface, and a lid body removably attached to the container body, the container body includes a body-side peripheral portion that defines an outer edge of the top surface, a first storage portion and a second storage portion that are provided adjacent to each other inside the body-side peripheral portion, and a body-side connecting portion that connects the first storage portion and the second storage portion and is connected to the body-side peripheral portion; the lid includes a lid-side peripheral portion that fits into the main body-side peripheral portion, a first cover portion that covers the first storage portion, a second cover portion that covers the second storage portion, and a lid-side connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion and covers the main body-side connecting portion, the lid body side connecting portion includes a fitting portion that is inserted into the inside of an opening edge of the first storage portion and a non-fitting portion that is inserted into the inside of an opening edge of the second storage portion, the fitting portion is fitted into a fitting receiving portion provided on the opening edge of the first housing portion by an internal fitting method, the non-engagement portion contacts an inner wall of the second housing portion without engaging with the opening edge of the second housing portion; container.

2. The lid-side peripheral portion is fitted to the main body-side peripheral portion by the internal fitting method.

2. The container of claim 1.

3. The lid further includes a rib provided at a connection portion of the lid side peripheral portion that is connected to the lid side connecting portion.

3. The container of claim 2.

4. The rib has a convex or concave shape extending along the circumferential direction of the lid body side peripheral portion.

4. The container of claim 3.

5. When the direction from the container body to the lid is defined as a height direction, and the container body side is defined as a lower side and the lid side is defined as an upper side in the height direction, a lower end of the non-engaging portion of the lid side connecting portion is positioned higher than a lower end of the engaging portion. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The main body side peripheral portion has an annular shape, The main body side connecting portion has an arc shape that is convex toward the second storage portion, The opening edge of the second storage portion has a crescent shape, At a corner of the second housing portion corresponding to a connection portion of the main body side peripheral portion that is connected to the main body side connecting portion, a curvature of an inner wall of the second housing portion near a bottom surface of the second housing portion is smaller than a curvature of the inner wall near the opening edge of the second housing portion. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The main body side peripheral portion has an annular shape, The main body side connecting portion has an arc shape that is convex toward the second storage portion, The opening edge of the second storage portion has a crescent shape, At a corner of the second housing portion corresponding to a connection portion of the main body side peripheral portion that is connected to the main body side connecting portion, the opening edge of the second housing portion is formed so as to bulge outward along a radial direction of the main body side peripheral portion. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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