Outer case and package

Abstract

To provide a cylindrical outer case which is for storing an article, and which can limit movement of an article more surely.SOLUTION: An outer case is for storing an article which has a curved side surface and the outer case includes: a cylindrical wall; and a flap which is provided at least at part of a lower end edge of the cylindrical wall and which is foldable to the upper inside of the cylindrical wall. The flap includes: a holding part for holding an article; and a protrusion part integrally adjacent to the holding part, and protruding from the holding part by predetermined length. In a storage state where the article is stored in the outer case, the flap is folded inside the cylindrical wall in the boundary with the cylindrical wall, part of the tip side of the protrusion part is held between an outside surface of the article and the cylindrical wall of the outer case, the tip of the holding part is positioned further inside than the protrusion part, and the article is held by the holding part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an outer case and a packaging body. [Background technology]

[0002] As an exterior case that is formed by assembling paper or resin sheet materials and that can store a cylindrical object in a predetermined position, a box-shaped exterior case formed by forming the sheet materials into a cylindrical shape is known. In general, such an exterior case includes a mechanism for controlling the movement of the cylindrical object when the cylindrical object is stored in the exterior case.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 58-27965) and Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-16128) describe that a part of the cylindrical outer wall of the outer case is folded inward, and the folded part (flap) holds the stored items (controls the downward movement of the items). Note that in this case, a part of the constituent members of the outer case functions as a holding member, without using a separate member or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Jpn. Jpn. Published No. 58-27965 [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-16128 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in the method of simply folding a flap to support an article, the flap for supporting the article is prone to bending downward due to the weight of the article, etc., and does not have sufficient strength to support the article.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical outer case for storing items, which can more reliably restrict movement of the items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The outer case of the present invention is an outer case for storing an article having a curved side surface, A cylindrical wall; and a flap that is provided on at least a portion of the lower edge of the cylindrical wall and can be folded upward toward the inside of the cylindrical wall. The flap has a holding portion for holding the article, and a protruding portion that is integrally adjacent to the holding portion and protrudes a predetermined length beyond the holding portion. In a storage state in which the article is stored in the exterior case, The flap is folded inwardly into the tubular wall at a boundary with the tubular wall, a tip end portion of the protrusion is sandwiched between an outer surface of the article and the cylindrical wall of the exterior case; The tip of the holding portion is located inside the protrusion, and the article is held by the holding portion. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cylindrical outer case for storing items, which can more reliably restrict movement of the items. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a package including an outer case of a first embodiment and an article stored in the outer case. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a development view of a sheet material forming an outer case of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a development view of a sheet material forming a modified example of the exterior case shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4]3 is a development view of a sheet material forming another modified example of the exterior case shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a development view of a sheet material forming an outer case according to another embodiment 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a partial enlarged view of a sheet material forming the exterior case shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 13 is a development view of a sheet material forming an outer case according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including an outer case of embodiment 1 and an article stored in the outer case. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a development view of a sheet material forming an outer case of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including an outer case of a second embodiment and an article stored in the outer case. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a development view of a sheet material forming a modified example of the exterior case shown in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the exterior case shown in FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a development view of a sheet material forming an outer case of embodiment 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including an outer case of embodiment 3 and an article stored in the outer case. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a development view of a sheet material forming an outer case of embodiment 4. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including an outer case of a fourth embodiment and an article stored in the outer case. [Figure 17] 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the package shown in FIG. 16 (a sectional view taken along the plane AA in FIG. 16). [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a development view of a sheet material forming an outer case of embodiment 5. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including an outer case of embodiment 5 and an article stored in the outer case. [Figure 20]20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the package shown in FIG. 19 (a cross-sectional view taken along plane BB in FIG. 18). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] <<Embodiment 1>> 1 and 8 are a vertical cross-sectional view and a schematic perspective view showing a package 6 including an outer case 1 of the first embodiment and articles 51 and 52 stored in the outer case 1. FIG. 2 to 7 are development views of the sheet material 10 that forms the exterior case 1. FIG. In this specification, terms including "upper" and "lower" are used, but "upper" and "lower" are based on the state in which the side on which the flap 3 is provided is the lower side and the opposite side is the upper side with respect to the extension direction of the cylindrical wall 2. However, these terms are used to specify the directions in the outer case 1, and the usage state of the outer case 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned reference state. Note that the up-down direction in Figures 1 and 8 corresponds to the above-mentioned reference state, but in Figures 2 to 7, which are development views of the sheet material, priority is given to making the flap 3 easier to see, and the up-down direction in Figures 2 to 7 does not correspond to the above-mentioned reference state (the up-down direction is reversed).

[0012] <Outer case> 1, an outer case 1 of this embodiment is an outer case for storing items 51, 52. That is, the items 51, 52 are stored inside the outer case 1 (inside the cylindrical wall 2).

[0013] 1 and 2, an exterior case 1 (a sheet material 10 for forming the exterior case 1) includes a cylindrical wall 2 and a flap 3 provided on at least a portion of a lower edge of the cylindrical wall 2. The flap 3 can be folded back toward the inside and upper side of the cylindrical wall 2 of the exterior case 1 as shown in FIG.

[0014] (Goods) The article that is the subject of the present invention has a curved side surface (a rounded outer shape when viewed from a predetermined direction, such as from above). The article needs only to have at least a partially curved side (preferably a side that is rounded so as to bulge outward), and the other sides may be flat or rounded so as to bulge inward, etc.

[0015] The article may have, for example, a side surface (peripheral surface), an upper surface (top surface) and a lower surface (bottom surface), and at least a portion of the side surface may be curved. The shapes of the upper and lower surfaces are not particularly limited, but for example, the upper and lower surfaces may be flat surfaces.

[0016] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, articles 51 and 52 may have a side surface (periphery), an upper surface, and a lower surface, and the entire side surface (periphery) may be circular in top view. That is, the side surface (circumferential surface) of the article may be substantially cylindrical. In this case, the entire side surface of the article is a curved side surface. An example of such an article is a cylindrical article.

[0017] The article may have a plurality of different side surfaces (portions) in a predetermined direction such as the up-down direction, and at least one of the side surfaces (portions) may include a curved side surface. The portion including the curved side surface may be a cylindrical portion. An example of such an article is a tube-shaped article 54 as shown in Figures 16 and 17. Even if main body 540 of article 54 (tube) does not have a curved side surface, as long as cap 541 has a curved side surface (for example, it may be approximately cylindrical), such an article can be stored in the exterior case of the present invention. Thus, an article having a curved side surface may be an article having a cylindrical portion. That is, the "curved side" may be the side of a cylindrical portion.

[0018] It should be noted that a "cylindrical portion" or a "cylindrical article" may have a substantially cylindrical circumferential surface. In this specification, "approximately cylindrical" means a true cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or a shape similar thereto (for example, a shape in which a part of the circumferential surface of a true cylindrical shape or an elliptical cylindrical shape is deformed, etc.).

[0019] The articles 51 and 52 are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include beverage containers, cosmetic containers, food containers, etc. Examples of such containers are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include cans, resin bottles (PET bottles, etc.), glass containers (jars, etc.), etc. A particularly preferred example is a container (a two-piece can made of metal such as aluminum for beer or soft drink) that has a body (e.g., a cylindrical body) with curved sides and a bottom that is the lower part of the body, and the bottom has a portion (taper 51a described later) that narrows in diameter from the lower end of the body to the lower end of the bottom (grounding portion) toward the lower end of the bottom. The distance from the lower end of the body to the lower end of the bottom (height of the bottom) is, for example, about 3 to 12 mm.

[0020] (Cylindrical wall) The cylindrical wall 2 preferably has a curved inner surface similar to the side surface of the above-mentioned article. For example, the cylindrical wall 2 may have an inner surface having the same shape as the side surface of the article. For example, when the side shape of the article is cylindrical (when the article is a columnar article), the shape of the tubular wall 2 is preferably approximately cylindrical. The tubular wall 2 may be formed to have a curved inner surface, such as an approximately cylindrical shape, when the article is stored. The shape of the tubular wall 2 may be a polygonal tubular shape that approximates a cylinder to the extent that the effects of the present invention are achieved (for example, an octagon or a polygon with more than one side, a tubular shape formed with arc-shaped curves between the corners, or a cylinder with slight corners and steps due to folds and glue margins of the sheet material).

[0021] However, for example, when multiple items are stored in the outer case 1 in a horizontally arranged state as shown in Figures 10 and 14, it is preferable that the shape of the cylindrical wall 2 is not the shape of the side of each of the items 51, 52, 53 (cylindrical), but rather a shape that follows the side of a (virtual) outer case (the shape shown in Figures 10 and 14) that can package the collection of multiple items 51, 52, 53 gathered horizontally in the smallest area.

[0022] In addition, in the sheet material 10 shown in Figure 2, the tubular wall 2 can be formed by adhering the adhesive portion 21 provided at one side end of the tubular wall 2 to the other side end of the tubular wall 2.

[0023] The cylindrical wall 2 may be provided with an opening 23a for opening and an opening assisting line 23. The outer case 1 can be easily opened by pulling and removing the portion between the opening 23a and the opening assisting line 23 of the cylindrical wall 2. FIG. 1 shows two beverage cans stacked on top of each other, with opening 23a for opening being located in a position that matches the space formed by the upper taper of can 51, the bottom taper of can 52, and cylindrical wall 2, making it easy to open by placing a finger in opening 23a. The opening assisting line 23 may be formed of a plurality of cut lines as shown in the figure, or may be a perforation, a half-cut line, or the like.

[0024] (flap) The flap 3 is provided on at least a part of the lower edge of the cylindrical wall 2 (one edge in the extending direction of the cylindrical wall 2).

[0025] The flap 3 has a holding portion 31 (claw portion) for holding items 51, 52 (stored inside), and a protruding portion 32 (folded portion) that is integrally adjacent to the holding portion 31 and protrudes a predetermined length beyond the holding portion 31. 1, in a state where articles 51, 52 are stored in the outer case 1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "stored state"), the flap 3 is folded inside the cylindrical wall 2 at the boundary with the cylindrical wall 2 (the base end of the flap 3), and a part of the tip side of the protruding part 32 is sandwiched (sandwiched and fixed) between the outer surface of the article 51 and the cylindrical wall 2 of the outer case 1. This is because the protruding part 32 protrudes from the holding part 31 by a predetermined length. In other words, the protrusion 32 has a predetermined length (in the protruding direction) required to be clamped between the outer surface of the item 51 held by the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2 of the outer case 1 in a stored state in which the items 51, 52 are stored in the outer case 1. On the other hand, the tip of the holding portion 31 is located inside the protruding portion 32, and the articles 51, 52 are held by the holding portion 31 (the downward movement of the articles 51, 52 is restricted).

[0026] The protruding portion 32 is provided integrally with (connected to) the holding portion 31 and therefore serves to reinforce the holding portion 31 . As a result, even if stress (such as gravity, vibration during transportation, or reaction forces when lifting the outer case 1) occurs inside the outer case 1 that causes the items to move downward and stress is applied to the holding portion 31 that holds the items 51, 52, the downward deformation of the holding portion 31 is prevented, and the items 51, 52 are securely held (the movement of the items 51, 52 is suppressed).

[0027] In order to improve the workability of folding the protrusion 32 (flap 3), an easy-to-fold portion may be provided at least in a part of the boundary between the protrusion 32 and the cylindrical wall 2. The easy-to-fold portion is not particularly limited as long as it is a portion that can be easily folded, and examples of the easy-to-fold portion include a half-cut line, a perforation, and a cut line. In particular, when the width of the protrusion 32 is long, it is difficult to fold it, so it is preferable that an easy-to-fold portion is provided.

[0028] The easily bending portion provided in at least a part of the boundary between the protrusion 32 and the cylindrical wall 2 is preferably a cut line 20 provided penetrating the sheet material 10 . In this case, by folding the protrusion 32 inward, the protrusion 32 is easily positioned along the inside of the cylindrical wall 2, so that when the outer case 1 is attached to the items 51, 52, the protrusion 32 does not interfere with the attachment, and in the stored state, the protrusion 32 is easily clamped between the outer surface (of the straight body) of the item 51 and the cylindrical wall 2 of the outer case 1.

[0029] In addition, because the cut lines 20 separate the folded protruding portion 32 from the cylindrical wall 2, even if the protruding portion 32 is folded, the stress caused by the folding is dispersed, and the holding portion 31 is likely to be in a state where it is not completely folded, and is in a state where it is slightly raised inward. This allows the holding portion 31 to hold the articles 51, 52 more reliably. Even if there is no cut line 20 at the boundary between the protrusion 32 and the tubular wall 2 (including the case where an easy-to-bend portion other than a cut line, such as a half-cut line or a perforation, is provided at the boundary between the protrusion 32 and the tubular wall 2), it is possible for the holding portion 31 to hold the items 51, 52, for example, because the holding portion 31 may not be completely folded by not providing an easy-to-bend portion at the boundary between the holding portion 31 and the tubular wall 2. In other words, from the viewpoint of enabling the holding portion 31 to hold the articles 51, 52 more securely, it is preferable that the boundary between the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2 be designed to be less prone to bending than the boundary between the protrusion 32 and the cylindrical wall 2.

[0030] 2 to 4, a cut line is provided at the boundary between the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2, and a folding line 20a (half-cut line, perforation, pressed crease, etc.) is provided at the boundary between the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2. In this case as well, the boundary between the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2 is designed to be more difficult to fold than the boundary between the protruding portion 32 and the cylindrical wall 2.

[0031] 2 to 4, a plurality of folding auxiliary lines 20b, 20c (half-cut lines, perforations, pressed creases, etc.) extending in the vertical direction are provided in the holding portion 31. When the flap 3 is folded back, the folding auxiliary lines 20b become mountain folds and the folding auxiliary lines 20c become valley folds, so that the holding portion 31 rises slightly toward the inside of the cylindrical wall 2, and the article can be held more reliably.

[0032] The number of flaps 3 is not particularly limited and may be one or more. In terms of easiness of folding the flaps 3, it is preferable that the number of flaps 3 is small, and it is more preferable that the number of flap 3 is one. In addition, when there is only one flap 3, it is preferable that there are two or more holding portions 31 located apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall 2 in order to stably hold the items 51, 52, and therefore it is preferable to increase the width of the protrusion 32 and provide holding portions 31 on both sides of the protrusion 32, as shown in Figure 2. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of stably holding the articles 51, 52, it is preferable to have a large number of holding parts 31, and therefore a large number of flaps 3. However, as the number of flaps 3 increases, the amount of work required to fold the flaps 3 also increases, and therefore if the number of flaps 3 is too large, workability decreases. In view of the above, it is preferable that the number of flaps 3 is about one to three (see Figs. 2 to 4).

[0033] 2 to 4, holding portions 31 are provided adjacent to both sides of protruding portion 32. In this case, by grasping and folding one protruding portion 32, two holding portions 31 can be folded, which improves workability in assembling outer case 1.

[0034] However, as shown in Fig. 5, the holding portion 31 may be provided between two protruding portions 32. The configurations shown in Figs. 2 to 4 are superior in terms of workability, but in the configuration shown in Fig. 5, the holding portion 31 is supported by the two protruding portions 32 on both sides, so that the holding portion 31 can be stably maintained. In the exterior case 1 (sheet material 10) shown in Fig. 5, two adjacent protrusions 32 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall 2 are not connected to each other (they are separate and can be folded independently). In this case, the protrusions 32 are easily folded into the cylindrical wall 2 in a substantially cylindrical state. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, two adjacent protrusions 32 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0035] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the flap 3 of the sheet material 10 shown in Fig. 5. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a cut line 31a may be provided at a part of the boundary between the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2. As a result, when the flap 3 is folded, the holding portion 31 can be separated from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 2, so that the tip 31b of the holding portion 31 can be positioned inside the protruding portion 32 that is aligned with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 2. The folding auxiliary lines 31c and 31d make this state even more likely to occur. However, it is not preferable to provide a cut line along the entire boundary between the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2. If a cut line is provided along the entire boundary, the holding portion 31 will be aligned along the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 2, and the tip 31b of the holding portion 31 will not be able to be positioned inside the protruding portion 32 aligned along the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 2, and the function of holding the articles 51, 52 will not be achieved. In the embodiment of Figs. 2 to 4, no cut line is provided along the boundary between the holding portion 31 and the cylindrical wall 2 (folding lines 20a such as half-cut lines and perforations are provided).

[0036] In addition, in order to more stabilize the state in which the tip of the holding portion 31 is positioned inside the protrusion 32, a folding auxiliary line 31e may be provided as a guide line for pushing the folded-back holding portion 31 inside the tubular wall 2.

[0037] The flap 3 may be folded before storing the articles 51 and 52. That is, the flap 3 may be folded in advance during storage, or may not be folded during storage and may be folded before use.

[0038] (Top wall) As shown in FIG. 1, the exterior case 1 may further include a top wall 4 that closes the upper opening of the cylindrical wall 2 (the opening on the edge side opposite the flap 3).

[0039] The shape of the top wall 4 in plan view is not particularly limited, but is, for example, substantially circular. In this specification, the term "substantially circular" means a perfect circle, an ellipse, or a shape similar thereto (for example, a shape in which a part of the periphery of a perfect circle or an ellipse is deformed, see FIG. 7). In this specification, the term "shape in plan view" means a shape seen from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the object. The planar shape of the top wall 4 may be substantially the same size as the top opening of the cylindrical wall 2 in the storage body, or may be a different size.

[0040] In the sheet material 10 shown in Figure 2, the tubular wall 2 is folded at the folding line 22, and the support portion 41 provided at a position opposite the top wall 4 of the upper edge of the tubular wall 2 is folded at the folding line 20d, and the adhesive portion 21a provided at the tip of the support portion 41 is adhered to the top wall 4. Thereafter, when the outer case is used, the cylindrical wall 2 is opened to become approximately cylindrical, while the top wall 4 is folded along the folding line 20f and the cutting line 20j, and the support portion 41 is folded along the folding line 20e, thereby forming the top wall 4 that blocks at least a portion of the upper opening of the cylindrical wall 2.

[0041] At least one of the cylindrical wall 2 and the top wall 4 may be printed as desired, if necessary. Also, an opening may be provided in a portion of at least one of the cylindrical wall 2 and the top wall 4 so that the printed indicia on the surfaces of the articles 51, 52 can be seen through the opening. Furthermore, when the exterior case 1 is formed using a transparent sheet material 10 (such as a resin sheet material), the printed indicia on the surfaces of the articles 51, 52 can be seen through the cylindrical wall 2 or the top wall 4.

[0042] (Sheet material) The exterior case 1 is formed, for example, by assembling sheet materials 10.

[0043] There are no particular limitations on the sheet material 10 that forms the outer case 1, and various known sheets that are used for outer cases for storing items can be used.

[0044] The material constituting the sheet material 10 may be paper or resin. From the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load, paper is preferable.

[0045] Examples of materials for the sheet material 10 include cardboard (including cardboard laminated with a thin synthetic resin film), synthetic resin sheets (including synthetic resin sheets laminated with thin paper), synthetic resin sheets having a metal deposition layer, and laminated sheets of these. It is preferable to use cardboard or synthetic resin sheets because they are relatively inexpensive. Examples of synthetic resins that are materials for synthetic resin sheets include sheets of polyolefin-based resins, polyester-based resins (polyethylene terephthalate, etc.), polystyrene-based resins, (meth)acrylic resins, etc. Examples of polyolefin-based resins include polyethylene-based resins, polypropylene-based resins, cyclic olefin-based resins, and copolymers containing polyethylene. Polypropylene-based resins are preferred in terms of having appropriate rigidity.

[0046] The thickness of the sheet material 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm. For example, the thickness is 0.5 to 1.5 mm in the case of cardboard, and 0.2 to 0.6 mm in the case of a synthetic resin sheet.

[0047] There is no particular limitation on the shape of the sheet material 10 (developed view of the outer case 1) used to assemble the outer case 1. The sheet material 10 may have one or more attachment portions (glue portions 21, 21a, 21b) for forming the outer case 1.

[0048] Any of the corners of the sheet material 10 (for example, the corners at both ends of the protruding portion 32, the corners at both ends of the flap 3, and the step portion 33 between the holding portion 31 and the protruding portion 32) may be rounded (may be rounded). The rounded shape makes it difficult for fingers to get caught when assembling the exterior case 1, improving workability and safety. In particular, it is preferable that step portion 33 between holding portion 31 and protruding portion 32 has a rounded shape. Since holding portion 31, which is most subjected to stress from articles 51, 52, is supported by protruding portion 32, there is a possibility that holding portion 31 and protruding portion 32 may break, but if step portion 33 (see FIG. 2) between holding portion 31 and protruding portion 32 has a rounded shape, breakage of holding portion 31 and protruding portion 32 is suppressed.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, in the sheet material 10, the cylindrical wall 2 may be separated into two portions 201 and 202. However, since it is necessary to bond the two portions 201, 202 together to form the cylindrical wall 2, it is necessary to perform the bonding at two locations of the overlap portions 21, 21b. This bonding can be performed in a state where the sheet material 10 is folded in two at the folding line 20g.

[0050] 7, the top wall 4 is connected to the cylindrical wall 2 in two directions. Therefore, when assembling the exterior case 1, the work of attaching the top wall 4 is not necessary, and the appearance (beauty) around the top wall 4 is improved.

[0051] 7, folding lines 20h, 20i are provided at the boundary between the top wall 4 and each of the two parts 201, 202 constituting the cylindrical wall 2. After the above bonding, the cylindrical wall 2 is made into a substantially cylindrical shape, and at the same time, the periphery of the boundary between the top wall 4 and each of the two parts 201, 202 constituting the cylindrical wall 2 is folded in two stages, at the folding line 20h and the arc-shaped folding line 20i. This allows the top wall 4 to be smoothly folded relative to the cylindrical wall 2 even when the cylindrical wall 2 is in a substantially cylindrical state.

[0052] <How to use> The method of storing items 51, 52 inside outer case 1 is not particularly limited, but one example is to fit the lower opening of outer case 1 from above the placed items (which may be multiple items 51, 52 stacked vertically) and push down on outer case 1. When the article is heavy, this method is easy to use because there is no need to lift the article. For example, by fitting the outer case 1 from above onto a plurality of articles (such as beverage cans) stacked vertically and pushing down the outer case 1, the stacked articles can be stored inside the outer case 1. Therefore, the outer case 1 can be easily attached to the article without lifting the heavy article. However, an article may also be stored in the outer case 1 by inserting the article into the lower opening of the outer case 1 from below and pushing the article up.

[0053] When storing such an item, the retaining portion 31 is temporarily pushed toward the cylindrical wall 2 by the item, but since the retaining portion 31 is not completely folded, when the item passes upward through the retaining portion 31, the tip of the retaining portion 31 returns to the inside of the cylindrical wall 2 again. This restricts the item from moving downward thereafter. Note that the protruding portion 32 is sandwiched between the outer surface of the item and the cylindrical wall 2 and supports the retaining portion 31 from above, so that the retaining portion 31 has sufficient strength against the stress of the item trying to move downward. In order to obtain such an effect, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall 2 is designed to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the article (for example, a diameter approximately 1 to 2 mm larger than the outer diameter of the article).

[0054] When stored before use, the outer case may be folded along two opposing folding lines 22 that extend in the length direction of the cylinder. In this case, the outer case can be stored in a small space. From the standpoint of ease of folding, it is preferable that the folding line 22 be provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the tubular wall 2 other than the portion where the flap 3 is provided (see Figure 3), but it may also be provided in the portion where the flap 3 is provided (see Figures 2, 4, 5, and 7).

[0055] <Package> The present invention also relates to a package 6 (articles with an outer case) that includes the outer case 1 described above and articles 51, 52 stored in the outer case 1. If a package 6 (article with outer case) in which an item is stored in an outer case 1 is prepared in advance, the package 6 can be displayed and sold as is on a display shelf or the like, or can be transported, carried, stored, etc.

[0056] In the package 6 shown in FIG. 1, two vertically stacked items 51, 52 are stored in the outer case 1 (see FIG. 8). In this way, the number of items stored in the outer case 1 is not particularly limited, and one item or multiple items may be stored. When multiple items are stored, it is preferable that the overall shape of the items when combined is cylindrical. If the bottommost item is cylindrical with a straight body, the upper items to be stacked may be prismatic or truncated cone-shaped, but it is preferable that the upper items are cylindrical with outer circumferential dimensions similar to those of the lower items so that they are less likely to move within the outer case. The multiple items may be the same or different. For example, the multiple items may be a combination of a beverage can and a food container. The multiple items may be a combination of a beverage can on the bottom and a cylindrical container of snacks on the top.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, in the package 6 (stored state), the lower end 2a of the outer case 1 (cylindrical wall 2) is preferably located above the lower end 51a of the article 51 (the lowermost end of the stored articles 51, 52). In this case, the bottom (lower end 51a) of the article 51 comes into contact with the placement surface of the showcase or the like, while the lower end 2a of the exterior case 1 does not come into contact with the placement surface, thereby preventing the bottom of the exterior case 1 from becoming dirty or deforming (crushing, tearing, etc.) due to stress. This makes it possible to maintain a good appearance of the exterior case, and also to maintain the placement state of the packaging body 6 in a stable manner (preventing the packaging body 6 from falling over, etc.).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, when the bottom of the article 51 has a taper 51b whose diameter narrows downward from the lower end of the body, by making the height of the holding portion 31 lower than the height of the taper 51b (the vertical distance between the upper end of the taper 51b and the lower end 51a of the article 51, e.g., 3 to 12 mm), the lower end 2a of the outer case 1 can be positioned higher than the lower end 51a of the article 51 in the packaging body 6 (storage body). In addition, when the bottom of the article 51 has a taper 51b, a portion of the tip side of the protrusion 32 of the flap 3 is sandwiched between the outer surface of the straight body portion above the taper 51b of the article 51 and the cylindrical wall 2 of the outer case 1. Moreover, the article (can) 51 is held by the holding part 31 at the taper 51b of the bottom (the lower part of the cylindrical body). For example, when the article is a two-piece can consisting of two members, a base and a lid, the two-piece can often has a taper at the bottom.

[0059] Furthermore, when the outer case 1 has an upper wall 4, by designing the outer case 1 so that the distance from the lower surface of the upper wall 4 to the lower end 2a of the cylindrical wall 2 is shorter than the height of the stored items 51, 52 (in the case of multiple items stacked vertically, the total height of the items when stacked vertically), the lower end 2a of the outer case 1 can be positioned higher than the lower end 51a of the item 51 in the packaging body 6 (storage body).

[0060] It is preferable that the size of the exterior case 1 (the height of the cylindrical wall 2, the length of the holding portion 31 in the protruding direction, etc.) is designed so that the gap between the top wall 4 and the article is small in the package 6 (stored state). The gap is, for example, 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less. In this case, it is possible to minimize movement of the articles inside the outer case 1. Also, in the packaging body 6 (storage body), it is possible to maintain a state in which the bottom end 2a of the outer case 1 is positioned above the bottom end 51a of the articles 51.

[0061] <<Embodiment 2>> FIG. 9 is a development view of the sheet material forming the exterior case of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including an outer case of the second embodiment and an article stored in the outer case. In the second embodiment, two items 51 and 52 are stored side-by-side in the outer case 1 (see FIG. 10). Other points are basically the same as in the first embodiment.

[0062] In the second embodiment, it is preferable that the holding portion 31 of the flap 3 is provided at the curved portion 2X of the outer case 1 (cylindrical wall 2) in a top view (see FIG. 10(b)). The curved portion 2X is a portion that comes into contact with the curved side surface of the article 51, 52. In this case, due to the curvature of the curved portion 2X (the curved side surface of the articles 51, 52), the holding portion 31 of the flap 3 is more likely to open toward the inside of the cylindrical wall 2, so that the bottom taper 51b of the articles 51, 52 etc. can be more reliably supported from below. In addition, the protrusion 32 of the flap 3 (the portion sandwiched between the articles 51, 52 and the cylindrical wall 2) may be provided in the curved portion 2X when viewed from above, or the majority of it may be provided in a portion other than the curved portion 2X as long as at least a portion of it is sandwiched between the articles 51, 52 and the cylindrical wall 2.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet material 10 may be provided with an opening 2b for allowing articles 51, 52 stored therein to be visible.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a development view showing a modification of the sheet material 10 shown in FIG. In the sheet material 10 shown in FIG. 11, the tubular wall is separated into two portions 201, 202 (similar to FIG. 7). The sheet material 10 shown in FIG. 11 is also provided with two openings 2b, 2c for making the surface of the stored article visible (similar to FIG. 9).

[0065] The opening 2b is provided with a folded-in portion 2d which is a portion that protrudes inward and is folded inwardly into the exterior case 1 at a folding line 20d. By folding inward the folded-in portion 2d, a part of the outer periphery of the opening 2b is reinforced. When transporting the package 6 containing the items 51, 52 stored in the outer case 1, the upper part of the outer periphery of the opening 2b of the outer case 1 is a part that a person may grab and lift with their hands, and this part is reinforced by the folded-in portion 2d to form a reinforcing portion 2e, making it stable and easy to hold (see Figure 12).

[0066] <<Embodiment 3>> FIG. 13 is a development view of the sheet material forming the exterior case of the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including the outer case of the third embodiment and an article stored in the outer case. In the third embodiment, three articles 51, 52, and 53 are stored side-by-side (in a state where they are in contact with each other in a triangular shape when viewed from above) in the outer case 1 (see FIG. 14). Other points are basically the same as in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the holding portion 31 of the flap 3 is provided at the curved portion 2X of the outer case 1 (cylindrical wall 2) in the top view (see FIG. 14(b)). The curved portion 2X is a portion that contacts the curved side surface of the articles 51, 52, and 53.

[0067] <<Embodiment 4>> FIG. 15 is a development view of the sheet material forming the exterior case of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing a package including an outer case of embodiment 4 and an article stored in the outer case, and FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view along plane AA in FIG. 16) of the package shown in FIG. 16. In the fourth embodiment, a tube-shaped article 54 (FIG. 16(b)) is stored in the outer case 1 (see FIGS. 16(a) and 17). Other points are basically the same as in the first embodiment.

[0068] In the fourth embodiment, the length of the flap 3 (holding portion 31) in the protruding direction is longer than that in the first embodiment (see FIG. 15). This allows the holding portion 31 of the flap 3 to support the step 54b between the main body 540 of the article 54 and the cap 541 (see FIG. 17). 15 to 17, the cap 541 side of the main body 540 (its outer shape in top view) is substantially cylindrical (or substantially elliptical), and the cylinder is larger (has a longer perimeter) than the cylinder corresponding to the outer shape in top view of the cap 541. For this reason, a step 54b is formed. However, the diameter of the main body 540 on the cap 541 side may be the same as the diameter of the cap 541, or the diameter of the cap may be larger than the diameter of the main body 540 on the cap 541 side. When there is no step between the main body 540 of the article 54 and the cap 541, the lower end of the cap 541 may be supported by the holding portion 31 without increasing the length of the flap 3 (holding portion 31) in the protruding direction.

[0069] Similarly to the second embodiment, the sheet material 10 may be provided with an opening 2b for allowing the stored article 54 to be visually confirmed (see Figs. 15 and 16(a)). Also, a hanging hole 1a may be provided so that the packaging body 6 can be hung (see Figs. 15 and 16).

[0070] <<Embodiment 5>> FIG. 18 is a development view of the sheet material forming the exterior case of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic oblique view showing a package including an outer case of embodiment 5 and an article stored in the outer case, and FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along plane BB in FIG. 18) of the package shown in FIG. 19. In the fifth embodiment, a cylindrical stick-shaped item 55 (see FIG. 19) is stored in the exterior case 1 (see FIGS. 19 and 20). Other points are basically the same as in the first embodiment.

[0071] In the fifth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the holding portion 31 of the flap 3 can support the taper 55b at the bottom of the article 55 (see FIG. 20).

[0072] As in the fifth embodiment, the exterior case 1 may include a flat portion 1b formed by bonding a part of the sheet material 10 at a glue tab 21, as a portion other than the cylindrical wall 2. In such a case, the cylindrical wall 2 is curved along the periphery of the cylindrical object 55 by storing the cylindrical object 55, and is formed into a cylindrical shape. For example, when the article 55 is a thin or small article, information or a design relating to the product may be printed on the flat portion 1b or the like.

[0073] As in the second embodiment, the sheet material 10 may be provided with an opening 2b for allowing the stored article 54 to be visually confirmed (see Figs. 18 to 20). Also, an opening 2f may be provided in order to facilitate removal of the article 54 from the exterior case 1 (cylindrical wall 2) and to make the upper part of the article 54 visible (see Figs. 19 and 20). The opening 2f can be formed by folding the sheet material 10 inward at the folding lines 20a so as to open the cut lines 20 of the sheet material 10 (see Fig. 18). Also, a hanging hole 1a may be provided so that the packaging body 6 can be hung (see Figs. 18 and 19).

[0074] In the fifth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the lower end 55a of the article 55 does not protrude (downward) from the lower end 2a of the cylindrical wall 2. In the fifth embodiment, when the article is sold in a state of being hung from the hanging hole 1a, the lower end 2a of the cylindrical wall 2 is not expected to be crushed as in the first embodiment, and thus there is no problem. However, even in the case of a package sold in a state where it is hung from a hanging hole, as in the fourth embodiment, the lower end 54a of the article 54 may protrude from the lower end 2a of the cylindrical wall 2, as in the first embodiment etc. In this case, the article 54 can be sold in either a hanging state or a state where the lower end 54a of the article 54 is placed on a shelf or the like.

[0075] (summary) The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated below.

[0076] (1) An exterior case for storing an item having curved sides, A cylindrical wall; a flap provided on at least a portion of a lower edge of the cylindrical wall and capable of being folded upward toward the inside of the cylindrical wall; The flap has a holding portion for holding the article, and a protruding portion integrally adjacent to the holding portion and protruding from the holding portion by a predetermined length, In a storage state in which the article is stored in the exterior case, The flap is folded inwardly into the tubular wall at a boundary with the tubular wall, a tip end portion of the protrusion is sandwiched between an outer surface of the article and the cylindrical wall of the exterior case; An outer case, wherein a tip of the holding portion is positioned more inward than the protruding portion, and the article is held by the holding portion.

[0077] (2) The outer case according to (1), wherein at least a portion of the boundary between the protrusion and the cylindrical wall has an easy-to-bend portion including a cut line, a half-cut line, or a perforation.

[0078] (3) The exterior case according to (1) or (2), further comprising a top wall that closes at least a portion of the upper opening of the cylindrical wall.

[0079] (4) An outer case according to any one of (1) to (3) and an article stored in the outer case, The article has a body portion having curved sides and a bottom portion which is a lower portion of the body portion, The bottom portion has a taper that narrows in diameter from the lower end of the body portion to the lower end of the bottom portion toward the lower end side of the bottom portion, A packaging body, wherein the article is held by the holding portion at the taper.

[0080] (5) The outer case is the outer case according to (3), The packaging body according to (4), wherein the lower end of the outer case is positioned higher than the lower end of the article. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Outer case 1a Hanging hole 1b Flat part 10 Sheet material 2. Cylindrical wall 2X Curved Section 2a Bottom edge 2b,2c,2f opening 2d Folding part 2e Reinforcement 201,202 parts 20, 20j, 31a Cutting line 20a, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, 20h, 20i, 20j Bending lines 20b, 20c, 31c, 31d, 31e Bend auxiliary lines 21,21a,21b Glue section 22 Folding line 23 Opening aid line 23a opening 3 Flap 31 Holding part 31b Tip 32 Protrusion 33 Step part 4 Top wall 41 Support part 51, 52, 53 Items (cans) 51a Bottom end 51b Taper 54 Item (Tube) 54a bottom end 54b Step 540 Body 541 Cap 55 Item (Cylindrical Stick) 55a bottom end 55b Taper 6 Packaging

Claims

1. An exterior case for storing an item having a curved side, A cylindrical wall; a flap provided on at least a portion of a lower edge of the cylindrical wall and capable of being folded upward toward the inside of the cylindrical wall; The flap has a holding portion for holding the article, and a protruding portion integrally adjacent to the holding portion and protruding from the holding portion by a predetermined length, In a storage state in which the article is stored in the exterior case, The flap is folded inwardly into the tubular wall at a boundary with the tubular wall, a tip end portion of the protrusion is sandwiched between an outer surface of the article and the cylindrical wall of the exterior case; An outer case, wherein a tip of the holding portion is positioned more inward than the protruding portion, and the article is held by the holding portion.

2. The outer case according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of a boundary between the protruding portion and the cylindrical wall has an easily bending portion including a cut line, a half-cut line, or a perforation.

3. The exterior case according to claim 1 , further comprising a top wall that closes at least a portion of the upper opening of the cylindrical wall.

4. A container including the outer case according to claim 1 and an article stored in the outer case, The article has a body portion having curved sides and a bottom portion which is a lower portion of the body portion, The bottom portion has a taper that narrows in diameter from the lower end of the body portion to the lower end of the bottom portion toward the lower end side of the bottom portion, A packaging body, wherein the article is held by the holding portion at the taper.

5. The outer case is the outer case according to claim 3, The package according to claim 4 , wherein a lower end of the outer case is located above a lower end of the article.

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