Packaging container

Abstract

To provide a packaging container that can improve appearance and ease of handling.SOLUTION: A packaging container 1 is a molded product made of sheet material, which includes: a container body 10; and a lid body 20 that covers the opening of the container body 10 on one side in a predetermined direction. The container body 10 has a flange part 14. The flange part 14 includes a protruding portion 41 that protrudes outward with respect to the lid body 20 when viewed from a predetermined direction. The protruding portion 41 has a patterned section 44 formed by partially indenting or protruding the sheet material to represent a specific design.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging container. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a packaging container that includes a container body and a lid, with small protrusions provided on the flange of the lid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-254756 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The packaging containers described above are required to have improved appearance and are also required to be easy to hold. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container that can improve appearance and ease of holding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The packaging container of the present invention is [1] "a packaging container which is a molded product of a sheet material, comprising a container body and a lid body which covers an opening of the container body on one side in a predetermined direction, wherein a first member which is one of the container body and the lid body has a flange portion, and the flange portion includes a protruding portion which protrudes outward relative to a second member which is the other of the container body and the lid body when viewed from the predetermined direction, and a pattern portion which represents a predetermined pattern is formed on the protruding portion by partially recessing or protruding the sheet material."

[0006] In this packaging container, the flange portion of the first member, which is one of the container body and the lid, includes a protruding portion that protrudes outward relative to the second member, which is the other of the container body and the lid, when viewed from a predetermined direction. A patterned portion expressing a predetermined pattern is formed in the protruding portion by partially recessing or protruding the sheet material. Forming the patterned portion in the protruding portion that protrudes outward relative to the second member can improve the appearance. As a result, for example, when a product containing food in this packaging container is displayed in a supermarket or the like, the product is more likely to catch consumers' attention, which can promote sales. Furthermore, providing a protruding portion that protrudes outward relative to the second member makes the packaging container easier to hold. In this way, this packaging container can improve both its appearance and ease of holding.

[0007] The packaging container of the present invention may be [2] "the packaging container according to [1], wherein the first member is the container body." In this case, it is possible to prevent the pattern formed on the flange of the container body from being covered by the lid, thereby improving the appearance.

[0008] The packaging container of the present invention may be [3] "the packaging container according to [1] or [2], wherein the protruding portion has a curved portion that is curved in a cross section parallel to the predetermined direction, and the pattern portion is formed on the curved portion." In this case, the pattern portion is likely to diffuse light, further improving the appearance. In addition, the provision of a curved portion on the protruding portion makes the packaging container easier to hold.

[0009] The packaging container of the present invention may be [4] "the packaging container according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the protruding portion has an inclined portion extending at an angle in a cross section parallel to the predetermined direction, and the pattern portion is formed on the inclined portion." In this case, the pattern portion is likely to diffuse light, further improving the appearance. In addition, the provision of an inclined portion on the protruding portion makes the packaging container easier to hold.

[0010] The packaging container of the present invention may be [5] "the packaging container according to [4], wherein the pattern portion is composed of a recess having a side surface inclined outward as it approaches a side surface along the predetermined direction or an opening edge, or a protrusion having a side surface inclined inward as it approaches a side surface along the predetermined direction or a tip." When molding the first member, for example, a sheet material softened by heating is pressed against a mold, and then peeled off (released) from the mold to obtain a molded product. When the pattern portion is composed of a recess or protrusion having the above-mentioned side surface, it is possible to prevent the molded product from getting caught on the mold and being damaged when releasing the mold.

[0011] The packaging container of the present invention may be [6] "the packaging container according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the pattern portion includes a portion formed in a substantially circular shape." In this case, the pattern portion can be configured so as to diffusely reflect light when viewed from any direction.

[0012] The packaging container of the present invention may be [7] "the packaging container according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the first member is formed in a rectangular shape, and when viewed from the predetermined direction, the protruding portion protrudes outward relative to the second member in a direction along the long side of the first member, and the flange portion does not protrude outward relative to the second member in a direction along the short side of the first member." In this case, the protruding portion protruding outward relative to the second member in the direction along the long side of the first member can improve ease of holding. Furthermore, the flange portion not protruding outward relative to the second member in the direction along the short side of the first member can make the packaging container more compact.

[0013] The packaging container of the present invention may be [8] "the packaging container according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the lid is connected to the container body via a hinge so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body." In this way, even in a packaging container in which the container body and the lid are integrated, it is possible to improve the appearance and ease of holding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging container that can improve appearance and ease of holding. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in an open state, seen from the inside. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in an open state, seen from the outer surface side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in a closed state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container in an open state. [Figure 5] 5 is a side view of the container of FIG. 4 as viewed from the Y direction side. [Figure 6] 5 is a side view of the container of FIG. 4 as seen from the X direction side. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container in a closed state. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing two open containers stacked one on top of the other. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing how containers are arranged in a comparative example, and FIG. 1(b) is a diagram showing how containers are arranged in an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing how a molded product is released from a mold in a comparative example, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic diagram showing how a molded product is released from a mold in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. [Packaging containers]

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, container 1 (packaging container) comprises a container body 10 for containing contents, and a lid body 20 connected to container body 10 via hinge part 30 so as to be openable and closable relative to container body 10. In other words, container 1 is an integrated container (food pack) in which container body 10 and lid body 20 are integrated. Contents contained (packaged) in container 1 are foods such as cooked rice, sushi, side dishes, noodles, and sweets. Container 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape overall.

[0018] 1, 2, and 4 to 7 show the container 1 in a state in which the lid 20 is open relative to the container body 10 (open state), and FIGS. 3 and 8 show the container 1 in a state in which the lid 20 is closed relative to the container body 10 (closed state). In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 11 (described later) of the container body 10 of the container 1 in the closed state (the vertical direction in FIG. 1) is referred to as the vertical direction, the side where the lid 20 is positioned relative to the container body 10 in the closed state (the upper side in FIG. 3) is referred to as the upper side, and the side where the container body 10 is positioned relative to the lid 20 (the lower side in FIG. 3) is referred to as the lower side. A direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (the direction perpendicular to the hinge portion 30) is referred to as the X direction, and a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the X direction (the direction parallel to the hinge portion 30) is referred to as the Y direction. A direction along a plane including the X direction and the Y direction is also referred to as the lateral direction. The surface facing the inside of the container in the closed state is referred to as the inner surface, and the surface facing the outside of the container in the closed state is referred to as the outer surface. Note that these directions do not limit the manner of use of the container 1. The container 1 is usually used with the lid 20 positioned vertically above the container body 10, but the manner of use is not limited to this.

[0019] The container 1 is, for example, a molded product of a sheet material, and is manufactured by molding the sheet material into a predetermined shape using a predetermined mold. The sheet material constituting the container 1 is formed, for example, from a resin material. The sheet material may be formed only from a resin material, or may contain an inorganic material in addition to a resin material. The sheet material may contain, for example, 50% by weight or more of an inorganic filler. The material of the sheet material may be a bio-based material such as polylactic acid (PLA) resin or plant-derived polyethylene. The raw material of the sheet material may be petroleum-derived or plant-derived.

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

[0021] The material of the sheet material may be a non-foamed material. The non-foamed material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or a polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The non-foamed sheet material may be a sheet whose heat resistance is improved by containing an inorganic component such as calcium carbonate, talc, or a filler. 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 may have various colors or patterns. Various additives may be added to produce the non-foamed sheet material.

[0022] The sheet material may be a foamed synthetic resin sheet material. The foamed synthetic resin sheet material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or a polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. As the foamed synthetic resin sheet, for example, a foamed polystyrene sheet obtained by foaming polystyrene, or a heat-resistant foamed polystyrene sheet obtained by foaming polystyrene with excellent heat resistance may be used.

[0023] Examples of methods for forming the container 1 include vacuum forming, pressure forming, vacuum-pressure forming, double-sided vacuum forming, and hot plate forming. For example, the container 1 can be manufactured by thermoforming a synthetic resin sheet by any of these methods. When using an oriented sheet, hot plate forming may be employed, in which the sheet is sandwiched between heated plates and a mold to perform molding. [Container body]

[0024] The container body 10 has a bottom plate portion 11, side wall portions 12 (main body side wall portions), a fitting portion 13 (main body fitting portion), a flange portion 14, and four leg portions 15. The bottom plate portion 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with long sides along the Y direction. The bottom plate portion 11 is formed substantially flat and perpendicular to the up-down direction. The bottom plate portion 11 may be formed with ribs or protrusions for partitions. The side wall portions 12 are formed to surround the bottom plate portion 11 in a plan view (when viewed from the up-down direction) and extend upward from the edge of the bottom plate portion 11. The side wall portions 12 define an opening of the container body 10.

[0025] The side wall 12 extends at an incline relative to the vertical direction, gradually moving outward as it approaches the upper side (FIG. 10). The fitting portion 13 is formed at the open end (upper end) of the side wall 12. The fitting portion 13 is, for example, a step (a recess recessed toward the outside) formed around the entire circumference of the side wall 12. The fitting portion 13 fits with a fitting portion 25 (lid fitting portion) of the lid 20, which will be described later. The flange portion 14 extends laterally outward from the fitting portion 13. In this example, the container body 10 is connected to the lid 20 at one side (long side) via a hinge portion 30, and the flange portion 14 is formed on three sides excluding the one side. The flange portion 14 will be described in detail later. The hinge portion 30 is a deformable portion configured to allow the container body 10 and the lid 20 to rotate relative to each other around the hinge portion 30. The hinge portion 30 extends along the Y direction, and has, for example, a substantially U-shaped curved shape in a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0026] The four legs 15 are formed at the four corners of the bottom plate 11. Each leg 15 is formed so as to protrude outward from the bottom plate 11. That is, each leg 15 is formed as a recess when viewed from above. In plan view, each leg 15 is formed in a substantially L-shape so as to extend along two sides that form the corners of the bottom plate 11. In plan view, each leg 15 is located inside the outer edge of the rectangular bottom plate 11. In plan view, the side wall 12 surrounds the bottom plate 11 and the four legs 15. A plurality of ribs 15a (12 in this example) are formed on each leg 15. Each rib 15a protrudes toward the inner surface. In plan view, each rib 15a is formed so as to extend linearly between the inner and outer edges of the leg 15 (between the bottom plate 11 and the side wall 12).

[0027] As particularly shown in FIG. 10 , each leg 15 has a bottom surface 151 (leg bottom surface), a side surface 152 (leg side surface), and an inclined surface 153 (leg inclined surface). The bottom surface 151 is connected to the bottom plate portion 11 via a side surface 154. The bottom surface 151 is formed flat and perpendicular to the vertical direction. The side surface 154 extends at an inclination with respect to the vertical direction so as to slope inward as it extends upward. In this example, the side surface 154 includes multiple (three) inclined surfaces with different inclination angles. The side surface 152 extends upward from the bottom surface 151 along the vertical direction. The inclined surface 153 extends upward from the upper end of the side surface 152. The inclined surface 153 extends at an inclination with respect to the vertical direction so as to slope outward as it extends upward. The inclined surface 153 is connected to the fitting portion 13 described above via the side wall portion 12. The angle of inclination of the inclined surface 153 relative to the vertical direction is greater than the angle of inclination of the side wall portion 12 relative to the vertical direction. [Lid]

[0028] The lid 20 has a top plate 21, a side wall 22 (lid side wall), a step 23, a flange 24, and a fitting portion 25 (lid fitting portion). The top plate 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the bottom plate 11 of the container body 10. That is, the top plate 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with long sides along the Y direction. The top plate 21 is formed substantially flat and perpendicular to the up-down direction. In the closed state, the top plate 21 faces the bottom plate 11 of the container body 10 in the up-down direction.

[0029] The side wall 22 is formed to surround the top plate 21 in a plan view and extends downward from the edge of the top plate 21 (to the downward side in the closed state). The side wall 22 defines an opening in the lid 20. The side wall 22 extends at an angle relative to the vertical direction so that it slopes outward as it extends downward. The depth D20 of the lid 20 is deeper than the depth D10 of the container body 10 (FIG. 7).

[0030] The step 23 is formed at the open end (lower end) of the side wall 22. The step 23 is a step formed along the entire periphery of the side wall 22. The step 23 can also be considered to be a recess formed in the side wall 22 so as to be recessed outward. The step 23 constitutes part of the inner surface of the fitting portion 25. The fitting portion 25 fits with the fitting portion 13 of the container body 10 described above. The fitting portion 25 is, for example, a convex portion formed along the entire periphery of the side wall 22. When fitted, a part of the outer surface (outer surface) of the fitting portion 25 comes into contact with the fitting portion 13. The flange 24 extends outward in the horizontal direction from the step 23. In this example, the lid 20 is connected to the container body 10 at one side (long side) via the hinge portion 30, and the flange 24 is formed along three sides excluding the one side.

[0031] As particularly shown in FIG. 10 , the step portion 23 has a first surface 231 and a second surface 232. The first surface 231 is connected to the side wall portion 22 and extends flatly perpendicular to the up-down direction (parallel to the bottom plate portion 11). The second surface 232 extends downward from the first surface 231 (the lower side in the closed state) (the upper side in FIG. 10 ) along the up-down direction. That is, the second surface 232 extends along a direction intersecting the first surface 231 (in this example, along a direction approximately perpendicular to the first surface 231). The lid 20 also has an extending surface 233 connected to the second surface 232. The extending surface 233 extends outward in the horizontal direction from the lower end of the second surface 232. The extending surface 233 extends flatly perpendicular to the up-down direction (parallel to the top plate portion 21). The second surface 232 constitutes the inner surface of the fitting portion 25 , and the extending surface 233 constitutes the top surface of the fitting portion 25 . [Usage]

[0032] The container 1 is in the closed state shown in FIG. 3 and other figures by, for example, rotating the lid 20 relative to the container body 10 around the hinge portion 30. In the closed state, the lid 20 covers the entire opening of the container body 10 on one side in the vertical direction (the upper side in FIG. 8). As particularly shown in FIG. 8, the closed state is maintained by the engagement between the engagement portion 13 (body engagement portion) of the container body 10 and the engagement portion 25 (lid engagement portion) of the lid 20. When opening the lid 20, for example, a force is applied to the lid 20 in a direction away from the container body 10, thereby releasing the engagement between the engagement portion 13 and the engagement portion 25. The container 1 is an internal engagement type container. That is, in the container 1, the engagement portion 25 of the lid 20 engages with the engagement portion 13 formed on the inside of the opening of the container body 10.

[0033] In the closed state, the bottom plate 11 of the container body 10 and the top plate 21 of the lid 20 face each other in the vertical direction, and the flange 14 of the container body 10 and the flange 24 of the lid 20 face each other in the vertical direction. The flanges 14, 24 may contact each other in the attached state, or may face each other entirely or partially with a small gap therebetween.

[0034] A container 1 in a closed state can be stacked on top of another container 1 in a closed state. In this case, the outer surface of the container body 10 of one container 1 is placed on the outer surface of the lid body 20 of the other container 1. In this state, the legs 15 of the container body 10 are engaged with the corners between the top plate 21 and the side wall 22 of the lid body 20, thereby restricting lateral displacement between the container body 10 and the lid body 20. Specifically, for example, if the upper container body 10 attempts to move laterally relative to the lower lid body 20, the legs 15 of the container body 10 will abut against the corners of the lid body 20, thereby restricting displacement between the container body 10 and the lid body 20.

[0035] 9 and 10, a container 1 in an open state can be stacked on top of another container 1 in an open state. Specifically, when the outer surface side of the container body 10 of another container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as container 1B) is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body 20 of one container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as container 1A) in an open state, the container body 10 of container 1B is placed on the step portion 23 of the lid body 20 of container 1A. This allows the container body 10 of container 1B to be stably placed on the lid body 20 of container 1A.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 10 , in a mounted state in which the container body 10 of container 1B is placed on the lid 20 of container 1A, the legs 15 of the container body 10 of container 1B are placed on the step 23 of the lid 20 of container 1A. In the mounted state, the bottom surface 151 of the legs 15 of container 1B is placed on (contacts) the first surface 231 of the step 23 of container 1A, and the second surface 232 of the step 23 of container 1A and the side surface 152 of the legs 15 of container 1B face each other. In this example, a gap is provided between the second surface 232 and the side surface 152, but the second surface 232 may also come into contact with the side surface 152. In the mounted state, the inclined surface 153 of the legs 15 of container 1B faces the corner 234 between the second surface 232 and the extended surface 233 of the step 23 of container 1A. In this example, a gap is provided between the inclined surface 153 and the corner 234 , but the inclined surface 153 may be in contact with the corner 234 .

[0037] In the placed state, the step 23 of container 1A and the leg 15 of container 1B restrict relative movement in the lateral direction between the lid 20 of container 1A and the container body 10 of container 1B. Specifically, for example, when the container body 10 of container 1B attempts to move in the lateral direction relative to the lid 20 of container 1A, the side surface 152 or the inclined surface 153 of the leg 15 of container 1B abuts against the second surface 232 of the step 23 of container 1A, restricting misalignment between the container body 10 and the lid 20.

[0038] In the placed state, in a plan view, the fitting portion 25 (lid fitting portion) of the lid 20 of the container 1A overlaps with the fitting portion 13 (main body fitting portion) of the container main body 10 of the container 1B. That is, in the cross section of Fig. 10 (cross section parallel to the vertical direction), the step portion 23 and the fitting portion 13 are positioned on the same straight line parallel to the vertical direction.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 10 , in the placed state, the distance L between the boundary between the inclined surface 153 of the leg 15 and the side wall 12 of the container 1B and the boundary between the side surface 152 of the leg 15 and the inclined surface 153 is at least one-third of the width of the extending surface 233. This ensures a wide width for the inclined surface 153, allowing the container body 10 of the container 1B to be stably placed on the lid 20 of the container 1A. Furthermore, the distance L is set so that the inclination angle of the side wall 12 relative to the vertical direction does not become too small (so that the distance L does not become too long). This is because formability decreases when the inclination angle of the side wall 12 relative to the vertical direction approaches zero. The distance L may be at least one-half the width of the extending surface 233.

[0040] An example of how the container 1 is used will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing how containers 101 of a comparative example are arranged, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing how containers 1 of an embodiment are arranged. During packaging, food is placed (arranged) in the container body with the lid open. To improve work efficiency, it is conceivable to arrange multiple open containers on a work table in advance and then sequentially place food into the container bodies of those containers. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 11(a), multiple open containers 101 are arranged so that they do not overlap each other. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11(b), a container body of one container 1 is placed on the lid of another container 1, and a further container body of another container 1 is placed on the lid of that other container 1. This makes it possible to effectively utilize work space and further improve work efficiency. However, simply adopting this arrangement may result in the container losing balance when food is placed on the container body of another container placed on the lid of one container, resulting in the food spilling. In this regard, as described above, in the container 1 of the embodiment, the container body 10 of one container (container 1B) can be stably placed on the lid of another container (container 1A), thereby preventing such an incident from occurring. [Flange]

[0041] As shown in Figures 1, 3, 12, and 13, the flange portion 14 of the container body 10 (first member) includes a protruding portion 41 that protrudes outward relative to the lid body 20 (second member) in a plan view in the closed state. That is, the protruding portion 41 is a portion located laterally outward from the outer edge of the lid body 20. In this example, the flange portion 14 has two protruding portions 41 that protrude from one side and the other side of the lid body 20 in the Y direction (the direction along the long side of the container body 10). Furthermore, the container body 10 includes an overlapping portion 42 that overlaps with the lid body 20 (flange portion 24) in a plan view in the closed state. The flange portion 14 is connected to the fitting portion 13 at the overlapping portion 42.

[0042] The protruding portion 41 and the overlapping portion 42 have an inclined curved portion 43 (together constituting the inclined curved portion 43). The inclined curved portion 43 is curved and extends at an angle in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction (FIG. 13). The inclined curved portion 43 is smoothly curved so as to be convex upward and outward in the cross section. The inclined curved portion 43 extends at an angle so as to be more outward as it goes downward in the cross section.

[0043] A patterned portion 44 is formed on the inclined curved portion 43. The patterned portion 44 is formed by partially recessing the sheet material constituting the container 1 and represents a predetermined pattern. As shown in FIG. 13 , in this example, the patterned portion 44 is formed by a plurality of recesses 44a having only side surfaces along the vertical direction (parallel to the vertical direction in this example). The patterned portion 44 may also be formed by partially protruding the sheet material constituting the container 1. In this case, the patterned portion 44 may be formed by a protrusion having only side surfaces along the vertical direction. The recesses constituting the patterned portion 44 may have a shape that opens upward. For example, the side surfaces of the recesses constituting the patterned portion 44 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to be outward as they extend upward (closer to the edge of the opening). When the patterned portion 44 is formed by a protrusion, the side surfaces of the protrusions constituting the patterned portion 44 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to be inward as they approach the tip.

[0044] In this example, the patterned portion 44 is formed on each of the protruding portion 41 and the overlapping portion 42, but it is sufficient that the patterned portion 44 is formed on at least the protruding portion 41, and it does not have to be formed on the overlapping portion 42. The patterned portion 44 is formed only on the flange portion 14. The patterned portion 44 is not formed on the top plate portion 21 and the side wall portion 22 of the lid 20. This allows the contents contained in the container 1 to be clearly seen through the lid 20 in the closed state.

[0045] FIG. 14(a) is a schematic diagram showing a molded product 102 being released from a mold M in a comparative example, and FIG. 14(b) is a schematic diagram showing a container body 10 (molded product) being released from a mold M in an embodiment. When molding a container, for example, a sheet material softened by heating is pressed against the mold M and then peeled off (released) from the mold M to obtain a molded product. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 14(a), the side surfaces of the recesses 144a constituting the patterned portion are inclined relative to the vertical direction. In this case, there is a risk that the molded product 102 will get caught on the mold M during mold release, resulting in damage to the molded product 102. In contrast, in the container 1 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the patterned portion is formed by recesses 44a having only side surfaces aligned in the vertical direction, allowing the container body 10 to be smoothly released from the mold. As described above, even when the side surfaces of the recesses constituting the patterned portion 44 are inclined outward as they approach the opening edge, the container body 10 can be smoothly released from the mold as well. In addition, the container body 10 can be smoothly released from the mold in the same way when the side surfaces of the convex portions that make up the pattern portion 44 are aligned in the vertical direction and when the side surfaces are inclined inward as they approach the tip.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 12 , pattern portion 44 includes portion 45, which represents, for example, an arabesque pattern. Portion 45 includes portion 46, which is formed in a substantially circular shape. In this example, portion 46 forms a spiral pattern. In this way, the "portion formed in a substantially circular shape" included in pattern portion 44 is not limited to cases where the portion is a perfect circle, but also includes cases where the portion includes a portion that extends at least once in the radial direction, such as a spiral shape. [Action and effect]

[0047] In the container 1, the flange portion 14 of the container body 10 (first member) includes a protruding portion 41 that protrudes outward relative to the lid body 20 (second member) when viewed from above (in a predetermined direction) (in a plan view). A pattern portion 44 expressing a predetermined pattern is formed in the protruding portion 41 by partially recessing the sheet material. Forming the pattern portion 44 in the protruding portion 41 that protrudes outward relative to the lid body 20 can improve the appearance (design). As a result, for example, when a product containing food in the container 1 is displayed in a supermarket or the like, the product is more likely to catch consumers' attention, which can promote sales. Furthermore, the provision of the protruding portion 41 that protrudes outward relative to the lid body 20 makes the container 1 easier to hold. In this way, the container 1 can improve both its appearance and ease of holding.

[0048] A patterned portion 44 is formed on the flange portion 14 of the container body 10. This prevents the patterned portion 44 from being covered by the lid body 20, improving the appearance.

[0049] The protruding portion 41 has an inclined curved portion 43 (curved portion) that is curved in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction, and a patterned portion 44 is formed on the inclined curved portion 43. This makes it easier for the patterned portion 44 to diffusely reflect light, further improving the appearance. In addition, the provision of the inclined curved portion 43 on the protruding portion 41 makes the container 1 easier to hold.

[0050] The protruding portion 41 has an inclined curved portion 43 (inclined portion) that extends at an angle in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction, and a patterned portion 44 is formed on the inclined curved portion 43. This makes it easier for the patterned portion 44 to diffuse light, further improving the appearance. In addition, the provision of the inclined curved portion 43 on the protruding portion 41 makes the container 1 easier to hold.

[0051] The pattern portion 44 is formed by recesses 44a having side surfaces along the vertical direction. As described above, this prevents the molded product from getting caught on the mold during demolding, which can result in scratches on the molded product. Furthermore, since the side surfaces of the recesses 44a are aligned along the vertical direction, when machining the mold M into a shape corresponding to the recesses 44a by cutting, the cutter can be positioned closer to a right angle relative to the mold M. This simplifies machining because it is not necessary to consider the cutter's entry angle. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use a machining machine requiring complex settings, such as a five-axis machining center, which reduces costs and shortens machining time. Similar effects are achieved when the side surfaces of the recesses constituting the pattern portion 44 are inclined outward as they approach the opening edge, when the side surfaces of the protrusions constituting the pattern portion 44 are aligned along the vertical direction, or when the side surfaces of the protrusions are inclined inward as they approach their tips.

[0052] The pattern portion 44 includes a portion 46 formed in a substantially circular shape. This allows the pattern portion 44 to be configured so that light is diffusely reflected when viewed from any direction perpendicular to the up and down directions.

[0053] The lid 20 is connected to the container body 10 via a hinge 30 so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body 10. Even in a container 1 in which the container body 10 and the lid 20 are integrated in this way, the appearance and ease of holding can be improved.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications. For example, the materials and shapes of the components are not limited to those described above, and various materials and shapes can be adopted.

[0055] In a plan view, the protruding portion 41 may protrude outward relative to the lid 20 only in the Y direction along the long sides of the container body 10, and the flange portion 14 may not protrude outward relative to the lid 20 in the X direction along the short sides of the container body 10. In this case, the ease of holding the container 1 can be improved by having the protruding portion 41 protrude outward relative to the lid 20 in the Y direction along the long sides of the container body 10. Furthermore, the container 1 can be made more compact by having the flange portion 14 not protrude outward relative to the lid 20 in the X direction along the short sides of the container body 10. The protruding portion 41 may protrude outward relative to the lid 20 only in the X direction. When the flange portion 14 has a first protruding portion protruding outward relative to the lid 20 in the Y direction and a second protruding portion protruding outward relative to the lid 20 in the X direction, the protruding amount of the first protruding portion may be greater than the protruding amount of the second protruding portion.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the flange portion 14 of the container body 10 (first member) includes a protruding portion 41 that protrudes outward relative to the lid body 20 (second member), and the patterned portion 44 is formed on the protruding portion 41. Alternatively or additionally, the flange portion 24 of the lid body 20 (first member) may include a protruding portion that protrudes outward relative to the container body 10 (second member), and the patterned portion 44 may be formed on the protruding portion. The container body 10 and the lid body 20 may be configured as separate members. In this case, for example, the lid body 20 may be attached to the container body 10 so that the lid body 20 covers the opening of the container body 10 on one side in the up-down direction.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the patterned portion 44 is formed on the inclined curved portion 43 (curved portion, inclined portion). However, the patterned portion 44 may be formed somewhere other than the curved portion. For example, the protruding portion 41 may have a flat portion, and the patterned portion 44 may be formed on the flat portion. The patterned portion 44 may be formed somewhere other than the inclined portion. For example, the protruding portion 41 may have a portion extending in the vertical direction, and the patterned portion 44 may be formed on that portion. The side of the recess 44a constituting the patterned portion 44 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The container 1 may be an external fitting type container. That is, the fitting portion of the lid 20 may fit into the outer edge of the container body 10. The container body 10 may not have the fitting portion 13. The lid 20 may not have the fitting portion 25. The container body 10 may not have the leg portion 15. The lid 20 may not have the step portion 23. The container 1 may not be configured so that an open container 1 can be stacked on top of another open container 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1...container (packaging container), 10...container body (first member), 14...flange portion, 20...lid body (second member), 30...hinge portion, 41...protruding portion, 43...inclined curved portion (curved portion, inclined portion), 44...patterned portion, 44a...recess, 46...portion.

Claims

1. A packaging container that is a molded product of a sheet material, The container has a container body and a lid that covers an opening of the container body on one side in a predetermined direction, a first member, which is one of the container body and the lid body, has a flange portion; the flange portion includes a protruding portion that protrudes outward relative to a second member that is the other of the container body and the lid body when viewed from the predetermined direction, The packaging container has a pattern portion that represents a predetermined pattern formed on the protruding portion by partially recessing or protruding the sheet material.

2. The packaging container according to claim 1 , wherein the first member is the container body.

3. The packaging container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protruding portion has a curved portion that is curved in a cross section parallel to the predetermined direction, and the pattern portion is formed on the curved portion.

4. The packaging container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protruding portion has an inclined portion that extends at an angle in a cross section parallel to the predetermined direction, and the pattern portion is formed on the inclined portion.

5. 5. The packaging container according to claim 4, wherein the patterned portion is composed of a recess having a side surface that slopes outward as it approaches a side surface along the predetermined direction or an opening edge, or a protrusion having a side surface that slopes inward as it approaches a side surface along the predetermined direction or a tip.

6. The packaging container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pattern portion includes a portion formed in a substantially circular shape.

7. The first member is formed in a rectangular shape, 3. A packaging container as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the specified direction, the protruding portion protrudes outward relative to the second member in a direction along the long side of the first member, and the flange portion does not protrude outward relative to the second member in a direction along the short side of the first member.

8. The packaging container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid is connected to the container body via a hinge so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body.

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