Storage box and storage body

Abstract

To enhance the work efficiency of an operator when storing multiple containers.SOLUTION: In a storage box (1) for storing multiple containers, each of a first side piece (14A) and a second side piece (14B) opposed to each other in a state where the storage box is assembled has, inside the first side piece (14A) and the second side piece (14B), multiple deformation folding lines (BL11 to BL14) capable of deforming the storage box between an erected state where a top piece (12), a bottom piece (13), the first side piece and the second side piece are erected with respect to a main surface piece (11), and a folded state where the first side piece and the second side piece are folded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage box capable of storing a plurality of containers, and a storage body in which a plurality of containers are stored in a storage box. [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of techniques for packaging or storing a set of multiple containers are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Document 1 discloses a packaging structure including a bundling body that ties together an assembly of multiple packages, each of which has a pouch container filled with content. The bundling body is an annular band-shaped member that surrounds the assembly of packages and includes a shrinkable portion that shrinks when heated. Patent Document 2 discloses a carton that stores two or more containers lined up in the width direction and is made of a paper box with an open top. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6707374 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-302115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not disclose a storage box (for example, a paper box) that does not have a contraction section. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 does not sufficiently consider the shape of the storage box, taking into account the ease of operation for workers when storing multiple containers in the storage box.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage box or the like that can improve the workability of an operator when storing multiple containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a storage box that stores multiple containers each having a main body portion in which contents are stored and a neck portion connected to the main body portion, and includes a main panel, a top panel connected to the main panel and having a through hole that holds the neck portion, a bottom panel connected to the main panel, and two side panels connected to the main panel, and each of the two opposing panels, which are opposed when the storage box is assembled, has multiple deformation fold lines inside each of the opposing panels that allow the storage box to deform between an upright state in which the top panel, the bottom panel, and the two side panels are upright relative to the main panel, and a folded state in which the two opposing panels are folded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the workability of an operator when storing a plurality of containers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of containers to be stored in a storage box according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a development view of a storage box according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of a storage box according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a process of storing containers in a storage box according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a development view of a storage box according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of a storage box according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are views for explaining a process of storing containers in a storage box according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a development view of a storage box according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a development view of a storage box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the length of the container 100 in the left-right direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] When the fold lines are folded so that the back surfaces of the pieces of the storage box are closer together, it is called a mountain fold, and when the fold lines are folded so that the front surfaces of the pieces of the storage box are closer together, it is called a valley fold. The fold lines are creases made to make it easier to fold sheets of paper or the like, and may be intermittent cut lines in the form of perforations, half-cut lines, pressed creases, etc. Furthermore, "*~**" indicates "greater than or equal to * and less than or equal to **." Furthermore, the "sides" that make up the pieces and window portions, etc., described below, include not only straight lines but also those that are partially or entirely curved.

[0010] [Containers to be stored in the storage box] Before describing the storage box of each embodiment, the containers to be stored in the storage box of each embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a container 100 to be stored in the storage box of each embodiment, where reference numeral 1001 is a perspective view showing the example of the container 100, and reference numeral 1002 is a plan view of the container 100 as viewed from the bottom side.

[0011] As shown by reference numeral 1001 in Fig. 1, the container 100 includes a main body 140 that accommodates contents, and a spout 130 that connects to the main body 140. The contents are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, various daily care products such as shampoo, conditioner, treatment, detergent, etc., or beverages such as sports drinks. The contents may be fluid, and may be, for example, a liquid, a jelly-like substance, a viscous substance, a powdery substance, or a granular substance.

[0012] The container 100 is a pouch container in which the main body 140 is formed by bonding together sheet materials (soft packaging materials). When the container 100 is placed in a storage box, the main body 140 is filled with contents, and the main body 140 is inflated as shown by reference numeral 1001 in FIG.

[0013] The main body 140 comprises a top sheet 111, a back sheet 112, a bottom sheet 113, and a top sheet 114. The top sheet 114 is inserted at its upper end between the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112. The bottom sheet 113 is folded and inserted at its lower end between the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112. When the main body 140 is filled with contents, the bottom sheet 113 unfolds, making it possible for the main body 140 to stand on its own. In other words, the container 100 is a pouch container that can stand on its own (a standing pouch container).

[0014] With top sheet 114 inserted from the upper end side and bottom sheet 113 inserted from the lower end side between overlapping top sheet 111 and back sheet 112, the edges of sheets 111 to 114 are joined together at the seal portion, thereby sealing filling portion 117, which is the internal space of the container into which the contents are filled.

[0015] The top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112 each extend somewhat long in the vertical direction and have a generally rectangular shape with chamfered corners at the top end. The top sheet 114 has a generally hexagonal shape. However, the top sheet 114 may have any shape that can form a top surface, such as a rectangle, an octagon, or another polygonal shape, or may have a circular, oval, or diamond shape. The bottom sheet 113 has a generally rectangular shape. The bottom sheet 113 is provided, for example, in a range from the lower ends of the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112 to a height of about 1 / 4 of the overall vertical length of the top sheet 111, etc.

[0016] The sheet material is made of, for example, a resin film. The resin film is required to have basic properties as a container, such as impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and heat resistance. The thickness of the sheet material is, for example, 20 μm to 300 μm, and preferably 30 μm to 200 μm. Furthermore, since the sealed portion is formed by heat sealing, the sheet material is also required to have heat sealing properties. The sheet material has a base film layer and a sealant layer that imparts heat sealing properties. If gas barrier properties are required, the sheet material may further have a gas barrier layer.

[0017] The base film layer, sealant layer and gas barrier layer can be laminated by a conventional lamination method, such as dry lamination using an adhesive or sand lamination (extrusion lamination) in which layers are laminated with a molten resin sandwiched between them.

[0018] The base film layer may be made of a single layer or two or more layers of stretched or unstretched film. The film may be made of at least one of the following materials: polyester, polyolefin, polyamide, etc. The thickness of the base film layer is, for example, 10 μm to 100 μm, and preferably 10 μm to 50 μm.

[0019] The film constituting the sealant layer can be, for example, a single-layer or two or more-layer, mainly unstretched film. The film may be made of at least one of the following materials. Examples of such materials include low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and unstretched polypropylene (CPP). Other examples include ethylene-propylene copolymer (EP), ethylene-olefin copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EAA), ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (EMAA), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The thickness of the sealant layer is, for example, 10 μm to 200 μm, and preferably 20 μm to 180 μm.

[0020] Examples of the gas barrier layer include a thin metal film such as aluminum, or a resin film such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), etc. Further, examples of the gas barrier layer include a film in which aluminum, aluminum oxide, or an inorganic oxide such as silica is vapor-deposited (or sputtered) onto any synthetic resin film (which may be, for example, a base film layer).

[0021] The sealed portion may be formed by heat sealing. A heat-sealed sealed portion can be formed by overlapping the sheets so that the sealant layer of each sheet is on the inside of the container and then thermocompressing them. The main body portion 140 has a top seal portion 120, a bottom seal portion 121, and a side seal portion 122 as the sealed portion. The sealed portion constitutes the area where the sheet materials are bonded together. The seal width of the sealed portion (for example, the seal width of the side seal portion 122, etc., excluding the wide portions on both sides of the bottom seal portion 121) is approximately 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0022] The top seal portion 120 is a seal portion formed in a substantially hexagonal frame shape on the edge of the top sheet 114, and is formed by joining the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 114 to the upper ends of the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112. The bottom seal portion 121 is a seal portion formed on the edge of the bottom sheet 113, and is formed by joining the bottom sheet 113 to the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112.

[0023] The side seal portions 122 are formed on both left and right ends of the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112 by directly joining the left and right edges of the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112. The side seal portions 122 extend in the up-down direction, and the area near the bottom end that sandwiches the folded and inserted bottom sheet 113 is sealed to prevent the bottom end from opening by, for example, providing a notch in the bottom sheet 113. The side seal portions 122 are part of the area where the sheet materials are bonded together, and are protruding portions that protrude to the side of the main body portion 140. The seal width of the side seal portions 122 is approximately 3 mm to 10 mm, and this portion forms the protruding portion.

[0024] Stopper 130 is an opening for filling and removing contents, and is provided in the center of top sheet 114. Stopper 130 has spout 131 fixed to top sheet 114 and cap 132 screwed onto a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery of spout 131. Spout 131 has a tubular portion 131a (neck portion) protruding from top sheet 114 and a flange portion 131b formed integrally with the end of tubular portion 131a. Flange portion 131b is attached to a sealant layer on the inner surface of top sheet 114, for example, by heat sealing.

[0025] 1, a space SP is formed at both left and right ends of the bottom of the main body portion 140. The space SP is a space formed between the part of the folded bottom sheet 113 that is sandwiched between the top sheet 111 and the back sheet 112 by the side seal portion 122 and does not expand, and the central part where the gusset of the bottom sheet 113 expands to form the bottom surface of the main body portion 140.

[0026] In the above description, the top sheet 111, back sheet 112, bottom sheet 113, and top sheet 114 are each described as separate sheets, but they may be composed of a single sheet. A single sheet may be folded and overlapped to seal the top seal portion 120, bottom seal portion 121, and side seal portion 122. Also, all sheets except the top sheet 114 may be composed of a single sheet. In this case, the top sheet 114 with the spout 130 attached may be prepared separately and joined to the sheets other than the top sheet 114.

[0027] [Embodiment 1] The storage box 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 and 12. FIG. 2 is a development view of the storage box 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the front side of the storage box 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the storage box 1 in an assembled state. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1011 shows the storage box 1 in a folded state, and reference numeral 1012 shows the storage box 1 in an upright state. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the process of storing containers 100 in the storage box 1. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1021 shows the state in which the containers 100 are stored in the storage box 1, and reference numeral 1022 shows the state in which the cut pieces 31 are inserted into the space portion SP of the stored containers 100. FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a storage body 201, reference numeral 1031 is a front view of the storage body 201, and reference numeral 1032 is a side view of the storage body 201. A storage box in which containers are stored is referred to as a storage body.

[0028] 2 to 5 show schematic diagrams of the storage box 1, and it should be noted that the size and shape of the storage box 1 are not strictly accurate. It should also be noted that the sizes and shapes of the storage boxes 2 to 4 in FIGS. 6 to 11 described in the second and third embodiments are not strictly accurate.

[0029] 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the length of the container 100 in the left-right direction. Reference numeral 1061 in Fig. 12 is a plan view of the container 100 before it is housed in the storage box 1, as viewed from the bottom side, and reference numeral 1062 is a plan view of two containers 100 housed in the storage box 1, as viewed from the bottom side. Reference numeral 1061 in Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the same state as the bottom of the container 100 shown by reference numeral 1002 in Fig. 1.

[0030] <Storage box configuration> The storage box 1 is a box capable of storing a plurality of containers 100. Fig. 5 shows an example of a storage body 201 in which two containers 100 are stored in a row in the left-right direction in the storage box 1. Three or more containers 100 may be stored in the storage box 1. Furthermore, the storage box 1 may store a plurality of containers 100 in multiple rows.

[0031] The size of the storage box 1 is specified according to the size, number, and row of the containers 100 to be stored. Multiple containers 100 are stored in the storage box 1 with the side seal portions 122 folded in and with the containers 100 adjacent to each of the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B (two side pieces) being pressed by the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B. The size of the storage box 1 is specified so that such storage can be achieved.

[0032] Specifically, as shown by reference numeral 1062 in Fig. 12, multiple containers 100 are stored in the storage box 1 with the side seal portion 122 bent to either side in the front-to-rear direction of the main body portion 140 and the main body portion 140 slightly pushed inward in the left-to-right direction. The main body portion 140 expands slightly in the up-down and front-to-rear directions due to pressure from the outside of the side surface on which the side seal portion 122 is formed (pressure from the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B), and is slightly pushed inward in the left-to-right direction of the main body portion 140. In this state, the space portion SP is compressed to the extent that the cutout piece 31 can be inserted.

[0033] (Material) In this embodiment, the material of the storage box 1 is paper. Specifically, cardboard is used for the storage box 1. Examples of cardboard include cardboard, coated cardboard, metallized paper, and foil paper. The storage box 1 is assembled by folding a single paper sheet, and functions as a storage box capable of storing the container 100. However, at least some of the pieces of the storage box 1 may be made of different cardboard. In this case, the storage box 1 may be formed by pasting together the pieces. The thickness of the material of the storage box 1 may be approximately 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0034] The material of the storage box 1 is not limited to the above materials, but may also be a plastic sheet or synthetic paper (a paper-like material whose main raw material is synthetic resin). The plastic sheet may be, for example, a clear case material such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0035] However, as shown in FIG. 5, consumers can see the containers 100 stored in the storage box 1 from the upper facing piece 15 side. In addition, storage boxes 2 to 4, which will be described later, have a second window portion 37. Therefore, consumers can see the containers 100 stored in the storage boxes 2 to 4 through the second window portion 37. In the storage boxes 2 to 4, the containers 100 can also be seen from the upper facing piece 15 side. Therefore, the storage boxes 1 to 4 through which the containers 100 can be seen do not need to be made of a transparent material such as plastic. In other words, the storage boxes 1 to 4 through which the containers 100 can be seen can be made of an opaque material such as paper.

[0036] Furthermore, when the storage boxes 1 to 4 are made of paper sheets, they do not use petroleum-based plastics and do not generate plastic waste, making them environmentally friendly. Furthermore, because the storage boxes 1 to 4 can be assembled by hand, assembling the storage boxes 1 to 4 does not require the use of a machine for thermocompression bonding the plastic case to the backing, as is the case with blister packaging. Furthermore, as with packaging using heat-shrinkable film, it is not necessary to use a heater to heat-shrink the heat-shrinkable film. Therefore, consumption of thermal energy, etc. can be reduced. These effects also contribute to the achievement of, for example, Goal 12 "Responsible Consumption and Production," Goal 14 "Life Below Water," and Goal 15 "Life on Land" of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0037] (each piece) As shown in Figure 2, the storage box 1 includes a main surface piece 11, a top surface piece 12, a bottom surface piece 13, a first side surface piece 14A, and a second side surface piece 14B. The main surface piece 11 is connected (continuously connected) to each of the top surface piece 12, the bottom surface piece 13, the first side surface piece 14A, and the second side surface piece 14B at a common edge. These edges function as fold lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4, respectively. By mountain folding the fold lines BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4, a storage space for storing the container 100 is formed.

[0038] In this embodiment, the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1 so that the front surface of the container 100 (the surface on which the product name, design, etc. are mainly printed) faces away from the main surface piece 11. Therefore, the main surface piece 11 functions as the back surface piece. However, the container 100 may also be stored in the storage box 1 so that the front side of the container 100 faces the main surface piece 11. In this case, the main surface piece 11 functions as the front surface piece.

[0039] The main surface piece 11 is generally rectangular. The vertical length of the main surface piece 11 is generally the same as the vertical length of the main body 140. The left-right length of the main surface piece 11 is generally the same as the left-right length of the main body 140 when the container 100 is housed in the storage box 1 with the side seal portion 122 folded and slightly pressed inside the main body 140 in the left-right direction by pressure. In other words, the left-right length of the main surface piece 11 is generally the same as the sum of the left-right lengths of the multiple main bodies 140 when the multiple containers 100 are housed in the storage box 1 lined up in a row in the left-right direction in this state.

[0040] Therefore, the left-right length L12 of the main body 140 in the state shown by reference numeral 1062 in Fig. 12 (the state when housed in the storage box 1) is smaller than the left-right length L11 of the main body 140 in the state shown by reference numeral 1061 in Fig. 12. Reference numeral 1061 in Fig. 12 indicates the state of the main body 140 when the side seal portion 122 is not bent to either side in the front-to-rear direction of the main body 140 and the main body 140 is not receiving pressure from the outside of the side surface on which the side seal portion 122 is formed.

[0041] In this embodiment, as indicated by reference numeral 1062 in Fig. 12, two containers 100 are lined up in the left-right direction and housed in the storage box 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the left-right length L13 of the main surface piece 11 is approximately equal to the sum of the left-right lengths of the two main bodies 140 (approximately twice the length L12) when the two containers 100 are lined up in the left-right direction and housed in the storage box 1.

[0042] In this manner, when the container 100 is housed in the storage box 1, not only is the side seal portion 122 bent and folded, but the main body portion 140 is also deformed and its length in the left-right direction is shortened. The left-right length of the main surface piece 11 is determined so that the container 100 can be housed in this state. Therefore, the container 100 can be housed in the storage box 1 with the main body portion 140 in a compact state.

[0043] The main surface piece 11 also has a fold-in piece 32. A through hole is formed by folding the fold-in piece 32 onto the back side of the main surface piece 11. This makes it possible to insert a finger into the through hole and grip the container 201.

[0044] The top piece 12 functions as the top surface of the storage box 1 by folding the fold line BL1 in a mountain fold. The top piece 12 is generally rectangular. The vertical length of the top piece 12 (the front-to-rear length when assembled) is generally the same as the front-to-rear length of the main body 140 when stored in the storage box 1. The left-to-right length of the top piece 12 is generally the same as the left-to-right length of the main surface piece 11. In other words, the left-to-right length of the top piece 12 is generally the same as the left-to-right length of the main body 140 when the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1 with the side seal portion 122 folded and slightly pressed inside the main body 140 in the left-to-right direction by pressure.

[0045] The top surface piece 12 has a through hole 35 that holds the tubular portion 131a of the spout 131. As a result, the main body 140 can be accommodated in the storage box 1 by passing the tubular portion 131a through the through hole 35. The top surface piece 12 is formed with a number of through holes 35 equal to the number of containers 100 to be accommodated in the storage box 1. In this case, the tubular portion 131a of each container 100 can be held by each through hole 35, thereby increasing the holding force of each container 100. In this embodiment, two containers 100 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction and accommodated in the storage box 1 in an assembled state. Therefore, two through holes 35 are formed in the top surface piece 12 to enable such accommodation.

[0046] The shape and size of the through hole 35 are determined according to the shape and size of the plug 130. Specifically, the through hole 35 is formed according to the shape and size of the cap 132, the presence or absence of a protrusion provided on the outer periphery of the tubular portion 131a, the shape and size of the protrusion, etc. Furthermore, the inner periphery of the through hole 35 may be formed with radial notches or tongue-shaped protrusions, etc., in consideration of the ease of insertion of the plug 130 and the prevention of its removal.

[0047] Furthermore, the positions and number of through holes 35 are determined according to the number and positions of the containers 100 to be stored. A through hole 35 does not have to be formed in the top surface piece 12 for each container 100 to be stored. For example, a common through hole may be formed in the top surface piece 12 for the cylindrical portions 131a of at least two or more containers 100. Such a through hole may have an elongated shape, for example, like the through hole 38 in the storage box 3 of embodiment 3 (see FIG. 10).

[0048] An upper facing piece 15 is connected to the top surface piece 12 at a position opposite to the position where it is connected to the main surface piece 11. As shown by reference numeral 1032 in FIG. 5 , the upper facing piece 15 is a piece that faces the upper region of the main surface piece 11 when the storage box 1 is assembled. The connection portion between the top surface piece 12 and the upper facing piece 15 functions as a fold line BL6. By mountain-folding the fold line BL6, the upper facing piece 15 faces the back surface of the main surface piece 11.

[0049] As described above, the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1 so that the front surface of the container 100 faces the upper facing piece 15. Therefore, although not shown, information related to the product, such as the product name, product advertisement, or design, may be printed on the upper facing piece 15. Information printed on the back surface of the container 100 (for example, a product description, or information indicating the manufacturer or distributor, etc.) may be printed on the surface of the main face piece 11. On the other hand, when the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1 so that the front surface of the container 100 faces the main face piece 11, the information printed on the front surface of the container 100 may be printed on the surface of the main face piece 11.

[0050] The bottom piece 13 functions as the bottom of the storage box 1 by folding the fold line BL2 in a mountain fold. The bottom piece 13 is generally rectangular. The vertical length of the bottom piece 13 (the front-to-rear length when assembled) is generally the same as the front-to-rear length of the main body 140 when stored in the storage box 1. The left-to-right length of the bottom piece 13 is generally the same as the left-to-right length of the main surface piece 11. In other words, the left-to-right length of the bottom piece 13 is generally the same as the left-to-right length of the main body 140 when the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1 with the side seal portion 122 folded and slightly pressed inside the main body 140 in the left-to-right direction by pressure.

[0051] The bottom piece 13 has a cutout piece 31 that stands up relative to the bottom piece 13. By mountain-folding the fold line BL7, the cutout piece 31 stands up relative to the bottom piece 13. When the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1, the cutout piece 31 is inserted into a space portion SP indicated by reference numeral 1002 in FIG. 1. By inserting the cutout piece 31 into the space portion SP, the bottom of the container 100 can be held.

[0052] The position of the cutout piece 31 on the bottom piece 13 is defined so that the upstanding cutout piece 31 can be inserted into the space portion SP when the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1. In this embodiment, two containers 100 are stored side by side in the storage box 1. Therefore, two cutout pieces 31 are formed on the bottom piece 13 at positions where they can be inserted into two adjacent space portions SP of the two containers 100.

[0053] The shape of the cutout piece 31 is a substantially triangular shape with the fold line BL7 as the base when it is standing on the bottom piece 13. In this case, the cutout piece 31 can be easily inserted into the space portion SP. The shape and size of the cutout piece 31 are specified so that the cutout piece 31 can be inserted into the space portion SP and can hold the bottom of the main body portion 140. The shape of the cutout piece 31 may be, for example, trapezoidal or semicircular.

[0054] The first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B are mountain-folded along the folding lines BL3 and BL4, and function as two side surfaces of the storage box 1. The vertical lengths of the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B are approximately the same as the vertical length of the main surface piece 11.

[0055] In the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B, the areas other than the end portions connected to the top surface piece 12 and the bottom surface piece 13 are generally rectangular, and the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B widen toward the end portions. That is, in the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B, the left-right length of the end portion areas (the length in the front-to-back direction when assembled) is greater than the left-to-right length of the areas other than the end portions. This increases the holding force at the upper and lower parts of the side surfaces of the main body 140 when the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1.

[0056] The left-right length of the regions at both ends is approximately the same as the front-rear length of the main body 140 when housed in the storage box 1. In consideration of ease of assembly, the length may be approximately 1 mm to 2 mm shorter than the vertical length of the top surface piece 12 (the front-rear length when assembled). On the other hand, the left-right length of the regions other than the both ends is shorter than the front-rear length of the main body 140 when housed in the storage box 1. In other words, as shown by reference numeral 1032 in FIG. 5 , when the storage box 1 is assembled, the length L1 of the regions other than the both ends in the direction perpendicular to the main surface piece 11 is shorter than the length L2 of the container 100 (main body 140) when housed in the storage box 1.

[0057] When the storage box 1 is assembled, the only piece located on the side opposite the main surface piece 11 is the upper facing piece 15. Therefore, the container 100 stored in the storage box 1 can have surfaces other than those facing the main surface piece 11, the first side surface piece 14A, and the second side surface piece 14B exposed from the storage box 1. This can stimulate consumers' desire to purchase the container 100. By specifying the length of the area other than the two end portions as described above, it is possible to expose a larger portion of the main body portion 140. This can further stimulate consumers' desire to purchase the container 100.

[0058] The main surface piece 11, top surface piece 12, bottom surface piece 13, first side surface piece 14A and second side surface piece 14B are not limited to the shapes and sizes described above, as long as they have a shape and size that can accommodate and hold the container 100.

[0059] A first adhesive piece 16A and a second adhesive piece 16B are connected to both ends of the first side surface piece 14A. The first adhesive piece 16A and the second adhesive piece 16B have a first adhesive region 51A and a second adhesive region 51B, respectively. A third adhesive piece 16C and a fourth adhesive piece 16D are connected to both ends of the second side surface piece 14B. The third adhesive piece 16C and the fourth adhesive piece 16D have a third adhesive region 51C and a fourth adhesive region 51D, respectively.

[0060] The first adhesive region 51A, the second adhesive region 51B, the third adhesive region 51C, and the fourth adhesive region 51D are regions to which adhesive can be applied. The size and shape of these adhesive regions can be selected arbitrarily. Examples of adhesives that can be used include water-based glue, hot melt adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, and double-sided adhesive tape.

[0061] 2, when the transformation fold lines BL11 and BL13 are mountain-folded, the fold line BL1 is mountain-folded, whereby the first adhesive region 51A and the third adhesive region 51C come into contact with the back surface of the top piece 12. When the transformation fold lines BL12 and BL14 are mountain-folded, the fold line BL2 is mountain-folded, whereby the second adhesive region 51B and the fourth adhesive region 51D come into contact with the back surface of the bottom piece 13. This allows the top piece 12 and the bottom piece 13 to be fixed to the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B, respectively.

[0062] The adhesive may be applied after bending the deformation bending lines BL11 to BL14. Alternatively, the first adhesive region 51A and the third adhesive region 51C may be provided on the top surface piece 12 side, and the second adhesive region 51B and the fourth adhesive region 51D may be provided on the bottom surface piece 13 side.

[0063] The first side surface piece 14A also has a first window 36 at its lower end (at the position of the folding line BL5B). The first window 36 is intended to make visible display information that needs to be exposed, such as a product number, printed on the main body 140. The first window 36 may be formed in a position opposite the printing position of the display information that needs to be exposed, such as a product number, when the container 100 is stored in the storage box 1. The first window 36 may be formed in a position other than the lower end of the first side surface piece 14A, or may be formed in the second side surface piece 14B, or may be formed in both the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B.

[0064] The storage box 1 does not have to have the first window 36. In this case, it is sufficient that the manufacturing number is printed on the surface of the storage box 1.

[0065] (Configuration in which the storage box can be deformed) The first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B each have a plurality of fold lines therein that allow the storage box 1 to be deformed between an upright state and a folded state. Specifically, the first side piece 14A has a fold line BL11 at its upper end and a fold line BL12 at its lower end. The second side piece 14B has a fold line BL13 at its upper end and a fold line BL14 at its lower end.

[0066] The above-mentioned upright state refers to a state in which the top surface piece 12, the bottom surface piece 13, the first side surface piece 14A, and the second side surface piece 14B are upright relative to the main surface piece 11 when the storage box 1 is assembled. Reference numeral 1012 in Fig. 3 indicates the upright state of the storage box 1. The assembled state of the storage box 1 only needs to refer to a state in which at least the top surface piece 12 and the bottom surface piece 13 are joined to the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B.

[0067] The folded state refers to the state in which the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B are folded when the storage box 1 is assembled. Reference numeral 1011 in FIG. 3 indicates the folded state of the storage box 1. By mountain-folding the deformation fold lines BL11 to BL14, the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B are folded outward so that their surfaces approach a plane including the main surface piece 11. This folding causes the top surface piece 12, bottom surface piece 13, and upper facing piece 15 connected to the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B to approach and face the main surface piece 11. This causes the storage box 1 to be flatter, or nearly flatter, than in the upright state.

[0068] The fold lines BL11 to BL14 extend from the corners 55 of the main surface piece 11. The angles α1 and α2 of the fold lines BL11 and BL12 relative to the side connecting the main surface piece 11 and the first side surface piece 14A (the side defining the fold line BL3) are both acute angles. The angles α3 and α4 of the fold lines BL13 and BL14 relative to the side connecting the main surface piece 11 and the second side surface piece 14B (the side defining the fold line BL4) are both acute angles. Therefore, the fold lines BL11 to BL14 extend from the corners 55 toward the center of the first side surface piece 14A or the second side surface piece 14B. The fold lines BL11 to BL14 thus formed enable the storage box 1 to be transformed between an upright state and a folded state.

[0069] The angles α1 and α3 are the same for the two opposing transformation fold lines BL11 and BL13 when the storage box 1 is assembled. The angles α2 and α4 are the same for the two opposing transformation fold lines BL12 and BL14 when the storage box 1 is assembled. By forming the transformation fold lines BL11 to BL14 in this manner, the top panel piece 12 can be tilted toward the main panel piece 11 by the fold line BL1, and the bottom panel piece 13 can be tilted toward the main panel piece 11 by the fold line BL2. This allows the size of the storage box 1 to be reduced when viewed in a plan view in the folded state.

[0070] The two transformation fold lines BL11 and BL13 correspond to the first and second fold lines described below, respectively. The two transformation fold lines BL12 and BL14 correspond to the first and second fold lines described below, respectively.

[0071] In this embodiment, the angles α1 to α4 are the same. The angles α1 to α4 are uniquely defined so that when the transformation fold lines BL11 to BL14 are mountain-folded, the fold lines BL1 and BL2 become mountain-folded, and the top panel piece 12, the bottom panel piece 13, and the upper facing panel piece 15 abut against the main panel piece 11 (so that the storage box 1 is flattened in the folded state).

[0072] In this embodiment, the first and second side surface pieces 14A, 14B are provided with fold lines BL11 to BL14 for deformation, which allow the storage box 1 to be deformed between the upright state and the folded state. However, the fold lines may be provided on each of the top and bottom surface pieces 12, 13, the first and second side surface pieces 14A, 14B, which are opposed to each other when the storage box 1 is assembled. In other words, the fold lines may be provided on each of the top and bottom surface pieces 12, 13. For example, the fold lines may be provided on the top surface piece 12 from each corner 55 toward the center, and on the bottom surface piece 13 from each corner 55 toward the center.

[0073] Also, consider a case where, of the two opposing fold lines for deformation when the storage box 1 is assembled, the fold line for deformation on the top surface piece 12 is the first fold line, and the fold line for deformation on the bottom surface piece 13 is the second fold line. In this case, the angle of the first fold line relative to the side connecting the main surface piece 11 and the top surface piece 12 (the side defining fold line BL1) and the angle of the second fold line relative to the side connecting the main surface piece 11 and the bottom surface piece 13 (the side defining fold line BL2) may be the same.

[0074] However, the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B are not processed to have through holes 35 like the top surface piece 12, or notches 31 like the bottom surface piece 13. Therefore, because the first side surface piece 14A has the deformation fold lines BL11, BL12 and the second side surface piece 14B has the deformation fold lines BL13, BL14, the storage box 1 is less likely to break when it is deformed.

[0075] <How to assemble the storage box> An example of a method for assembling the storage box 1 will be described. The processor assembling the storage box 1 first mountain-folds the deformation fold lines BL11, BL12, BL13, and BL14 from the state shown in the developed view of FIG. 2 . Then, the processor mountain-folds the fold lines BL1 and BL2 to bond the surfaces of the first adhesive piece 16A and the third adhesive piece 16C to the back surface of the top piece 12, and bond the surfaces of the second adhesive piece 16B and the fourth adhesive piece 16D to the back surface of the bottom piece 13. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 1011 in FIG. 3 , the storage box 1 is in a folded state with the top piece 12, the bottom piece 13, and the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B joined together. The processor assembling the storage box 1 may also be the worker who places the containers 100 in the storage box 1.

[0076] <Container storage method> An example of a method for storing containers 100 in the storage box 1 will be described. The worker folds the top and bottom pieces 12 and 13 of the storage box 1 from its folded state, and also makes mountain folds along the fold lines BL3, BL4, and BL5A to BL5D. This allows the storage box 1 to be in an upright state, as shown by reference numeral 1012 in Fig. 3, and the top, bottom, first, and second side pieces 14A and 14B form a storage space for storing the containers 100. Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 1021 in Fig. 4, the worker places the storage box 1 so that the main piece 11 of the assembled storage box 1 faces the placement surface.

[0077] In this state, the main body 140 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the storage box 1 while the tubular portion 131a of the spout 131 is inserted through the through-hole 35 of the top panel piece 12. That is, the container 100 is accommodated in the storage box 1 while the assembled storage box 1 is laid down. At this time, the worker bends and folds the side seal portion 122 in either the front or rear direction of the main body 140. The worker repeats this accommodation operation as many times as the number of containers 100 to be accommodated in the storage box 1. In this embodiment, two containers 100 are accommodated in the storage box 1 in turn.

[0078] By storing the containers 100 in the storage box 1 while the assembled storage box 1 is laid down, the flowing matter (contents) such as liquids does not shift to the bottom of the containers 100, and multiple containers 100 can be easily stored in the storage space of the storage box 1.

[0079] After the worker has placed all of the containers 100 to be placed in the storage box 1 (after placing two containers 100 in this embodiment), the worker raises the cutout pieces 31 of the bottom piece 13 relative to the bottom piece 13, as shown by reference numeral 1022 in FIG. 4. At this time, the worker inserts the cutout pieces 31 that have been raised relative to the bottom piece 13 into the space portion SP formed in the bottom of the main body portion 140. This allows the bottom of the main body portion 140 to be fixed to the storage box 1. In this way, a storage body 201 is formed in which the containers 100 are placed in the storage box 1, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0080] Thereafter, the worker makes a mountain fold along the fold line BL6, so that the upper facing piece 15 faces the main surface piece 11 (the contained container 100) as shown in Fig. 5. The folding of the upper facing piece 15 may be performed with the container 1 lying down, or may be performed with the container 1 standing upright so that the bottom surface piece 13 faces the placement surface as shown in Fig. 5.

[0081] 5, two containers 100 are stored in the storage box 1 with the side seal portions 122 folded in and with the containers 100 adjacent to the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B being pressed by the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B, respectively. By storing the containers 100 in this state, the containers 100, which are made of soft packaging material and contain a fluid such as a liquid, assume a stable shape that conforms to the storage box 1, and the storage body 201 can hold the multiple stored containers 100 compactly.

[0082] <Effects> As described above, each of the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B has the deformation fold lines BL11 to BL14 that enable deformation of the storage box 1 between an upright state and a folded state relative to the main surface piece 11. Therefore, as described above, the worker can store multiple containers 100 in the storage box 1 simply by laying the folded storage box 1 down and then standing up the top surface piece 12, the bottom surface piece 13, the first side surface piece 14A, and the second side surface piece 14B. This reduces the effort required of the worker when storing multiple containers 100, and improves the worker's work efficiency.

[0083] Furthermore, as described above, the bottom piece 13 has the cutout piece 31, so that after storing multiple containers 100, the worker can insert the cutout piece 31 into the space portion SP of the container 100. Therefore, the worker can also easily fix the bottom of the container 100 to the storage box 1.

[0084] Therefore, the containers 100 stored in the storage box 1 can be fixed mainly by the through holes 35 and the cutout pieces 31 of the top surface piece 12. This reduces the possibility of the containers 100 falling out of the opening formed by the top surface piece 12, the bottom surface piece 13, the first side surface piece 14A, and the second side surface piece 14B, while allowing the purchaser to view a wide range of the containers 100 (products).

[0085] 2 is folded to create the storage box 1 that can store and hold multiple containers 100, it is possible to minimize the amount of material used for the storage box 1. As a result, the storage box 1 can be created inexpensively.

[0086] Furthermore, the storage box 1 can be transported in the folded state shown by reference numeral 1011 in Fig. 3. Therefore, when the processor who assembles the storage box 1 and the worker who places the containers 100 in the storage box 1 are different people, the efficiency of transporting the storage box 1 from the processor to the worker can be improved.

[0087] The packaging structure of Patent Document 1 is intended to package pouch containers, but it does so by thermally shrinking the bundle, rather than housing the pouch containers in a storage box. Furthermore, the carton of Patent Document 2 is intended to house pump-dispensing containers, rather than pouch containers, and the surface area of ​​the carton in its unfolded state is relatively large. Therefore, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not disclose a storage box that can house and hold multiple pouch containers, minimizes material, and improves workability and transportation efficiency.

[0088] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0089] The storage box 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG. 6 is a development view of the storage box 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the front side of the storage box 2. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the storage box 2 in an assembled state. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1041 is a view showing the storage box 2 in a folded state, and reference numeral 1042 is a view showing the storage box 2 in an upright state. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the process of storing the containers 100 in the storage box 2. In FIG. 8, the stored containers 100 are not shown. FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a storage body 202, reference numeral 1051 is a front view of the storage body 202, and reference numeral 1052 is a perspective view of the storage body 202 as viewed from the rear side.

[0090] <Storage box configuration> The storage box 2 is a box capable of storing multiple containers 100. FIG. 9 shows an example of a storage body 202 in which two containers 100 are stored in a row in the left-right direction in the storage box 2. As with the storage box 1 of embodiment 1, three or more containers 100 may be stored in the storage box 2, or multiple containers 100 may be stored in multiple rows in the storage box 2. The material of the storage box 2 is the same as that of the storage box 1.

[0091] Storage box 2 differs from storage box 1 mainly in that it includes second window portion 37, first folding piece 17A, second folding piece 17B, facing piece 18, fifth adhesive piece 19A, and sixth adhesive piece 19B. Furthermore, the shape of through hole 35 in top piece 12 in storage box 2 differs from the shape of through hole 35 in storage box 1. However, the shape of through hole 35 can be changed as appropriate to match the shape of tubular portion 131a of spout 131 of container 100 to be stored, and the function of through hole 35 itself is the same in storage boxes 1 and 2, so a description of through hole 35 will be omitted.

[0092] (each piece) In this embodiment, the container 100 is housed in the housing box 2 so that the front surface of the container 100 faces the main surface piece 11 in the assembled housing box 2. Therefore, the main surface piece 11 functions as the front surface piece. Therefore, the main surface piece 11 has the second window portion 37 instead of the fold-in piece 32.

[0093] The second window portion 37 is an opening that makes it possible to view a portion of the front surface of each of two or more containers 100 that abut against the main surface piece 11, among the multiple containers 100 housed in the assembled storage box 2. In this embodiment, a portion of the front surface of each of two containers 100 lined up in a row on the left and right can be viewed through the second window portion 37. The size and shape of the second window portion 37 are determined to be such that a portion of the front surface of each of the two or more containers 100 can be viewed and that the containers 100 will not fall out of the storage box 2. In this embodiment, the shape of the second window portion 37 is a substantially rectangular shape with long sides in the left-right direction.

[0094] In this embodiment, since the main surface piece 11 functions as the front surface piece, the information printed on the front surface of the container 100 may be printed on the surface of the main surface piece 11. In this embodiment, the fold line BL6 is valley-folded as shown in Fig. 9. This allows the information to face the front side when the product-related information is printed on the surface of the upper facing piece 15.

[0095] On the other hand, as in the first embodiment, the container 100 may be stored in the storage box 2 so that the front side of the container 100 faces away from the main surface piece 11. In this case, the main surface piece 11 functions as the back surface piece, and the fold line BL6 may be mountain-folded. The information printed on the back surface of the container 100 may be printed on the main surface piece 11. The second window portion 37 also functions as a through-hole through which a finger can be inserted to grip the container 202.

[0096] A first foldable piece 17A is connected to the first side surface piece 14A. Specifically, the first foldable piece 17A is connected to the lower end of the first side surface piece 14A at a position opposite to the position where the first foldable piece 17A is connected to the main surface piece 11. The connection portion between the first side surface piece 14A and the first foldable piece 17A functions as a fold line BL21. The first foldable piece 17A also has a fold line BL22 inside.

[0097] A second foldable piece 17B is connected to the second side surface piece 14B. Specifically, the second foldable piece 17B is connected to the lower end of the second side surface piece 14B at a position opposite to the position where the second foldable piece 17B is connected to the main surface piece 11. The connection portion between the second side surface piece 14B and the second foldable piece 17B functions as a fold line BL23. The second foldable piece 17B also has a fold line BL24 inside.

[0098] The first folding piece 17A and the second folding piece 17B are folding pieces that are folded toward the storage space of the container 100 when the storage box 2 is assembled. With the fifth adhesive piece 19A adhered to the first folding piece 17A and the sixth adhesive piece 19B adhered to the second folding piece 17B, the fold lines BL21 and BL23 are mountain folds and the fold lines BL22 and BL24 are valley folds. This allows the facing piece 18 to be tilted and face the main surface piece 11. The fold lines BL22 and BL24 extend from the corners 56 of the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B, respectively, so that the facing piece 18 can face the main surface piece 11.

[0099] The facing piece 18 is connected to the bottom piece 13 at a position opposite to the connection position with the main surface piece 11, and is a piece that faces the lower region of the main surface piece 11 when the storage box 2 is assembled. The connection portion between the bottom surface piece 13 and the facing piece 18 functions as a fold line BL25.

[0100] The fifth adhesive piece 19A is connected to one side (the first side surface piece 14A side) of the facing piece 18 and is a piece that is adhered to the first fold-out piece 17A. The connection portion between the facing piece 18 and the fifth adhesive piece 19A functions as a fold line BL26. The sixth adhesive piece 19B is connected to the other side (the second side surface piece 14B side) of the facing piece 18 and is a piece that is adhered to the second fold-out piece 17B. The connection portion between the facing piece 18 and the sixth adhesive piece 19B functions as a fold line BL27.

[0101] The fifth adhesive piece 19A and the sixth adhesive piece 19B have a fifth adhesive region 51E and a sixth adhesive region 51F, respectively. The fifth adhesive region 51E and the sixth adhesive region 51F have the same functions as the first adhesive region 51A, etc. Although the fifth adhesive region 51E and the sixth adhesive region 51F are illustrated in Fig. 6, the fifth adhesive region 51E and the sixth adhesive region 51F are located on the back surface of the fifth adhesive piece 19A and the sixth adhesive piece 19B, respectively.

[0102] 6 , the deformation fold lines BL12 and BL14 are mountain-folded, and then the fold line BL2 is mountain-folded, thereby adhering the second adhesive piece 16B and the fourth adhesive piece 16D to the bottom piece 13. At this time, the fifth adhesive piece 19A is adhered to the first foldable piece 17A, and the sixth adhesive piece 19B is adhered to the second foldable piece 17B. In this state, by mountain-folding the fold lines BL21 and BL23, valley-folding the fold lines BL22 and BL24, and mountain-folding the fold line BL25, the facing piece 18 is inclined toward the main piece 11 and faces the main piece 11. In other words, by folding the first foldable piece 17A to which the fifth adhesive piece 19A is adhered and the second foldable piece 17B to which the sixth adhesive piece 19B is adhered, the facing piece 18 can be positioned so as to face the main piece 11.

[0103] With the facing piece 18 facing the main piece 11 in this manner, the bottom area of ​​the container 100 stored in the storage box 2 can be held together by the facing piece 18, the lower area of ​​the main piece 11 facing the facing piece 18, and the areas on the lower end sides of the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B. The area on the lower end side of the first side piece 14A is an area that includes a portion facing the folded-in first fold-in piece 17A and the fifth adhesive piece 19A adhered to the first fold-in piece 17A. The area on the lower end side of the second side piece 14B is an area that includes a portion facing the folded-in second fold-in piece 17B and the sixth adhesive piece 19B adhered to the second fold-in piece 17B.

[0104] Furthermore, since the facing piece 18 can be opposed to the main surface piece 11, the bottom area of ​​the container 100 stored in the storage box 2 can be hidden by the facing piece 18, making it impossible to see from the outside.

[0105] Since the price is set as if the container 202 containing multiple containers 100 were a single product, a barcode is printed on the container 2 to treat the container 202 as a single product. However, some containers 100 have a barcode printed on the bottom area. If the containers 100 are contained in the container 2 in a state where this barcode is readable (a state where the entire barcode is visible from the outside), there is a possibility that this barcode will be read.

[0106] In the storage box 2, the facing piece 18 can be made to face the main surface piece 11, i.e., the area on the bottom side of the stored container 100. This makes it possible to hide at least a portion of the barcode printed on the container 100. In this case, when the storage body 202 is displayed in a store, the facing piece 18 functions as a storage body that stores multiple containers 100 with at least a portion of the barcode of the container 100 hidden so that it is unreadable (illegible).

[0107] In the first embodiment as well, multiple containers 100 are stored in the storage box 1 so that the barcodes printed on the containers 100 are hidden. When the barcodes of the containers 100 are printed on the back side of the containers 100, the containers 100 are stored in the storage box 1 so that the front faces of the containers 100 face away from the main surface pieces 11.

[0108] As in embodiment 1, the adhesive may be applied after folding the deformation fold lines BL11 to BL14. Also, as in the first adhesive region 51A, etc., the fifth adhesive region 51E may be provided on the first fold piece 17A side, and the sixth adhesive region 51F may be provided on the second fold piece 17B side.

[0109] <How to assemble the storage box> An example of a method for assembling the storage box 2 will be described. First, the processor mountain-folds the deformation fold lines BL11, BL12, BL13, and BL14 from the state shown in the developed view of FIG. 6. Then, the processor mountain-folds the fold line BL1, bringing the surfaces of the first adhesive piece 16A and the third adhesive piece 16C into contact with the back surface of the top piece 12. The processor mountain-folds the fold line BL2, bringing the surfaces of the second adhesive piece 16B and the fourth adhesive piece 16D into contact with the back surface of the bottom piece 13. This bonds the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B to the top piece 12, and also bonds the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B to the bottom piece 13. Then, as shown by reference numeral 1041 in FIG. 7, the storage box 2 is folded with the top piece 12, the bottom piece 13, and the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B joined together.

[0110] Furthermore, by mountain-folding the fold line BL2 as described above, the processor adheres the back surface of the fifth adhesive piece 19A to the front surface of the first folded piece 17A and adheres the back surface of the sixth adhesive piece 19B to the front surface of the second folded piece 17B. This allows the facing piece 18 to face the main piece 11 as the first folded piece 17A and the second folded piece 17B are folded in when the container 100, which will be described later, is placed inside the container 100, as shown in FIG.

[0111] Similar to storage box 1, storage box 2 also has first side piece 14A and second side piece 14B each having deformation fold lines BL11 to BL14. This allows storage box 2 to be deformed between an upright state (see reference numeral 1041 in FIG. 7) and a folded state (see reference numeral 1042 in FIG. 7). When first side piece 14A has deformation fold lines BL11 and BL12 and second side piece 14B has deformation fold lines BL13 and BL14, storage box 2 is less likely to break when deformed.

[0112] <Container storage method> An example of a method for storing containers 100 in the storage box 2 will be described. As in the first embodiment, the worker folds the top piece 12 and the bottom piece 13 from the folded state of the storage box 2 and also makes mountain folds along the fold lines BL3, BL4, and BL5A to BL5D. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 1042 in FIG. 7, the storage box 2 can be placed in an upright state, and the top piece 12, the bottom piece 13, the first side piece 14A, and the second side piece 14B form a storage space for storing containers 100. Furthermore, as shown by reference numeral 1042 in FIG. 7, the worker places a plurality of containers 100 (two containers 100 in this embodiment) in the storage box 2 while laying the upright storage box 2 down.

[0113] In this state, the worker makes mountain folds along fold lines BL21, BL23, and BL25 while making valley folds along fold lines BL22 and BL24, thereby folding the first fold strip 17A and the second fold strip 17B toward the storage space of the container 100, as shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the first fold strip 17A and the fifth adhesive strip 19A are folded between the stored container 100 and the first side surface piece 14A, and the second fold strip 17B and the sixth adhesive strip 19B are folded between the stored container 100 and the second side surface piece 14B. This allows the bottom region of the container 100 to be held by the facing strip 18 facing the stored container 100, the lower region of the main surface piece 11 facing the facing strip 18, and the regions on the lower end sides of the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B. In this way, a storage box 2 is formed with the containers 100 stored in it, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0114] Thereafter, the worker makes a valley fold along fold line BL6, so that the surface of the upper facing piece 15 faces the front side of the storage box 2. The folding of the upper facing piece 15 may be performed with the storage box 2 lying down, or as shown in Fig. 9, with the storage box 2 standing upright so that the bottom piece 13 faces the placement surface.

[0115] Also in this embodiment, as shown by reference numeral 1052 in Fig. 9, two containers 100 are housed in the storage box 2 with the side seal portions 122 folded in. In addition, the two containers 100 are housed in the storage box 2 with the containers 100 adjacent to the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B pressed by the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B, respectively. That is, the multiple containers 100 are housed in the storage box 2 with the side seal portions 122 folded to either side in the front-to-rear direction of the main body portion 140, and with the main body portion 140 slightly pushed inward in the left-to-right direction (see reference numeral 1062 in Fig. 12).

[0116] <Effects> The storage box 2 also has deformation fold lines BL11 to BL14. Therefore, the worker can store multiple containers 100 in the storage box 2 simply by laying the folded storage box 2 on its side and then standing up the top piece 12, bottom piece 13, first side piece 14A, and second side piece 14B. This improves the worker's work efficiency.

[0117] As described above, when the container 100 is stored, the first fold-in piece 17A adhered to the fifth adhesive piece 19A and the second fold-in piece 17B adhered to the sixth adhesive piece 19B can be folded in between the container 100 and the first and second side surface pieces 14A and 14B, respectively. This allows the bottom area of ​​the container 100 to be held in place. Therefore, the storage box 2 does not necessarily have the cut-out piece 31 of the storage box 1. However, the bottom surface piece 13 of the storage box 2 may also have a cut-out piece 31. This is also true for storage boxes 3 and 4, which will be described later.

[0118] Furthermore, the storage box 2 allows the purchaser to view areas other than the bottom of the container 100 (product) while reducing the possibility of the container 100 falling out through the opening formed by the top piece 12, the first side piece 14A, the second side piece 14B, and the facing piece 18. In addition, the purchaser can also view part of the container 100 through the second window portion 37.

[0119] 6 is folded to create a storage box 2 that can store and hold multiple containers 100, thereby minimizing the material used for the storage box 2. Furthermore, since the storage box 2 can be transported in the folded state shown by reference numeral 1041 in FIG. 7, the transportation efficiency of the storage box 2 can be improved.

[0120] [Embodiment 3] The storage box 3 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a development view of the storage box 3 of the third embodiment. Fig. 10 shows the front side of the storage box 3.

[0121] 10 , storage box 3 differs from storage box 2 in that top panel piece 12 has through-hole 38 instead of through-hole 35, and that the shape of second window portion 37 differs from the shape of second window portion 37 in storage box 2. In other words, the basic structure of storage box 3 is the same as the basic structure of storage box 2.

[0122] The through hole 38 is formed as a single elongated hole extending in the left-right direction in the top surface piece 12. Therefore, the through hole 38 is a through hole common to the spouts 131 of the multiple containers 100 (two containers 100 in this embodiment). By making the through hole that holds the tubular portion 131a of the spout 131 an elongated hole like the through hole 38, it becomes easier to insert the tubular portions 131a of the multiple containers 100 into the through hole. Whether to form the through hole 35 or the through hole 38 in the top surface piece 12 of the storage box can be determined taking into consideration the holding force for the tubular portion 131a and the ease of inserting the tubular portion 131a.

[0123] The shape of the second window portion 37 can be set arbitrarily as long as it is determined by, for example, the shape of the container 100, the design printed on the container 100, and the storage state of the container 100. In this embodiment, the shape of the second window portion 37 has multiple recesses in the upper and lower portions.

[0124] [Embodiment 4] The storage box 4 of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a development view of the storage box 4 of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 11 shows the front side of the storage box 4.

[0125] Storage box 4 differs from storage box 2 mainly in that storage box 4 does not include first folding piece 17A, second folding piece 17B, fifth adhesive piece 19A, and sixth adhesive piece 19B of storage box 2. Storage box 4 also differs from storage box 2 in that storage box 4 includes a contact piece 20, an insertion piece 21, a first fixing piece 22A, a second fixing piece 22B, and a notch 25.

[0126] In the storage box 2, the first folded piece 17A to which the fifth adhesive piece 19A is adhered and the second folded piece 17B to which the sixth adhesive piece 19B is adhered are folded toward the storage space, so that the facing piece 18 faces the main surface piece 11. On the other hand, in the storage box 4, the insertion piece 21 is inserted into the cutout portion 25, so that the facing piece 18 faces the main surface piece 11.

[0127] <Storage box configuration> The abutment piece 20 is connected to the facing piece 18 at a position opposite to the connection position with the bottom piece 13. The connection portion between the facing piece 18 and the abutment piece 20 functions as a folding line BL31. The abutment piece 20 abuts against the back surface of the facing piece 18 when the storage box 4 is assembled.

[0128] An insertion piece 21 is connected to the abutment piece 20 at a position opposite to the connection position with the facing piece 18. A cutout 25 into which the insertion piece 21 is inserted is formed in the connection portion between the bottom piece 13 and the facing piece 18 (the side that defines the folding line BL25).

[0129] The positional relationship between insertion piece 21 and cutout 25 is specified so that insertion piece 21 can be inserted into cutout 25. The size and shape of insertion piece 21 and cutout 25 are specified so that insertion piece 21 is fixed in place so that it does not easily come out of cutout 25 when insertion piece 21 is inserted into cutout 25.

[0130] A first fixing piece 22A is connected to the first side surface piece 14A. Specifically, the first fixing piece 22A is connected to the lower end of the first side surface piece 14A at a position opposite to the position where the first side surface piece 14A is connected to the main surface piece 11. The connection portion between the first side surface piece 14A and the first fixing piece 22A functions as a bending line BL32.

[0131] A second fixing piece 22B is connected to the second side surface piece 14B. Specifically, the second fixing piece 22B is connected to the lower end of the second side surface piece 14B at a position opposite to the position where the second side surface piece 14B is connected to the main surface piece 11. The connection portion between the second side surface piece 14B and the second fixing piece 22B functions as a bending line BL33.

[0132] The first fixing piece 22A and the second fixing piece 22B are located between the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20 when the storage box 4 is assembled, and are pieces that fix the positions of the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20 relative to the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B.

[0133] <How to assemble the storage box> An example of a method for assembling the storage box 4 will be described. First, the processor mountain-folds the deformation fold lines BL11, BL12, BL13, and BL14 from the state shown in the developed view of FIG. 11 . Then, the processor mountain-folds the fold line BL1, bringing the surfaces of the first adhesive piece 16A and the third adhesive piece 16C into contact with the back surface of the top piece 12. The processor mountain-folds the fold line BL2, bringing the surfaces of the second adhesive piece 16B and the fourth adhesive piece 16D into contact with the back surface of the bottom piece 13. This bonds the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B to the top piece 12, and also bonds the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B to the bottom piece 13. The storage box 4 is then folded with the top piece 12, the bottom piece 13, and the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B joined together.

[0134] Furthermore, similar to the storage box 2, the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B of the storage box 4 each have bending lines BL11 to BL14 for deformation, which allows the storage box 4 to be deformed between an upright state and a folded state.

[0135] <Container storage method> An example of a method for storing containers 100 in the storage box 4 will be described. As in the second embodiment, the worker folds the top piece 12 and the bottom piece 13 from the folded state of the storage box 4 and also makes mountain folds along the fold lines BL3, BL4, and BL5A to BL5D. As a result, similar to the configuration of the storage box 2 shown by reference numeral 1042 in FIG. 7, the storage box 4 can be placed in an upright state, and the top piece 12, bottom piece 13, first side piece 14A, and second side piece 14B form a storage space for storing the containers 100. The worker then places the upright storage box 4 on its side and stores multiple containers 100 (two containers 100 in this embodiment) in the storage box 4.

[0136] In this state, the worker makes mountain folds along fold lines BL25 and BL31 and also mountain folds along fold lines BL32 and BL33. Then, with the front surfaces of the first fixing piece 22A and the second fixing piece 22B abutting against the back surface of the facing piece 18, the worker inserts the insertion piece 21 connected to the abutting piece 20 into the cutout 25. As a result, with the first fixing piece 22A and the second fixing piece 22B positioned between the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20, the abutting piece 20 can be abutted against the facing piece 18 and the insertion piece 21 connected to the abutting piece 20 can be inserted into the cutout 25. As a result, the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20 are fixed in positions facing the main face piece 11.

[0137] Therefore, the bottom area of ​​the container 100 can be held by the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20 that face the housed container 100, the lower area of ​​the main surface piece 11 that faces the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20, and the areas on the lower end sides of the first side surface piece 14A and the second side surface piece 14B. In this way, a container is formed in which the container 100 is housed in the storage box 4. Furthermore, in the container of this embodiment, like the container 202, the facing piece 18 makes it possible to hide the barcode printed on the container 100.

[0138] As with storage box 2, the worker faces the surface of the upper facing piece 15 toward the front of storage box 4. Furthermore, in the storage body of this embodiment, the side seal portion 122 is also folded in, and the containers 100 adjacent to the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B are pressed by the first side piece 14A and the second side piece 14B, respectively. That is, the multiple containers 100 are stored in storage box 4 with the side seal portion 122 folded to either side in the front-to-rear direction of the main body portion 140, and with the main body portion 140 slightly pushed inward in the left-to-right direction (see reference numeral 1062 in FIG. 12 ).

[0139] <Effects> Like the storage box 2, the storage box 4 can improve the workability of workers, reduce the possibility of the container 100 falling off, and allow the purchaser to see the container 100. Also, like the storage box 2, the material used for the storage box 4 can be minimized, and the transportation efficiency of the storage box 4 can be improved.

[0140] Additionally, in this embodiment, when the storage box 4 is assembled, the insertion piece 21 is inserted into the notch 25 with the first fixing piece 22A and the second fixing piece 22B positioned between the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20. This makes it possible to fix the facing piece 18 and the abutting piece 20 in a position facing the main face piece 11. Therefore, the bottom area of ​​the container 100 can be held.

[0141] In addition, both storage box 2 and storage box 4 have a configuration with facing piece 18, but while storage box 2 has six adhesive regions, storage box 4 can have four adhesive regions. In a configuration with facing piece 18, the amount of adhesive material used can be reduced.

[0142] 〔summary〕 The storage box of aspect 1 of the present invention is a storage box that stores a plurality of containers, each having a main body portion in which contents are stored and a neck portion connected to the main body portion, and comprises a main panel, a top panel piece that is connected to the main panel and has a through hole that holds the neck portion, a bottom panel piece that is connected to the main panel, and two side panels that are connected to the main panel, and each of the two opposing panels, which are opposed to each other when the storage box is assembled, has a plurality of deformation fold lines inside each of the opposing panels that allow the storage box to be deformed between an upright state in which the top panel, the bottom panel, and the two side panels are upright relative to the main panel, and a folded state in which the two opposing panels are folded.

[0143] A storage box according to a second aspect of the present invention is the storage box of the first aspect, wherein each of the plurality of deformation folding lines extends from a corner of the main surface piece.

[0144] A storage box according to a third aspect of the present invention is the storage box of the first or second aspect, wherein the two opposing pieces are the two side pieces.

[0145] A storage box according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the storage box of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the bottom piece has a notch piece that stands upright relative to the bottom piece.

[0146] The storage box of aspect 5 of the present invention is any of aspects 1 to 4, and is provided with a facing piece that is connected to the bottom piece at a position opposite to the connection position with the main surface piece and faces the lower region of the main surface piece when the storage box is assembled.

[0147] A container according to aspect 6 of the present invention is a container in which a plurality of the containers are accommodated in the container box described in any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the main body is constructed by bonding soft packaging material together, and a portion of the area where the soft packaging material is bonded forms a protrusion that protrudes to the side of the main body, and the plurality of containers are accommodated in a state in which the protrusion is folded in and the containers adjacent to each of the two side pieces are pressed by the side pieces.

[0148] Another aspect of the present invention can be expressed as follows.

[0149] In one embodiment of the storage box of the present invention, when the storage box is assembled and one of the two opposing deformation fold lines has a first fold line, and the other of the two pieces has a second fold line, the angle of the first fold line relative to the edge connecting the main surface piece and the one piece may be the same as the angle of the second fold line relative to the edge connecting the main surface piece and the other piece.

[0150] In one embodiment of the storage box of the present invention, when the storage box is assembled, the length in the perpendicular direction to the main surface piece in areas other than both end portions of the side piece may be shorter than the length in the perpendicular direction of the container when stored in the storage box.

[0151] A storage box according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a folding piece connected to each of the two side pieces, and an adhesive piece connected to each side of the facing piece and adhered to the folding piece, and when the storage box is assembled, the folding piece and the adhesive piece are folded in, so that the facing piece faces the main face piece.

[0152] A storage box according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an abutment piece that connects to the facing piece at a position opposite to the connection position with the bottom piece and abuts against the back surface of the facing piece when the storage box is assembled, an insertion piece that connects to the abutment piece at a position opposite to the connection position with the facing piece, a cut-out portion that is located on the edge connecting the bottom piece and the facing piece and into which the insertion piece is inserted, and a fixing piece that is connected to each of the two side pieces and fixes the positions of the facing piece and the abutment piece relative to each of the two side pieces when the storage box is assembled, and when the fixing piece is positioned between the facing piece and the abutment piece, the insertion piece may be inserted into the cut-out portion, so that the facing piece faces the main piece.

[0153] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1, 2, 3, 4 Storage Boxes 11 Main surface piece 12 Top pieces (two opposing pieces) 13 Bottom pieces (two opposing pieces) 14A First Side Piece (Two opposing side pieces) 14B Second side piece (side piece, two opposing pieces) 18 Opposite side 31 Cut piece 35, 38 Through holes 55 Corner BL11, BL12, BL13, BL14 Deformation curves 100 containers 131a Cylinder (neck) 140 Main body 122 Side seal part (protruding part) 201, 202 containment units

Claims

1. A storage box that stores a plurality of containers each having a main body portion in which contents are stored and a neck portion that connects to the main body portion, a main surface piece; a top surface piece having a through hole connected to the main surface piece and holding the neck portion; a bottom surface piece connected to the main surface piece; two side pieces connected to the main piece, A storage box, wherein each of the two opposing pieces among the top piece, the bottom piece, and the two side pieces when the storage box is assembled has a plurality of deformation fold lines inside each of the opposing pieces that enable the storage box to be deformed between an upright state in which the top piece, the bottom piece, and the two side pieces are upright relative to the main piece, and a folded state in which the two opposing pieces are folded.

2. The storage box according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of deformation folding lines extends from a corner of the main surface piece.

3. The storage box according to claim 1 , wherein the two opposing pieces are the two side pieces.

4. The storage box according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom piece has a notch that stands upright relative to the bottom piece.

5. The storage box according to claim 1, further comprising a facing piece that is connected to the bottom piece at a position opposite to the connection position with the main piece and that faces the lower region of the main piece when the storage box is assembled.

6. A container in which a plurality of the containers are accommodated in the container box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the main body is formed by bonding soft packaging materials together, and a part of the region where the soft packaging materials are bonded together forms a protruding portion that protrudes laterally from the main body, A container in which a plurality of containers are stored with the protruding portions folded in and the containers adjacent to each of the two side pieces pressed by the side pieces.

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