Container with inner tray

Abstract

To provide a container with an inner tray capable of suppressing liquid leakage during delivery.SOLUTION: A container with an inner tray comprises a container body 10, a lid body 20, and an inner tray 40. The inner tray 40 has: a tray body portion 41 corresponding to an opening 14; a convex pressure-receiving portion 42 erected from the tray body portion; and a tray support portion 44 extending from an outer edge of the tray body portion and supported on an inner wall of a side portion 12 of the container body. The lid body 20 has a lid body vent hole 29 communicating between the front and back sides. The inner tray 40 has an inner tray vent hole 47 communicating between its front and back sides and a vent groove 48 communicating between the inside and outside of the convex pressure-receiving portion. This forms ventilation passages 47, 51, 48, 52, and 29 while allowing close-fitting structures 12, 45 and interlocking structures 13, 24 to function appropriately.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container having an inner tray disposed between a container body and a lid, and is suitable for delivering beverages such as coffee. [Background technology]

[0002] In coffee chains and other establishments, beverages such as coffee are generally served in coffee cups, but sometimes beverages such as coffee are placed in paper or resin containers and then fitted with a resin lid. This lid is called a LID (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The lid has a drinking spout, so that consumers can drink coffee or other beverages with the lid on. Consumers can drink the beverage inside the store or take it home.

[0004] In addition to coffee, beverages such as coffee also include tea, soft drinks, fruit juices, soups, etc., and include hot and iced beverages. In this specification, hot coffee beverages will be described as a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0005] Meanwhile, as remote work and other working styles become more common, food and beverage delivery businesses are expanding. Demand for delivery of coffee and other beverages is also increasing. In urban areas, many deliveries are made by bicycle. Existing containers were not designed for bicycle delivery, and there is a risk of unintentional leakage due to vibrations during delivery.

[0006] Currently, existing containers are wrapped in plastic wrap and the edges of the wrap are taped to prevent leakage. However, this places a heavy burden on the store's operations. Containers wrapped in plastic wrap also look unsightly and are not well received by consumers. Furthermore, if liquid leaks inside the wrap, there is a risk that the leak will spread when the consumer removes the wrap. To begin with, some consumers say that plastic wrap is not enough to prevent leakage.

[0007] On the other hand, it is not reasonable for a store to use different containers for in-store eating, takeout, and delivery. It is preferable to use a common container.

[0008] Therefore, the inventors considered suppressing liquid leakage by placing an inner tray inside the existing container.

[0009] Food containers are provided with an inner plate to separate curry sauce from rice, or noodles from soup packets (for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-126174 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-218113 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The inner tray of a food container is often attached to the outer periphery of the container body. This slightly affects the fit between the lid and the container body, but if the contents are food, the risk of leakage is low and it is not a major problem.

[0012] On the other hand, if the inner tray structure of a food container is applied to a beverage container, the fit between the lid and the container body becomes loose, which may lead to leakage and obliterate the benefits of using an inner tray. As a result, the rationality of using a container that is common to both in-store consumption, takeout, and delivery is lost. In other words, there is room for further consideration of the details of the inner tray structure.

[0013] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a container with an inner tray that prevents liquid leakage during delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the container with inner tray of the present invention comprises a container body having an opening and an opening rim on its top surface, a lid body having a lid top surface, lid side surfaces, and a lid-side fitting portion provided on the lower part of the lid side surface that fits onto the opening rim, and an inner tray provided between the container body and the lid body. The inner tray has a dish main body corresponding to the opening, and a dish support portion extending from the outer edge of the dish main body and supported by the inner wall of the side of the container body.

[0015] The inner tray can prevent liquid leakage during delivery, and is supported by the inner side wall of the container body, maintaining the fit between the container body and the lid.

[0016] In the above invention, preferably, the dish support portion has an inner wall facing portion facing the inner wall of the side portion of the container body.

[0017] This allows the inner tray to be stably supported, which in turn improves the effectiveness of preventing liquid leakage.

[0018] In the above invention, preferably, the inner tray has a protrusion that stands upright from the tray main body and abuts against the underside of the lid top surface.

[0019] This allows the inner tray to be kept horizontal and stably supported, which improves the effectiveness of preventing liquid leakage.

[0020] In the above invention, preferably, the inner tray has a pressure receiving portion that is pressed against the underside of the lid top surface when the lid side fitting portion and the opening edge are fitted together, and the top surface of the pressure receiving portion is at a position higher than the assumed installation position on the underside of the lid top surface when the lid side fitting portion and the opening edge are not fitted together.

[0021] As a result, when a pressing force acts on the pressure receiving portion, the inner wall facing portion moves in conjunction with the pressing force.

[0022] In the above invention, preferably, when the lid side fitting portion and the opening edge are fitted together, the inner wall opposing portion approaches the side inner wall of the container body as the back side of the lid top surface presses against the top surface of the pressure receiving portion.

[0023] This allows the inner tray to be stably supported, which in turn improves the effectiveness of preventing liquid leakage.

[0024] In the above invention, preferably, the lid has a lid ventilation hole connecting the front and back, and the inner tray has an inner tray ventilation hole connecting the front and back and an ventilation groove connecting the inside and outside of the pressure receiving portion.

[0025] By forming a vapor ventilation passage, an increase in internal pressure can be suppressed, and liquid leakage can be suppressed.

[0026] To achieve the above object, the inner tray of the present invention is provided between a container body having an opening and an opening edge on its top surface, and a lid having a lid top surface, lid side surfaces, and a lid-side fitting portion provided on the lower part of the lid side surface and fitting to the opening edge. The inner tray has a dish main body corresponding to the opening, and a dish support portion extending from the outer edge of the dish main body and supported by the inner wall of the side of the container body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The container with inner tray of the present invention can prevent liquid leakage during delivery. It also provides stable support against vibrations during delivery. As a result, a further liquid leakage prevention effect can be expected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] Overall configuration of the container according to the embodiment [Figure 2] Overall configuration of the container according to the embodiment [Figure 3] Lid configuration according to the embodiment [Figure 4] Inner tray configuration according to the embodiment [Figure 5] Inner tray configuration according to the embodiment [Figure 6] Inner plate operation according to the embodiment [Figure 7] Inner plate operation according to the embodiment [Figure 8] Ventilation operation according to the embodiment [Figure 9] Swinging action according to the embodiment [Figure 10] Picking operation according to the embodiment [Figure 11] Modified inner tray configuration DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] ~Basic configuration~ The basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the overall configuration of a container. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the overall configuration of the container.

[0030] The container with inner tray comprises a container body 10, a lid body 20, and an inner tray 40. The inner tray 40 is provided between the container body 10 and the lid body 20.

[0031] The container body 10 comprises a bottom 11, a body 12, and an opening edge 13. The body 12 is formed in a generally inverted truncated cone shape from the bottom 11. An opening edge 13 is formed at the upper end of the body 12, and a circular opening 14 is formed by the opening edge 13. In other words, the diameter of the body 12 decreases from the opening edge 13 toward the bottom 11.

[0032] The material of the container body 10 is not limited, but it is generally made of resin or paper. If it is made of paper, the opening edge 13 is formed into a curled shape. Also, if it is made of paper, the base paper is covered with a laminate.

[0033] The dimensions of the container body 10 are not limited, but it is preferable that it be large enough to be held in one hand, and a practical size for the diameter of the opening 14 is about 60-120 mm.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lid 20. Fig. 3A is a perspective view, and Fig. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view. Note that the lid shown in the figure is an example, and is not limited to this.

[0035] The lid body 20 has a lid top surface 21 and a lid side surface 23 extending from the end of the top surface via a circumferential protrusion 22. The top surface of the circumferential protrusion 22 is one step higher than the lid top surface 21.

[0036] A lid-side fitting portion 24 extends from the lower portion of the lid side surface 23, and a circumferential skirt 25 extends from the lid-side fitting portion 24.

[0037] An opening, namely, drinking spout 26, is provided at one end of lid top surface 21. An opening / closing section 27 is provided at a position corresponding to drinking spout 26. In the initial state, drinking spout 26 is closed by opening / closing section 27. A recessed storage section 28 is provided approximately in the center of lid top surface 21. Opening / closing section 27 is pivotally supported on lid top surface 21, and is rotated to be stored and held in storage section 28. This forms drinking spout 26, namely, an opening.

[0038] A vent hole 29 that connects the front and back is provided on the top surface of the circumferential protrusion 22, at a position point-symmetrical to the drinking spout 26. This prevents negative pressure from being generated when drinking beverage from the drinking spout 26. In addition, there is no risk of beverage leaking from the vent hole 29 when the container is tilted.

[0039] The material of the lid 20 is not limited, but is generally made of resin or paper. In the case of resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, etc. are suitable.

[0040] The lid body 20 is attached to the container body 10 by fitting the fitting portion 24 of the lid body 20 into the opening edge 13 of the container body 10 .

[0041] The beverage is served with the lid 20 attached to the container body 10 for consumption in the store or for takeaway.

[0042] ~Characteristic composition~ The inner tray 40, which is a characteristic feature of this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4A is a side view, and Figure 4B is a plan view. Figure 5A is a perspective view from above, and Figure 5B is a perspective view from below.

[0043] The inner tray 40 comprises a tray main body 41 and a support portion 44. The tray main body 41 is formed in a spherical concave shape. The support portion 44 extends from the outer edge of the tray main body 41 via a circumferential convex portion (pressure receiving portion) 42 and a tray side portion 43.

[0044] The circumferential protrusion 42 stands upright from the spherical outer edge of the dish main body 41. The circumferential protrusion 42 has a top surface. The dish side portion 43 extends downward (slightly diagonally downward) from the circumferential protrusion 42.

[0045] The support portion 44 has a horizontal portion extending horizontally from the lower end of the dish side portion 43 and an inner wall facing portion 45 standing upright from the end of the horizontal portion. The length of the inner wall facing portion 45 is, for example, about 2 to 7 mm (5 mm in the illustration).

[0046] The inner tray 40 (mainly the inner tray body 41) corresponds to the container body opening 14. The inner tray 40 is supported on the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body via the inner wall facing portion 45. The inner wall facing portion 45 faces the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body (see Figure 2). The inner tray supporting operation will be described later (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0047] ~Characteristic Movement~ The inner tray support, which is a characteristic operation of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0048] 6A is a diagram showing the state before the lid body 20 is attached. First, the store clerk places the inner plate 40 in correspondence with the container body opening 14. The inner wall facing portion 45 of the inner plate is engaged with the tapered shape of the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body.

[0049] 6B is a diagram showing the lid 20 in a temporary attached state (opening edge 13 of container body 10 and fitting portion 24 of lid 20 are not yet fitted together). The store clerk places lid 20 in correspondence with container body opening 14. In this state, the top surface of peripheral protrusion (pressure receiving portion) 42 is located higher than the intended installation position on the back side of lid top surface 21.

[0050] 7A is a diagram showing an assumed installation position when mated on the underside of the lid top surface 21. The height is indicated by an arrow in the diagram. For example, it is about 0.5 to 4 mm higher (2 mm in the illustration).

[0051] The lid peripheral skirt 25 is engaged with the opening edge 13. This allows the lid 20 to be temporarily attached. At this time, the top surface of the peripheral protrusion (pressure receiving portion) 42 abuts against a corresponding position on the back side of the lid top surface 21.

[0052] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the top surface of the circumferential convex portion (pressure receiving portion) 42 and the corresponding position on the back side of the lid top surface 21, with the corresponding position indicated by a dotted line in the diagram.

[0053] 6C is a diagram showing the state in which lid bodies 20 are attached (opening edge 13 of container body 10 and fitting portion 24 of lid body 20 are fitted together). While holding container body 10, the store clerk pushes lid body 20 downward via peripheral protrusion 22 and lid side surface 23, so that opening edge 13 of container body 10 and fitting portion 24 of lid body 20 are fitted together.

[0054] At this time, a pressing force acts on the contact surface between the top surface of the circumferential protrusion 42 and a corresponding position on the back side of the lid top surface 21. The top surface of the pressure-receiving portion (circumferential protrusion) 42 receives the pressing force.

[0055] As the pressing operation is performed, the inner wall facing portion 45 also moves slightly downward along the tapered shape. The support portion 44 also undergoes elastic deformation. This interaction causes the inner wall facing portion 45 to approach the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body. In other words, the inner wall facing portion 45 moves in tandem.

[0056] It is preferable that the inner wall facing portion 45 be pressed against the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body and be in close contact with it. For manufacturing reasons, the inner wall facing portion 45 is formed in multiple steps, making perfect contact difficult, but it is attempted to achieve a state of close contact as much as possible. In this application, this is considered to be a close contact structure 12, 45. The inner plate 40 is stably supported by the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body via the inner wall facing portion 45.

[0057] ~Effects of distinctive configuration~ The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0058] In this embodiment, an inner tray 40 is provided in an existing lidded container 10, 20. This shortens the distance from the liquid surface to the inner tray body 41 compared to the distance from the liquid surface to the lid top surface 21 when no inner tray is provided. For example, it is shorter by approximately 5 to 10 mm (7 mm in the illustrated example). As a result, the ripple amplitude caused by vibrations during delivery is suppressed, thereby preventing liquid leakage.

[0059] The inner tray 40 is supported on the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body via the inner wall facing portion 45. At this time, the engagement between the opening edge 13 of the container body 10 and the engagement portion 24 of the lid 20 is maintained. In other words, the provision of the inner tray 40 does not cause the engagement to loosen, thereby preventing liquid leakage from the engagement.

[0060] However, if the inner tray 40 is initially tilted, the tilt will gradually increase due to vibrations during delivery, which may cause liquid to leak from the outer edge of the inner tray. Furthermore, if the liquid surface becomes rippled, the inner tray 40 may sink into the liquid. Therefore, it is important to position the inner tray horizontally.

[0061] The inner wall facing portion 45 is formed in multiple steps along the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body, and has a predetermined length along the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body. The inner wall facing portion 45 and the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body are very close to each other, resulting in near-surface contact. Compared to point contact, this provides more stable support and can prevent liquid leakage from the outer edge of the inner plate.

[0062] Furthermore, inner wall facing portion 45 is pressed against the inner wall of side portion 12 of the container body and comes into close contact with it (see FIG. 6C), thereby improving stability and also improving the effect of suppressing liquid leakage at the outer edge of the inner plate.

[0063] Even if the container were to tilt due to vibrations during delivery, the top surface of the peripheral convex portion 42 abuts against the underside of the lid top surface 21, which prevents the container from tilting. In this respect, horizontality is maintained, improving stability and also improving the effectiveness of preventing liquid leakage from the outer edge of the inner tray.

[0064] The store clerk places inner tray 40 in correspondence with container body opening 14 (see FIG. 6A), and then pushes lid 20 to push inner tray 40 into the inner wall of container body side 12 (see FIG. 6C). When initially placing inner tray 40, it is sufficient to check that it is roughly level, making it an easy task.

[0065] Meanwhile, the contact structure (see FIG. 7B) between the top surface of pressure receiving portion 42 and the underside of lid top surface 21 ensures that the pressure is transmitted evenly, ensuring the horizontality of inner tray 40. As a result, stable support and prevention of leakage can be easily ensured. Furthermore, the installation work is also easy.

[0066] The above interactions provide stable support even against vibrations during delivery, and are expected to have the effect of suppressing liquid leakage.

[0067] ~Vent flow path~ In the prototype model, the characteristic configuration described above stably supported inner tray 40, and the sealing performance of inner tray 40 was definitely improved (see Figure 6C). However, when a coffee beverage was actually placed in a container and the container was placed in a bag for delivery testing, unexpected stains occurred on the container and bag. These stains did not impair the quality of the coffee beverage and did not interfere with the consumer's ability to drink it, but they did damage the consumer's impression when they received the delivery.

[0068] The inventor speculated on the cause of the stains and concluded that the airtightness of the inner tray 40 prevents steam, especially that generated by hot beverages (such as hot coffee), from escaping, which increases the internal pressure, causing the inner tray 40 to seal tightly and the lid 20 to fit loosely, potentially resulting in leakage from those points.

[0069] The lid 20 is an existing product, and has a ventilation hole 29 on the top surface of the circumferential protrusion 22 that connects the front and back (see FIG. 3A).

[0070] The inner plate 40 is provided with a ventilation hole 47 and a ventilation groove 48 as a ventilation flow path configuration communicating with the ventilation hole 29.

[0071] An air vent 47 that connects the front and back is provided in the approximate center of the dish main body 41. In addition, a part of the circumferential protrusion 42 is lowered by one step and provided with an air vent groove 48 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0072] The ventilation operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the ventilation flow path.

[0073] Steam generated from the hot beverage passes through the vent holes 47 and is guided into a space 51 formed by the dish body 41, the circumferential protrusion 42 and the underside of the lid top surface 21.

[0074] The air then passes through ventilation groove 48, is guided into space 52 formed by dish side portion 43, support portion 44, lid side surface 23, and peripheral convex portion 22, and is then exhausted through ventilation holes 29 provided on the top surface of peripheral convex portion 22. The ventilation flow path is indicated by arrows in the figure.

[0075] ~Effects of ventilation channels~ The formation of the ventilation channel allows steam to escape, and liquid leakage due to an increase in internal pressure can be suppressed. In other words, the close-fitting structures 12, 45 and the fitting structures 13, 24 function properly.

[0076] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the expected rippling motion of the liquid surface. It is assumed that the liquid in the container sways in the primary mode due to the vibration caused by container delivery. At this time, a hydraulic pressure load is applied to the close-contact structures 12 and 45, but the close-contact structures 12 and 45 function properly, preventing liquid leakage.

[0077] On the other hand, although there is a risk of liquid leakage through the vent hole 47, the ripple amplitude at approximately the center is relatively small, and even if liquid leaks through the vent hole 47, it will be a very small amount. In this respect as well, liquid leakage can be suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, even if liquid leaks through the ventilation hole 47, there is almost no risk that the liquid will travel along the ventilation groove 48 provided in the horizontal direction, then change direction vertically and pass through the ventilation hole 29.

[0079] The dish main body 41 is formed in a spherical concave shape (see FIG. 5), and even if liquid leaks through the vent hole 47, the liquid will return to the vent hole 47 along the spherical concave shape. This also helps to prevent liquid leakage.

[0080] The above interactions are expected to further suppress leakage.

[0081] ~Picking~ Before delivery, the store clerk places the inner tray 40 in correspondence with the container body opening 14. After delivery, the consumer removes the lid body 20, removes the inner tray 40, and then attaches the lid body 20 again.

[0082] A portion of the spherical concave outer edge of dish main body 41 is dug out approximately vertically, and a pair of gripping portions 46 are formed between the spherical concave portion and circumferential convex portion 42 (see FIG. 5). That is, while gripping the spherical concave portion of dish main body 41 is slippery and difficult, gripping gripping portions 46 is easy.

[0083] 10 is a diagram illustrating the pinching operation. The pair of pinching portions 46, 46 may be pinched with the thumb and index finger (operation example 1). The pinching portions 46, 46 are slightly more rigid than other portions, allowing for secure pinching. One of the pinching portions 46 may also be pinched with the thumb and index finger (operation example 2).

[0084] This makes it easier for the store clerk to place the inner tray and for the consumer to take out the inner tray.

[0085] ~Variations~ Modifications of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11A is a perspective view of an inner tray according to Modification 1. Fig. 11B is a perspective view of an inner tray according to Modification 2. The existing lidded containers 10 and 20 share the same basic structure.

[0086] Modifications 1 and 2 include a support portion 44 having a horizontal portion and an inner wall facing portion 45. The inner plate 40 is supported by the inner wall of the side portion 12 of the container body via the support portion 44.

[0087] Variation 1 has a knob that stands upright in the center of the inner tray body, while variation 2 has a pair of knobs that stand upright on both ends of the periphery of the inner tray body.

[0088] In Modifications 1 and 2, the knob top surface may be in contact with the underside of lid top surface 21. Furthermore, when lid body 20 is temporarily attached (unfitted), the knob top surface may be located higher than the expected installation position on the underside of lid top surface 21. When a pressing force acts on the knob top surface due to the fitting of container body 10 and lid body 20, inner wall opposing portion 45 moves in conjunction.

[0089] In the first and second modifications, effects similar to those of this embodiment can be expected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Container body 11 Bottom 12 Side 13 Opening edge 14 Openings 20 Lid 21 Lid top 22 Lid side 23 Lid side fitting part 24 Circumferential convex part 25 Circumferential Skirt 26 spout 27 Opening and Closing Section 28 Storage area 29 Ventilation holes 40 Medium Plate 41 Dish body 42 Pressure receiving part 43 Plate side 44 Support part 45 Inner wall facing part 46 Knob 47 Ventilation holes 48 Ventilation groove 51 Space 52 Space

Claims

1. a container body having an opening and an opening edge on the top surface; a lid body having a lid top surface, a lid side surface, and a lid side fitting portion provided at a lower portion of the lid side surface and fitted to the opening edge; an inner tray provided between the container body and the lid; Equipped with The lid has a lid ventilation hole that communicates between the front and back, The inner plate is a dish body corresponding to the opening; a dish support portion extending from the outer edge of the dish body and supported by the inner wall of the side of the container body; a convex pressure receiving portion that stands upright from the dish portion main body and is pressed against the back side of the lid top surface; An inner tray ventilation hole that connects the front and back, and a ventilation groove that connects the inside and outside of the convex pressure receiving portion. have A container with an inner tray.

2. The dish support portion is an inner wall facing portion facing the inner wall of the side portion of the container body. have 2. The container with an inner tray according to claim 1.

3. The pressure receiving portion is pressed against the back side of the lid top surface when the lid-side fitting portion and the opening edge are fitted together, The top surface of the pressure receiving portion is located at a position higher than the assumed installation position on the back side of the lid top surface when the lid-side fitting portion and the opening edge are not fitted together.

3. The container with an inner tray according to claim 2.

4. In a state where the lid-side fitting portion and the opening edge are fitted together, As the back side of the lid top surface presses against the top surface of the pressure receiving portion, The inner wall facing portion approaches the inner wall of the side portion of the container body.

4. The container with an inner tray according to claim 3.

5. A container body having an opening and an opening edge on the top surface, and a lid body having a lid top surface, a lid side surface, and a lid side fitting portion provided on a lower part of the lid side surface and fitted to the opening edge, wherein the inner plate is provided between the container body and the lid body; a dish body corresponding to the opening; a dish support portion extending from the outer edge of the dish body and supported by the inner wall of the side of the container body; a convex pressure receiving portion that stands upright from the dish portion main body and is pressed against the back side of the lid top surface; An inner tray ventilation hole that connects the front and back, and a ventilation groove that connects the inside and outside of the convex pressure receiving portion. have A medium-sized plate characterized by its design.

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