Container holder, aggregated body of containers, and holding method of container

Abstract

To provide a container holder, an aggregated body of containers, and a holding method of the containers capable of improving workability to hold a plurality of the containers.SOLUTION: A container holder 20 holds a plurality of containers 10, more than two of which are aligned side by side in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to each other. The container holder 20 is provided with: a bottom wall provided with first holes 35 in which the plurality of containers 10 are arranged; two first side walls 22, 23 arranged on both ends in the first direction of the bottom wall; and two top walls 26, 27 extending in the first direction oriented to come close to each other from the two first side walls 22, 23. Tips 26a, 27a of the two top walls 26, 27 are fixed between the plurality of containers 10 aligned in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container holder, a container assembly, and a method for holding containers. [Background technology]

[0002] A known container holder is one that can carry multiple containers together by folding a single piece of cardboard. In this container holder, the tops of multiple containers are placed in holes in the bottom wall. In this state, the locking claws on the first top wall are inserted above the tops into the locking holes in the second top wall, and the locking claws are locked into the locking holes. This completes the assembly of the container holder. The assembled container holder can hold the tops of multiple containers together (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-104812 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional container holders, the locking claws of the first top plate are inserted into the locking holes of the second top plate above the top of the container to lock the locking claws in the locking holes, which makes it difficult to insert the locking claws into the locking holes, preventing the container holder from improving workability when holding multiple containers.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a container holder, a container assembly, and a container holding method that can improve the workability of holding multiple containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. <1> A container holder according to one embodiment of the present invention is a container holder that holds a plurality of containers arranged in a matrix, with two or more in each of a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, and comprises a bottom wall having a first hole in which each of the plurality of containers is arranged, two first side walls provided at each end of the bottom wall in the first direction, and two top walls extending from each of the two first side walls in a direction approaching each other in the first direction, and the tips of the two top walls are fixed between the plurality of containers arranged in the first direction.

[0007] According to the container holder, the container holder is provided with a bottom wall, two first side walls, and two top walls. Furthermore, a first hole for arranging multiple containers is provided in the bottom wall. This allows multiple containers to be held by the container holder. Furthermore, the tips of the two top walls are fixed between the multiple containers. A space is formed between the multiple containers. Therefore, a space is formed below the position where the two top walls are fixed, and this space can be used to easily fix the two top walls. This improves the workability of holding multiple containers with the container holder. Furthermore, by fixing the tips of the two top walls between multiple containers, the rigidity (strength) of the container holder in space can be ensured, allowing multiple containers to be stably held by the container holder.

[0008] <2> the above <1> In the container holder according to the above, the plurality of containers may be arranged in pairs in the first direction, and the tips of the two top walls may be fixed between the two containers arranged in the first direction.

[0009] According to the container holder, by fixing the tips of the two top walls between two containers lined up in the first direction, the two top walls can be fixed at the center of the container holder in the first direction, which allows the container holder to hold multiple containers more stably.

[0010] <3> the above <1> In the container holder according to the above, the container holder may include a first top wall and a second top wall as the two top walls, and a second hole may be provided at the tip of the first top wall, and a piece may be provided at the tip of the second top wall that is positioned in the second hole.

[0011] According to the container holder, a second hole is provided at the tip of the first top wall. Also, a piece provided at the tip of the second top wall is placed in the second hole. Therefore, the piece can be overlapped with the second hole from the outside of the container holder. This allows the second top wall to be easily fixed to the first top wall by pushing the piece into the space between the containers. The task of pushing the piece into the space between the containers is easier than, for example, the task of inserting a locking piece into a locking hole. Therefore, the workability of holding multiple containers with the container holder can be improved.

[0012] <4> the above <3> In the container holder according to the above aspect, the second hole and the piece may be offset in the second direction relative to the first hole.

[0013] According to the container holder, the second hole and the piece are offset in the second direction relative to the first hole, which makes it possible to more appropriately ensure the rigidity of the container holder.

[0014] <5> the above <3> In the container holder according to the above aspect, the piece may contact at least one container of the plurality of containers.

[0015] The container holder can be brought into contact with the container by pushing the pieces in. This allows the pieces to be pushed into the appropriate pushing positions, thereby enabling the two top walls to be securely fixed by the pieces.

[0016] <6> the above <1> In the container holder according to the above aspect, at least one of the two top walls may be provided with a breaking line that crosses the top wall in the second direction.

[0017] According to the container holder, a break line is provided on one of the two top walls and extends in the second direction, so that the two top walls can be easily opened by breaking the break line.

[0018] <7> the above <1> In the container holder according to the above aspect, the container holder may further include two second side walls provided on both ends of the bottom wall in the second direction.

[0019] According to the container holder, the second side walls are provided on both ends of the bottom wall in the second direction, thereby reinforcing both ends of the bottom wall in the second direction with the second side walls, thereby ensuring more appropriate rigidity of the container holder.

[0020] <8> the above <1> In the container holder according to the present invention, the bottom wall may catch the vertical middle portion of each of the plurality of containers placed in the first hole, and the two top walls may cover the upper surfaces of the plurality of containers.

[0021] According to the container holder, the middle part of the container placed in the first hole in the bottom wall is hooked onto the bottom wall, and the top surface of the container is covered by two top walls, so that the container can be securely held by the bottom wall and two top walls.

[0022] <9> the above <1> In the container holder according to the present invention, the bottom wall and each of the two first side walls may be connected via a first fold line, and the two first side walls and each of the two top walls may be connected via a second fold line.

[0023] According to the container holder, the bottom wall and the first side wall are connected via a first fold line. Furthermore, the first side wall and the two top walls are connected via a second fold line. Therefore, the container holder can be easily assembled by folding the first fold line and the second fold line. This further improves the workability of holding multiple containers with the container holder.

[0024] <10> A container assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of containers arranged in a matrix, with at least two containers arranged in a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, and a container holder described in any one of claims 1 to 9 that holds the plurality of containers.

[0025] According to the container assembly, the container holder holds a plurality of containers, thereby improving the workability of holding a plurality of containers. Furthermore, by holding a plurality of containers with a container holder, the plurality of containers can be carried together as a group of containers.

[0026] <11> A container holding method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a container holding method for holding a plurality of containers arranged in a matrix, with at least two containers arranged in a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, using the container holder described in claim 9, and includes a first step of placing the plurality of containers in the first hole with the first fold line and the second fold line unfolded, and a second step of, after the first step, bending the first fold line and the second fold line and fixing the tips of the two top walls between the plurality of containers arranged in the first direction.

[0027] According to the container holding method, in the first step, multiple containers are placed in the first hole. After the first step, in the second step, the first fold line and the second fold line are bent to fix the tips of the two top walls between the multiple containers. Here, the tips of the two top walls are fixed between the multiple containers. A space is formed between the multiple containers. Therefore, the two top walls can be easily fixed by utilizing the space between the multiple containers. This improves the workability of holding multiple containers with the container holder.

[0028] <12> the above <10> In the container holding method according to the above aspect, in the first step, the plurality of containers may be placed in the first holes with the bottom wall placed on a jig.

[0029] According to the container holding method, in the first step, the bottom wall is placed on the jig and multiple containers are placed in the first holes. Therefore, with the bottom wall supported by the jig, multiple containers can be easily placed in the first holes. This further improves the workability of holding multiple containers with the container holder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, the workability of holding a plurality of containers can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an assembly of containers according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of the container holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a plan view showing the container holder of FIG. 2 in an unfolded state. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the container holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the container holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the container holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the container holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the container holder according to the embodiment, seen from one side. [Figure 9] 10 is a side view of the container holder according to the embodiment, seen from the other side. FIG. [Figure 10] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container holder of FIG. 6 taken along line AA. [Figure 11] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container holder of FIG. 6 taken along line BB. [Figure 12] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the container holder of FIG. 8 taken along line CC. [Figure 13] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the container holder of FIG. 8 taken along line DD. [Figure 14]9 is a cross-sectional view of the container holder of FIG. 8 taken along line EE. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the first half of a first step of placing a container holder on a fixing jig in the container holding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a fixing jig used in the container holding method according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a perspective view illustrating the second half of a first step of placing a container in a first hole of a container holder in the container holding method according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a perspective view illustrating the first half of a second step of bending two top walls of the container holder in the container holding method according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a perspective view illustrating the latter half of a second step of fixing the tips of two top walls in the container holding method according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] A container holder, a container assembly, and a container holding method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, arrow A indicates a first direction, arrow B indicates a second direction, and arrow C indicates the up-down direction.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the container assembly 1 includes a plurality of containers 10 and a container holder 20. The containers 10 include, for example, a top 11, a peripheral wall 12, and a bottom 13 (see also Figure 10). The top 11 is circular in plan view. A peripheral edge 11a of the top 11 extends radially outward from the peripheral wall 12 in an annular shape. A circular sheet 14 is attached to the top 11 in an openable and closable manner. The peripheral wall 12 is formed in the shape of an inverted truncated cone with an outer diameter that gradually decreases from the top 11 to the bottom 13. The bottom 13 is provided on the lower side of the peripheral wall 12 and closes the lower part of the peripheral wall 12. By peeling the sheet 14 from the top 11, the items stored inside the container 10 can be removed. The shape of the container 10 can be selected arbitrarily.

[0034] The multiple containers 10 are arranged in a matrix with two or more in each of a first direction A and a second direction B that are perpendicular to each other. In the embodiment, the multiple containers 10 are arranged in a matrix with two in the first direction A and four in the second direction B. Note that the matrix of the multiple containers 10 is not limited to two in the first direction A and four in the second direction B, and any matrix can be selected.

[0035] 1 to 3, the container holder 20 holds a plurality of containers 10. The container holder 20 is assembled, for example, by folding a single sheet of paperboard into a holder that holds a plurality of containers 10. The container holder 20 includes a bottom wall 21, two first side walls 22, 23, two second side walls 24, 25, and two top walls 26, 27.

[0036] 3 to 7, the bottom wall 21 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in plan view with both ends in a first direction A and both ends in a second direction B. A plurality of first holes 35 (see also FIG. 7) are provided in the bottom wall 21. The plurality of first holes 35 are arranged, for example, in two rows in the first direction A and four columns in the second direction B. Note that the matrix of the plurality of first holes 35 is not limited to two rows and four columns.

[0037] The first hole 35 is formed, for example, in a circular shape to fit the peripheral wall 12 of the container 10. A plurality of containers 10 are inserted partway into each of the plurality of first holes 35 from above. When the container 10 is placed in the first hole 35 from above, the middle portion 12a (see Figures 10 and 11) of the peripheral wall 12 of the container 10 in the up-down direction C catches on the periphery of the first hole 35. The periphery is provided on the bottom wall 21. That is, the middle portion 12a of the peripheral wall 12 of the container 10 catches on the bottom wall 21. This allows the container 10 to be held by the bottom wall 21. Note that the shape of the first hole 35 is not an essential part of the container holder 20. That is, the shape of the first hole 35 is not limited to a circular shape and can be selected arbitrarily.

[0038] 3, 7, 8, and 9, two first side walls 22, 23 are provided on both ends of the bottom wall 21 in the first direction A. In the following description, one of the two first side walls 22, 23 will be referred to as "one first side wall 22" and the other as "the other first side wall 23." One first side wall 22 is connected to one end of the bottom wall 21 in the first direction A via a first fold line 31. The other first side wall 23 is connected to the other end of the bottom wall 21 in the first direction A via the first fold line 31. The first fold line 31 is bendable. One first side wall 22 is raised upward from one end of the bottom wall 21 in the first direction A by bending the first fold line 31. The other first side wall 23 is raised upward from the other end of the bottom wall 21 in the first direction A by bending the first fold line 31.

[0039] Two second side walls 24, 25 are provided on both ends of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction B. In the following description, one of the two second side walls 24, 25 will be referred to as "one second side wall 24" and the other as "the other second side wall 25." One second side wall 24 is connected to one end of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction B via a third fold line 33. The other second side wall 25 is connected to the other end of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction B via the third fold line 33. The third fold line 33 is bendable. One second side wall 24 is raised upward from one end of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction B by bending the third fold line 33. The other second side wall 25 is raised upward from the other end of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction B by bending the third fold line 33.

[0040] One of the second side walls 24 is provided with two one-side protrusions 41 spaced apart in the first direction A along the third fold line 33. One of the protrusions 41 protrudes downward when one of the second side walls 24 is raised upward from one end of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction B. The number of one-side protrusions 41 is not limited to two and can be selected arbitrarily. The other second side wall 25 has two other protrusions 42 spaced apart in the first direction A along the third fold line 33. The other protrusions 42 protrude downward when the other second side wall 25 is raised upward from the other end of the bottom wall 21 in the second direction B. The number of the other protrusions 42 is not limited to two and can be selected arbitrarily.

[0041] 2, 3, and 6, two top walls 26, 27 are provided at the ends of the two first side walls 22, 23 in the first direction A. The two top walls 26, 27 include a first top wall 26 and a second top wall 27. The first top wall 26 is connected to an end of one of the first side walls 22 in the first direction A via a second fold line 32. The second top wall 27 is connected to an end of the other of the first side walls 23 in the first direction A via the second fold line 32.

[0042] The second fold line 32 is bendable. A plurality of first notches 45 are provided on the second fold line 32. The plurality of first notches 45 are arranged in positions corresponding to the plurality of first holes 35 in the second direction B. The first notches 45 are formed in a curved shape. The peripheral edge 11a of the top 11 of the container 10 is inserted into the first notches 45. Therefore, the peripheral edge 11a can be held by the first notches 45. This makes it possible to hold the container 10 placed in the first hole 35 more appropriately.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 10 to 14, the first top wall 26 is folded along the second fold line 32, so that it is arranged from the end of one of the second side walls 24 above the upper surfaces of the multiple containers 10 (i.e., the sheet 14). The first top wall 26 has two second cuts (slits) 47 at its leading end 26a in the first direction A. The two second cuts 47 are arranged at an interval in the second direction B. The second cuts 47 are formed in a roughly C-shape. The second cuts 47 are arranged at both ends 47a of the leading end 26a on the side of the end 26b in the first direction A, with an interval in the second direction B.

[0044] A bent piece 48 is provided inside the second cutout 47. The bent piece 48 is connected to the first top wall 26 via a connecting portion 49. The bent piece 48 is bent at the connecting portion 49, and is thereby removed from the second cutout 47 and positioned facing downward. As the bent piece 48 is positioned facing downward, a second hole 52 is opened inside the second cutout 47. That is, the second hole 52 is provided at the tip 26a of the first top wall 26.

[0045] The second top wall 27 is arranged along and above the upper surfaces (i.e., the sheet 14) of the multiple containers 10 by folding the second fold line 32. Furthermore, the tip 27a of the second top wall 27 in the first direction A is arranged along the tip 26a of the first top wall 26 from above. The tip 26a of the first top wall 26 and the tip 27a of the second top wall 27 are stacked in the vertical direction above and between the two containers 10 lined up in the first direction A (see also FIG. 1). That is, the two top walls 26, 27 extend from the two first side walls 22, 23, respectively, in directions approaching each other in the first direction A, and cover the upper surfaces of the multiple containers 10 (i.e., the sheet 14) from above.

[0046] Two pushing pieces (pieces) 54 are provided at the tip 27a of the second top wall 27. The two pushing pieces 54 are spaced apart in the second direction B. The two pushing pieces 54 are disposed above the two bent pieces 48 (i.e., the two second holes 52) when the tip 27a of the second top wall 27 is positioned from above along the tip 26a of the first top wall 26. The two second holes 52 and the two pushing pieces 54 are offset in the second direction B with respect to the multiple first holes 35. In other words, the two second holes 52 and the two pushing pieces 54 are disposed between adjacent first holes 35 in the second direction B. The two pushing pieces 54 are bent downward, and the two folding pieces 48 are folded downward together with the two pushing pieces 54. In this state, the two pushing pieces 54 contact the peripheral wall 12 of at least one container 10 among the plurality of containers 10 via the respective folding pieces 48.

[0047] That is, the two pushing pieces 54 are pushed downward through the two second holes 52 and engage with the peripheries of the two second holes 52. The peripheries of the two second holes 52 are formed at the tip 26a of the first top wall 26. Therefore, the two pushing pieces 54 engage with the tip 26a of the first top wall 26. As a result, the respective tips 26a, 27a of the two top walls 26, 27 are positioned between the two containers 10 aligned in the first direction A. Furthermore, the two tips 26a, 27a are fixed by two push-in pieces 54 and two second holes 52 arranged at an interval in the second direction B.

[0048] 1, 10, and 11, the two tips 26a, 27a are fixed above and between two containers 10 lined up in the first direction A. By fixing the two tips 26a, 27a, the multiple containers 10 arranged in the multiple first holes 35 in the bottom wall 21 are held together. In this way, the multiple containers 10 and the container holder 20 form a container assembly 1.

[0049] 1 to 3 and 6, a break portion 61 is provided in at least one of the two top walls 26, 27. Specifically, the break portion 61 is provided in the first top wall 26 of the two top walls 26, 27. The break portion 61 extends along the two bent pieces 48 so as to cross the first top wall 26 in the second direction B. In the embodiment, an example in which the breaking portion 61 is provided in the first top wall 26 will be described, but the breaking portion 61 may be provided in the second top wall 27. Alternatively, the breaking portion 61 may be provided in both the first top wall 26 and the second top wall 27.

[0050] The breaking portion 61 has two breaking lines 62 on both sides in the first direction A. The two breaking lines 62 extend across the first top wall 26 in the second direction B. Therefore, by lifting one end 61a of the breaking portion 61 upward, the two breaking lines 62 are broken and the breaking portion 61 is removed from the first top wall 26. This allows the first top wall 26 and the second top wall 27, which are fixed by the two tips 26a, 27a, to be opened upward. By opening the first top wall 26 and the second top wall 27 upward, the multiple containers 10 can be removed from the container holder 20.

[0051] Next, a container holding method for forming a container assembly 1 by holding a plurality of containers 10 with the container holder 20 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 , the container holder 20 is unfolded along two first fold lines 31, two second fold lines 32, and two third fold lines 33. Here, in the first half of the first step, with the container holder 20 in the unfolded state, the bottom wall 21 is placed on the upper wall 104 of the fixing jig (jig) 100. In this state, the plurality of first holes 35 in the bottom wall 21 are positioned above the plurality of holes 106 in the fixing jig 100.

[0052] 15 and 16, the fixing jig 100 is formed into a rectangular shape by two first vertical walls 102, two second vertical walls 103, and an upper wall 104. The two first vertical walls 102 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the first direction A. The two second vertical walls 103 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the second direction B. The upper wall 104, like the container holder 20, is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0053] The upper wall 104 is provided with a plurality of holes 106 and a plurality of openings 107. Similar to the plurality of first holes 35 in the container holder 20, the plurality of holes 106 are arranged, for example, in two rows in the first direction A and four columns in the second direction B. Note that the number of holes 106 can be changed as desired to match the number of first holes 35.

[0054] Furthermore, in the second direction B, a plurality of openings 107 are provided in holes 106 adjacent to the second vertical wall 103 among the plurality of holes 106. The plurality of openings 107 are connected to the holes 106 and extend to the second vertical wall 103. That is, in the second direction B, two of the plurality of openings 107 are provided adjacent to the second vertical wall 103 on one side, and two are provided adjacent to the second vertical wall 103 on the other side. Hereinafter, the two openings 107 provided adjacent to the second vertical wall 103 on one side will be described as "one opening 107." The two openings 107 provided adjacent to the second vertical wall 103 on the other side will be described as "the other opening 107." One opening 107 is formed so that one protruding piece 41 of the container holder 20 can be placed therein. The other opening 107 is formed so that the other protruding piece 42 of the container holder 20 can be placed therein.

[0055] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, in the first half of the first step, the bottom wall 21 of the unfolded container holder 20 is placed on the top wall 104 of the fixing jig 100. In this state, in the second half of the first step, one of the second side walls 24 is raised and folded along the third fold line 33. By raising one of the second side walls 24, one of the protruding pieces 41 is caused to protrude downward. The one protruding piece 41 that protrudes downward is placed in one of the openings 107. In addition, the other second side wall 25 is raised and folded along the third fold line 33. By raising the other second side wall 25, the other protruding piece 42 is caused to protrude downward. The other protruding piece 42 that protrudes downward is placed in the other opening 107.

[0056] By arranging one protrusion 41 in one opening 107 and the other protrusion 42 in the other opening 107, the container holder 20 can be stably supported by the upper wall 104 of the fixing jig 100. Furthermore, the bottom wall 21 of the container holder 20 can be easily positioned relative to the upper wall 104 of the fixing jig 100. In this state, multiple containers 10 are placed from above into the multiple first holes 35 and the multiple holes 106.

[0057] 17 and 18, in the first half of the second step, after the multiple containers 10 are placed in the multiple first holes 35 and the multiple holes 106, one of the first side walls 22 is raised and the first fold line 31 is folded. After the one of the first side walls 22 is raised, the second fold line 32 is folded so that the first top wall 26 is positioned above and along the tops 11 (specifically, the sheet 14) of the multiple containers 10. Furthermore, the other first side wall 23 is raised and folded along the first fold line 31. After the other first side wall 23 is raised, the second top wall 27 is folded along the second fold line 32 so as to be positioned above and along the tops 11 (specifically, the sheets 14) of the multiple containers 10.

[0058] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, in the latter half of the second step, the tip 27a of the second top wall 27 is placed over the tip 26a of the first top wall 26. With the tip 27a placed over the tip 26a, the two pushing pieces 54 are positioned above the two folding pieces 48. In this state, the two pushing pieces 54 are bent downward with the thumbs 70. By folding the two pushing pieces 54 downward, the two folding pieces 48 are folded downward together with the two pushing pieces 54. The two pushing pieces 54 come into contact with the peripheral wall 12 of at least one container 10 among the multiple containers 10 via the respective folding pieces 48 (see Figure 14).

[0059] The two pushing pieces 54 are pushed downward through the two second holes 52 and engage with the peripheries of the two second holes 52. Therefore, the two pushing pieces 54 engage with the tips 26a of the first top wall 26. As a result, the two tips 26a, 27a are fixed between the two containers 10 lined up in the first direction A by the two pushing pieces 54 and the two second holes 52. By fixing the two tips 26a, 27a, a container assembly 1 is formed by the multiple containers 10 and the container holder 20. After the container assembly 1 is formed, the container assembly 1 is lifted and removed from the fixing jig 100. This completes the process of the container holding method for forming the container assembly 1 that holds the multiple containers 10 using the container holder 20.

[0060] According to the embodiment of the container holder 20 described above, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the container holder 20 is provided with a bottom wall 21, two first side walls 22, 23, and two top walls 26, 27. Furthermore, a first hole 35 for arranging multiple containers 10 is provided in the bottom wall 21. This allows multiple containers 10 to be held by the container holder 20. Furthermore, the tips 26a, 27a of the two top walls 26, 27 are fixed between the multiple containers 10. Spaces are formed between the multiple containers 10. Therefore, spaces are formed below the positions where the two top walls 26, 27 are fixed, and these spaces can be used to easily fix the two top walls 26, 27. This improves the workability of holding multiple containers 10 with the container holder 20.

[0061] Furthermore, by fixing the tips 26a, 27a of the two top walls 26, 27 between the multiple containers 10, the rigidity (strength) of the container holder 20 in space can be ensured. This allows the container holder 20 to stably hold the multiple containers 10.

[0062] The tips 26a, 27a of the two top walls 26, 27 are fixed between the two containers 10 lined up in the first direction A. Therefore, the two top walls 26, 27 can be fixed at the center of the container holder 20 in the first direction A. This allows the container holder 20 to hold multiple containers 10 more stably.

[0063] Here, a second hole 52 is provided at the tip 26a of the first top wall 26. Furthermore, a pushing piece 54 provided at the tip 27a of the second top wall 27 is disposed in the second hole 52. Therefore, the pushing piece 54 can be overlapped with the second hole 52 from the outside of the container holder 20. This allows the second top wall 27 to be easily fixed to the first top wall 26 by pushing the pushing piece 54 into the space between the containers 10. The task of pushing the pushing pieces 54 into the spaces between the containers 10 is easier than, for example, the task of inserting locking pieces into locking holes. Therefore, the workability of holding multiple containers 10 with the container holder 20 can be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, the second holes 52 and the pushing pieces 54 are shifted in the second direction B with respect to the first holes 35. This makes it possible to ensure the rigidity of the container holder 20 more appropriately.

[0065] 1, 3, and 14, the pushing pieces 54 can be pushed in to contact the peripheral wall 12 of the container 10. This allows the pushing pieces 54 to be appropriately pushed into the pushing position. This allows the two top walls 26, 27 to be reliably fixed by the pushing pieces 54.

[0066] In addition, a break portion 61 is provided in the first top wall 26, which is one of the two top walls 26, 27. The break portion 61 extends across the second direction B. This allows the two top walls 26, 27 to be easily opened by breaking the break portion 61.

[0067] 1, 3, 8, and 9, second side walls 24, 25 are provided on both ends of bottom wall 21 in second direction B. Therefore, both ends of bottom wall 21 in second direction B can be reinforced by second side walls 24, 25. This makes it possible to more appropriately ensure the rigidity of container holder 20.

[0068] 1, 3, and 11, when a container 10 is placed in the first hole 35 of the bottom wall 21, the middle portion 12a of the peripheral wall 12 is hooked onto the periphery of the first hole 35 (i.e., the bottom wall 21). In addition, the upper surfaces of the multiple containers 10 (i.e., the sheet 14) are covered from above by the two top walls 26, 27. This allows the containers 10 to be securely held by the bottom wall 21 and the two top walls 26, 27.

[0069] 1 and 3, one first side wall 22 and the other first side wall 23 are connected to both ends of the bottom wall 21 in the first direction A via a first fold line 31. Furthermore, the first top wall 26 is connected to one first side wall 22 via a second fold line 32. Furthermore, the second top wall 27 is connected to the other first side wall 23 via the second fold line 32. Therefore, the container holder 20 can be easily assembled by folding the first fold line 31 and the second fold line 32. This further improves the workability of holding multiple containers 10 with the container holder 20.

[0070] According to the container assembly 1 of the embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of containers 10 are held by a container holder 20. This improves the workability of holding a plurality of containers 10. Furthermore, by holding a plurality of containers 10 with the container holder 20, the plurality of containers 10 can be carried together as a container assembly 1.

[0071] According to the container holding method of the embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 17 to 19, in a first step, multiple containers 10 are placed in the first hole 35. After the first step, in a second step, the first fold line 31 and the second fold line 32 are folded to fix the tips 26a, 27a of the two top walls 26, 27 between the multiple containers 10. Here, the tips 26a, 27a of the two top walls 26, 27 are fixed between the multiple containers 10. Spaces are formed between the multiple containers 10. Therefore, the two top walls 26, 27 can be easily fixed by utilizing the spaces between the multiple containers 10. This improves the workability of holding the multiple containers 10 with the container holder 20.

[0072] 15 and 17, in the first half of the first step, the bottom wall 21 of the container holder 20 is placed on the fixing jig 100. Therefore, with the bottom wall 21 of the container holder 20 supported by the fixing jig 100, multiple containers 10 can be easily placed in the first holes 35. This further improves the workability of holding multiple containers 10 with the container holder 20.

[0073] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0074] In addition, the components in this embodiment can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...Assemblage of containers 10...Container 12...Peripheral wall 12a...Intermediate portion 12a of the peripheral wall (intermediate portion of the container) 14...Sheet (top of container) 20...Container holder 21...Bottom wall 22, 23...Two first side walls 24, 25...Two second side walls 26, 27...Two ceiling walls (first ceiling wall, second ceiling wall) 26a, 27a...the tips of the two ceiling walls 31...First broken line 32...Second broken line 33...Third broken line 35...1st hole 52...Second hole 54...Pushing piece (piece) 61...Fracture portion 61 62...Break line 62 100...Fixed jig (jig) A…First direction B…Second direction

Claims

1. A container holder that holds a plurality of containers arranged in a matrix, with two or more containers arranged in each of a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, a bottom wall having first holes in which the plurality of containers are disposed; two first side walls provided at both ends of the bottom wall in the first direction; two top walls extending from the two first side walls, respectively, in directions approaching each other in the first direction; The container holder, wherein the tips of the two top walls are fixed between the plurality of containers arranged in the first direction.

2. The plurality of containers are arranged in pairs in the first direction, The container holder according to claim 1 , wherein the tips of the two top walls are fixed between two of the containers aligned in the first direction.

3. the container holder includes a first top wall and a second top wall as the two top walls, a second hole is provided at a tip of the first top wall; The container holder according to claim 1 , wherein a tip of the second top wall is provided with a piece that is disposed in the second hole.

4. The container holder of claim 3 , wherein the second hole and the piece are offset in the second direction relative to the first hole.

5. The container holder of claim 3 , wherein the piece contacts at least one container of the plurality of containers.

6. The container holder according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two top walls is provided with a break line that crosses the top wall in the second direction.

7. The container holder according to claim 1 , further comprising two second side walls provided at both ends of the bottom wall in the second direction.

8. a bottom wall catches a middle portion of each of the plurality of containers placed in the first hole in a vertical direction; The container holder according to claim 1 , wherein the two top walls cover upper surfaces of the plurality of containers.

9. the bottom wall and each of the two first side walls are connected via a first fold line; The container holder according to claim 1 , wherein each of the two first side walls and each of the two top walls are connected via a second folding line.

10. a plurality of containers arranged in a matrix, with at least two containers arranged in each of a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other; A container assembly comprising: a container holder according to claim 1 that holds the plurality of containers.

11. A method for holding a plurality of containers using the container holder according to claim 9, wherein the containers are arranged in a matrix with two or more containers arranged in each of a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, the method comprising: a first step of placing the plurality of containers in the first hole with the first fold line and the second fold line unfolded; a second step of, after the first step, bending the first fold line and the second fold line and fixing the tips of the two top walls between the plurality of containers lined up in the first direction.

12. The container holding method according to claim 11 , wherein in the first step, the plurality of containers are placed in the first holes with the bottom walls placed on a jig.

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