Container

Abstract

To provide a container excellent in handleability.SOLUTION: In a container (1) of an approximately rectangular shape in a plan view, first hand hook parts (6) are provided closer to both end parts in a horizontal direction in mutually opposed long side walls (21, 22). The first hand hook parts (6) are provided at lower parts in the mutually opposed long side walls (21, 22), and the container (1) can be vertically stacked in a state where an article is stored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The foldable container disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a foldable container whose side panels are pivotally supported so that they can tilt inward, and has pocket-shaped handles that open downwards provided on the upper edges of the outer surfaces of the side panels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-042956 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the container configuration of Patent Document 1, the handle is located at the top of the container, which can make it difficult to maintain balance when trying to lift the container by inserting one's fingers into the handle, and improvements in maneuverability are desired.

[0005] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a container that is easier to handle than conventional containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a container according to one aspect of the present invention is a container that is rectangular in plan view and includes opposing first side walls and opposing second side walls, and the container comprises: a bottom wall portion that is rectangular in plan view; and a bottom wall component including base portions that stand up from each end side of the bottom wall portion, the base portions being constituted by a first base portion included in the first side wall and a second base portion included in the second side wall; and a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion connected to the bottom wall component so as to be rotatable and displaceable between an upright position where the bottom wall component is erected above the bottom wall component and a laying position where the bottom wall component is laid down above the bottom wall component, the first side wall portion being included in the first side wall and connected to the first base portion, and the second side wall portion being included in the second side wall and connected to the second base portion. The first base portion has a longer rise from the edge of the bottom wall portion than the second base portion, and the container can be changed between an assembled state in which the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are in the upright position and a folded state in which the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are in the reclined position, and the first base portion includes an inner wall, a connecting wall extending outward from the inner wall, and an outer wall arranged opposite the inner wall at a predetermined distance and extending downward from the edge of the connecting wall, and the first base portion includes an opening portion that opens downward in the space between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a notch portion cut out upward is formed at the lower end of the outer wall, and the vertical length of the notch portion is longer than the rise length of the second base portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a container that is easier to handle than conventional containers can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the long side wall of the container shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bottom wall component provided in the container shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view showing the container shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is an enlarged view of a region including a first handle portion on a long side wall of the container shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the container shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view of the first handle portion as seen from the bottom side of the container shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container taken along the line AA' shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the long side wall of the container shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the containers (assembled state) shown in FIG. 1 stacked on top of each other. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the containers (folded state) shown in FIG. 4 stacked on top of each other. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line shown in FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG. 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A container according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings also show three-dimensional coordinates of the XYZ system, with the XY plane defining the horizontal plane and the Z axis defining the vertical direction (the negative direction of the Z axis defines the direction of gravity).

[0010] 1 is a perspective view of a container 1 of this embodiment. The container 1 is a container that is generally rectangular in plan view, and includes a bottom wall component 20, opposing long side walls 21 and 22, and opposing short side walls 23 and 24, forming a generally box-like shape that opens upward. The container 1 is configured so that items can be stored in storage spaces (storage sections) above the bottom wall component 20 (bottom wall section 205) and inside the side walls 21 to 24.

[0011] The opposing long side walls 21, 22 each have wall surfaces on both sides that are generally along the YZ plane, with the inner surface of one long side wall 21 facing the inner surface of the other long side wall 22. The opposing short side walls 23, 24 each have wall surfaces on both sides that are generally along the XZ plane, with the inner surface of one short side wall 23 facing the inner surface of the other short side wall 24.

[0012] One of the horizontal ends of one of the opposing long side walls 21, 22 is adjacent to one of the short side walls 23. The other of the horizontal ends of one of the long side walls 21 and the other of the horizontal ends of the other long side wall 22 is adjacent to the other short side wall 24.

[0013] The container 1 is provided with first handle portions 6 near both horizontal ends of the opposing long side walls 21, 22 in Fig. 1. Of the first handle portions 6 provided on the opposing long side walls 21, 22, Fig. 1 only shows the first handle portion 6 provided on the outer wall surface of the other long side wall 22, but a first handle portion 6 is also provided on the outer wall surface of one long side wall 21.

[0014] The locations of the first handles 6 will be explained using Figure 2, which is a side view of the outer wall surface of the other long side wall 22. The first handles 6 are provided near both horizontal ends 2223, 2224 of the other long side wall 22. Each first handle 6 is provided on the lower side of the other long side wall 22. More specifically, the first handle 6 is provided at the lower end of the other long side wall 22. A first handle 6 is also provided on one long side wall 21 in the same way, meaning that four first handles 6 are provided on the container 1 as a whole. However, this number is not limited to four.

[0015] The following describes the position of the first handle portion 6 at the lower end of the other long side wall 22. In the following, the first handle portion 6 disposed closer to the other end portion 2224 of the other long side wall 22 shown in FIG.

[0016] 2 is disposed at the lower end of bottom wall forming portion 20 in a range P3 from the other end 2224 to 20% or less of the length between end 2223 and end 2224 of the other long side wall 22 (the horizontal length of the other long side wall 22). This allows container 1 to be stably supported when the container 1 is lifted by placing fingers on first handle 6.

[0017] The location of the first handle 6 near the other end 2224 is not limited to within range P3. That is, the first handle 6 may be located in range P2, which extends from the other end 2224 to 25% or less of the horizontal length of the other long side wall 22. Furthermore, the first handle 6 may be located in range P1, which extends from the other end 2224 to 49% or less of the horizontal length of the other long side wall 22. If the first handle 6 is located in such range P2 or range P1, the container 1 can be supported relatively stably when the container 1 is lifted by placing the fingers on the first handle 6. Furthermore, the first handle 6 can be located appropriately depending on the size of the container 1.

[0018] As with the first handle portion 6 closer to the other end 2224, the first handle portion 6 provided closer to one end 2223 of the other long side wall 22 is preferably provided in a range from one end 2223 to 20% or less of the horizontal length of the other long side wall 22. However, it may be provided in a range from one end 2223 to 25% or less of the horizontal length of the other long side wall 22. It may also be provided in a range from one end 2223 to 49% or less of the horizontal length of the other long side wall 22.

[0019] The position of the first handle portion 6 near one end 2223 on the other long side wall 22 and the position of the first handle portion 6 near the other end 2224 may be the same distance from the end to which they are close, or may be different.

[0020] The first handle portions 6 provided on one long side wall 21 are also provided near both ends of the one long side wall 21, and their positions are the same as those of the first handle portions 6 provided on the other long side wall 22. Here, the first handle portion 6 provided on one long side wall 21 near one short side wall 23 and the first handle portion 6 provided on the other long side wall 22 near one short side wall 23 (near one end 2223) do not need to be located coaxially in the X-axis direction. As an example, the first handle portions 6 provided on the long side walls 21 and 22 may be located so as to partially overlap in the X-axis direction. Also, as an example, the first handle portion 6 provided on one long side wall 21 near one short side wall 23 may be located within range P3, and the first handle portion 6 provided on the other long side wall 22 near one short side wall 23 may be located within range P1 excluding range P3. The same applies to the first handle portion 6 closer to the other short side wall 24 (closer to the other end 2224).

[0021] As a method of using the first handle 6, when a single person is lifting the container 1, the carrier can lift the container 1 by hooking their fingers on the first handle 6 provided on one long side wall 21 near one short side wall 23, and on the first handle 6 provided on the other long side wall 22 near one short side wall 23. When a single person is carrying the container 1, if the first handle 6 for the left hand and the first handle 6 for the right hand are not coaxial, as described above, this has the advantage of making it easier to support and lift the container 1. Furthermore, when a single person is carrying the container 1, the first handle 6 can also be used to hook the container 1 and pull it towards them.

[0022] As another method of use, the container 1 can also be lifted by two people. In this case, one carrier inserts the fingers of his right hand and the fingers of his left hand into the first handholds 6 located near the short side wall 23 of one of the long side walls 21, 22. Then, another carrier inserts the fingers of his right hand and the fingers of his left hand into the first handholds 6 located near the other short side wall 24 of each of the long side walls 21, 22. When the items to be stored in the storage section are heavy, or when the container 1 is relatively long, with the opposing long side walls 21, 22 measuring approximately one meter in length in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction), it is preferable for two people to lift the container 1.

[0023] The container 1 of this embodiment is a foldable container in which the long side walls 21, 22 and the short and long side walls 23, 24 can be folded. Therefore, the following describes the details of the container 1 for realizing folding.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the container 1 includes first side wall portions 210, 220, second side wall portions 230, 240, and a bottom wall constituent portion 20. In outline, the container 1 is foldable by connecting (pivoting) the first side wall portions 210, 220 and the second side wall portions 230, 240 to the bottom wall constituent portion 20 so that they can tilt, and are configured to be rotatable between an upright position in which they stand upward and a reclined position in which they are reclined above the bottom wall constituent portion. Below, the configuration of the bottom wall constituent portion 20 will first be described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0025] The bottom wall forming portion 20 has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view and includes a rectangular bottom wall portion 205 that forms the bottom of the container 1, and base portions 201, 202, 203, and 204 that rise in the positive direction of the Z axis from each of the four end sides of the bottom wall portion 205. The base portion 201 forms the lower portion of one long side wall 21 (FIG. 1), the base portion 202 forms the lower portion of the other long side wall 22, the base portion 203 forms the lower portion of one short side wall 23 (FIG. 1), and the base portion 204 forms the lower portion of the other short side wall 24 (FIG. 1). More specifically, the one long side wall 21 is formed by connecting a first side wall portion 210 to the base portion 201. The other long side wall 22 is formed by connecting a first side wall portion 220 to the base portion 202. One of the short side walls 23 is formed by connecting a second side wall portion 230 to a base portion 203. The other short side wall 24 is formed by connecting a second side wall portion 240 to a base portion 204. In this embodiment, each of the long side walls 21, 22 and each of the short side walls 23, 24 is formed by two components. However, this is not a limitation of this embodiment. Each of the long side walls 21, 22 and each of the short side walls 23, 24 may be a single-piece side wall or may be a side wall formed by three or more components. The bottom wall component 20 also has corner protrusions that protrude from both ends of the base portions 201, 202 (the base portions on the long side walls 21, 22 side) above the base portions 203, 204 (the base portions on the short side walls 23, 24 side) and are connected to the upper surfaces of the base portions 203, 204 (the base portions on the short side walls 23, 24 side).

[0026] The first side walls 210, 220 and the second side walls 230, 240 are each hingedly connected to a base of the bottom wall component 20, and are configured to be rotatable between an upright position where they stand upright and a reclined position where they are reclined above the bottom wall component. That is, the side walls 210-240 connected to the bases 201-204 are rotatable about imaginary axes 1L-4L shown in Fig. 4. The protrusion length of the bases 201, 202 on the first side walls 210, 220 side from the bottom wall 205 is longer than the protrusion length of the bases 203, 204 on the second side walls 230, 240 side from the bottom wall 205. For this reason, in this embodiment, the container 1 is configured such that the second side wall portions 230, 240 are first displaced to the laying position, and then the first side wall portions 210, 220 are displaced to the laying position.

[0027] With this configuration, the container 1 can be folded as shown in Fig. 4 by rotating each of the side walls 210-240 so that they are laid down above the bottom wall 205. Note that in Fig. 4, the second side walls 230, 240 are not visible because they are sandwiched between the bottom wall 205 of the bottom wall forming part 20 and the first side walls 210, 220. This state in which the first side walls 210, 220 and the second side walls 230, 240 are each in a laid-down position is referred to as the "folded state."

[0028] When the first side wall portions 210, 220 and the second side wall portions 230, 240 are rotated and raised from the folded state, the adjacent side wall portions can be maintained connected to each other in the raised position. For example, the adjacent side wall portions are maintained in the raised position by locking with each other using a locking function (not shown). Hereinafter, the state in which the first side wall portions 210, 220 and the second side wall portions 230, 240 are each in the raised position will be referred to as the "assembled state."

[0029] That is, the container 1 is a foldable container that can be changed between a "folded state" and an "assembled state."

[0030] The first handhold 6 is provided at the lower end of the outer edge of the bottom wall component 20 on the side where the first side wall portions 210, 220 are connected. Specifically, the first handhold 6 is provided at the lower end of the base portions 201, 202 on the first side wall portions 210, 220 side, which protrude from the bottom wall 205 longer than the base portions 203, 204 on the second side wall portions 230, 240 side. FIG. 5 shows the other long side wall 22, which includes the other first side wall portion 220 provided on the upper side in an upright state and the base portion 202 connecting the other first side wall portion 220 at its upper end. As shown in FIG. 6, which shows the lower end of the base portion 202 viewed from below, the first handhold 6 is a portion of the lower end of the base portion 202 that opens downward, and the carrier's fingers are inserted into this opening. When carrying the container 1, the carrier lowers his / her arm from roughly above the container 1 along the long side wall, makes a hook shape with his / her fingers, and inserts the fingertips into the first handle portions 6 on the opposing long side walls 21, 22.

[0031] 7 shows the container 1 turned upside down. Focusing on one of the first handle portions 6, the opening is a portion at the lower end of the outer edge of the bottom wall component 20 where an outer wall 7 located on the outer side of the container 1 and an inner wall 8 located on the inner side are arranged facing each other with a predetermined distance between them. The opening is open downward, allowing fingers to be inserted into the gap that continues upward from the gap. The outer wall 7 and inner wall 8 of the opening of the first handle portion 6 are connected by multiple connecting walls 9. In this embodiment, each of the base portions 201, 202 includes the outer wall 7, the inner wall 8, and the connecting wall 9. In other words, the base portions 201, 202 of the bottom wall forming portion 20 are composed of an inner wall 8 extending upward from the edge of the bottom wall portion 205, a connecting wall 9 extending outward from the upper end of the inner wall 8, and an outer wall 7 disposed opposite the inner wall 8 at a predetermined distance and extending downward from the edge of the connecting wall 9, and the cross section perpendicular to the Y direction is formed into a substantially inverted U shape. The opening of the first handhold 6 is configured so that four fingers, excluding the thumb, can be inserted side by side in the Y axis direction. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the opening of the first handhold 6 is divided into multiple regions 6a, 6b, and 6c, and the index finger and middle finger can be inserted in the first region 6a, and the ring finger and little finger can be inserted in the third region 6c.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA′ in FIG. 5 . The outer wall 7 and the inner wall 8 are spaced apart in the X-axis direction, forming a first handle portion 6. The outer wall 7 and the inner wall 8 are connected by a connecting wall 9 at the upper end of the base portion 202 and also at the middle of the base portion 202 by another connecting wall 9 having a plane in the XZ plane. As shown in FIG. 8 , the first handle portion 6 is formed by cutting the lower end of the outer wall 7 upward to form a cutout portion 7a. The presence of the cutout portion 7a provides a wide opening on the outside of the first handle portion 6, making it easy to insert fingers. Note that the first handle portion 6 does not necessarily have to have an opening and a connecting wall 9. Alternatively, the first handle portion 6 may be configured so that fingers are hooked only on the cutout portion 7a, or so that fingers are hooked on the cutout portion 7a and the lower end of the connecting wall 9.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the opposing long side walls 21, 22 are provided with second handles 60 above the first handles 6. The second handles 60 are provided near both horizontal ends of the opposing long side walls 21, 22. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second handles 60 are located above the other first side wall 220 and can be configured as an outwardly protruding portion having a lower surface parallel to the XY plane. Note that a second handle 60 is also provided on one long side wall 21 (one first side wall 210) shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 9, which schematically illustrates one long side wall 22, the second handles 60 provided near one end of the long side wall 22 and the second handles 60 provided near the other end do not need to be equidistant from the adjacent ends 2223, 2224. Note that the distances may be equal.

[0034] In addition to the second handle 60, other handles 600 may also be provided on the long side walls (first side wall portions 210, 220) and the short side walls (second side wall portions 230, 240) as shown in Fig. 6. The other handles 600 may be formed by protruding portions similar to the second handle 60. The other handles 600 may be provided at intermediate positions in the horizontal direction above the long side walls (first side wall portions 210, 220) and the short side walls (second side wall portions 230, 240), but are not limited to this.

[0035] The container 1 of this embodiment is configured to be stackable vertically with items stored in the storage compartment. The state in which items are stored in the storage compartment refers to the state in which the container 1 is assembled. In other words, the containers 1 can be stacked vertically in the assembled state. FIG. 10 shows assembled containers 1 stacked on top of each other. In the example of FIG. 10, three containers 1 are stacked vertically, but the number of containers is not limited to this. Even in this stacked state, the cutout portion 7a of the upper assembled container 1 and the long side wall of the lower assembled container 1 are positioned opposite each other with a predetermined vertical distance between them, so that a carrier can place their hands on the first handle portion 6 below (at the bottom end of) each container 1. The same applies to the second handle portion 60 (FIG. 5).

[0036] The container 1 is provided with a first stacking restriction part that can restrict horizontal movement of the upper stacked assembled container 1. The first stacking restriction part will be described with reference to Fig. 11, which is an enlarged view of the connection between the containers 1 stacked as in Fig. 10, and Fig. 12, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' in Fig. 11.

[0037] The first stacking restriction portion 40 includes two combinations. The first combination is a combination of a lower surface protrusion 205a protruding downward from the bottom wall portion 205 of the bottom wall forming portion 20 provided in the upper container 1 shown in Fig. 12 and the opening 100 of the lower container 1. The lower surface protrusion 205a protruding downward from the bottom wall portion 205 of the upper container 1 fits into the opening 100 of the lower container 1, restricting horizontal movement of the upper container 1.

[0038] The second combination in the first stacking restriction unit 40 is a combination of an engaging portion 202a extending downward from the lower end of the outer side (outer end) of the base portion 202 on the long side wall side of the bottom wall constituent portion 20 provided in the upper container 1 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , and an engaged portion 101 provided at the upper end of the long side wall (first side wall portion 220) of the lower container 1 and configured to be recessed inward from the outer side (outer end) (recessed outward so that the upper and outer sides are open). The engaging portion 202a engages with the engaged portion 101, thereby restricting movement of the upper container 1 in the horizontal direction (XY direction). Note that, although pairs of engaging portion 202a and engaged portion 101 are provided at four locations along the first side wall portion 220, the number is not limited to this. 11, in this embodiment, there are pairs of engaging portion 202a and engaged portion 101 on both sides of first handle portion 6. The pair on one side of first handle portion 6 and the pair on the other side have different structures. Note that the second combination described above is also provided in first side wall portion 210 and base portion 201.

[0039] According to this embodiment, when assembled containers 1 are stacked one on top of the other, the upper container 1 can be prevented from moving horizontally, making it less likely for items stored in the storage section to collapse and preventing the upper container 1 from falling.

[0040] Here, a guide rail 102 extending in the Y-axis direction is disposed at the upper end of the long side wall (first side wall portions 210, 220) of the lower container 1 in an area where the engaged portion 101 is not provided, and is configured to be recessed from the outer side (outer end) to the inner side (recessed outward so that the upper and outer sides are open). In the process of stacking the upper container 1 on the lower container 1, the upper container 1 can slide in the Y-axis direction along this guide rail 102, making the stacking operation more efficient. The engaging portion 202a of the upper container 1 slides in the Y-axis direction along the guide rail 102 of the lower container 1 and engages with the engaged portion 101 and stops, thereby realizing positioning of the containers 1 relative to each other. In this way, when the engaging portion 202a of the upper container 1 and the engaged portion 101 of the lower container 1 engage with each other, the notch portion 7a of the first handle portion 6 of the upper container 1 and the upper end of the long side wall (first side wall portions 210, 220) of the lower container 1 are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined separation distance in the vertical direction (Z direction). As shown in Fig. 12, a large space can be secured by the notch portion 7a of the first handle portion 6 of the upper container 1 and the outwardly recessed portion that forms the guide rail 102, so that fingers can be easily inserted and removed from the first handle portion 6 even when the containers are stacked.

[0041] The containers 1 can be stacked even in the folded state. FIG. 13 is an overall perspective view showing, as an example, three containers 1 stacked one above the other in the folded state, and FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion thereof. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in the enlarged view of FIG. 14. When the container 1 of this embodiment is in the folded state, the base portions 201, 202 on the long side wall side of the bottom wall constituent portion 20 are the highest part. Therefore, the stacked containers 1 are stacked using the base portions 201, 202 on the long side wall side as supports. Even when folded containers 1 are stacked on top of each other, the cutout portion 7a of the upper folded container 1 and the base portions 201, 202 (parts of the bottom wall constituent portion) on the long side wall side of the lower folded container 1 are arranged facing each other at a predetermined vertical distance. This allows a person carrying the container to place their fingers on the first handle 6 located below (at the bottom end of) each container 1.

[0042] The containers 1 are each provided with a second stacking restriction section 50 that can restrict horizontal movement of the upper folded container 1 of the stack. The second stacking restriction section 50 includes an engaged section 202b provided at the upper end of the base section 202 on the long side wall side of the lower container 1, and an engaging section 202a extending downward from the lower end of the outer end (outer end) of the base section 202 of the upper container 1. The engaged section 202b is configured so that the upper end of the base section 202 is recessed from the outer side to the inner side (recessed outward so that the upper and outer sides are open), and engages with the engaging section 202a. Engagement of the engaging section 202a and the engaged section 202b restricts horizontal movement (XY direction) of the upper folded container 1 of the stack. A similar second stacking restriction section 50 is also provided on the base section 201 side.

[0043] In this manner, when the engaging portion 202a of the upper container 1 and the engaged portion 202b of the lower container 1 engage, the notch portion 7a of the first handle portion 6 of the upper container 1 and the upper end of the base portions 201, 202 of the lower container 1 are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined vertical (Z-direction) separation distance. As shown in FIG. 15 , a large space is secured by the notch portion 7a of the first handle portion 6 of the upper container 1 and the outwardly recessed portion that forms the engaged portion 202b, making it easy to insert and remove fingers into and from the first handle portion 6 even when the folded containers 1 are stacked. Note that the second stacking restriction portion 50 functions when the folded container 1 is positioned at the bottom and stacked, so the upper container 1 may be in either an assembled or folded state.

[0044] As described above, whether the containers 1 are stacked in an assembled state or in a folded state, movement in the horizontal direction (XY direction) can be restricted, thereby achieving stable stacking.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first handle portion 6 is provided at the lower end of each long side wall 22. The reason for being at the lower end is that the container 1 has a configuration with a bottom wall component 20 that allows it to be folded, and the first handle portion 6 is easy to place fingers on even when the containers 1 are stacked in the folded state (on top of each other). However, the essence of the first handle portion 6 is that it is sufficient for it to be located below the container 1, and it is not essential that it be located at the lower end. Here, "below" means that the first handle portion 6 is preferably located within a range from the bottom to one-third of the height of the container 1 (length in the Z-axis direction). More preferably, the first handle portion 6 is located within a range from the bottom to one-quarter of the height of the container 1 (length in the Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the first handhold 6 is provided at the lower end of the bases 201, 202 on the first sidewalls 210, 220 sides, which have a longer protrusion length from the bottom wall 205 in the positive direction of the Z axis than the bases 203, 204 on the second sidewalls 230, 240 sides. Therefore, compared to when the first handhold 6 is provided on the bases 203, 204, a larger cutout 7a can be provided in the vertical direction (Z direction), making it easier to hang fingers. Note that the vertical length of the cutout 7a (Z direction) is the same as or longer than the protrusion length from the bottom wall 205 of the bases 203, 204 on the second sidewalls 230, 240 sides, making it easier to hang fingers.

[0046] 〔summary〕 The container according to aspect 1 of the present invention is a container that is generally rectangular in plan view and includes opposing long side walls and opposing short side walls, with first handle portions provided near both horizontal ends of the opposing long side walls, and the first handle portions are provided below the opposing long side walls, and the containers can be stacked one on top of the other when filled with items.

[0047] According to the configuration of the first aspect, when a container is lifted by placing a hand on the first handle or when an upper container of a stack is placed on or removed from the stack by placing a hand on the first handle, the container is easy to place a hand on and balance, and therefore a container that is easier to handle than conventional containers can be provided.

[0048] A container according to aspect 2 of the present invention is similar to aspect 1 in that it comprises a bottom wall component having a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and first and second side wall components connected to the bottom wall component so as to be rotatable between an upright position in which the bottom wall component is erected upward and a laid position in which the bottom wall component is laid down above the bottom wall component, wherein the first side wall component is included in the long side wall and the second side wall component is included in the short side wall, the container can be changed between an assembled state in which the first and second side wall components are in the upright position and a folded state in which the first and second side wall components are in the laid position, the container can be stacked on top of another container in the folded state, and the first handle component is provided at the lower end of the outer edge of the bottom wall component on the side to which the first side wall component is connected.

[0049] According to the configuration of the second aspect, since the container can be changed between a folded state and an assembled state, the container can be folded when the storage section is not in use, thereby minimizing the space it occupies. In addition, since containers in the folded state can be stacked on top of each other, the storage space for multiple containers can be minimized.

[0050] The container according to aspect 3 of the present invention is the same as that of aspect 2, and includes a first stacking control portion capable of controlling horizontal movement of the upper stacked container in the assembled state, and a second stacking control portion capable of controlling horizontal movement of the upper stacked container in the folded state.

[0051] According to the configuration of the third aspect, a stable stacked structure can be realized.

[0052] A container according to aspect 4 of the present invention is the same as in aspect 3, except that the first handle portion has a cutout portion in which the lower end of the outer edge is cut out, and when the assembled containers are stacked on top of each other, the cutout portion of the upper assembled container and the long side wall of the lower assembled container are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined vertical distance between them, and when the folded containers are stacked on top of each other, the cutout portion of the upper folded container and a portion of the bottom wall component of the lower folded container are arranged opposite each other with a predetermined vertical distance between them.

[0053] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, whether the containers are stacked in an assembled state or in a folded state, a person carrying the container can easily reach the upper container.

[0054] A container according to aspect 5 of the present invention is any of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the opposing long side walls have second handles located above the first handles, and the second handles are located near both horizontal ends of the opposing long side walls.

[0055] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the second handle is provided above the container, so that the person carrying the container can use the handle that is easier to hold.

[0056] The container of aspect 6 of the present invention is the same as aspect 2, in that the lower end of the bottom wall component is arranged opposite an outer wall located on the outer side of the container and an inner wall located on the inner side with a predetermined distance between them, and the first handle portion is formed by cutting out the lower end of the outer wall upward.

[0057] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the opening of the first handhold can be made wider by the cutout, making it easier to put fingers in and out of the first handhold.

[0058] [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]

[0059] 1 container 6 First handle 7 Outer wall 8 Inner wall 9 Connecting wall 20 Bottom wall component 21, 22 Long side wall (first side wall) 23,24 Short side wall (second side wall) 40 First stacking control section 50 Second stacking control section 60 Second Handle 101, 202b Engaged part 102 Guide rail 201, 202, 203, 204 Base 202a Engagement part 205 Bottom wall 205a Lower surface protrusion 210, 220 First side wall 230,240 Second side wall 2223, 2224 Ends (both ends)

Claims

1. A container having a rectangular shape in plan view, including opposing first side walls and opposing second side walls, a bottom wall component including a bottom wall portion having a rectangular shape in a plan view and base portions rising from each end side of the bottom wall portion, the base portion being configured by a first base portion included in the first side wall and a second base portion included in the second side wall; a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion connected to the bottom wall portion so as to be rotatable between an upright position in which the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are erected upward and a laid position in which the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are laid down above the bottom wall portion; Equipped with the first sidewall portion is included in the first sidewall and is connected to the first base portion; the second sidewall portion is included in the second sidewall and is connected to the second base portion; the first base portion has a longer rising length from the end side of the bottom wall portion than the second base portion; the container is changeable between an assembled state in which the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are in the upright position and a folded state in which the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are in the laid-down position, the first base portion includes an inner wall, a connecting wall extending outward from the inner wall, and an outer wall disposed opposite the inner wall at a predetermined distance and extending downward from an edge of the connecting wall, the first base portion includes an opening portion that is open downward in a space between the inner wall and the outer wall, A notch portion cut upward is formed at the lower end of the outer wall, The length of the notch in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the rising portion of the second base portion. container.

2. a plurality of openings are provided in each of the first base portions, Each of the first base portions is provided with a hinge connection portion that hinges the first side wall portion between the opening portion and another opening portion. The container of claim 1.

3. the bottom wall component includes corner protrusions that protrude above the second base from both end portions of the first base and are connected to the upper surface side of the second base, The corner protrusions include triangular protrusions having upper ends that gradually increase in height from both end portions of the second base portion toward the first base portion. The container of claim 1.

4. A hook can be inserted into the spaced apart portion through the opening. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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