Container

The container design with rotatable side walls and dual locking modes enhances storage and transportation efficiency by securely locking the lid over the folded container, addressing the issue of engaging member damage and inefficiency in conventional designs.

JP2025177082APending Publication Date: 2025-12-05SANKO CO LTD
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024083601
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-22
Publication Date
2025-12-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional foldable containers experience damage to the engaging member and reduced storage and transportation efficiency when the lid is placed on the folded container, causing the engaging member to pop outward.

Method used

A container design featuring a container body with rotatable side walls and a lid that can be locked in two modes, one for assembled and one for folded states, using locking members to secure the lid over the side or base portions, preventing displacement and enhancing stability.

Benefits of technology

Improves storage and transportation efficiency by securely locking the lid over the folded container, preventing damage and facilitating easy handling and stacking.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2025177082000001_ABST
    Figure 2025177082000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a container capable of improving storage and transport efficiency when storing and transporting containers each in which a container body is brought into a folded state and a lid body is put thereon, while being arranged side by side.SOLUTION: A container (1) includes: a container body (2); and a lid body (3) detachable with respect to the container body. The lid body can be used in a second use mode of being placed on at least one of a pair of opposed base parts (11B) in a folded state of the container body. The lid body includes a lock member (5) whose state can be changed between a lock state in which relative displacement is restricted between at least one of the pair of opposed base parts and the lid body and a lock release state in which the lock state is released, in the second use mode. The lock member has an engagement part (42) engaged with the base part (11B) in the second use mode of the lid body. The base part (11B) has a second engaged part (11D) which is engaged with the engagement part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The transport container described in Patent Document 1 comprises a container body having a horizontal, brim-shaped flange on the outer periphery of the opening, and a lid body placed on the container body to cover the top of the opening. The lid body is fitted with an engaging body having a hook-shaped pinch portion configured to clamp and engage a part of the lid body and the flange portion of the container body together, and is configured to be detachable from the container body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 4-009335 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional foldable container, when the lid is placed on the folded container, the flange that engages with the hook-shaped pinch is folded, causing the engaging member to pop outward. This can lead to damage to the engaging member and reduced storage and transportation efficiency when the container is folded and covered with the lid for storage and transportation.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a container that can improve storage and transportation efficiency when containers with the container body folded and covered with a lid are stored and transported side by side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a container according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a container body having a bottom wall component including a bottom wall portion that is generally rectangular in plan view, and a pair of base portions that protrude upward from a pair of opposing side edges of the bottom wall portion and that face each other, a pair of side wall portions that are rotatably connected to each of the pair of opposing base portions, and a lid body that is detachable from the container body, wherein the container body can be changed between a folded state in which each of the pair of opposing side wall portions is folded by rotating each of the pair of opposing side wall portions inward, and an assembled state in which each of the pair of opposing side wall portions is raised from the folded state, and the lid body has a first use closure that closes an opening formed by each of the pair of opposing side wall portions in the assembled state. and a second usage mode in which the folding device is placed on at least one pair of opposing base portions in the folded state, and has a locking member configured to be changeable between a locked state in which the locking member restricts relative displacement between each pair of opposing side wall portions and the lid body in the first usage mode and a locked state in which the locking member restricts relative displacement between at least one pair of opposing base portions and the lid body in the second usage mode, and an unlocked state in which the locking member releases the locked state, the locking member having an engaging portion that engages with the side wall portions in the first usage mode and an engaging portion that engages with the base portion in the second usage mode, the side wall portions having a first engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion, and the base portion having a second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lid can be placed over the folded container body and locked, thereby improving storage and transportation efficiency when the containers with the container bodies folded and covered with the lids are stored and transported side by side. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a container according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the container body with the second side wall portion folded. [Figure 3] 10 is a perspective view showing the container body in a folded state with the first side wall portion folded. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion V in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a first usage mode of the lid body. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an unlocked state in which the locked state of FIG. 9 has been released. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a second usage mode of the lid body. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an unlocked state in which the locked state of FIG. 12 has been released. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Overview of Container 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The schematic configuration of a container 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the container 1 is composed of a rectangular parallelepiped container body 2 with an open top, and a lid body 3 that is removably attached so as to close an opening 2A of the container body 2 from above.

[0010] [Overview of container body 2] First, the schematic configuration of the container body 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figure 1, the container body 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top, and is foldable as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The foldable container body 2 is made of resin, such as polypropylene.

[0011] [Configuration of bottom wall component 11] As shown in FIG. 1, the container body 2 includes a bottom wall constituent portion 11 having a bottom wall portion 11A, a pair of first side wall portions 12, and a pair of second side wall portions 13. The bottom wall constituent portion 11 is generally rectangular in plan view and is located at the bottom of the container body 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the bottom wall constituent portion 11 includes first base portions 11B that protrude upward from a pair of opposing long side portions in the longitudinal direction of the side edges of the bottom wall portion 11A. The bottom wall constituent portion 11 also includes second base portions 11C that protrude upward from opposing short side portions in the lateral direction of the bottom wall portion 11A and are lower in height than the first base portions 11B.

[0012] 1 to 3, the container body 2 includes a pair of first side walls 12 rotatably connected to each first base portion 11B, and a pair of second side walls 13 rotatably connected to each second base portion 11C. The first side walls 12 and the second side walls 13 are configured to be able to change states between an assembled state in which they are erected above the first base portion 11B and the second base portion 11C, respectively, and a folded state in which they are tilted toward the center of the bottom wall portion 11A and folded parallel to the bottom wall portion 11A.

[0013] 4, the length by which first base portion 11B protrudes upward from bottom wall portion 11A is longer than the length by which second base portion 11C protrudes upward from bottom wall portion 11A. Furthermore, the position at which first bearing portion 15 of first base portion 11B, which rotatably supports first side wall portion 12, is formed is higher than the position at which second bearing portion 16 of second base portion 11C, which rotatably supports second side wall portion 13, is formed. Furthermore, each second base portion 11C is provided so as to connect the inner surfaces of both ends in the longitudinal direction of a pair of opposing first base portions 11B, and the longitudinal length of first base portion 11B is formed to be approximately the same length as the length of the long side portion in the longitudinal direction of bottom wall portion 11A.

[0014] [Configuration of auxiliary protrusion 18] The bottom wall constituent part 11 has auxiliary protrusions 18 extending upward from both ends of the second base part 11C so as to be at the same height as the first base part 11B. In other words, the bottom wall constituent part 11 has four auxiliary protrusions 18 that protrude above the second base part 11C from both ends of the pair of first base parts 11B and are connected to the upper surface side of the second base part 11C. As a result, by increasing the vertical length of the auxiliary protrusions 18, the vertical height of the first base part 11B can be increased, and the bending rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the first base part 11B can be increased. As a result, the mechanical strength of the bottom wall constituent part 11 is improved, and containers 1 in the folded state can be stably stacked one on top of the other.

[0015] [Connection structure between first side wall portion 12 and second side wall portion 13] 1 to 3, the first side wall 12 is provided with a plurality of first hinge portions 21 that protrude downward from the lower edge and are rotatably connected to the first bearing portions 15 of the first base 11B. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second side wall 13 is provided with a plurality of second hinge portions 22 that protrude downward from the lower edge and are rotatably connected to the second bearing portions 16 of the second base 11C.

[0016] [Folding and assembly instructions] When the assembled container 1 is to be folded, the pair of second side walls 13 are first brought to the folded position as shown in Fig. 2, and then the pair of first side walls 12 are displaced to the folded position as shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, in the folded state of the container 1, the second side walls 13 in the folded position overlap the top of the bottom wall 11A, and the first side walls 12 in the folded position overlap the top of the second side walls 13.

[0017] The pair of second side wall portions 13 in the folded position are supported by contacting the bottom wall portion 11A, and the pair of first side wall portions 12 in the folded position are supported by contacting the pair of second side wall portions 13. Therefore, when the container 1 is changed from the folded position to the assembled position, the pair of first side wall portions 12 are first raised and then the pair of second side wall portions 13 are raised to achieve the assembled position.

[0018] [Engagement structure between first side wall portion 12 and second side wall portion 13] 1 and 2, each first side wall 12 is provided with a pair of restricting walls 24 that protrude inward of the container 1 from both longitudinal side edges. Each restricting wall 24 is provided with a lock engaging portion 26 on the side edge of its inner surface that faces the first side wall 12. The lock engaging portion 26 has a substantially rectangular frame-shaped opening in the protruding direction of the restricting wall 24, and a side wall locking member 31, described below, is inserted into this opening. Each of the pair of opposing first side walls 12 has an upper end flange 12A at its upper end that protrudes outward.

[0019] 1 and 2, regulated wall portions 28 are provided on both sides of the outer surface of the second side wall portion 13, which abut against or are close to the regulating wall portions 24 of the first side wall portion 12 when the container 1 is assembled. The regulated wall portions 28 are configured to reduce the thickness of the outer surface of the second side wall portion 13, and are configured so that the total thickness of the regulating wall portions 24 and the regulated wall portions 28 overlapping each other is approximately equal to the thickness of the second side wall portion 13.

[0020] 1, a pair of sidewall locking members 31 are provided above the outer surfaces of the pair of second sidewalls 13 to restrict rotational displacement of the second sidewalls 13 toward the inside of the container 1 when the container body 2 is in an assembled state. When the container body 2 is in an assembled state, the pair of sidewall locking members 31 are configured to be displaceable between a protruding position where they are inserted into and locked into the lock engaging portions 26 of the first sidewalls 12, and a retracted position where they are removed from the lock engaging portions 26 and the locked state is released.

[0021] The pair of side wall locking members 31 are operated by operating an operating unit 32 shown in Fig. 1. The operating unit 32 is provided above the outer surfaces of the pair of second side wall portions 13, approximately in the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. The position where the operating unit 32 is provided is not limited to this, and it may be provided in any position that is easy for the user of the container body 2 to operate. The operating unit 32 can displace the pair of side wall locking members 31 from the protruding position to the retracted position with a single operation.

[0022] [Configuration of the recess 35 of the first side wall portion 12] 1 and 2, the pair of first side walls 12 are provided with recesses 35 cut out in an L-shaped cross section at the lower ends of both longitudinal side edges. As shown in FIG. 3, each recess 35 is provided to avoid interference with the auxiliary protrusion 18 when the first side wall 12 is in the folded position. When the first side wall 12 is in the folded position, a gap of a predetermined distance, for example, a gap of about 3 mm to 5 mm, is formed between the inner surface of the recess 35 and the side wall of the auxiliary protrusion 18. Note that the predetermined gap distance is shown as an example and may be set appropriately depending on the size of the container 1, etc.

[0023] The recess 35 cut out in an L-shaped cross section is just one example, and recesses 35 cut out in a U-shaped cross section, a rectangular groove cross section, or the like may be provided at the lower ends of both longitudinal side portions of the first side wall portion 12. When the first side wall portion 12 is in the folded position, interference with the auxiliary protrusion 18 can be avoided by configuring the recess 35 cut out in a U-shaped cross section, a rectangular groove cross section, or the like to be able to enter the auxiliary protrusion 18.

[0024] [Operation recess 38 of bottom wall component 11] 1 to 4, operation recesses 38 each having a vertically elongated rectangular cross section are formed in the corners 37 of the bottom wall component 11 in a plan view, i.e., on the outer surfaces of both longitudinal end portions of the first base portion 11B. The operation recesses 38 open outward at a width substantially the same as the longitudinal width of the first side wall portion 12 of the recesses 35 provided at the lower ends of both side edges of the first side wall portion 12, and at a height slightly shorter than the vertical height of the first base portion 11B. The operation recesses 38 may also be provided in the vicinity of the corners 37.

[0025] [Overview of Lid 3] The schematic configuration of the lid body 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 5, and 8 to 11. As shown in Figure 1, the lid body 3 has a lid main body portion 3A that is rectangular in plan view, and a frame-shaped outer fitting wall 3B that extends downward around the entire periphery from the outer periphery of the lid main body portion 3A. As shown in Figure 8, the lid body 3 can be used in a first usage mode in which the outer fitting wall 3B is fitted onto the outside of the upper parts of a pair of opposing first side wall portions 12 and a pair of opposing second side wall portions 13 of the assembled container body 2, thereby closing the opening 2A of the container body 2.

[0026] 11, the lid 3 can be used in a second usage mode in which the outer fitting wall 3B is fitted onto the outer upper parts of a pair of opposing first base portions 11B and auxiliary protrusions 18 of the container body 2 in the folded state and placed on the container body 2. The outer fitting wall 3B may also be fitted onto the outer upper parts of a pair of opposing second base portions 11C of the container body 2 in the folded state. The lid 3 can be used in the second usage mode in which the lid 3 is placed on the container body 2.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the lid body 3 has a plurality of locking members 5 on a pair of opposing long side edges in the longitudinal direction of the outer periphery of the lid main body 3A, which are capable of changing between a locked state that restricts relative displacement between the lid body 3 and the container body 2 and an unlocked state that releases the locked state. For example, two locking members 5 are arranged on each of the pair of opposing long side edges of the lid main body 3A. However, three or more locking members 5 may be arranged on each of the pair of opposing long side edges of the lid main body 3A depending on the size of the container body 2, etc.

[0028] [Overview of locking element 5] 5 and 9, the locking member 5 has an engagement portion 42 that is inserted into a horizontally elongated insertion hole 41 formed in a long side of the lid main body 3A in a front view and is mounted so as to be movable horizontally perpendicular to the long side of the lid main body 3A. The ceiling of the insertion hole 41 is cut out in a generally U-shape toward the inside of the lid main body 3A, and a guide claw 41A that protrudes downward is provided at approximately the center of the rear edge. The engagement portion 42 has a flat plate portion 42A that is rectangular in a plan view and slides on the lid main body 3A, and a clamping portion 42B that extends downward from the outer edge of the flat plate portion 42A in a generally U-shape in a side view and is capable of clamping the upper flange portions 12A of the pair of first side wall portions 12.

[0029] 5 and 10, the outer fitting wall 3B of the lid 3 has a plurality of through holes 43, each having a substantially horizontally elongated rectangular shape in front view, formed at positions facing the tips of the clamping portions 42B of the engagement portion 42 drawn outward, through which the clamping portions 42B can move smoothly inward and outward. Note that cutout portions may be provided instead of the through holes 43.

[0030] Furthermore, a guide groove 45 with a rectangular cross section is formed along the longitudinal direction at the center of the width direction on the upper surface of the flat plate portion 42A of the engaging portion 42. A guide claw 41A protruding downward from the rear end edge of the insertion hole 41 is fitted into the guide groove 45. As shown in Fig. 9, when the clamping portion 42B of the engaging portion 42 is pushed into the through-hole 43 and the clamping portion 42B abuts against the outer fitting wall 3B, the outer end face of the guide groove 45 abuts against the guide claw 41A, restricting movement of the engaging portion 42 toward the rear side.

[0031] 10, when the clamping portion 42B of the engaging portion 42 is pulled out to the outside of the through-hole 43, the inner end face of the guide groove 45 in the inward / outward direction abuts against the guide claw 41A, restricting the outward movement of the engaging portion 42. Therefore, the length of the guide groove 45 is set to a stroke length that allows the engaging portion 42 to slide.

[0032] [Outline of the first engaged portion 12D] 1, a pair of opposing first side wall portions 12 of the assembled container body 2 are provided with a pair of first engaged portions 12D at positions facing the respective locking members 5 of the lid body 3 placed over the upper side of the upper flange portion 12A, for engaging with the engaging portions 42 of the locking members 5. The first engaged portions 12D have an opening that is rectangular in shape when viewed from the front and is surrounded by the upper flange portion 12A, the horizontal rib 12B, and two vertical ribs 12C.

[0033] [Outline of the second engaged portion 11D] 3, a pair of opposing first base portions 11B of the folded container body 2 are provided with a pair of second engaged portions 11D that are horizontally elongated rectangular in front view and open to the outside, adjacent to the inside in the longitudinal direction of each of the first bearing portions 15 provided at both longitudinal ends. Therefore, the second engaged portions 11D are disposed between the first bearing portions 15 in the horizontal direction. The second engaged portions 11D are configured to engage with the engaging portions 42 of the locking members 5 of the lid body 3 that are placed over the upper sides of the opposing pair of first base portions 11B.

[0034] The schematic configuration of the second engaged portion 11D will be described with reference to Figures 4, 6, and 7. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the pair of opposing first base portions 11B have a pair of inner vertical walls 47 extending upward along a pair of opposing long side edges of the bottom wall portion 11A. The pair of first base portions 11B also have a pair of horizontal walls 48 extending outward from the upper edges of the pair of inner vertical walls 47. The pair of first base portions 11B also have a pair of outer vertical walls 49 extending downward from the outer tip edges of the pair of horizontal walls 48.

[0035] 6 and 7, the pair of first base portions 11B are provided with a plurality of partitioning ribs 51 that are connected in the longitudinal direction to the inner surfaces of the inner vertical wall 47, the horizontal wall 48, and the outer vertical wall 49 and that partition the inside of the first base portion 11B. The plurality of partitioning ribs 51 form both side walls of the first bearing portion 15 in the longitudinal direction of the first base portion 11B, and are arranged in multiple numbers between the first bearing portions 15. For example, in FIG. 7, two partitioning ribs 51 are arranged between the first bearing portions 15.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a pair of thick-walled portions 49A that protrude outward a predetermined height are provided at both vertical ends of the outer vertical walls 49 along the entire longitudinal length of the first base portion 11B. Also, as shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, the second engaged portion 11D has a pair of insertion portions 53 that are generally rectangular in shape in a front view and open outward above the pair of outer vertical walls 49. When the lid body 3 is placed on the top of the bottom wall constituent portion 11, the clamping portions 42B of the engaging portions 42 of each locking member 5 are inserted into the pair of insertion portions 53. Therefore, it is sufficient that the insertion portions 53 are formed in a size that allows the clamping portions 42B to be inserted therein.

[0037] 6 and 7, the insertion portion 53 has a lower insertion wall 53A, a pair of insertion side walls 53B, and an upper wall 53C, and its inner end face in the inward / outward direction is closed by the inner vertical wall 47. The insertion portion 53 may be a through hole that penetrates in the inward / outward direction.

[0038] The insertion lower wall 53A is connected from the outer vertical wall 49 to the inner vertical wall 47. One insertion side wall 53B extends from one side edge of the insertion lower wall 53A to the inner surface of the horizontal wall 48, and is connected from the outer vertical wall 49 to the inner vertical wall 47. The other insertion side wall 53B is configured such that the other side edge of the insertion lower wall 53A is connected to the partition rib 51 that forms the side wall of the first bearing portion 15 arranged adjacent to the insertion portion 53.

[0039] That is, the other insertion side wall 53B is a partition rib 51 that extends from the other side edge of the insertion bottom wall 53A to the inner surface of the horizontal wall 48, and is connected from the outer vertical wall 49 to the inner vertical wall 47. The top wall 53C is formed by cutting away the bottom surfaces of the horizontal wall 48 and the thick portion 49A, so that it has a thickness slightly thinner than that of the horizontal wall 48. The top wall 53C and the thick portion 49A function as "facing portions 53D" that face the clamping portions 42B of the engaging portions 42 of each locking member 5 in the up-down direction when the lid 3 is placed on the top of the bottom wall forming portion 11.

[0040] Here, even if the thickness of the upper wall 53C is slightly thinner than the thickness of the side wall 48, because the thick portion 49A is connected to the outer edge of the upper wall 53C, the sum of the inward and outward lengths of the upper wall 53C and the thick portion 49A is longer than the inward and outward length of the side wall 48. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12 , when the lid 3 is placed over the folded container body 2 and locked, a load is applied to lift the lid 3 (the clamping portion 42B moves upward and contacts the upper wall 53C). When this load is applied to the wall above the clamping portion 42B (the opposing portion 53D), the inward and outward length of the opposing portion 53D is longer than the inward and outward length of the side wall 48, and therefore damage to the opposing portion 53D can be prevented.

[0041] Furthermore, by making the thickness of the upper wall 53C slightly thinner than the thickness of the horizontal wall 48, the insertion portion 53 can be positioned toward the upper end of the outer vertical wall 49. As a result, the height from the lower edge of the insertion portion 53 to the lower thick-walled portion 49A can be increased, thereby widening the surface for printing or attaching labels. Furthermore, the insertion side wall 53B on the longitudinal outer side of the first base portion 11B of the insertion portion 53 also serves as the partition rib 51, thereby reducing the weight of the container body 2 and reducing material costs.

[0042] [First usage mode of the lid 3] Next, a first usage mode of the lid 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. First, the worker pulls out the engaging portions 42 of each locking member 5 of the lid 3 outward, bringing the inner end faces of the guide grooves 45 in the inward / outward direction into contact with the guide claws 41A. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the worker fits the outer fitting walls 3B of the lid 3 in this state onto the outer upper parts of the pair of opposing first side walls 12 and the pair of opposing second side walls 13 of the assembled container body 2, thereby closing the opening 2A. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, a fitting rib 3C having a rectangular frame shape in plan view protrudes downward from the underside of the lid body 3A. The fitting rib 3C is fitted into the inner peripheral sides of the pair of first side walls 12 and the pair of second side walls 13.

[0043] 8 and 9, the worker pushes the engaging portion 42 of each locking member 5 rearward, causing the clamping portion 42B to enter the through-holes 43 of the outer fitting wall 3B, and the outer end faces of the guide grooves 45 to abut against the guide claws 41A. This causes the clamping portion 42B to enter the first engaged portion 12D of the first side wall 12 and engage with the upper flange portion 12A in a vertically opposed relationship. As a result, the upper flange portion 12A is clamped between the lid main body 3A and the clamping portion 42B, and the lid 3 can be placed over the assembled container main body 2 to close the opening 2A and achieve a locked state.

[0044] 10, the worker again pulls out the engaging portions 42 of the locking members 5 of the lid body 3 outward to bring the inner end faces of the guide grooves 45 in the inward / outward direction into contact with the guide claws 41A. This releases the locked state between the lid body 3 and the assembled container body 2, making it possible to remove the lid body 3 from the assembled container body 2.

[0045] [Second usage mode of the lid 3] Next, a second usage mode of the lid 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. First, the worker pulls out the engaging portions 42 of the locking members 5 of the lid 3 outward, bringing the inner end faces of the guide grooves 45 into contact with the guide claws 41A. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the worker fits the outer fitting walls 3B of the lid 3 in this state onto the outer upper parts of the pair of opposing first base portions 11B and auxiliary protrusions 18 of the container body 2 in the folded state, thereby covering the pair of first side walls 12 in the folded position. The worker also inserts the fitting ribs 3C protruding downward from the underside of the lid body 3A into the inner peripheral sides of the pair of opposing first base portions 11B and auxiliary protrusions 18. Note that the worker may also fit the outer fitting walls 3B of the lid 3 in this state onto the outer upper parts of the pair of opposing second base portions 11C of the container body 2 in the folded state.

[0046] 11 and 12, the operator pushes the engaging portion 42 of each locking member 5 rearward, inserting the clamping portion 42B into each through-hole 43 of the outer fitting wall 3B and bringing the outer end face of the guide groove 45 into contact with the guide claw 41A. This causes the clamping portion 42B to enter the second engaged portion 11D of the first base portion 11B and engage with the upper wall 53C and the thick portion 49A, i.e., the opposing portion 53D, facing vertically. As a result, the upper wall 53C and the thick portion 49A, i.e., the opposing portion 53D, are clamped between the lid main body 3A and the clamping portion 42B, and the lid 3 is placed over the container main body 2 in the folded state, covering the pair of first side walls 12 in the folded position, thereby achieving a locked state.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, a gap L1 is formed between the lower end of the outer fitting wall 3B of the lid body 3 and the lower end of each operating recess 38 provided in each corner portion 37 of the bottom wall component 11 in the vertical direction, allowing a finger to be inserted from the outside.

[0048] 13, the worker again pulls out the engaging portions 42 of the locking members 5 of the lid 3 outward to bring the inner end surfaces of the guide grooves 45 in the inward / outward direction into contact with the guide claws 41A. This releases the locked state between the lid 3 and the folded container body 2, enabling the worker to remove the lid 3 from the folded container body 2. The worker can also insert their fingers into the finger-receiving gaps L1 formed in each operation recess 38 to lift the outer fitting wall 3B and remove the lid 3 from the folded container body 2. The worker can also insert their fingers into the lower ends of the outer fitting walls 3B of the lid 3 or the undersides of the clamping portions 42B of the locking members 5 to remove the lid 3 from the folded container body 2.

[0049] As described above in detail, in the container 1 according to this embodiment, the container body 2 in the folded state can be covered with the lid body 3 and locked. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of storage and transportation when the containers 1 with the container body 2 in the folded state and the lid body 3 covered are stored and transported side by side.

[0050] Furthermore, when the lid 3 is placed over the folded container body 2 and each locking member 5 is locked, the clamping portion 42B of the engaging portion 42 engages with the upper wall 53C and the thick portion 49A, i.e., the opposing portion 53D, facing each other in the vertical direction. This allows the engaging portion 42 of each locking member 5 of the lid 3 to engage with the second engaged portions 11D of the pair of first base portions 11B, making it difficult for the lid 3 to come off the folded container body 2 and preventing the pair of first side walls 12 from rotating when carried, making it easy to carry.

[0051] Furthermore, the second engaged portion 11D is disposed between the first bearing portions 15 in the horizontal direction. This allows the first bearing portion 15 and the first hinge portion 21 to be disposed at both longitudinal ends of the first base portion 11B and the first side wall portion 12. As a result, when the first side wall portion 12 is pulled outward, pushed outward by contents stored inside, or when a load from above due to stacking is applied to the first side wall portion 12, it is possible to prevent outward deformation of both side edges of the first side wall portion 12. This therefore improves the connection strength between the bottom wall portion 11A and the first side wall portion 12, i.e., the effect of preventing the first side wall portion 12 from opening outward, and ultimately improves the connection strength between the first side wall portion 12 and the second side wall portion 13.

[0052] Furthermore, when removing the lid body 3 that is placed over the container body 2 in the folded state, the lid body 3 can be easily removed from the container body 2 by inserting a finger between the outer fitting wall 3B of the lid body 3 and the operating recess 38 and lifting the outer fitting wall 3B.

[0053] Furthermore, each of the pair of first base portions 11B has a double structure consisting of an inner vertical wall 47 and an outer vertical wall 49 in the horizontal direction, which increases strength and allows for the suitable provision of an insertion portion 53 for the second engaged portion 11D that engages with the engaging portion 42 of the locking member 5 provided on the lid 3. Furthermore, by printing letters, symbols, or the like or attaching a label between the thick portions 49A provided at the upper and lower ends of the outer vertical wall 49, the printed letters, symbols, labels, etc. can be prevented from being scraped or peeled off.

[0054] [Variations] A modification of the above embodiment will be described. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0055] [Variation 1] For example, the locking members 5 may be disposed on a pair of opposing short side edges in the short direction of the outer periphery of the lid main body 3A. The second base 11C may be higher than the first base 11B. The second bearing 16 may also be formed at a position higher than the position of the first bearing 15. Four auxiliary protrusions 18 may be provided on both ends of the pair of second bases 11C, protruding above the first base 11B and connected to the upper surface of the first base 11B.

[0056] A pair of recesses 35 cut out in an L-shaped cross section may be provided at the lower ends of both side edges of the second side wall 13. A pair of regulating walls 24 may be provided on the second side wall 13. Regulated walls 28 may be provided on both side edges of the first side wall 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] In this configuration, when the assembled container 1 is to be folded, the pair of first side walls 12 are first brought to the folded position, and then the pair of second side walls 13 are displaced to the folded position. Therefore, when the container 1 is brought from the folded position to the assembled position, the pair of second side walls 13 are raised, and then the pair of first side walls 12 are raised to be in the assembled state.

[0058] Furthermore, the pair of opposing second side wall portions 13 of the container body 2 in the assembled state may be provided with first engaged portions 13D that engage with the engaging portions 42 of the locking members 5 at positions facing the locking members 5 of the lid body 3 placed on top. The first engaged portions 13D may have an opening that is rectangular in shape and elongated horizontally in front view and is surrounded by an upper end flange portion, a horizontal rib, and two vertical ribs. Furthermore, the pair of opposing second base portions 11C of the container body 2 in the folded state may be provided with second engaged portions 11D that are rectangular in shape and open to the outside and that are adjacent to and longitudinally inward of the second bearing portions 16 provided at both longitudinal ends.

[0059] As a result, by placing the lid 3 over the top of the assembled container body 2 and pushing the engaging portions 42 of each locking member 5 toward the rear, the lid 3 can close the opening 2A of the assembled container body 2 and enter a locked state. Also, by placing the lid 3 over the folded container body 2 and pushing the engaging portions 42 of each locking member 5 toward the rear, the lid 3 can cover the folded container body 2 and enter a locked state. As a result, storage and transportation efficiency can be improved when containers 1 with the container bodies 2 in the folded state and covered with lids 3 are stored and transported side by side.

[0060] [Variation 2] For example, when the container body 2 is in the folded state, the pair of first side walls 12 or the pair of second side walls 13 may be arranged to overlap one another vertically. Furthermore, when the container body 2 is in the folded state, the pair of first side walls 12 and the pair of second side walls 13 may be arranged to be inclined rather than parallel to the bottom wall 11A.

[0061] [Variation 3] For example, the engaging portion 42 of the locking member 5 may have an arm portion extending outward at a substantially right angle from either end of the outer edge of the flat portion 42A. The tip of the arm portion may be rotatably attached to the side of the insertion hole 41. Furthermore, the guide groove 45 formed in the flat portion 42A may be formed in an arc shape centered on the tip of the arm portion.

[0062] As a result, by rotating the engaging portion 42 outward around the tip of the arm, the tip of the clamping portion 42B moves outward from the through-hole 43 formed in the outer fitting wall 3B of the lid 3, making it possible to set the unlocked state. On the other hand, by rotating the engaging portion 42 inward around the tip of the arm, the tip of the clamping portion 42B enters the through-hole 43 and faces the upper end flange portion 12A or the upper wall 52C to clamp the upper end flange 12A or the upper wall 52C, making it possible to set the locked state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 container 2 Container body 2A opening 3 Lid 3A Lid body part 3B Outer mating wall 5 Locking member 11 Bottom wall component 11A Bottom wall 11B First base 11C Second base 11D Second engaged part 12 First side wall portion 12D 1st engaged part 15 First bearing part 16 Second bearing part 21 First hinge part 22 Second hinge part 37 Corner section 38 Operation recess 42 Engagement part 47 Inner vertical wall 48 Side Wall 49 Exterior vertical wall 49A Thick wall part 53 Insertion section 53A Insertion bottom wall 53B Insertion side wall 53C Upper wall 53D Opposite part L1 gap

Claims

1. a bottom wall component including a bottom wall portion having a generally rectangular shape in a plan view and a pair of base portions projecting upward from a pair of opposing side edges of the bottom wall portion, respectively; a pair of side wall portions rotatably connected to each of the pair of opposing base portions; a container body having a lid body that is detachable from the container body; Equipped with The container body is capable of being displaced between a folded state in which each pair of opposing side wall portions is folded by rotating each pair of opposing side wall portions inward, and an assembled state in which each pair of opposing side wall portions is erected from the folded state, The lid body is The device can be used in a first usage mode in which the openings formed by the pair of opposing side wall portions are closed in the assembled state, and in a second usage mode in which the device is placed on at least one of the pair of opposing base portions in the folded state, a locking member configured to be changeable between a locked state in which the locking member restricts relative displacement between each pair of opposing side wall portions and the lid body in the first usage mode, and a locked state in which the locking member releases the locked state in which the locking member restricts relative displacement between at least one pair of opposing base portions and the lid body in the second usage mode; the locking member has an engaging portion that engages with the side wall portion in the first usage mode and that engages with the base portion in the second usage mode, the side wall portion has a first engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion, The base portion has a second engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion. A container characterized by:

2. the second engaged portion has an opposing portion that faces the engaging portion in the up-down direction when the cover body is in the second usage mode and the locking member is in the locked state.

2. The container of claim 1.

3. the base portion has a plurality of bearing portions that rotatably support the side wall portion, the side wall portion has a plurality of hinge portions that protrude downward from the lower side portion and are rotatably connected to the plurality of bearing portions, The second engaged portion is disposed between the bearing portions in the horizontal direction.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the bottom wall component has operation recesses recessed inward at four corners in a plan view or at positions near the corners, The lid body is a lid body portion that closes the opening of the container body in an assembled state; an outer fitting wall extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the lid body portion and fitting to the outside of each pair of opposing side wall portions in an assembled state; When the lid body is placed on the container body in the folded state, the outer fitting wall is fitted to the outside of the bottom wall component, and a gap that allows a finger to be inserted from the outside is formed between the lower end of the outer fitting wall and the lower end of the operation recess in the vertical direction.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When changing from an assembled state to a folded state, each pair of opposing side wall portions has a pair of second side wall portions that are first set to a folded position, and a pair of first side wall portions that are set to a folded position above the pair of second side wall portions that are set to the folded position, Each pair of opposing base portions includes a pair of first base portions to which the pair of first side wall portions are rotatably connected, and a pair of second base portions to which the pair of second side wall portions are rotatably connected, The pair of first base portions are a pair of inner vertical walls extending upward along the pair of opposing side edges of the bottom wall portion; a pair of horizontal walls extending outward from upper edges of the pair of inner vertical walls; a pair of outer vertical walls extending downward from the tip edges of the pair of horizontal walls; the second engaged portion has an insertion portion that opens outward at an upper position of the pair of outer vertical walls, The insertion portion is an insertion lower wall connected from the outer vertical wall to the inner vertical wall; a pair of insertion side walls connected to the outer vertical wall and the inner vertical wall and positioned on both side edges of the insertion lower wall; an upper wall that engages with the engaging portion in the up-down direction, The pair of outer vertical walls have thick portions protruding outward by a predetermined height from the upper and lower ends of each.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JP1992009335U