Container
The container efficiently adjusts lid opening and closing based on object size and shape, addressing inefficiencies in conventional designs by using rotatable lids with biasing and holding mechanisms for organized storage and reduced wind lift.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024083742
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-05
AI Technical Summary
Conventional containers do not efficiently adjust the opening and closing of lids based on the size and shape of the objects being disposed, leading to inefficient use and potential lifting of light objects by wind during lid operation.
A container with a lid that includes a lid that includes a lid mounting frame that can be adjusted by a lid that includes a lid body that is rotatably displaceable between open and closed positions, with biasing means, holding means, and release operation units for each lid, allowing selective opening and closing based on object size and shape.
The container allows efficient opening and closing of lids based on object size and shape, reducing wind lift on light objects, minimizing opening area, and enabling organized storage, while improving operability and convenience.
Smart Images

Figure 2025177161000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a container having a lid. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, containers used as trash cans and the like have been known that include a box-shaped container body that opens upward, a pair of lid bodies that can open and close the opening of the container body, a pedal, and an interlocking member that links the pair of lid bodies to the operation of the pedal to open the opening of the container body (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-85241 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] Incidentally, the container described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that when the opening of the container body is opened, the pair of lids are always displaced to the open position, opening the entire opening, regardless of the size, shape, etc. of the object (garbage) to be thrown into the container. In this regard, a structure that allows the lids to be opened and closed efficiently according to the size, etc. of the object to be thrown into the container is desired.
[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a container that allows the lid to be opened and closed efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The following describes each means suitable for achieving the above objects, etc., by item. Note that, as necessary, the effects and advantages specific to the corresponding means will be added.
[0007] Means 1. A substantially box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upward, a lid body that is rotatably displaceable relative to the container body between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, and that is attached so that a central axis of the lid body rotationally displaceable extends along the periphery of the opening, a biasing means for biasing the cover body toward the open position; a holding means for holding the lid in the closed position; a release operation unit that releases the state in which the lid body is held by the holding means based on an operation by a user, The lid body includes a first lid body and a second lid body, the biasing means, the holding means, and the release operation unit are provided corresponding to the first cover and the second cover, respectively; By operating the release operation units corresponding to the first and second lids held by the holding means, the corresponding first and second lids are displaced to the open position by the biasing force of the biasing means, a first open state in which the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the closed position; a second open state in which the second cover is in the open position and the first cover is in the closed position; a third open state in which both the first cover and the second cover are in the open position, A container characterized in that it is configured to be able to change states directly between the first open state, the second open state, the third open state, and a closed state in which all of the lid bodies are in the closed position.
[0008] According to the first aspect, the first and second lids to be placed in the open position can be selected to ensure an opening shape (opening area) of the opening of the container body suitable for the insertion of the object (garbage) depending on the size, shape, etc. of the object (garbage) to be inserted into the container, and only the selected lids can be placed in the open position. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which all lids that always close the opening of the container body are opened and closed simultaneously, for example, when the opening of the container body is opened and closed, the configuration is simplified and adverse effects on objects contained in the container when only one of the first and second lids is opened and closed can be suppressed (e.g., relatively light objects contained in the container may be lifted up by wind generated when the lids are opened and closed). Furthermore, for users who wish to isolate the inside and outside of the container as much as possible, the opening area can be reduced and the opening time can be relatively short. In addition, when an object is stuck on the first lid side of the container, only the second lid can be placed in the open position. As a result, the lids can be selectively and efficiently opened and closed depending on the situation to achieve the desired usage mode, thereby improving convenience, etc.
[0009] Furthermore, for example, compared to a configuration in which a single lid completely closes the opening of the container body, the lid can be made lighter and smaller, preventing the configuration related to the biasing means from becoming more complex and larger, and also reducing the height of the container when the lid is in the open position, making it easier to install in places with height restrictions. Furthermore, in the first open state and the second open state, multiple predetermined objects can be placed on the lid in the closed position, and all or some of the objects can be stored one by one in order in the container (for example, storing the objects one by one in an organized manner, removing tags from the objects and storing the tags, etc.). In addition, means 1 allows for direct state changes between the first open state, the second open state, the third open state, and the closed state. This makes it possible to avoid troublesome situations such as, for example, when changing from a closed state to a state in which only one of the first and second lid bodies is in the open position, such as when the first and second lid bodies are partially overlapping each other vertically in the closed state, it is necessary to first change to the third open state, or when changing from a state in which only one of the lid bodies is in the open position to the closed state, it is necessary to first change the other lid body from the closed position to the open position and change to the third open state.
[0010] Means 2. The holding means is configured by a push latch mechanism that holds the lid when the lid is in the closed position, and that releases the state of holding the lid when the lid is in the closed position by pressing the lid toward the closed position, the release operation unit is configured by a portion of the lid body that is in the vicinity of the holding means that holds the lid body when the lid body is in the closed position, The container described in means 1 is characterized in that the holding means corresponding to the first lid body is located near the area covered by the second lid body in the closed position and near the holding means corresponding to the second lid body.
[0011] According to the second aspect, when the container is in the closed state, the release operation portion of the first lid body and the release operation portion of the second lid body are arranged adjacent to each other, allowing the user to operate the release operation portions of both the first lid body and the second lid body on one side with one hand. This improves operability when changing the container from the closed state to the third open state. Although the release operation portion of the first lid body and the release operation portion of the second lid body are arranged adjacent to each other, the release operation portions are provided on separate lid bodies. This prevents the container from accidentally changing from the closed state to the first open state or the second open state. Furthermore, the holding means is a push latch mechanism, which allows the lid bodies to be opened and closed while holding something with one hand. This not only facilitates simultaneous opening of both the first lid body and the second lid body, but also facilitates opening one lid without opening the other.
[0012] Means 3. The opening of the container body is rectangular in plan view, the first lid and the second lid are provided adjacent to each other in an extension direction of a first side edge of four sides of the opening when the container is in the closed state, (When the container is in the closed state, the operation releasing units corresponding to the first lid and the second lid are disposed corresponding to the first side edge.) a length of a side portion of the first lid extending along the first side edge when the first lid is in the closed position is configured to be a length that can cover an area longer than half the length of the first side edge, A container as described in means 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the side portion of the second lid body extending along the first side edge when in the closed position is configured to be long enough to cover an area shorter than half the length of the first side edge.
[0013] According to the third aspect, when the first open state is set while the user is positioned on the first side edge of the container, the opening width of the container body on the side closer to the user can be made wider than when the second open state is set. Therefore, the opening width of the opening of the container body (the opening shape on the side closer to the user) differs depending on whether the first open state or the second open state is selected, and the effect of appropriately selecting the lid to be in the open position depending on the size, shape, etc. of the object to be put into the container is more pronounced. Furthermore, by arranging the release operating part corresponding to the first side edge, the user can be positioned on the first side edge side of the container, and the above effect is more reliably achieved.
[0014] Means 4. A first lid open side edge portion of the first lid body that faces the second lid body in the extension direction of the first side edge in the closed state extends from the first side edge side toward a second side edge side of the opening that faces the first side edge, inclining toward a side approaching the axis of the first lid body, The container described in means 3 is characterized in that the second lid open side edge portion of the second lid body that faces the first lid body in the extension direction of the first side edge in the closed state extends at an angle from the first side edge side to the second side edge side away from the axis of the second lid body.
[0015] According to the fourth aspect, even if the length of the first side edge of the first lid body and the length of the first side edge of the second lid body are different, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the difference in weight (opening / closing time, etc.) between the first lid body and the second lid body, and it is also possible to use the same biasing means and holding means. In this case, productivity can be improved, etc. In addition, the first lid body and the second lid body can be made to have the same shape, further improving productivity. Furthermore, when the container is in the second open state, even if an object cannot be inserted into the container due to the opening width at the front side of the opening, such an object can be inserted at the back side of the opening, improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0016] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container in a closed position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in a first open state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in a second open state. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container in a third open state. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the container with the bag fastening member removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the container with the bag fastening member attached. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the container in a closed position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container in a first open state. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the container in a second open state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the container in a third open state. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first cover member. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the latch installation portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the top side of the lid unit. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the underside of the lid unit. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container cut in the short width direction. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container cut in the longitudinal width direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1, 4, 14, 17, etc., a container 1 includes a container body 2 having a substantially rectangular box shape with an opening 4 that opens upward and includes a storage section 3 that can store objects (for example, garbage, etc.), and a lid unit 5 that can close the opening 4 of the container body 2. The lid unit 5 is attached to the container body 2 and includes a lid mounting frame 6 that has an input opening 7 through which an object can be input, and a first lid body 8 and a second lid body 9 that can be displaced between an open position that opens the input opening 7 and, by extension, the opening 4 of the container body 2, and a closed position that closes the opening 4.
[0018] 17, the container body 2 includes a bottom wall 11 that is generally rectangular in plan view, a pair of opposing long sidewalls 12 extending upward from a pair of opposing long sides of the bottom wall 11, a pair of opposing short sidewalls 13 extending upward from a pair of opposing short sides of the bottom wall 11, a generally rectangular frame-shaped protrusion 14 that protrudes outward from the container body 2 from the entire upper edges of the long sidewalls 12 and the short sidewalls 13, and an edge wall 15 that protrudes upward from the entire outer edge of the protrusion 14. The long sidewalls 12 and the short sidewalls 13 of the container body 2 are configured in a tapered shape that is slightly inclined upward outward from the container body 2, and the opening 4 is rectangular in plan view of the container body 2.
[0019] Additionally, a roller mounting portion 17, to which a roller 16 is rotatably attached, is provided near one short side of the underside of the bottom wall portion 11. A relatively wide area of the bottom wall portion 11, including its center, protrudes downward from the area where the roller mounting portion 17 is provided. As a result, when the container body 2 is placed on a mounting surface such as a floor, the downwardly protruding portion of the underside of the bottom wall portion 11 contacts the mounting surface while the roller 16 protrudes downward from the roller mounting portion 17, allowing the bottom wall portion 11 to extend substantially horizontally and preventing relative horizontal displacement of the container body 2. On the other hand, when moving the container 1, the container body 2 is held so that the short side of the container body 2 not provided with the roller 16 is slightly suspended in the air, allowing only the roller 16 to contact the mounting surface, thereby enabling relatively smooth horizontal movement of the container body 2. In this embodiment, the container body 2 and the roller 16 are integrally formed from polypropylene.
[0020] 14, 16, 19, 20, etc., the lid mounting frame 6 is provided with a substantially rectangular frame body 21 that is located above the overhanging portion 14 of the container body 2 and in an area of the container body 2 relative to the edge wall portion 15 when attached to the container body 2, frame support protrusions 22 that protrude outward from the upper edge of the frame body 21 and are supported by abutting against the upper edge of the edge wall portion 15 of the container body 2 when attached to the container body 2, and frame regulating protrusions 23 that protrude upward from the upper edge of the frame body 21. The portions of the frame body 21 that correspond to the short sides form a stepped shape (crank-shaped cross section) with the lower side facing inward of the lid mounting frame 6 (inward of the container body 2) and the upper side facing outward of the lid mounting frame 6 (see FIG. 20).
[0021] 14 and other figures, one short side of the lid mounting frame 6 is provided with a frame base 24 that is provided in a manner that causes the target portion of the frame support protrusion 22 to bulge out up to the upper edge of the frame regulating protrusion 23. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, when the container body 2 is viewed from above, the lid mounting frame 6 is attached to the container body 2 such that the frame base 24 is located above the short side of the bottom wall 11 that is opposite the short side near which the roller 16 is provided.
[0022] 14 and other figures, a first pivotal support portion 25 that rotatably supports the first lid body 8 is provided on one long side of the lid mounting frame 6 (the left long side when the short side of the lid mounting frame 6 on which the frame base portion 24 is provided is considered the front side), and a second pivotal support portion 26 that rotatably supports the second lid body 9 is provided on the other long side of the lid mounting frame 6. More specifically, notches are provided in the upper edge of the frame restricting protrusion 23 on the long side of the lid mounting frame 6 in locations near both ends, and the first pivotal support portion 25 and the second pivotal support portion 26 are constituted by cylindrical protrusions that are connected to both ends and are provided so as to protrude above the notches. In addition, the lid mounting frame 6 has a pair of first support portions 25 and second support portions 26, and the first support portions 25 and second support portions 26 are provided on the short side of the lid mounting frame 6 having the frame base portion 24, and are arranged so that the first support portions 25 and second support portions 26 extend outward from the short side of the lid mounting frame 6, and are equipped with spring support portions 27 that protrude outward beyond the frame regulating protrusions 23 on the short side of the lid mounting frame 6.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 6 , 18 , etc., this embodiment is configured to accommodate a bag stopper member 28 for holding the periphery of the opening of a bag (garbage bag) placed in the storage section 3 of the container body 2. The bag stopper member 28 has a rectangular frame shape and is arranged along the inner periphery of the frame body 21 of the lid mounting frame 6. The bag stopper member 28 is also provided with bag stopper support protrusions 29 that protrude outward from the upper portion of the outer surface of each short side of the bag stopper member 28 and are supported by abutting against stepped portions (upper surface) of each short side of the frame body 21 when the bag stopper member 28 is attached to the lid mounting frame 6 (see FIG. 20 ). For example, a garbage bag is inserted into the bag stopper member 28, and the upper portion of the garbage bag is rotated upward and outward around the bag stopper member 28 so that it hangs downward. Then, the bag stopper member 28 is attached to the lid mounting frame 6 attached to the container body 2, whereby the garbage bag is fixed to the container body 2 in a manner that the garbage bag is sandwiched between the bag stopper member 28 and the lid mounting frame 6.
[0024] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, etc., the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 each include a plate-shaped lid main body 31 and a lid outer peripheral rib 32 that protrudes downward from the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the lid main body 31. Also, as shown in Figures 8, 13, etc., the longitudinal width of each of the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 (lid main body 31) is the same as the longitudinal width of the lid mounting frame 6. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, when both the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are in the closed position, the entire opening 4 of the container main body 2 is closed, and the container 1 is in the closed state. When the container 1 is in the closed state, the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are provided adjacent to each other in the short width direction of the lid mounting frame 6 (container main body 2).
[0025] 7 to 9, the lid body 31 includes lid short side portions 33 extending along the short sides (short sides of the lid mounting frame 6) of the opening 4 (drop-in opening 7) of the container body 2, lid long side portions 34 extending along the long sides (long sides of the lid mounting frame 6) of the opening 4, and lid open side portions 35 of the lid body 31 of the first lid body 8 and the lid body 31 of the second lid body 9 that are close to each other and horizontally opposed when the container 1 is in the closed state. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, of the four sides of the opening 4 of the container body 2 (in this example, the same is true for the drop-in opening 7 of the lid mounting frame 6), the short side along which the frame base portion 24 of the lid mounting frame 6 extends will also be referred to as the "first side 36," and the short side opposite the first side 36 will also be referred to as the "second side 37" (see FIG. 10).
[0026] 2, 11, 14, etc., the first lid body 8 includes a first shaft 38 that protrudes downward from a portion of the underside of the lid main body 31 near the lid long side edge 34 and is journaled by the first journal support 25. The second lid body 9 includes a second shaft 39 that protrudes downward from a portion of the underside of the lid main body 31 near the lid long side edge 34 and is journaled by the second journal support 26, as shown in FIGS. 3, 15, etc. The first shaft 38 and the second shaft 39 have holes (or recesses) into which the cylindrical first journal support 25 and second journal support 26 are inserted. By inserting the first journal support 25 and the second journal support 26 into the holes of the first shaft 38 and the second shaft 39, the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are attached to the lid mounting frame 6 so that the central axis of rotation extends along the periphery of the opening 4 (the long sides of the lid mounting frame 6). 14 and other figures, the frame restricting protrusions 23 on each long side of the lid mounting frame 6 are provided with positioning grooves 40 in the longitudinal center of their upper edges, and as shown in Figures 3, 5 and other figures, the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are provided with positioning protrusions 41 that are inserted into the positioning grooves 40 regardless of whether the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are in any position between the open position and the closed position. Note that, for example, the first shaft 38 and the second shaft 39 may be formed in a convex shape, and the first shaft support portion 25 and the second shaft support portion 26 may be formed in a shape having holes (or recesses) into which the first shaft 38 and the second shaft 39 are inserted.
[0027] 9 and other figures, with respect to the first lid body 8 connected to the opening 4 of the container body 2 corresponding to the long side on the left side when the first side 36 is the front side, the length of the lid short side portion 33 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first lid operation side portion 33a") extending along the first side 36 is configured to be long enough to cover an area longer than half the length of the first side 36. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 and other figures, the length of the lid short side portion 33 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second lid operation side portion 33b") extending along the first side 36 when the second lid body 9 is in the closed position is configured to be long enough to cover an area shorter than half the length of the first side 36 (the sum of the lengths of the first lid operation side portion 33a and the second lid operation side portion 33b is approximately the same as the short side width of the lid mounting frame 6).
[0028] 7 and other figures, in this embodiment, the lid bodies 31 of the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 have the same shape (point symmetrical shape) in a plan view. Therefore, the length of the lid short side edge portion 33 opposite the first lid operation side edge portion 33a of the lid body 31 of the first lid body 8 is configured to be able to cover an area shorter than half the length of the second side edge 37, which has the same length as the first side edge 36, and the length of the lid short side edge portion 33 opposite the second lid operation side edge portion 33b of the lid body 31 of the second lid body 9 is configured to be able to cover an area longer than half the length of the first side edge 36 (second side edge 37). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lid open side portion 35 of the first lid body 8 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first lid open side portion 35a") extends at an angle from the first side edge 36 toward the second side edge 37 toward the axis of the first lid body 8 (the lid long side edge portion 34), and the lid open side portion 35 of the second lid body 9 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second lid open side portion 35b") extends at an angle from the first side edge 36 toward the second side edge 37 toward the axis of the second lid body 9 (the lid long side edge portion 34) (toward the first lid body 8 when the container 1 is in the closed state).
[0029] As shown in Figure 6 and other figures, by rotating the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 approximately 90 degrees from the closed position, the lid outer peripheral rib 32 (the portion corresponding to the lid long side edge portion 34) comes into contact with the outer surface of the frame restricting protrusion 23, and further displacement of the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 toward the open position is restricted (see Figure 19). The lid mounting frame 6, the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are each integrally formed from polypropylene.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5, 12, 14, etc., in this embodiment, the frame base 24 of the lid mounting frame 6 is provided with latch installation portions 52 for installing the latch members 51 corresponding to the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3, 11, 14, etc., the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are provided with engagement protrusions 53 that protrude downward from positions that vertically face the latch installation portions 52 when the container 1 is in the closed state. As shown in FIGS. 12, 14, etc., the latch member 51 includes a housing 54 and a latch main body 55 that can be extended and retracted relative to the housing 54. When the engagement protrusions 53 are pressed against and pushed into the latch main body 55, which is in the extended position, the latch main body 55 is displaced and held in the retracted position, and the engagement protrusions 53 are held in an engaged state by being embraced by a pair of claw-shaped portions of the latch main body 55. This holds the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 in the closed position. Furthermore, when the latch body 55 is in the retracted position and is pushed in the direction of retracting the latch body 55 into the housing 54 via the engaging protrusions 53, the state in which the latch body 55 is held in the retracted position is released, and the latch body 55 is displaced to the protruding position, causing the pair of claw-shaped portions of the latch body 55 to open, thereby releasing the engagement of the engaging protrusions 53. In other words, the state in which the first cover 8 and the second cover 9 are held in the closed position by the latch member 51 is released.
[0031] As described above, in this embodiment, the lid bodies 8, 9 are held in the closed position using a push latch mechanism consisting of the latch member 51 and the engaging protrusion 53, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 13, etc., the portion of the upper surfaces of the lid bodies 8, 9 where the engaging protrusion 53 is provided on the lower surface side and the surrounding area correspond to the release operation portion 56 where the state in which the lid bodies 8, 9 are held by the latch member 51 is released based on the operation (pushing down) of the user. In this embodiment, the latch member 51 (latch installation portion 52) corresponding to the first lid body 8 is provided near the area covered by the second lid body 9 in the closed position and near the latch member 51 (latch installation portion 52) corresponding to the second lid body 9. For this reason, the release operation portion 56 of the first lid body 8 is provided near the corner formed by the first lid operation side edge 33a and the first lid open side edge 35a of the lid main body 31, and the release operation portion 56 of the second lid body 9 is provided near the corner formed by the second lid operation side edge 33b and the second lid open side edge 35b of the lid main body 31. As a result, the release operation portion 56 of the first lid body 8 and the release operation portion 56 of the second lid body 9 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other when the container 1 is in the closed state.
[0032] As shown in Figures 5, 10, etc., the lid mounting frame 6 is provided with receiving grooves 57 that can receive the lid outer periphery ribs 32 of the lid bodies 8 and 9 in the area between the latch mounting portion 52 corresponding to the first lid body 8 on the frame base portion 24 and the latch mounting portion 52 corresponding to the second lid body 9, and in the target area of the upper edge of the frame regulating protrusion 23 on the short side of the lid mounting frame 6 on which the frame base portion 24 is not provided.
[0033] 14, 16, etc., the lid unit 5 includes a spring member 58 as a biasing means for biasing the lid bodies 8, 9 toward the open position. The spring member 58 is configured such that the middle portion of a wire is spirally wound, one end of the wire extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the middle portion, and the other end of the wire extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the middle portion and in a direction tilted by more than 90 degrees from the extending direction of the one end. By inserting the middle portion of the spring member 58 relative to the spring support portion 27, one end of the spring member 58 presses against the upper surface of the lid mounting frame 6, and the other end of the spring member 58 presses against the lower surface of the lid main body 31 of the first lid body 8 or the second lid body 9. As a result, when the state in which the lid bodies 8, 9 are held in the closed position by the latch member 51 is released, the urging force of the spring member 58 displaces the lid bodies 8, 9 to the open position. In addition, spring restricting protrusions 59 are provided on the upper surface of the lid mounting frame 6 and the lower surface of the lid main body 31, which come into contact with one end and the other end of the spring member 58, respectively, to restrict the spring member 58 from falling off the spring support portion 27. Furthermore, the latch member 51 and spring member 58 corresponding to the first lid body 8 and the latch member 51 and spring member 58 corresponding to the second lid body 9 are the same.
[0034] The open states of the lids 8 and 9 of the container 1 include a first open state in which the first lid 8 is in the open position and the second lid 9 is in the closed position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8; a second open state in which the second lid 9 is in the open position and the first lid 8 is in the closed position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9; and a third open state in which both the first lid 8 and the second lid 9 are in the open position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10. Furthermore, as described above, the spring member 58, the latch member 51, and the release operation unit 56 are provided for each of the first lid 8 and the second lid 9, and the first lid 8 and the second lid 9 do not overlap at all when the container 1 is closed (one does not interfere with the opening and closing operation of the other). Therefore, the container 1 is configured to be able to directly change between the first open state, the second open state, the third open state, and the closed state in which all of the lids 8 and 9 are in the closed position.
[0035] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the first and second lids 8 and 9 to be placed in the open position can be selected to ensure an opening shape (opening area) of the opening 4 of the container body 2 that is suitable (minimum necessary) for the insertion of the object (garbage) depending on the size, shape, etc. of the object (garbage) to be inserted into the container 1, and only the selected lids 8 and 9 can be placed in the open position. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which, for example, all of the lids 8 and 9 that close the opening 4 of the container body 2 are opened and closed simultaneously when the opening 4 of the container body 2 is opened or closed, the configuration is simplified, and adverse effects on objects contained in the container 1 when only one of the first and second lids 8 and 9 is opened or closed can be prevented (e.g., relatively light objects contained in the container 1 may be lifted up by wind generated when the lids 8 and 9 are opened or closed). Furthermore, for users who wish to isolate the inside and outside of the container 1 as much as possible, the opening area can be made small and the opening time can be made relatively short. In addition, when an object is stuck on the first lid 8 side of the container 1, only the second lid 9 can be in the open position. As a result, the lids 8 and 9 can be selectively and efficiently opened and closed depending on the situation to achieve the desired usage, thereby improving convenience, etc.
[0036] Furthermore, for example, compared to a configuration in which a single lid completely closes the opening 4 of the container body 2, the lids 8 and 9 can be made lighter and smaller, preventing the configuration for biasing the lids 8 and 9 toward the open position from becoming more complex and larger. Furthermore, the height of the container 1 when the lids 8 and 9 are in the open position can be reduced, making it easier to install in places with height restrictions. Furthermore, in the first and second open states, a plurality of predetermined objects can be temporarily placed on the lid 8 or 9 in the closed position, and the objects (all or part) can be stored one by one in order in the container 1 (for example, sorting the objects one by one while storing them, removing tags from the objects and storing the tags, etc.). Additionally, in this embodiment, direct state changes are possible between the first, second, and third open states and the closed state. This makes it possible to avoid troublesome situations such as, for example, when changing from a closed state to a state in which only one of the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 is in the open position, such as when the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are partially overlapping each other vertically in the closed state, it is necessary to first change them to the third open state, or when changing from a state in which only one of the lid bodies is in the open position to a closed state, it is necessary to first change the other lid body from the closed position to the open position and change it to the third open state.
[0037] Furthermore, the latch member 51 corresponding to the first lid body 8 is located near the area covered by the second lid body 9 in the closed position and near the latch member 51 corresponding to the second lid body 9. That is, when the container 1 is in the closed state, the release operation portion 56 of the first lid body 8 and the release operation portion 56 of the second lid body 9 are located near each other, allowing a user to operate the release operation portions 56 of both the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 on one side with one hand. This improves operability when changing the container 1 from the closed state to the third open state. Furthermore, although the release operation portion 56 of the first lid body 8 and the release operation portion 56 of the second lid body 9 are located near each other, each release operation portion 56 is provided on a separate lid body 8, 9. This prevents the container 1 from being mistakenly changed to the third open state when changing the container 1 from the closed state to the first open state or the second open state. Furthermore, by using a push latch mechanism as the holding means, it is possible to open and close the lids 8, 9 while holding something with one hand, and it is easy not only to open both the first lid 8 and the second lid 9 simultaneously, but also to open one without opening the other. Also, compared to a configuration in which pedals that are linked to the lids 8, 9 are provided at the bottom of the container 1, it is possible to prevent dirt from building up around the structure related to opening and closing the lids 8, 9.
[0038] Furthermore, the length of the first lid operation side edge 33a, which extends along the first side edge 36 of the opening 4 of the container body 2 (the short side of the lid mounting frame 6 on which the frame base 24 is provided) when the first lid body 8 is in the closed position, is configured to be a length that can cover an area longer than half the length of the first side edge 36. In addition, the length of the second lid operation side edge 33b, which extends along the first side edge 36 when the second lid body 9 is in the closed position, is configured to be a length that can cover an area shorter than half the length of the first side edge 36. Therefore, when the first open state is set while the user is positioned on the first side edge 36 side of the container 1, the opening width of the opening 4 of the container body 2 on the side closer to the user can be wider than when the second open state is set. Therefore, the opening width of the opening 4 of the container body 2 (the opening shape on the front side of the opening 4) will differ depending on whether the first open state or the second open state is selected, and the effect of appropriately selecting the lid bodies 8, 9 to be in the open position depending on the size, shape, etc. of the object to be put into the container 1 is more pronounced. Furthermore, by arranging the release operation part 56 corresponding to the first side edge 36, the user can stand on the first side edge 36 side relative to the container 1, and the above effect is more reliably achieved.
[0039] Furthermore, the first lid-opening side edge 35a of the first lid body 8 extends from the first side edge 36 toward the second side edge 37, slanting toward the axis of the first lid body 8, and the second lid-opening side edge 35b of the second lid body 9 extends from the first side edge 36 toward the second side edge 37, slanting away from the axis of the second lid body 9. Therefore, even if the length of the first lid operation side edge 33a of the first lid body 8 and the length of the second lid operation side edge 33b of the second lid body 9 are made different, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the difference in weight (opening / closing time, etc.) between the first and second lid bodies, and it is possible to use the same biasing means (spring member 58) and holding means (latch member 51). This can improve productivity, etc. Furthermore, when the container 1 is in the second open state, even if an object cannot be put into the container 1 due to the opening width at the front side of the opening 4, such an object can be put into the container 1 at the back side of the opening 4, thereby improving convenience.
[0040] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows: Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.
[0041] (a) In the above embodiment, the opening 4 of the container body 2 is closed by the first lid 8 and the second lid 9. However, the opening 4 may be closed by three or more lids. In this case, biasing means, holding means, and release operation units may be provided for each of the lids, or biasing means, holding means, and release operation units may be provided for each of at least two of the lids (the first lid and the second lid). Furthermore, for example, openings may be provided in the lids 8 and 9, and doors for opening and closing the openings may be provided.
[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 are rotatably connected to a pair of opposing long sides of the lid mounting frame 6, respectively. However, both the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 may be rotatably connected to a predetermined side of the lid mounting frame 6, or the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 may be rotatably connected to a pair of opposing short sides of the lid mounting frame 6, respectively. In addition, the shapes of the lid bodies 8, 9 are not particularly limited and can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 (lid main body 31) are each trapezoidal in plan view, but they may be rectangular (e.g., having the same planar shape), or they may be configured to have different planar shapes (e.g., having a square shape in plan view but different widths in the short width direction of the container main body 2). Furthermore, when the container 1 is placed with the short side of the lid mounting frame 6 on which the frame base 24 is provided facing forward, in the above embodiment, the release operation portion 56 of the first lid body 8 and the release operation portion 56 of the second lid body 9 are located toward the right in the short width direction of the container 1. However, they may be located toward the left. Furthermore, although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, when the container 1 is in the closed state, the top surfaces of the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 (lid main body 31) in the closed position (by placing the container 1 on a horizontal installation surface) extend in a substantially horizontal direction. However, the top surfaces of the first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 in the closed position may extend at a slight angle relative to the horizontal, or the lid main body 31 may be configured to be slightly curved (in whole or in part). The first lid body 8 and the second lid body 9 may be configured to have the same shape (from the same molded product), including the engaging protrusions 53, etc. In this case, productivity and the like can be further improved.
[0043] (b) In the above embodiment, the holding means includes a push latch mechanism (latch member 51 and engagement protrusion 53). However, for example, one of the lid bodies 8, 9 and the lid mounting frame 6 may include a locking member that can slide or rotate between a first position and a second position and a biasing member that biases the locking member toward the first position. The other may include a locked portion that can receive the locking member in the first position when the lid bodies 8, 9 are in the closed position. One or the other may include a release operation unit that displaces the locking member toward the second position based on a user's operation. (The biasing member may be omitted, and the release operation unit may be used to displace the locking member between the first position and the second position.) The configurations and arrangements of the holding means, biasing member, and release operation unit are not particularly limited, but it is desirable that the user be able to simultaneously operate the pair of lid bodies 8, 9 from the closed position to the open position with one hand. Alternatively, the latch member 51 may be provided on the lid bodies 8, 9, and an engagement protrusion may be provided on the lid mounting frame 6. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a mark may be provided on the release operation unit 56. For example, the mark may be a slight depression, may be printed, or may be a removable sticker.
[0044] (c) In the above embodiment, the lid mounting frame 6 may be omitted, and the lids 8 and 9 may be directly connected to the container body 2 (not only the first pivotal support portion 25 and the second pivotal support portion 26, but also the latch mounting portion 52 and the spring support portion 27, etc. may be provided). Also, the bag fastening member 28 may be omitted. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage section 3 of the container body 2 is a continuous space as a whole, and is configured to accommodate a single garbage bag, but the storage section 3 may be configured to be able to accommodate a partition member that divides the storage section 3 into two or more areas, or a configuration may be adopted in which garbage bags are installed and used in the area covered by the first lid 8 and the area covered by the second lid 9, respectively, without providing a partition member.
[0045] (d) In the above embodiment, the container body 2 and the lids 8 and 9 are made of polypropylene, but they may be made of other resin materials such as polyethylene, PET, polyamide, etc. Furthermore, the shape and use of the container 1 are not particularly limited, and it may be embodied as, for example, a relatively low tool box. [Explanation of symbols]
[0046] 1...container, 2...container body, 3...storage section, 4...opening, 6...lid mounting frame, 8...first lid body, 9...second lid body, 31...lid body, 33a...first lid operation side edge portion, 33b...second lid operation side edge portion, 34...lid long side edge portion, 35a...first lid opening side edge portion, 35b...second lid opening side edge portion, 36...first side edge, 37...second side edge, 51...latch member, 53...engagement protrusion, 56...release operation portion, 58...spring member.
Claims
1. a substantially box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upward; a lid body that is rotatably displaceable relative to the container body between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, and that is attached so that a central axis of the lid body rotationally displaceable extends along the periphery of the opening, a biasing means for biasing the cover body toward the open position; a holding means for holding the lid in the closed position; a release operation unit that releases the state in which the lid body is held by the holding means based on an operation by a user, The lid body includes a first lid body and a second lid body, the biasing means, the holding means, and the release operation portion are provided corresponding to the first cover and the second cover, respectively; By operating the release operation units corresponding to the first and second lids held by the holding means, the corresponding first and second lids are displaced to the open position by the biasing force of the biasing means, a first open state in which the first cover is in the open position and the second cover is in the closed position; a second open state in which the second cover is in the open position and the first cover is in the closed position; a third open state in which both the first lid and the second lid are in the open position, A container characterized in that it is configured to be able to directly change states between the first open state, the second open state, the third open state, and a closed state in which all of the lid bodies are in the closed position.
2. the holding means is configured by a push latch mechanism that holds the lid when the lid is in the closed position, and that releases the state of holding the lid when the lid is in the closed position by pressing the lid toward the closed position, the release operation unit is configured by a portion of the lid body that is in the vicinity of the holding means that holds the lid body when the lid body is in the closed position, 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the holding means corresponding to the first lid body is provided near the area covered by the second lid body in the closed position and near the holding means corresponding to the second lid body.
3. The opening of the container body has a rectangular shape in a plan view, the first lid and the second lid are provided adjacent to each other in an extension direction of a first side edge of four sides of the opening when the container is in the closed state, a length of a side portion of the first lid extending along the first side edge when the first lid is in the closed position is configured to be a length that can cover an area longer than half the length of the first side edge, The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the side portion of the second lid body extending along the first side edge when in the closed position is configured to be long enough to cover an area shorter than half the length of the first side edge.
4. a first lid open side edge portion of the first lid body that faces the second lid body in the extension direction of the first side edge in the closed state extends from the first side edge side toward a second side edge side of the opening that faces the first side edge, at an incline toward a side approaching an axis of the first lid body, The container according to claim 3, characterized in that a second lid open side edge portion of the second lid body that faces the first lid body in the extension direction of the first side edge in the closed state extends at an angle from the first side edge side toward the second side edge side, away from the axis of the second lid body.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Garbage box
JP2019085241A