Container holding device and packaging product

Abstract

To provide a container holding device and packaging product that can reduce material usage for resource conservation while also suppressing container detachment.SOLUTION: A container holding device 2A is a sleeve-shaped container holding device assembled to cover the upper portion of a container 3 having a constricted portion 7. The container holding device includes an insertion portion 17 for inserting the constricted portion 7 in a direction intersecting a container's axial direction C1. The constriction portion 7 has a large-diameter section 8 and a small-diameter section 9 positioned below the large-diameter section and smaller than the large-diameter section. An insertion space S, smaller than the large-diameter section 8 but larger than the small-diameter section 9, is formed within the insertion portion 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container holder and a packaging product, and more particularly to a container holder that is assembled to cover the top of a container, and a packaging product having the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Known conventional container holders are those that are assembled to cover the top of a container (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of container holder can reduce the amount of material used and conserve resources compared to container holders that are assembled to cover the entire container, such as an individual packaging box. Patent Document 1 describes a container holder that has a holding hole with a locking tab on the periphery, and that inserts the top of the container into the holding hole in the axial direction of the container to lock the locking tab with a step on the container (see paragraph 0023 and Figures 1 and 4, etc.). Patent Document 1 also describes a container holder that only has an insert-type locking structure for maintaining the assembled state (see paragraph 0022 and Figure 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-085388 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2017-514766 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2022-521691 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2023-510276 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the container holder described in Patent Document 1, the upper part of the container is inserted into the holding hole in the axial direction of the container, so the insertion direction of the container is the same as the direction of gravity of the container, and the container is likely to fall off when the container holder holding the container is lifted. The possibility of the container falling off is particularly high when multiple containers are held.

[0005] Furthermore, the container holder described in Patent Document 1 only has an insertion-type locking structure for maintaining the assembled state, so the operation of inserting the locking claws into the slit lines, i.e., the locking operation, is cumbersome. Patent Documents 2 to 4 describe techniques for connecting a pair of panels by folding each tab provided on each of the pair of panels, with the tip of one tab supporting the other tab. However, depending on the amount of force used when folding each tab, there is a risk that each tab may not be properly supported, which again makes the locking operation cumbersome.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned current situation, and aims to provide a container holder and a packaging product that can reduce the amount of material used, thereby saving resources, and that can prevent containers from falling off. In addition to the above-mentioned object, another object of the present invention is to provide a container holder that can improve locking workability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is as follows. 1. A container holder that is assembled in the shape of a sleeve so as to cover the upper part of a container having a constricted portion, an insertion portion into which the constricted portion is inserted in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the container; the constricted portion has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion that is disposed below the large diameter portion and is smaller than the large diameter portion, A container holder characterized in that the insertion portion has an insertion space formed therein that is smaller than the large diameter portion and larger than the small diameter portion. 2. A locking structure for maintaining the assembled state of the container holder is provided, The container holder according to item 1 above, wherein the locking structure has a plurality of overlapping locking portions that are pushed in the same direction. 3. A container holder as described in 1. or 2. above, characterized in that the bottom surface on which the insertion portion is formed has a folding structure that is folded along a direction that is not parallel to the sleeve axial direction. 4. A container holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above, characterized in that it has perforations for opening to release the assembled state of the container holder. 5. The container holder according to any one of 1. to 4. above, A packaged product comprising: a container held by the container holder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when assembling the container holder to cover the top of a container, the constricted portion is inserted into the insertion portion in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the container. Therefore, the insertion direction of the constricted portion of the container is intersecting the direction of gravity of the container, so that the container is less likely to fall off when the container holder is lifted. As a result, the amount of material used can be reduced, saving resources and preventing the container from falling off. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a packaged product according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are enlarged cross-sectional views of the main part of FIG. 2, in which (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line aa, (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line bb, and (c) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line cc. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view of a container holder in an unfolded state according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6]1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a container holder, in which (a) shows a perspective view of a portion including a ruled line, (b) shows a perspective view of a portion including a lead rule, and (c) shows a perspective view of a portion including a perforation. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are explanatory views of a container according to Embodiment 1, in which (a) shows a front view of the container and (b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line bb. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram of how to assemble a container holder, where (a) shows the state just before the narrowed part of the container is inserted into the insertion part, (b) shows the state after the narrowed part of the container has been inserted into the insertion part, and (c) shows the state after the container has been rotated around its axis. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a method for assembling a container holder, in which FIG. 10A shows the state immediately before the insertion panel is inserted into the slit, and FIG. 10B shows the state after the insertion panel has been inserted into the slit. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a method for assembling the container holder, in which (a) shows the state in which the end panel is overlapped on the second side panel, and (b) shows the state in which the locking portions of the two overlapping panels are pushed inward. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a method for disassembling and disassembling the container holder, in which (a) shows the state in which the perforation has been opened by pushing, and (b) shows the state in which the locking structure has been pushed out. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a packaged product according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. [Figure 15] 14A and 14B are enlarged cross-sectional views of the main part of FIG. 13, where (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line aa, and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line bb. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a container holder in an unfolded state according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] An explanatory diagram of how to assemble the container holder, where (a) shows the state just before the narrowed portion of the container is inserted into the insertion portion of the second bottom panel, and (b) shows the state after the narrowed portion of the container has been inserted into the insertion portion of the second bottom panel. [Figure 18]An explanatory diagram of how to assemble a container holder, where (a) shows the state just before the insertion portion of the first bottom panel is inserted into the narrow portion of the container, and (b) shows the state after the insertion portion of the first bottom panel has been inserted into the narrow portion of the container. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating how to assemble a container holder; (a) shows the state before the two overlapping locking portions in the central locking structure are pushed inward, and (b) shows the state after the two overlapping locking portions have been pushed inward. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams illustrating how to assemble the container holder; (a) shows the state before the two overlapping locking sections of the locking structure on both the left and right sides are pushed inward, and (b) shows the state after the two overlapping locking sections have been pushed inward. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of how to disassemble the container holder, where (a) shows the state where the perforation has been opened by pulling it out, and (b) shows the state where the two-layer locking part has been pulled back. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of a packaged product according to another embodiment, in which (a) is a front view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of a packaged product according to still another embodiment, in which (a) is a front view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of container holders according to other embodiments, in which (a) shows a form in which the upper end portion protrudes and covers the top of the container, and (b) shows a form in which the holder is assembled into a square sleeve shape. [Figure 25] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of locking structures according to other embodiments, in which (a) shows a configuration having a three-layered locking portion, and (b) shows a configuration having locking portions with curved side edges on the left and right sides. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of containers in other forms, in which (a) and (b) show a form having a constricted portion formed between the container and a separate member attached to the container, (c) shows a form having a constricted portion formed in the mouth, (d) shows a form having a constricted portion formed in a decorative protrusion that does not have the function of a mouth, and (e) and (f) show forms having no locking portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The matters set forth herein are for illustrative purposes only and are intended to provide an illustrative description of the embodiments of the present invention, with the aim of providing what is believed to be the most effective and easily understandable explanation of the principles and conceptual features of the present invention. In this respect, it is not intended to show structural details of the present invention beyond the extent necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present invention, and the description, taken together with the drawings, will make clear to those skilled in the art how some aspects of the present invention may be actually embodied.

[0011] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings and in accordance with first and second embodiments.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> A packaged product 1A according to this embodiment has a container holder 2A and two containers 3 held by the container holder 2A (see FIG. 1).

[0013] The container 3 has a container body 4 filled with the contents and a spout 5 provided at the top of the container body 4 (see FIG. 7). The container body 4 is formed from a resin film or the like so that it can stand on its own. The spout 5 has a mouth 6, a constricted portion 7 located below the mouth 6, and a locking portion 10 connected to the lower side of the constricted portion 7. A separate member 15, such as a cap or lid, for opening and closing the mouth 6 is attached to the mouth 6 by fitting, screwing, or the like. The constricted portion 7 has a large diameter portion 8 and a small diameter portion 9 located below the large diameter portion 8 and smaller than the large diameter portion 8. The small diameter portion 9 has a narrow portion 9a and a wide portion 9b having a width w larger than the outer diameter d1 of the narrow portion 9a (or a thick portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter d1 of the narrow portion 9a). The large diameter portion 8, the small diameter portion 9, and the locking portion 10 may have circular or polygonal outer peripheries.

[0014] In this embodiment, a pouch container is used as the container 3, but the container is not limited thereto and may be a bottle container, a tube container, or the like. A container 3 with a pump function may also be used. The material of the container body 4 is not particularly limited, but resin, metal, paper, or the like may be used. The contents of the container body 4 are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include hair cosmetics such as shampoo, rinse, treatment, hair dye, bleach, and hair styling products. In addition to these, other contents may include chemicals such as adhesives, paints, bonding materials, fillers, and repair materials; foods and beverages such as confectionery, beverages, and seasonings; skin cosmetics such as ointments and creams; and pharmaceuticals.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the container holder 2A is assembled in a sleeve shape, including the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 and covering the area above the constricted portion 7. The container holder 2A is open at both ends in the sleeve axial direction C2. Specifically, the container holder 2A has a first side panel 11, a second side panel 12 connected to one edge of the first side panel 11, and a bottom panel 13 connected to the other edge of the first side panel 11. Each of the panels 11 to 13 is rectangular. The container holder 2A also has an end panel 14a that overlaps the front surface of the second side panel 12 and an end panel 14b that overlaps the back surface of the second side panel 12. The material of the container holder 2A is not particularly limited, and examples of materials that can be used include cardboard, paperboard (such as cardboard or coated paper), resin sheets, and metal plates. Of these, cardboard or paperboard is preferred from the standpoint of environmental impact.

[0016] The container holder 2A has an insertion portion 17 into which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 8). Two insertion portions 17 are provided on the bottom panel 13, corresponding to the number of containers 3 to be held (see FIG. 3). The insertion portion 17 also has a notched insertion space S into which the constricted portion 7 is inserted (see FIG. 5). The insertion space S is cut out from the edge of the bottom panel 13, and the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 is inserted from the opening toward the back. The term "perpendicular" does not necessarily mean a perfect right angle, but also includes an angle that is approximately right (for example, in the range of 90±10 degrees). The term "axial direction C1 of the container 3" refers to the axial direction C1 of the constricted portion 7 (i.e., the direction C1 in which the large-diameter portion 8 and small-diameter portion 9 that make up the constricted portion 7 are aligned).

[0017] In this embodiment, an example is given of an insertion portion 17 in which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3, but this is not limited to this, and depending on, for example, the axial length of the constricted portion 7 and the degree of deformation of the panel 13 during insertion, an insertion portion 17 in which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction intersecting the axial direction C1 of the container 3 at an angle other than a right angle may be used.

[0018] The insertion space S is a space that is smaller than the large diameter portion 8 and larger than the small diameter portion 9. Specifically, the rear side of the insertion space S is formed in a semicircular shape with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion 8 (or the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the large diameter portion 8 if the outer periphery is polygonal). Furthermore, the width of the insertion space S is set to a value larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 9 (or the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the small diameter portion 9 if the outer periphery is polygonal). Therefore, the small diameter portion 9 can be inserted into the insertion portion 17 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, when the small diameter portion 9 is inserted into the rear side portion 17a of the insertion portion 17, the large diameter portion 8 can engage with the rear side portion 17a in the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 4(c)). Furthermore, the rear side of the insertion space S is formed in a semicircular shape with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the locking portion 10 (or the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the locking portion 10 if the outer periphery is polygonal). Therefore, with the small diameter portion 9 inserted into the deep side portion 17a of the insertion portion 17, the locking portion 10 can engage with the deep side portion 17a in the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 4(c)). Specifically, the deep side portion 17a of the insertion portion 17 is formed in a semicircular ring shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameters of the large diameter portion 8 and the locking portion 10. Furthermore, the center of the deep side portion 17a of each insertion portion 17 is disposed on a straight line along the sleeve axial direction C2. The shape of the insertion portion 17 can be selected appropriately depending on the shape of the constricted portion 7 (i.e., the large diameter portion 8 and the small diameter portion 9), etc.

[0019] The insertion portion 17 has a movement suppressing portion 19 that suppresses movement of the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 inserted into the rear side portion 17a toward the opening (see FIG. 3). The movement suppressing portion 19 is disposed adjacent to the rear side portion 17a and is a portion that makes the inner space of the insertion portion 17 narrower than the rear side portion 17a. More specifically, the movement suppressing portion 19 is composed of a pair of protrusions 19a that protrude into the inner space of the insertion portion 17. However, the movement suppressing portion 19 may be composed of one or three or more protrusions 19a. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusions 19a is not particularly limited, but a semicircular shape is particularly preferable because it can be adapted to various containers 3 in terms of movement suppression.

[0020] Container holder 2A has a push-in type locking structure 21 for maintaining its assembled state (see FIG. 2). Container holder 2A also has an insert-in type locking structure 26 for maintaining its assembled state. Locking structure 21 is disposed on both ends of second side panel 12 in sleeve axis direction C2, and locking structure 26 is disposed on the middle side of second side panel 12 in sleeve axis direction C2.

[0021] The locking structure 21 has two overlapping locking portions 22 that are pushed in the same direction (see FIG. 4(a)). In the two-layer locking portion 22, one locking portion 22 is provided on the second side panel 12, and the other locking portion 22 is provided on the end panel 14a. When the panels 12, 14a are overlapped, the locking portions 22 overlap. Each locking portion 22 has a hinge 22a and a wide portion 22b that widens with increasing distance from the hinge 22a (see FIG. 5). The wide portion 22b is formed by making a slit (cutting line) 23 in the panels 12, 14a. When the two-layer locking portion 22 is pushed into the container holder 2A with a finger via the hinge 22a, the base of the side edge of the wide portion 22b engages with the side edge of the hole formed in each panel 12, 14a, thereby establishing a locked state. On the other hand, by pulling back the two-layer locking portion 22 from the inside to the outside of the container holder 2A via the hinge 22a, the engagement between the base of the side edge of the wide portion 22b and the side edge of the hole is released, and the locked state is released.

[0022] The locking structure 26 has a slit 27 and an insertion panel 28 that is inserted into the slit 27 (see FIG. 4(b)). The slit 27 is provided between the bottom panel 13 and the end panel 14b, and the insertion panel 28 is provided on the edge of the second side panel 12 (see FIG. 5). The locking structure 26 is locked by inserting the insertion panel 28 into the slit 27, and is unlocked by pulling the insertion panel 28 out of the slit 27.

[0023] The container holder 2A has a folding structure 31 folded at the end of the bottom surface (bottom panel 13) where the insertion portion 17 is formed, in a direction perpendicular to the sleeve axial direction C2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The folding structure 31 has a folding portion 32 folded relative to the bottom panel 13 via a hinge 32a formed by a lead crease 37 (described later). The folding portion 32 is folded so that the intersection angle with the bottom panel 13 is an acute angle. Furthermore, the folding portion 32 has a locking portion 32b at its tip corner that locks to the side panels 11 and 12. Note that the above-mentioned "perpendicular" does not necessarily mean that the two intersect at a perfect right angle, but also includes a state where the two intersect at an approximately right angle (for example, in the range of 90±10 degrees). Furthermore, the folding structure 31 may be located at a location other than the end of the bottom surface. Furthermore, the folding line of the folding structure 31 may extend in a direction that intersects with the sleeve axial direction C2 at an angle other than a right angle. That is, the folding structure 31 may be in any form as long as it is folded in a direction that is not parallel to the sleeve axial direction C2.

[0024] The container holder 2A has perforations 34 for opening to release the assembled container holder 2A (see FIG. 2). The perforations 34 are located at a position corresponding to the locking structure 26. Specifically, the perforations 34 are located on the middle side of the second side panel 12 in the sleeve axis direction C2. Three perforations 34 are arranged side by side, and one end of each perforation 34 is connected to a substantially T-shaped slit (cutting line) 35. The container holder 2A can be opened by pressing the area of ​​the side panel 12 surrounded by the perforations 34 with a finger toward the inside of the container holder 2A, thereby rupturing the perforations 34 (see FIG. 11).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the container holder 2A in the unfolded state is formed into a sheet shape by punching using a Thomson blade. The first side panel 11 and the second side panel 12, and the first side panel 11 and the bottom panel 13 are connected via a guide line 36 (shown by a phantom line in the figure). The hinge 22a of the locking portion 22 is formed by the guide line 36. The guide line 36 is a fold line that makes the panel thinner than the actual thickness (see FIG. 6(a)). The bottom panel 13 and each end panel 14a, 14b, and the second side panel 12 and the insert panel 28 are connected via the guide lines 36. A cut 38 for forming the slit 27 is formed between the bottom panel 13 and the end panel 14b. The folded portion 32 and the bottom panel 13 are connected via a lead crease 37 (shown by a dashed line in the figure). The lead crease 37 is a portion where a perforation is formed in the fold line that is thinner than the thickness of the panel 13 (see FIG. 6(b)). Furthermore, the area surrounded by the perforation 34 (see FIG. 6(c)) and the slit 35 is the opening portion.

[0026] Next, a method for assembling the container holder 2A having the above-described configuration will be described. In the unfolded container holder 2A, the panels 11-13 are folded along the folding lines 36, and the first side panel 11 is placed on the work surface F so that the bottom panel 13 stands up (see FIG. 8(a)). Next, the small-diameter portion 9 (specifically, the small portion 9a) of the narrowed portion 7 of the container 3 is inserted into one of the insertion portions 17 of the bottom panel 13 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 8(b)). Next, the container 3 is rotated around its axis so that the wide portion 9b faces or abuts against the pair of protrusions 19a (see FIG. 8(c)). The above steps are then repeated for the other insertion portion 17 of the bottom panel 13, so that the narrowed portion 7 of the container 3 is inserted into the insertion portion 17. The insertion of the narrowed portion 7 into the insertion portion 17 is achieved by relative movement between the container holder 2A and the container 3.

[0027] Next, end panel 14b and insert panel 28 are folded along guide line 36 (see FIG. 9(a)). Next, insert panel 28 is inserted into slit 27 to lock locking structure 26 (see FIG. 9(b)). This places container holder 2A in a pre-assembled state. From this state, each end panel 14a is folded along guide line 36 and each end panel 14a is placed on second side panel 12, thereby overlapping two locking sections 22 (see FIG. 10(a)). After that, the two overlapping locking sections 22 are pushed into the inside of container holder 2A to lock locking structures 21 on both the left and right sides (see FIG. 10(b)). Next, container holder 2A is assembled by folding back fold 32 along lead crease 37, and packaged product 1A is obtained.

[0028] On the other hand, when releasing the assembled state of the container holder 2A, the portion of the second side panel 12 surrounded by the perforation 34 is pushed into the inside of the container holder 2A, and the perforation 34 is torn at the cutting plane f to open it (see FIG. 11(a)). Next, the torn portion is placed over the bottom panel 13 and pushed down toward the outside of the container holder 2A, twisting and deforming the insertion portion 17, and the container 3 is removed from the insertion portion 17. Note that when the perforation 34 is torn, the insertion panel 28 remains inserted in the slit 27, so the torn portion (fragments) are retained and not separated from the bottom panel 13. Note that the locking structure 26 can also be unlocked by pulling the insertion panel 28 out of the slit 27 without torn the perforation 34. In this case, no fragments are present.

[0029] As described above, the container holder 2A of this embodiment has an insertion portion 17 into which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3. The constricted portion 7 has a large-diameter portion 8 and a small-diameter portion 9 disposed below the large-diameter portion 8 and smaller than the large-diameter portion 8. The insertion portion 17 has an insertion space S that is smaller than the large-diameter portion 8 and larger than the small-diameter portion 9. As a result, when assembling the container holder 2A so as to cover the portion of the container 3 above the constricted portion 7, the constricted portion 7 is inserted into the insertion portion 17 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1. Therefore, since the insertion direction of the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the container 3, the container 3 is less likely to fall off when the container holder 2A holding the container 3 is lifted. As a result, the amount of material used can be reduced, saving resources, and the container 3 can be prevented from falling off. Furthermore, the container 3 can be held in a manner that allows the design of the container body 4 to be visually recognized. Furthermore, the container holder 2A is free from adhesive and can be delivered flat, improving productivity.

[0030] In this embodiment, the insertion portion 17 has a movement suppressing portion 19 that suppresses movement of the constricted portion 7 inserted into the inner side portion 17a toward the opening side, thereby enabling the container 3 to be held stably.

[0031] In this embodiment, the centers of the innermost portions 17a of the insertion portions 17 are arranged on a straight line along the sleeve axial direction C2, so that the containers 3 are arranged along the sleeve axial direction C2, and the containers 3 can be stably held.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is provided a locking structure 21 for maintaining the assembled state of container holder 2A, and locking structure 21 has two overlapping locking portions 22 that are pressed in the same direction. This improves the efficiency of the locking operation and also allows the locking strength, and therefore the assembled strength of container holder 2A, to be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0033] In this embodiment, the locking portion 22 has a hinge 22a and a wide portion 22b that becomes wider as it gets further away from the hinge 22a, which allows the locking portion 22 to be easily pressed in with a finger and keeps the locked state stable.

[0034] In this embodiment, bottom panel 13, on which insertion portion 17 is formed, has folding structure 31 that is folded back along a direction perpendicular to sleeve axial direction C2, thereby increasing the strength of the bottom surface and, in turn, the assembly strength of container holder 2A.

[0035] In this embodiment, the folding structure 31 has a folding portion 32 that is folded back on the bottom panel 13 via a hinge 32a formed by the lead crease 37. This prevents the folded back folding portion 32 from returning to its original shape.

[0036] In this embodiment, the folded portion 32 has, at its tip corner, a locking portion 32b that locks with the side panels 11, 12. This further prevents the folded portion 32 from returning to its original shape.

[0037] In this embodiment, the container holder 2A has perforations 34 for opening to release the assembled state of the container holder 2A. As a result, the assembled state of the container holder 2A can be easily released by pushing the container holder 2A to tear and open the perforations 34, and the held container 3 can be easily removed.

[0038] Furthermore, the packaging product 1A of this embodiment includes the above-described container holder and a container held by the container holder. As a result, when assembling the container holder 2A so that it covers the container 3 above the constricted portion 7, the constricted portion 7 is inserted into the insertion portion 17 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1. Therefore, the insertion direction of the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the container 3, making it difficult for the container 3 to fall off when the container holder 2A holding the container 3 is lifted. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of material used, conserve resources, and prevent the container 3 from falling off. Furthermore, the container 3 can be held so that the design of the container body 4 is visible. Furthermore, the container holder 2A is adhesive-free and can be delivered flat, improving productivity.

[0039] <Embodiment 2> Next, a packaged product 1B according to a second embodiment will be described, but parts having substantially the same configuration as those of the packaged product 1A of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, a packaged product 1B according to this embodiment has a container holder 2B and two containers 3 held by the container holder 2B.

[0041] The container holder 2B is assembled in a sleeve shape, including the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 and covering the area above the constricted portion 7. The container holder 2B is open at both ends in the sleeve axial direction C2. Specifically, the container holder 2B has a first side panel 41, a first bottom panel 43 connected to one edge of the first side panel 41, a second side panel 42 connected to the other edge of the first side panel 41, and a second bottom panel 44 connected to one edge of the second side panel 42 and overlapping with the first bottom panel 43. Each of the panels 41 to 44 is formed in a rectangular shape. The material of the container holder 2B is not particularly limited, and examples of materials that can be used include cardboard, paperboard (such as cardboard or coated paper), resin sheets, and metal plates. Of these, cardboard or paperboard is preferred from the standpoint of environmental impact.

[0042] The container holder 2B has an insertion portion 47 into which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIGS. 17 and 18). Two insertion portions 47 are provided on each bottom panel 43, 44, depending on the number of containers 3 to be held (see FIGS. 14 and 16). The insertion portion 47 also has a notched insertion space S into which the constricted portion 7 is inserted (see FIG. 16). The insertion space S is cut out from the edge of the bottom panel 43, 44, and the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 is inserted from the opening toward the back. The term "perpendicular" does not necessarily mean a perfect right angle, but also includes a substantially right angle (e.g., in the range of 90±10 degrees). The term "axial direction C1 of the container 3" refers to the axial direction C1 of the constricted portion 7 (i.e., the direction C1 in which the large-diameter portion 8 and small-diameter portion 9 constituting the constricted portion 7 are aligned).

[0043] In this embodiment, an insertion portion 47 is shown as an example in which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3, but this is not limited to this. For example, depending on the axial length of the constricted portion 7 and the degree of deformation of the panels 43 and 44 during insertion, an insertion portion 47 may be used in which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction that intersects the axial direction C1 of the container 3 at an angle other than a right angle.

[0044] The insertion space S is a space that is smaller than the large diameter portion 8 and larger than the small diameter portion 9. Specifically, the rear side of the insertion space S is formed in a semicircular shape with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the large diameter portion 8 (or the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the large diameter portion 8 if the outer periphery is polygonal). Furthermore, the width of the insertion space S is set to a value larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion 9 (or the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the small diameter portion 9 if the outer periphery is polygonal). Therefore, the small diameter portion 9 can be inserted into the insertion portion 47 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 14). Furthermore, when the small diameter portion 9 is inserted into the rear side portion 47a of the insertion portion 47, the large diameter portion 8 can engage with the rear side portion 47a in the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 15(a)). Furthermore, the rear side of the insertion space S is formed in a semicircular shape with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the locking portion 10 (or the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the locking portion 10 if the outer periphery is polygonal). Therefore, with the small diameter portion 9 inserted into the deep side portion 47a of the insertion portion 47, the locking portion 10 can engage with the deep side portion 47a in the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 15(a)). Specifically, the deep side portion 47a of the insertion portion 47 is formed in a semicircular ring shape with an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameters of the large diameter portion 8 and the locking portion 10. The centers of the deep side portions 47a of each insertion portion 47 are disposed on a straight line along the sleeve axial direction C2. Furthermore, the opening side of the insertion portion 47 widens as it approaches the edge of the bottom panels 43, 44. The shape of the insertion portion 47 can be selected appropriately depending on the shapes of the constricted portion 7 (i.e., the large diameter portion 8 and the small diameter portion 9), etc.

[0045] The container holder 2B has a push-type locking structure 51 for maintaining the assembled state (see FIG. 14). The locking structures 51 are arranged on the middle and both end sides of each of the overlapping bottom panels 43, 44 in the sleeve axial direction C2.

[0046] The locking structure 51 has two overlapping locking portions 52 that are pushed in the same direction (see FIG. 15(b)). One of the two overlapping locking portions 52 is provided on the first bottom panel 43, and the other locking portion 52 is provided on the second bottom panel 44. When the bottom panels 43, 44 are overlapped, the locking portions 52 overlap. Each locking portion 52 has a hinge 52a and a wide portion 52b that widens as it moves away from the hinge 52a (see FIG. 16). The wide portion 52b is formed by cutting slits (cutting lines) 53 in the panels 43, 44. When the two overlapping locking portions 52 are pushed into the container holder 2B with a finger via the hinge 52a, the base portions of the side edges of the wide portion 52b engage with the side edges of holes formed in the panels 43, 44, thereby establishing a locked state. On the other hand, by pulling back the double locking portion 52 from the inside to the outside of the container holder 2B via the hinge 52a, the base of the side edge of the wide portion 52b disengages from the side edge of the hole, thereby releasing the locked state.

[0047] The container holder 2B has perforations 55 for opening to release the assembled container holder 2B (see FIG. 13). The perforations 55 are arranged in a position corresponding to the locking structure 51 on the middle side in the sleeve axial direction C2. Specifically, the perforations 55 are arranged on the middle side of the first side panel 41 in the sleeve axial direction C2. Two perforations 55 are arranged side by side, and one end of each of the two perforations 55 is connected to a slit 56 (see FIG. 16) that forms the locking portion 52. The container holder 2B can be opened by pulling the portion of the side panel 41 surrounded by the perforations 55 with a finger toward the outside of the container holder 2B, thereby rupturing the perforations 55 (see FIG. 21).

[0048] 16, container holder 2B in the unfolded state is formed into a sheet by punching using a Thomson blade. First side panel 41 and second side panel 42, first side panel 41 and first bottom panel 43, and second side panel 42 and second bottom panel 44 are connected via guide wires 36 (shown by imaginary lines in the figure). Hinge 52a of locking portion 52 is formed by guide wire 36. Furthermore, the area surrounded by perforations 55 and slits 56 is the opening portion.

[0049] Next, a method for assembling the container holder 2B having the above-described configuration will be described. In the unfolded container holder 2B, each panel 41-44 is folded along the folding lines 36, and the second side panel 42 is placed on the work surface F so that the second bottom panel 44 stands up (see FIG. 17(a)). Next, the small-diameter portion 9 (specifically, the wide portion 9b) of the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 is inserted into one of the insertion portions 47 of the second bottom panel 44 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3 (see FIG. 17(b)). The above process is then repeated for the other insertion portion 47 of the second bottom panel 44, inserting the constricted portion 7 of the container 3. Next, each insertion portion 47 of the first bottom panel 43 is inserted into the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 (see FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b)). The insertion of the constricted portion 7 into the insertion portion 47 is achieved by relative movement between the container holder 2B and the container 3.

[0050] When the insertion portion 47 of the bottom panel 43 is inserted into the constricted portion 7, the bottom panels 43, 44 overlap, causing the two locking portions 52 to overlap (see Figure 19(a)). From this state, in the middle locking structure 51, the two overlapping locking portions 52 are pushed into the inside of the container holder 2B to lock it (see Figure 19(b)). This places the container holder 2B in a pre-assembled state. Thereafter, in the locking structures 51 on both the left and right sides, the two overlapping locking portions 52 are pushed into the inside of the container holder 2B to lock it (see Figures 20(a) and (b)). This assembles the container holder 2B, and the packaged product 1B is obtained.

[0051] On the other hand, to release the assembled state of the container holder 2B, the portion of the first side panel 41 surrounded by the perforations 55 is pulled outward from the container holder 2B, and the perforations 55 are ruptured at the cutting plane f to open it (see FIG. 21(a)). At this time, an operation space R for unlocking is formed. Next, the operation space R is used to pull back the two-layer locking portion 52, thereby unlocking the locking structure 51 on the center side (see FIG. 21(b)). Next, the locking structures 51 on both the left and right sides are released from the assembled state of the container holder 2B, and the container 3 can be removed from the insertion portion 47.

[0052] As described above, the container holder 2B of this embodiment has an insertion portion 47 into which the constricted portion 7 is inserted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1 of the container 3. The constricted portion 7 has a large-diameter portion 8 and a small-diameter portion 9 disposed below the large-diameter portion 8 and smaller than the large-diameter portion 8. The insertion portion 47 has an insertion space S that is smaller than the large-diameter portion 8 and larger than the small-diameter portion 9. As a result, when assembling the container holder 2B so as to cover the portion of the container 3 above the constricted portion 7, the constricted portion 7 is inserted into the insertion portion 47 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1. Therefore, since the insertion direction of the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the container 3, the container 3 is less likely to fall off when the container holder 2B holding the container 3 is lifted. As a result, the amount of material used can be reduced, saving resources, and the container 3 can be prevented from falling off. Furthermore, the container 3 can be held so that the design of the container body 4 can be visually recognized. Furthermore, the container holder 2B is free from adhesive and can be delivered flat, improving productivity.

[0053] In this embodiment, the narrowed portion 7 of the container 3 is inserted into each of the pair of insertion portions 47 so as to be sandwiched between them. This allows the container 3 to be held stably.

[0054] In this embodiment, the centers of the innermost portions 47a of the insertion portions 47 are arranged on a straight line along the sleeve axial direction C2, so that the containers 3 are arranged along the sleeve axial direction C2, and the containers 3 can be stably held.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is provided a locking structure 51 for maintaining the assembled state of the container holder 2B, and the locking structure 51 has two overlapping locking portions 52 that are pressed in the same direction. This improves the efficiency of the locking operation and also allows the locking strength, and therefore the assembled strength of the container holder 2B, to be maintained at an appropriate level.

[0056] In this embodiment, the locking portion 52 has a hinge 52a and a wide portion 52b that becomes wider as it gets further away from the hinge 52a, which allows the locking portion 52 to be easily pressed in with a finger and keeps the locked state stable.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, the container holder 2B has perforations 55 for opening to release the assembled state. As a result, the assembled state of the container holder 2B can be easily released by pulling out the area surrounded by the perforations 55 and tearing the perforations 55 to open the container holder 2B, and the held container 3 can be easily removed.

[0058] Furthermore, the packaging product 1B of this embodiment includes the above-described container holder 2B and a container 3 held by the container holder 2B. When the container holder 2B is assembled to cover the container 3 above the constricted portion 7, the constricted portion 7 is inserted into the insertion portion 47 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction C1. Therefore, the insertion direction of the constricted portion 7 of the container 3 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the container 3, making it difficult for the container 3 to fall off when the container holder 2B holding the container 3 is lifted. This reduces the amount of material used, conserving resources, and preventing the container 3 from falling off. Furthermore, the container 3 can be held in a manner that allows the design of the container body 4 to be visible. Furthermore, the container holder 2B is adhesive-free, allowing for flat delivery, improving productivity.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the above-described first and second embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention depending on the purpose and application. In other words, while the above-described first and second embodiments illustrate packaged products 1A and 1B in which two containers 3 are held by container holders 2A and 2B, the present invention is not limited to this, and packaged products 1A and 1B in which one or three or more containers 3 are held by container holders 2A and 2B may also be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, packaged product 1A in which one container 3 is held by container holder 2A may be used, or as shown in FIG. 23, packaged product 1A in which three containers 3, 3' are held by container holder 2A may be used.

[0060] Furthermore, in packaged products 1A, 1B holding two or more containers 3, all of the containers 3 may have the same external shape, or all or some of the containers 3 may have different external shapes. Furthermore, the contents of all or some of the containers 3 may be different, or all of the containers 3 may have the same contents. Furthermore, container holders 2A, 2B capable of holding two or more containers 3 may hold the maximum number of containers 3 that can be held, or may hold fewer than the maximum number of containers 3 that can be held. For example, container holder 2A shown in FIG. 23 can be used in a form that holds three containers 3, 3' or a form that holds two containers 3.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, container holders 2A and 2B that cover the entire top of the container 3 are exemplified, but this is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in Figure 24(a), container holders 2A and 2B that cover the top of the container 3 with the top end of the container 3 (e.g., the top end 15a of a separate member 15 such as a cap or lid) protruding may be used.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, container holders 2A and 2B assembled into a triangular sleeve shape are exemplified, but this is not limited to this, and container holders 2A and 2B assembled into a polygonal sleeve shape with more than four sides, as shown in Figure 24(b), may also be used.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the two-layer locking portion 22, 52 is exemplified, but this is not limited thereto, and multiple layers of the locking portion 22, 52, such as three or more layers, may also be used, as shown in FIG. 25(a).

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the locking portions 22, 52 have straight left and right side edges, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the locking portions 22, 52 may have curved left and right side edges.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment 1, an example was given of a form in which part or all of the locking structure 26 is pulled out to the outside of the container holder 2A by opening the perforation 34, thereby unlocking the lock. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, a form may be adopted in which an operating space is formed by opening the perforation 34, and the operating space is used to unlock the locking structure 26. Furthermore, in the above embodiment 2, an example was given of a form in which an operation space S is formed by opening the perforation 55 and the operation space S is used to unlock the locking structure 51, but this is not limited to this, and for example, a form in which the locking structure 51 is unlocked by opening the perforation 55 and pulling part or all of it out to the outside of the container holder 2B may be adopted.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the container 3 has a constricted portion 7 formed in the mouth 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), a container 3 may have a constricted portion 7 formed between the mouth 6 and a separate member 15, such as a cap or lid, attached to the mouth 6. The constricted portion 7 in this configuration may have a large-diameter portion 8 formed in the separate member 15 and a small-diameter portion 9 formed in the mouth 6. Here, whether the container 3 is a pouch container, a bottle container, or a tube container, the configuration may have a constricted portion 7 formed between the mouth 6 and the separate member 15 (see, for example, FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b)), or a configuration may have a constricted portion 7 formed in the mouth 6 (see, for example, FIG. 26(c)). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26(d), a container 3 may have a constricted portion 7 formed in a decorative protrusion 66 that does not have the function of a mouth (such as the function of dispensing contents) (i.e., a decorative protrusion 66 that is a separate member from the mouth 6).

[0067] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the small diameter portion 9 having the narrow portion 9a and the wide portion 9b is exemplified, but this is not limitative, and for example, a small diameter portion 9 having a predetermined outer diameter may be employed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2, a container 3 having a locking portion 10 connected to the lower part of the constricted portion 7 is exemplified, but this is not limited to this, and a container 3 without a locking portion 10 may also be used, for example, as shown in Figures 26(e) and 26(f).

[0069] Furthermore, the container holder 2A of the first embodiment may be one that does not have the fold-back structure 31 on the bottom panel 13, for example. The container holder 2B of the second embodiment may be one that has the fold-back structure 31 on the ends of the bottom panels 43, 44. The container holders 2A, 2B of the first and second embodiments may be one that does not have the perforations 34, 55 for opening, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1A, 1B; Packaging products 2A, 2B; Container holders 3; Container 7; Neck 8; Large diameter part 9; Small diameter part 17, 47; Insertion part 21, 51; Locking structure 22, 52; Locking part 31; Folding structure 34, 55; Perforation C1; Axial direction of container C2: Sleeve axial direction S: Insertion space

Claims

1. A container holder that is assembled in a sleeve shape to cover a portion of a container having a constricted portion above the constricted portion, an insertion portion into which the constricted portion is inserted in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the container; the constricted portion has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion that is disposed below the large diameter portion and is smaller than the large diameter portion, A container holder characterized in that the insertion portion has an insertion space formed therein that is smaller than the large diameter portion and larger than the small diameter portion.

2. a locking structure for maintaining the assembled state of the container holder; 2. The container holder according to claim 1, wherein the locking structure has a plurality of overlapping locking portions that are pressed in the same direction.

3. 2. The container holder according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface on which the insertion portion is formed has a folding structure that is folded back along a direction that is not parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve.

4. 2. The container holder according to claim 1, further comprising a perforation for opening the container holder in an assembled state.

5. The container holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A packaged product comprising: a container held by the container holder.

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