Packaging container, method for using packaging container, and method for manufacturing package

Abstract

To provide a packaging container, a method for using the packaging container, and a method for manufacturing a package, which allow a worker to easily imagine the allowable range of the volume of food that can be stored, and allow the food stored within the allowable range to easily maintain a desired packaging state.SOLUTION: The packaging container includes a tongue piece part 14 extending outward from a body flange part 13, a body fitting part 15 formed on the tongue piece part 14, and a lid body fitting part 21 formed on a cover part 2a of a lid body 2, wherein the tongue piece part 14 is formed so as to be rotatable at least on the lid body 2 side, and the body fitting part 15 is positioned and fitted on the lid body fitting part 21 in a closed lid state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging container having a container body for containing, for example, food and a lid body for protecting the food, a method for using the packaging container, and a method for manufacturing the package. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, fruits such as strawberries and grapes sold in supermarkets and convenience stores have been displayed on shelves in molded containers covered with thin sheet-like lids. This is because even the same type of food, such as fruit, varies in size and tends to overflow from the container to varying degrees, making it difficult to specify the volume to be contained and difficult to package with molded lids.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a packaging container comprising a container body having a storage section for storing food, a lid body having a curtain-like cover section that covers at least the storage section, and a hinge formed between the container body and the lid body, wherein the container body has a body engaging section formed in a position opposite the hinge, and the lid body has a lid body engaging section formed in a position opposite the hinge so as to engage with the body engaging section (see "Abstract").

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a packaging container with a flexible lid, in which the lid is integrally molded and connected to the container body, and is stretched during molding to form a deeply bulging, extremely thin flexible film surface with a thickness of approximately 0.01 mm to 0.2 mm (see "Abstract").

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a packaging container in which a lid body, which is integrally molded and connected to the container body, has a transparent film surface of approximately 0.01 mm to 0.13 mm that has been stretched by vacuum molding or compressed air molding, and when the tip of the lid body is pinched with the fingers and stretched from the hinge part connected to the container body, bending tension is generated in the lid body, covering the top surface of the container body in an appropriate arch shape, and the free edge is adhered to the container body (see "Abstract"). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-117481 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3139374 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3158464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, it is difficult to maintain the desired closed state of the lid relative to the container body in Patent Documents 1 to 3. In Patent Document 1, the lid engaging portion is inserted into the body engaging through-hole from the front side of the body engaging portion, and the lid engaging protrusion is hooked onto the back side of the body engaging portion (see paragraph "0044"), in Patent Document 2, the notch in the lid is inserted into the central hole of the engaging portion on the container body side (see paragraph "0031"), and in Patent Document 3, the lid is fastened to the container body with tape or the like (see paragraphs "0026" and "0028"), which may easily cause loosening at the portion where the container body and lid are engaged.

[0008] Because it is difficult to specify the volume of food to be contained, in the case of a packaging container with a large allowable range for the volume, the structure of the packaging container should make it easy for workers to imagine a relatively desirable state for the volume, and the inventors, after much ingenuity, have arrived at the conclusion that the structure should be such that, based on the image, the food contained therein is less likely to shift position or fall off the container body.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container, a method for using the packaging container, and a method for manufacturing a package that make it easy for workers to imagine the allowable range of food volume that can be stored, and that makes it easy for food stored within the above allowable range to maintain the desired packaging state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In other words, the packaging container of the present invention comprises a tongue portion extending outward from the flange portion of the container body, a body fitting portion formed on the tongue portion, and a lid fitting portion formed on the cover portion of the lid body, and is characterized in that the tongue portion is formed so as to be freely rotatable at least toward the lid body side, and when the lid is closed, the body fitting portion is positioned above and fitted to the lid fitting portion.

[0011] With this configuration, a tongue edge is formed at a position on the flange portion of the container body that reaches the lid body when the lid is closed, and the body fitting portion is fitted over the lid body fitting portion to maintain the closed state, making it easier for the operator to predict the volume of food that can be stored in the container body, and the container body and lid body are more likely to tolerate errors in the food volume that exceed the operator's predictions.Even if such errors occur, the stored food is less likely to be damaged by the lid body, and is less likely to shift out of position within the container body or fall out of the container body.

[0012] In addition, the packaging container of the present invention further comprises a hinge formed between the container body and the lid body, the cover portion being thin and flat like a curtain, and the flange portion of the container body positioned perpendicular to the hinge being arch-shaped and bulging upward, and it is desirable that when the lid is closed, the cover portion forms an arch shape along the flange portion of the container body.

[0013] With this configuration, the flange portion of the container body is arch-shaped and bulges upward, and when the lid is closed, the cover portion forms an arch shape along the flange portion of the container body, making it easier for the operator to predict the volume of food that can be stored in the container body, making it easier to store irregular volumes of food, and it is expected that the food will be less likely to be damaged and that gaps will less likely form between the cover portion and the flange portion, making it less likely that food will escape through these gaps.

[0014] Furthermore, the packaging container of the present invention further comprises a hinge formed between the container body and the lid body, and the flange portion of the container body has a first flange portion located in a direction parallel to the hinge, a second flange portion located in the parallel direction, continuous with the first flange portion, higher than the first flange and formed in a straight line, and a third flange portion located in a direction perpendicular to the hinge, continuous with the second flange portion, higher than the second flange portion and formed in an arch shape that bulges upward, and it is desirable that the cover portion be thin and flat in the shape of a curtain, and in the closed state, the body fitting portion and the lid fitting portion are adjacent to the first flange portion, and the cover portion is adjacent to the second flange portion and the third flange portion and is arch-shaped along the third flange portion.

[0015] With this configuration, since the first flange portion, second flange portion, and third flange portion form steps in that order, depending on the shapes of the container body and lid body, for example, the body fitting portion and the lid body fitting portion may fit into the step formed by the first flange portion and the second flange portion, making it difficult for the lid body to shift position at least laterally in the closed state, and the longitudinal end portion of the cover portion located opposite the hinge may fit into the step formed by the second flange portion and the third flange portion, making it easy to position the cover portion in the closed state.In addition, since the cover portion is arched along the third flange portion, it is unlikely for gaps to form between the cover portion and the third flange portion, and it is expected that this will have the effect of preventing stored food from falling through the gap.

[0016] It is also desirable that the main body fitting portion and the lid fitting portion are inclined in the same direction as the cover portion.

[0017] With this configuration, the engaged main body fitting portion and lid fitting portion tilt in the same direction as the elastic deformation of the arched lid body, rather than against it, making it easier to tolerate errors in the volume of food that exceed the operator's expectations.Since the inclination of the main body fitting portion and lid fitting portion also changes in accordance with the deformation of the cover portion in response to the above-mentioned error, it is expected that even if the above-mentioned error occurs, the stored food will be less likely to be damaged by the lid body, and will be less likely to shift out of position within the container body or fall out of the container body.

[0018] A method of using the above-mentioned packaging container includes the steps of: removing the main body fitting portion from the lid fitting portion; rotating the lid body around the hinge as an axis to open the container body; replacing the food in the container body using the arch-shaped flange portion of the container body as a guide; rotating the lid body around the hinge as an axis to cover the container body; and fitting the main body fitting portion into the lid fitting portion.

[0019] A method for manufacturing a package in which food is contained in the above-mentioned packaging container includes the steps of: placing the food along the flange portion of the container body, which is formed in an arch shape; covering the container body by bringing the lid body close to or in contact with the contained food; and fitting the main body fitting portion over the lid body fitting portion.

[0020] According to the steps included in the method of using such packaging containers and the method of manufacturing the packaging body, it is expected that, even when multiple workers work together or when the work is done by an inexperienced worker, not only can the main body fitting portion and the lid fitting portion be fitted and unfitted, but the food can also be efficiently repacked using the flange portion of the arch-shaped container body as a guide.

[0021] In the present invention, "forming" means a state in which a predetermined shape is formed. "Molding" does not limit the manufacturing method and simply means shaping or being shaped, while "molding" means shaping or being shaped by fitting into a predetermined mold. In other words, "forming" and "molding" are almost synonymous, and "molding" is an expression that includes "molding". [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, it is easy for workers to visualize the allowable range of food volume that can be accommodated, and it is expected that food accommodated within the allowable range will be able to maintain the desired packaging state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan perspective view of a packaging container in an embodiment of the present invention in an open state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the lid in the open state. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 1A is a plan perspective view of the open state, and FIG. 1B is a left side view thereof. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the packaging container in a closed state. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan perspective view of the lid in the closed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The structure of a packaging container (hereinafter also referred to as "this packaging container") according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In these figures, when there are multiple identical parts, only one part is numbered. For the sake of convenience, certain parts and their leading lines are sometimes shown as hidden lines (dashed lines). In the description, terms indicating directions such as above, below, side, outside, inside, vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc. are basically based on the state in which the packaging container is placed in the orientation in which it is normally used, and when other reference directions are used, they will be explained appropriately.

[0025] <Overview of this packaging container> As shown in Figure 1, this packaging container is used to package foods such as fresh produce, prepared foods, and boxed lunches, including fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, white peaches, pears, apples, domestic and international grapes such as Shine Muscat, citrus fruits such as La France pears, persimmons, and Dekopon pears, and mushrooms, all sold in supermarkets and other retail stores. It comprises a container body 1 for containing the food, a lid 2 for covering the container body 1, and a hinge 3 formed between the container body 1 and the lid 2, all of which are preferably molded as a single unit, but may also be molded separately and then connected. This packaging container is large enough to fit on a display shelf in a retail store, but is not limited to this size.

[0026] <Overview of container body 1> 1 to 3, container body 1 has a storage section 1a formed by a bottom surface section 11 on which food is placed, a body side wall section 12 that rises continuously upward from the peripheral edge of bottom surface section 11, a body flange section 13 that extends continuously outward from the upper edge of body side wall section 12, a tongue section 14 that extends outward from a position of body flange section 13 that faces hinge 3, and a body fitting section 15 formed on tongue section 14. The shape of container body 1 in a plan view is generally rectangular having longitudinal and lateral directions, but it may also be generally square, pentagonal or greater, circular, or a partially modified shape of any of these.

[0027] <Details of the storage section 1a> 1 to 3, the storage section 1a is not limited by the area of ​​the bottom surface 11 or the height of the main body sidewall 12, and the capacity of the storage section 1a, which is determined by these, may be any value, for example, 100 to 1800 cc or 200 to 1000 cc. The bottom surface 11 and the main body sidewall 12 may have one or more predetermined steps or reinforcing ribs in the vertical or horizontal direction, or may be flush with each other. The opening of the storage section 1a, which corresponds to the opening of the container main body 1, is formed by the upper edge of the main body sidewall 12.

[0028] Here, it is preferable that the main body side wall portion does not protrude excessively into the interior of the storage portion 1a. For example, the main body side wall portion does not have a convex portion protruding toward the inside of the storage portion 1a by one-fifth to one-third of the length of the short side of the storage portion 1a, or is not formed in a curved shape due to the protrusion amount. This configuration is expected to prevent damage to the stored items due to contact with the main body side wall portion. Furthermore, it is particularly preferable for strawberries, for example, because they can be stored in an aligned array.

[0029] <Outline of the main body flange 13> 1 to 4, the main body flange portion 13 is three-tiered and has, in ascending order of height from the bottom surface portion 11, a main body first flange portion 131, a main body second flange portion 132, and a main body third flange portion 133, and has a main body fourth flange portion 134 that extends outward continuously from the outermost ends of each and is formed around the entire circumference of the container body 1. The height H1 of the main body fourth flange portion 134 from the bottom surface portion 11 is 20 to 100 mm, and preferably 25 to 50 mm.

[0030] <Details of the main body first flange portion 131> As shown in Figure 4, the main body first flange portion 131 is located approximately in the center in the longitudinal direction parallel to the hinge 3, and has a main body first flange portion 131p adjacent to the tongue edge portion 14 and a main body first flange portion 131q adjacent to the hinge 3, which form a pair, but may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0031] The first flange 131p of the main body is gently inclined diagonally downward from the upper edge of the main body sidewall 12, so that it faces the flat surface of the lid fitting portion 21 in the closed state, making it difficult for the lid fitting portion 21 to shift position. The lowermost end of the first flange 131p of the main body corresponds to the outermost end. The longitudinal width of the first flange 131p of the main body is longer than at least the horizontal width of the main body fitting portion 15 and the horizontal width of the lid fitting portion 21, thereby preventing interference with the lid fitting portion 21 in the closed state. The height H2 of the uppermost end of the first flange 131p relative to the fourth flange 134 of the main body is 0.5 to 5 mm.

[0032] Unlike first main body flange portion 131p, first main body flange portion 131q is not inclined but is substantially horizontal. The longitudinal width of first main body flange portion 131q is equal to the longitudinal width of first main body flange portion 131p, but may be different. The height of first main body flange portion 131q relative to bottom surface portion 11 is equal to the height H1 of fourth main body flange portion 134 and the height of hinge 3, and is lower than the height of the uppermost end of first main body flange portion 131p.

[0033] <Details of the main body second flange portion 132> 4, the second main body flange portion 132 is circumferentially continuous with the first main body flange portion 131 and is located outward from the center in the longitudinal direction. The second main body flange portion 132 has a second main body flange flat portion 132a formed outward from the linear upper edge of the main body side wall portion 12, and a second main body flange inclined portion 132b inclined obliquely downward from the outer end of the second main body flange flat portion 132a. The lowermost end of the second main body flange inclined portion 132b corresponds to the outermost end of the second main body flange portion 132.

[0034] The height H3 of the main body second flange flat portion 132a, which corresponds to the uppermost end of the main body second flange portion 132 relative to the main body fourth flange portion 134, is 3 to 20 mm, preferably 4 to 15 mm, and more preferably 5 to 12 mm. If it is less than 3 mm, it may interfere with the lid body fitting portion 21 when the lid is closed, resulting in insufficient closure of the lid body 2, and if it is more than 20 mm, the lid body fitting portion 21 may float when the lid is closed, making it difficult to fit the main body fitting portion 15.

[0035] <Details of the main body third flange portion 133> 4, the third flange portion 133 is circumferentially continuous with the second flange portion 132 and is positioned in the short direction perpendicular to the hinge 3. The third flange portion 133 has a flat portion 133a extending outward from the arched upper edge of the side wall 12, and a third flange inclined portion 133b inclined obliquely downward from the outer end of the flat portion 133a. The lowermost end of the third flange inclined portion 133b corresponds to the outermost end of the third flange portion 133.

[0036] The radius of curvature of the arc formed by the main body third flange flat portion 133a, including the arched upper edge of the main body side wall portion 12, is 50 to 150 mm, preferably 60 to 130 mm, and more preferably 75 to 110 mm. If it is shorter than 50 mm, the width will be narrow compared to the height, resulting in a vertically elongated oval arch, which will not only make it difficult to store food but will also be prone to collapsing if stacked too high. If it is longer than 150 mm, the radius of curvature of the arch will be too long and it will not be possible to obtain sufficient height, which will result in a loss of three-dimensionality when the lid is closed or an inability to accommodate irregular food volumes, which may limit the types and quantities of food that can be stored.

[0037] The height H4 of the top end of the main body third flange flat portion 133a, which corresponds to the top end of the main body third flange portion 133 relative to the main body second flange flat portion 132a, is 5 to 20 mm, preferably 7 to 16 mm, and more preferably 8 to 13 mm. If it is less than 5 mm, the radius of curvature of the arch will be too long and the height will not be sufficient, which will result in a loss of three-dimensionality when the lid is closed or an inability to accommodate irregular food volumes, limiting the type and amount of food that can be stored. If it is more than 20 mm, the arch will be long and oval, making it difficult to store food and may be stacked too high and prone to collapse.

[0038] <Details of tongue part 14> 4, the tongue side portion 14 has a tongue side rotation shaft 14a that corresponds to the boundary between the first main body flange portion 131p and the outer end of the adjacent fourth main body flange portion 134, and is rotatable around the tongue side rotation shaft 14a. The tongue side portion 14 is generally trapezoidal in plan view, but may have any shape, such as a triangular, rectangular, or elliptical shape. In the horizontal position, the tongue side portion 14 is flush with the fourth main body flange portion 134; in other words, the height H1 of the tongue side portion 14 in the horizontal position is equal to the height H1 of the fourth main body flange portion 134.

[0039] <Details of the main body fitting portion 15> 3 and 4, the main body fitting portion 15 is located on a bisector (not shown) parallel to the short axis of the packaging container, is formed approximately in the center of the tongue portion 14 in a plan view, and is approximately rectangular in shape, but may be any shape, such as circular. The main body fitting portion 15 is formed with a convex front side and a concave back side in a side view. The height H5 of the main body fitting portion 15 relative to the tongue portion 14 is higher than the height H2 of the top edge of the first main body flange portion 131p and lower than the height H3 of the second main body flange flat portion 132a. Therefore, even if the main body fitting portion 15 and the lid fitting portion 21 tilt diagonally due to the tilt of the lid 2 in the closed state, they can fit into the step formed by the first main body flange portion 131p and the second main body flange flat portion 132a.

[0040] <Overview of Lid 2> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the lid body 2 has a thin, flat curtain-like cover portion 2a that does not engage with the storage portion 1a of the container body 1, a lid body fitting portion 21 formed on the cover portion 2a at a position opposite the hinge 3, a lid body fitting rib portion 21a that is convex upward when viewed from the side in the open state and is formed to surround the lid body fitting portion 21, and cover rib portions 22, 22 formed on both longitudinal end sides of the cover portion 2a.

[0041] The shape of the lid 2 in a plan view is a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, but any shape that can cover the storage section 1a is acceptable, including a substantially square shape, a shape with more than one pentagon, a circle, or a partially modified shape. The lid 2 is rotatable relative to the container body 1 around a hinge 3. In the open state, the lid 2 is flush with the main body fourth flange portion 134; in other words, the height H1 of the lid 2 in the open state is the same as the height H1 of the main body fourth flange portion 134.

[0042] <Details of the cover part 2a> 3, the length D2 in the short side direction of the cover portion 2a is longer than the length D1 in the short side direction of the container body 1, which allows the cover portion 2a to easily cover the storage portion 1a along the main body third flange flat portion 133a and may be designed according to the storage portion 1a. The longitudinal length of the cover portion 2a is the same as the longitudinal length of the container body 1, but may be any length as long as it can cover the storage portion 1a, and the longitudinal length of the cover portion 2a may be shorter.

[0043] The thickness of the cover part 2a is not particularly limited, but is sufficient as long as it is 0.15 to 0.4 mm, and preferably 0.2 to 0.28 mm. If the thickness is thinner than 0.15 mm, it will be difficult to obtain sufficient strength for practical use as a packaging container, and if it exceeds 0.4 mm, there is a risk that the material cost will be high.

[0044] Specifically, the haze value measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-61 should be 3.5 or less, more preferably 3.0 or less, and even more preferably 2.5 or less. To achieve such a haze value, it is preferable that the cover portion 2a is not stretched.

[0045] <Details of the lid fitting portion 21> 3 and 4, the lid fitting portion 21 is located on a bisector parallel to the short side of the packaging container and has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, but may have any shape, such as a circle. The lid fitting portion 21 is formed so that the front side is convex upward and the back side is concave in side view. The height of the lid fitting portion 21 relative to the cover portion 2a is equal to the height H5 of the main body fitting portion 15, but may be slightly lower or higher than the height H5.

[0046] <Details of the cover rib portions 22, 22> 5 and 6, the cover ribs 22, 22 are formed so that the front side is convex and the back side is concave in the upward direction when viewed from the side of the cover 2a in the closed state, and have the function of reinforcing both ends of the cover 2a in the longitudinal direction and making it easy to bend, and may also have the function of making it easy to stretch in the lateral direction depending on the number of consecutive ribs (not just one) and / or the width in the lateral direction. The cover ribs 22, 22 may be close to or abut against the outer corners of the main body second flange flat portion 132a in the closed state.

[0047] <Overview of Hinge 3> 1 to 3, hinge 3 is both a connecting portion and a boundary portion between container body 1 and lid 2. Hinge 3 is a portion processed after molding of container body 1 and lid 2, and may be a perforation formed by alternating uncut portions and cut portions, a portion thinner than the thickness of container body 1 and lid 2 and easier to bend, a member connecting separately molded lid 2 to container body 1, or a portion simply bent at the boundary portion between integrally molded container body 1 and lid 2.

[0048] Here, when the hinge 3 is formed by perforations, the length of the uncut portion may be 0.5 to 2 mm, the length of the cut portion may be 5 to 20 mm, and there may be one uncut portion per 15 to 20 mm of perforation (the distance between the cut portions). Furthermore, it is preferable that uncut portions are formed at both ends of the perforation, in other words, that no cut portions (slits) are formed at the ends. If both ends of the perforation are formed by cut portions, there is a risk that the linear perforation will be distorted and twisted when attempting to close the cover portion 2a, and will no longer fit along the arch-shaped main body side wall portion 12.

[0049] <Specifications for the container body 1, lid 2, hinge 3, including the manufacturing method, materials, and dimensions> The container body 1, lid 2, and hinge 3 are preferably integrally formed by thermoforming a synthetic resin sheet using sheet molding techniques such as vacuum molding, hot plate pressure molding, vacuum pressure molding, and double-sided vacuum molding. The synthetic resin sheet may be made of, for example, a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or a polystyrene resin, and may be formed as a single-layer or multi-layer sheet. It may be colored or opaque, but is preferably colorless and transparent. The front and / or back surfaces of the synthetic resin sheet may be covered with a synthetic resin film, and if the front surface is covered, it may be printed. The thickness of the synthetic resin sheet is not particularly limited, but is sufficient as long as it is 0.18 to 1 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.8 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.5 mm. The size of the container body is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 50 to 500 mm wide, 50 to 500 mm deep, and 15 to 100 mm high.

[0050] Because the container body 1 has the storage portion 1a, it is formed three-dimensionally from the lid body 2, and is therefore stretched more than the lid body 2 during thermoforming, so the thickness of the cover portion 2a of the lid body 2 may be thicker than the thickness of the bottom surface portion 11 of the container body 1. This not only gives the cover portion 2a the strength and rigidity appropriate for protecting food, but also makes the lid body 2 neither too thick nor too thin, making it less likely to wrinkle and providing a smooth surface, which is expected to have the effect of improving the appearance by making the food appear fresher and creating a luxurious feel. In addition, because the appropriate tension is maintained, the cover portion 2a is expected to form a beautiful dome shape when covering the storage portion 1a.

[0051] <Positional relationship between container body 1 and lid body 2 in the closed state> 5, when the lid 2 is in the closed state, the lid fitting portion 21 has a concave front side and a convex rear side facing downward in a side view, and the flat portion on the rear side of the convex lid fitting portion 21 faces the inclined surface of the unnumbered main body first flange portion 131p. The main body fitting portion 15 formed on the tongue side portion 14 rotated toward the lid 2 about the tongue side rotation shaft portion 14 has a concave front side and a convex rear side facing downward in a side view, and the convex main body fitting portion 15 fits into the concave lid fitting portion 21 from the front side. When the main body fitting portion 15 is fitted into the lid fitting portion 21, the main body first flange portion 131p is pressed downward.

[0052] 6, when the lid 2 is rotated toward the container body 1 around the hinge 3, the vicinity of both longitudinal ends of the cover portion 2a including the cover ribs 22, 22 or the surface portions inward from these ends come close to or abut the outer corners of the main body second flange flat portions 132a, 132a or the upper surface portions of the main body second flange flat portions 132a, 132a. The vicinity of both lateral ends of the cover portion 2a or the surface portions inward from these ends come close to or abut the main body third flange flat portions 133a, 133a.

[0053] <Method of using the present packaging container and method of manufacturing a package in which food is contained in the present packaging container> As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 7, the method for packaging food in this packaging container and the method for manufacturing the package first include the steps of placing the food in storage section 1a of container body 1, rotating lid 2 about hinge 3 to cover storage section 1a from above the food with cover section 2a, and fitting main body fitting section 15 over lid fitting section 21. In the step of placing the food, the food may be placed along main body third flange flat section 133a, which is formed in an arch shape. In the step of covering storage section 1a, cover section 2a may be placed close to or in contact with the placed food.

[0054] Next, a method for repacking (repacking) the present packaging container by replacing food or the like includes the steps of: removing the body fitting portion 15 of the container body 1, which covers the storage portion 1a with the cover portion 2a, from the lid fitting portion 21; rotating the lid 2 about the hinge 3 to open the storage portion 1a; removing the food contained in the storage portion 1a and replacing it with another food; rotating the lid 2 about the hinge 3 to cover the storage portion 1a from above with the cover portion 2a; and fitting the body fitting portion 15 into the lid fitting portion 21. In the re-storing step, the food may be replaced using the arch-shaped main body third flange flat portion 133a as a guide. In the covering step, the cover portion 2a may be brought close to or abutting the stored food.

[0055] According to the method of using this packaging container and the steps included in the method of manufacturing a package in which food is contained in this packaging container, even when multiple workers work together or when the work is done by an inexperienced worker, it is expected that not only can the main body fitting portion and the lid fitting portion be fitted and unfitted, but the food can also be efficiently re-packed using the arch-shaped main body third flange flat portion 133a as a guide.

[0056] <Summary of this embodiment> Therefore, this packaging container comprises a tongue portion 14 extending outward from the main body flange portion 13, a main body fitting portion 15 formed on the tongue portion 14, and a lid body fitting portion 21 formed on the cover portion 2a of the lid body 2, and the tongue portion 14 is formed so as to be freely rotatable at least toward the lid body 2, and when the lid is closed, the main body fitting portion 15 is positioned above and fitted to the lid body fitting portion 21.

[0057] According to this configuration, a tongue edge portion 14 is formed at a position on the main body flange portion 13 that reaches the lid body 2 when the lid is closed, and the main body fitting portion 15 is fitted over the lid body fitting portion 21 to maintain the closed state, making it easier for the worker to predict the volume of food that can be stored in the container body 1, and the container body 1 and lid body 2 are more likely to tolerate errors in the food volume that exceed the worker's predictions, so that even if the above-mentioned error occurs, the stored food is less likely to be damaged by the lid body, and is less likely to shift out of position within the container body 1 or fall out of the container body 1.

[0058] In addition, this packaging container further includes a hinge 3 formed between the container body 1 and the lid body 2, and the cover portion 2a is thin and flat like a curtain, and the main body third flange portion 133 of the main body flange portion 13 located perpendicular to the hinge 3 is arch-shaped and bulges upward, so that when the lid is closed, the cover portion 2a forms an arch shape along the main body flange portion 13.

[0059] According to this configuration, the third flange portion 133 of the main body is arch-shaped and bulges upward, and when the lid is closed, the cover portion 2a is arched along the third flange portion 133 of the main body, making it easier for the operator to predict the volume of food that can be stored in the container body 1, and it is expected that it will be easier to store food of irregular volumes.

[0060] Moreover, this packaging container further comprises a hinge 3 formed between the container body 1 and the lid body 2, and the body flange portion 13 has a first body flange portion 131 positioned parallel to the hinge 3, a second body flange portion 132 positioned in the parallel direction, continuous with the first body flange portion 131, higher than the first body flange portion 131 and formed in a straight line, and a third body flange portion 133 positioned perpendicular to the hinge 3, continuous with the second body flange portion 132, higher than the second body flange portion 132 and formed in an arch shape that bulges upward, and it is desirable that the cover portion 2a is thin and flat like a curtain, and in the closed state, the body fitting portion 15 and the lid fitting portion 21 are adjacent to the first body flange portion 131, and the cover portion 2a is adjacent to the second body flange portion 132 and the third body flange portion 133 and is arch-shaped along the third body flange portion 133.

[0061] According to this configuration, the first flange portion 131 of the main body, the second flange portion 132 of the main body, and the third flange portion 133 of the main body form steps in this order, and therefore, depending on the shapes of the container body 1 and the lid body 2, for example, the main body fitting portion 15 and the lid body fitting portion 21 may fit into the step formed by the first flange portion 131 of the main body and the second flange portion 132 of the main body, making it difficult for the lid body 2 in the closed state to shift position at least horizontally, and the longitudinal end portion of the cover portion 2a located opposite the hinge 3 may fit into the step formed by the second flange portion 132 of the main body and the third flange portion 133 of the main body, making it easy to position the cover portion 2a in the closed state.In addition, since the cover portion 2a is arched along the third flange portion 133 of the main body, it is difficult for gaps to form between the cover portion 2a and the third flange portion 133, and it is expected that the effect of preventing the stored food from falling through the gap can be expected.

[0062] Furthermore, the main body fitting portion 15 and the lid fitting portion 21 are tilted in the same direction as the cover portion 2a.

[0063] With this configuration, the engaged main body fitting portion 15 and lid fitting portion 21 tilt in the same direction as the elastic deformation of the arched lid body 2, rather than against it, making it easier to tolerate errors in the volume of food that exceed the operator's predictions.Since the tilt of the main body fitting portion and lid fitting portion also changes in accordance with the deformation of the cover portion in response to the above-mentioned error, it is expected that even if the above-mentioned error occurs, the stored food will be less likely to be damaged by the lid body, and will be less likely to shift out of position within the container body 1 or fall out of the container body 1.

[0064] Note that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described content, and includes the positions, shapes, and dimensions of all parts, the relationships between parts, the steps required for use, and the relationships between steps, as long as the same effects are obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Container body 1a Storage section 11 Bottom part 12 Main body side wall 13 Main body flange 131 Main body first flange 132 Main body second flange portion 133 Third flange of main body 134 Main body fourth flange part 14 Tongue margin 15 Main body fitting part 2 Lid 2a Cover part 21 Lid fitting portion 22 Cover rib part

Claims

1. a tongue portion extending outward from the flange portion of the container body; a main body fitting portion formed on the tongue portion; a lid fitting portion formed on the cover portion of the lid, The tongue portion is formed at least on the lid body side so as to be rotatable, In the closed state, the main body fitting portion is positioned above the lid fitting portion and fitted thereto. A packaging container characterized by:

2. The container further includes a hinge formed between the container body and the lid, The cover portion is thin and flat like a curtain, The flange portion of the container body, which is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the hinge, has an arch shape that bulges upward, When the lid is closed, the cover portion forms an arch shape along the flange portion of the container body.

2. The packaging container according to claim 1.

3. The container further includes a hinge formed between the container body and the lid, The flange portion of the container body includes a first flange portion located in a direction parallel to the hinge, a second flange portion located in the parallel direction, continuous with the first flange portion, higher than the first flange portion and formed linearly, and a third flange portion located in a direction perpendicular to the hinge, continuous with the second flange portion, higher than the second flange portion and formed in an arch shape bulging upward, The cover portion is thin and flat like a curtain, In a closed state, the main body fitting portion and the lid fitting portion are adjacent to the first flange portion, and the cover portion is adjacent to the second flange portion and the third flange portion and is arched along the third flange portion.

2. The packaging container according to claim 1.

4. The main body fitting portion and the lid fitting portion are inclined in the same direction as the cover portion.

4. The packaging container according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A method for using the packaging container according to claim 2 or 3, comprising: removing the main body fitting portion from the lid fitting portion; a step of rotating the lid body about the hinge to open the container body; a step of replacing the food in the container body using the arch-shaped flange portion of the container body as a guide; a step of rotating the lid body around the hinge to cover the container body; and fitting the main body fitting portion onto the lid fitting portion from above. How to use packaging containers.

6. A method for manufacturing a package in which food is contained in the packaging container according to claim 2 or 3, comprising the steps of: placing food along the flange portion of the container body formed in an arch shape; a step of covering the container body by bringing the lid body close to or in contact with the food contained therein; and fitting the main body fitting portion onto the lid fitting portion from above. A method for manufacturing a package.

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