Storage case for items

Abstract

Allows for easy insertion and removal of temperature-regulating agents. [Solution] The temperature regulating agent housing section forming material 50 is provided on the inner surface of the lid 40, and the temperature regulating agent 80 is housed in the housing space inside it, with an opening 55 formed at the end of the housing space 51. The retaining material 60 is attached at its base end near the opening 55 on the lid 40 side of the housing space 51, and can change between a closed position and an open position by swinging with respect to its base end. The closed position is a position that extends diagonally toward the back of the housing space 51 and toward the upper surface 52 of the temperature regulating agent housing section forming material 50, and the open position is a position that extends substantially along the lid 40. The biasing material is an elastic body disposed between the retaining material 60 and the lid 40, and biases the retaining material 60 toward the closed position and elastically maintains it in the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a case for accommodating articles.

Background Art

[0002] Cases (containers, boxes) are often used for transporting various articles. And, in order to accommodate and transport articles while maintaining a cold or warm state, a temperature regulator (cooling agent, heat insulating agent) may be accommodated in the case. Therefore, a temperature regulator accommodating part forming member is provided in the case, and a temperature regulator is accommodated in the internal accommodation space (temperature regulator accommodating part).

[0003] As an example thereof, there is the following. A temperature regulator accommodating part forming member is attached to the inner surface of the lid body, and an opening is formed at the end of the internal accommodation space (temperature regulator accommodating part forming member) thereof. An opening closing sheet is provided for the opening, and the opening closing sheet closes the opening so as to be openable and closable by a surface fastener. And, with the opening closing sheet opening the opening, the temperature regulator enters and exits the accommodation space. Also, with the temperature regulator accommodated in the accommodation space, the opening closing sheet closes the opening by the surface fastener, preventing the temperature regulator from escaping from the accommodation space.

[0004] However, in the above aspect, there are the following problems. That is, when attempting to accommodate the temperature regulator in the accommodation space, basically, it is necessary to remove the surface fastener that has been in a coupled state until then and open the opening. Also, after the accommodation, it is necessary to couple the surface fastener again. However, that work is complicated. The operator may be wearing cloth gloves, and in that case, the surface fastener (the male side thereof) may become coupled to the gloves. In that case, the above work becomes even more complicated. Furthermore, in some cases, a single container may have multiple storage compartments, in which case the temperature control agent must be added to and removed from each compartment separately, making the process even more complicated.

[0005] The following are examples of prior art patent documents. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-048092 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide an article storage case that allows for easy insertion and removal of a temperature-regulating agent from the storage space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is an article storage case having a case body having an opening and a lid that can open and close the opening, the article storage case having a temperature regulating agent storage section forming material, a retaining material, and a biasing material, wherein the temperature regulating agent storage section forming material is provided on the inner surface of the lid and a temperature regulating agent is stored in a storage space inside it, and an opening is formed at the end of the storage space in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the lid for putting the temperature regulating agent in and out of the storage space, the retaining material is planar in shape and attached near the opening at its base end, and moves toward the back of the storage space from its base end toward its tip, and swings with respect to the base end so that it can change between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the opening is open, and the biasing material biases the retaining material toward the closed position and elastically maintains it in the closed position, the article storage case.

[0009] The phrase "The temperature regulating agent storage compartment forming material is provided on the inner surface of the lid, and the temperature regulating agent is stored in the storage space formed inside it" is not limited to the embodiment in which "the storage space is formed by the bag-shaped or container-shaped temperature regulating agent storage compartment forming material alone." It also includes the embodiment in which "the temperature regulating agent storage compartment forming material is bag-shaped or container-shaped with an opening on the lid side, and the temperature regulating agent storage compartment forming material is attached to the lid, and the storage space is formed together with the lid."

[0010] "The end portion in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the lid" means an end portion in a direction corresponding to the length direction or width direction of the lid, or an end portion having components in both the length direction and width direction of the lid, and located in an oblique direction relative to both directions.

[0011] The phrase "attached at its base end near the opening" is not limited to the configuration "attached to the side of the lid within the storage space," but also includes configurations such as "attached to the side of the storage space opposite to the lid." Furthermore, especially in the former case, the configuration is not limited to being inside the opening of the storage space, but can also be outside of it.

[0012] The following effects and advantages can be obtained with this embodiment of the article storage case. A material forming the temperature control agent containment section is provided on the inner surface of the lid, creating a containment space for the temperature control agent. Normally, the biasing force of the retaining material keeps the retaining material in a closed position, and the opening of the containment space is closed. Therefore, the temperature regulating agent contained in the containment space is prevented from escaping. Then, based on the operator's actions, the biasing material changes elastically (deforms, displaces, etc.), causing the retaining material to change to an open position, and the storage space becomes open. In this state, it is possible to put the temperature regulating agent into the storage space or take it out of the storage space. Furthermore, when the operator releases the above operation, the retaining material returns to its closed position due to the biasing force based on the elastic restoring force of the biasing material.

[0013] Thus, in this item storage case, the retaining material is normally in a closed position, closing the storage space. However, based on the operator's operation, the retaining material changes to an open position, easily opening the opening of the storage space. When the operation is released, the retaining material automatically returns to the closed position, closing the opening of the storage space. Thus, in this item storage case, the opening of the storage space can be easily opened and closed, making it possible to easily insert and remove the temperature control agent.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention is an article storage case according to the first aspect, wherein the closed position is such that the retaining member extends diagonally from its base end toward the back of the storage space and from one side of the storage space toward the lid side and the opposite side toward the other side, and the open position is such that the retaining member extends diagonally from its base end toward the back of the storage space and from one side of the storage space toward the lid side and the opposite side toward the other side toward the other side toward the closed position, with a smaller diagonal angle than that of the closed position.

[0015] The "open position" is defined as "a position in which, as you move from its base end towards its tip, it extends toward the back of the storage space, and the oblique angle from one side of the storage space toward the lid side and the opposite side toward the other is smaller than that of the closed position." This includes "a position in which, as you move from its base end towards its tip, it extends toward the back of the storage space, and along (or substantially along) one side of the storage space toward the lid side and the opposite side toward the lid side."

[0016] In the article storage case of this aspect, in addition to the effects of the article storage case of the first aspect, the following effects can be obtained.

[0017] Normally, due to the biasing force of the biasing member, the retaining member is in the closed posture state, and the opening of the storage space is in the closed state. That is, the retaining member in the closed posture has its proximal end located on one of the lid side and the opposite side in the storage space, and extends obliquely toward the inside of the storage space and toward the other side of the lid side and the opposite side in the storage space from its proximal end to its distal end. For this reason, the temperature regulator accommodated in the storage space is prevented from escaping from the storage space by the retaining member extending obliquely as described above.

[0018] Then, by allowing the temperature regulator to enter the storage space based on the operation by the operator, the temperature regulator presses the retaining member in the closed posture, and based on this, the biasing member elastically changes, so that the retaining member changes to the open posture, and the storage space becomes open. In this state, when the temperature regulator is further allowed to enter the storage space and the temperature regulator passes through the retaining member, the pressing of the retaining member by the temperature regulator is released, and due to the biasing force based on the elastic restoring force of the biasing member, the retaining member returns to the closed posture. In this way, the temperature regulator is accommodated in the storage space.

[0019] Also, when the temperature regulator is accommodated in the storage space, the retaining member is in the closed posture state, and the storage space is in the closed state, if the operator inserts his hand into the storage space and the hand presses the retaining member in the closed posture, the biasing member elastically changes, so that the retaining member changes to the open posture, and the storage space becomes open. While shifting from the pressing by the operator's hand to the pressing by the temperature regulator, based on those pressings, while the retaining member is maintained in the open position, the temperature regulator is moved in the direction of exiting from the accommodation space and the temperature regulator passes through the retaining member, whereby the pressing by the temperature regulator on the retaining member is released, and by the biasing force based on the elastic restoring force of the biasing member, the retaining member returns to the closed position. In this way, the temperature regulator is taken out from the accommodation space.

[0020] As described above, in the article accommodation case of this aspect, when the operator enters the temperature regulator into the accommodation space, the retaining member changes from the closed position to the open position, and then automatically returns to the closed position, and the temperature regulator can be easily accommodated in the accommodation space. Also, when the operator enters a hand into the accommodation space, the retaining member changes from the closed position to the open position, and while maintaining the open position state, by taking out the temperature regulator from the accommodation space, the retaining member automatically returns to the closed position. Thus, in the article accommodation case of this aspect, the operational effects of the article accommodation case of the first aspect can be obtained more specifically, and it becomes possible to easily insert and remove the temperature regulating material.

[0021] A third aspect of the present invention is the article accommodation case of the first or second aspect, wherein the retaining member is attached at its base end portion to the side of the lid body in the accommodation space.

[0022] In the article accommodation case of this aspect, in addition to the operational effects of the article accommodation case of the first or second aspect, the following operational effects can be obtained. In this article accommodation case, since the retaining member is attached to the side of the lid body at its base end portion, high stability is obtained. In this way, the opening of the accommodation space is stably opened and closed.

[0023] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an article storage case according to the third aspect, wherein the biasing member is an elastic body disposed between the retaining member and the side of the storage space that is the lid.

[0024] In this embodiment of the article storage case, in addition to the effects and advantages of the article storage case of the third embodiment, the following effects and advantages are obtained. In this article storage case, the biasing material is an elastic material and is disposed between the retaining material and the side of the lid, so it can be stably compressed and deformed. In this way, the opening to the storage space can be opened and closed reliably.

[0025] An "elastic body" is defined as "something that can be deformed elastically," and "something that deforms elastically in such a way that it allows the retaining material to swing from an open position to a closed position." Examples include "sponge." As a result, the biasing material, through its own elasticity, can directly bias the retaining material toward the closed position.

[0026] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an article storage case according to the third aspect, wherein the biasing member is fixed to the retaining member and elastically biases the retaining member together with the lid.

[0027] In this embodiment of the article storage case, regardless of whether the biasing material is an elastic body or not, the biasing material elastically biases the retaining material toward a closed position based on its cooperative relationship with the lid. This allows the effects and benefits of the third embodiment of the article storage case to be obtained, regardless of whether the biasing material is an elastic body or not.

[0028] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an article storage case according to the fifth aspect, wherein the lid is formed by covering a main material with a bag-shaped outer material, and the outer material elastically expands and / or deforms, thereby elastically biasing the retaining material.

[0029] In this embodiment of the article storage case, the retaining material changes from a closed position to an open position, causing the outer material to elastically expand and / or deform, and based on the elastic restoring force that causes it to return to its original state (and consequently, based on the elastic restoring force of the biasing material), the biasing material biases the retaining material toward the closed position. Thus, the effects and benefits of the fifth embodiment of the article storage case can be concretely obtained.

[0030] A seventh aspect of the present invention is an article storage case according to the fifth aspect, wherein at least a portion of the lid corresponding to the base end of the retaining material is elastically compressible.

[0031] In this embodiment of the article storage case, in addition to the effects and advantages of the article storage case of the fifth embodiment, the following effects and advantages are obtained. In this item storage case, the lid is elastically compressed when the retaining material changes from a closed position to an open position, and based on the elastic restoring force that causes it to return to its original state (and consequently, based on the elastic restoring force of the biasing material), the biasing material biases the retaining material toward the closed position. Thus, the effects and benefits of the fourth embodiment of the article storage case can be concretely obtained.

[0032] An eighth aspect of the present invention is an article storage case according to any third to seventh aspect, wherein the retaining member is provided with a connecting portion that connects the retaining member to the lid in the closed position and defines the limit of the separation of the retaining member from the lid in the closed position.

[0033] In this embodiment of the article storage case, in addition to the effects and advantages of the article storage case of any of the third to seventh embodiments, the following effects and advantages are obtained. In this embodiment of the article storage case, the retaining material and the lid are connected by a connecting portion, and the limit of the separation of the retaining material from the lid in the closed position is defined, so that even in the closed position, it is possible to prevent the retaining material from coming into contact with the temperature regulating agent storage portion forming material. Therefore, in that case, damage to the temperature control agent housing material due to contact by the retaining material is prevented.

[0034] A ninth aspect of the present invention is an article storage case according to any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the storage space is provided with the openings at two positions, and the retaining material and the biasing member are provided corresponding to each of the openings.

[0035] The phrase "The openings are provided at these two positions" could also be "The openings are provided at these two mutually opposite positions."

[0036] In this embodiment of the article storage case, in addition to the effects and advantages of the article storage case of any of the first to eighth embodiments, the following effects and advantages are obtained. This storage case has two openings, making it more convenient as temperature control agents can be added to and removed from the storage space through either opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view showing an article storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This is an exploded perspective view showing an article storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the main part of the article storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It shows the lid in a 180-degree open state (the lid in a state where it is closed over the opening of the case body, but inverted), and this is also the case in Figure 3 and subsequent figures. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the article storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4]This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of the article storage case of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a view virtually cut along a vertical plane in the longitudinal direction of the temperature regulating agent storage section forming material (the same applies to Figures 5A, 5B, 7 to 9). (a) shows the state in which the retaining material is in a closed position, and (b) shows the state in which the retaining material is in an open position. [Figure 5A] This figure shows the operation of the article storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It illustrates the process of storing the temperature control agent in the storage space. [Figure 5B] This figure shows the operation of the article storage case according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It illustrates the process of removing the temperature control agent from the storage space. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of the article storage case according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of the article storage case of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. (a) shows the state in which the retaining material is in a closed position, (b-1) shows the state in which the retaining material is in an open position (first embodiment), and (b-2) shows the state in which the retaining material is in an open position (second embodiment). [Figure 8] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of the article storage case of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. (A) is an application example of Embodiment 1, and (B) is an application example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of the article storage case of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. (A) is an application example of Embodiment 1, and (B) is an application example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the retaining material removed from the article storage case of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the main part of the article storage case of Embodiment 5 of the present invention. It is a view virtually cut along a vertical plane in the width direction of the material forming the temperature regulating agent storage section. (a) shows the state in which the retaining material is in a closed position, and (b) shows the state in which the retaining material is in an open position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] [Example 1] Next, Example 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 5B. As shown in Figure 1A, this article storage case has a case body 10 and a lid 40, as well as a mechanism for housing a temperature regulating agent 80 (temperature regulating agent housing forming material 50, retaining material 60, biasing material 70A).

[0039] As shown in Figure 1B, the case body 10 has a double-layered structure consisting of an inner case body 20 and an outer case body 30. The inner case body 20 has an inner case bottom plate portion 22, a pair of inner case first side plate portions 24a, and a pair of inner case second side plate portions 24b. The outer case body 30 has an outer case bottom portion 32, a pair of outer case first side portions 34a, and a pair of outer case second side portions 34b. Then, as shown in Figure 1A, the inner case body 20 is fitted inside the outer case body 30 to form the case body 10. The case body 10 is a rectangular box shape with an opening 14 at the top. The opening 14 is rectangular in shape and has a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1A, the lid 40 is a rectangular, flat plate that corresponds to the opening 14 of the case body 10. The lid 40 has a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides. The lid 40 is rotatably (swingingly) connected to one of the pair of long sides of the opening 14 of the case body 10 (the upper edge of one of the first outer case sides 34a) at a pivotable edge 43, which is one of the pair of long sides. In this way, the opening 14 of the case body 10 is opened and closed by the lid 40.

[0041] A connecting piece 45 is provided on the opening / closing edge 44, which is the long side of the lid 40 opposite the rotating edge 43, and a hook-and-loop fastener (female) 46 is provided on the back surface of the connecting piece 45. A hook-and-loop fastener (male) 36 is provided on the corresponding first side portion 34a of the outer case. In this way, with the lid 40 closed over the opening 14 of the case body 10, the connecting piece 45 is connected to the first side portion 34a of the outer case by the hook-and-loop fasteners 36 and 46.

[0042] The case body 10 (including the case section 20) and the lid 40 have heat-insulating properties. In the inner case bottom plate portion 22 that forms the inner case body 20, and in the pair of inner case first side plate portions 24a and inner case second side plate portions 24b, their surfaces (front surface, back surface, and end surfaces that form the thickness) are formed in a bag shape by a surface material which is a sheet of synthetic resin, and a main material which is a plate-shaped insulating material is housed in the inner space. Similarly, in the lid 40, its surface (front, back, and end surfaces forming the thickness) is formed in a bag shape by a synthetic resin sheet, and a plate-shaped insulating material is housed in the inner space.

[0043] The mechanism for housing the temperature control agent 80 is provided on the underside (inner surface) of the lid 40. The explanation will be based on the state in which the lid 40 is opened horizontally, that is, the inverted state compared to the state in which the lid 40 closes the opening 14 of the case body 10. This is because the worker will be storing or removing the temperature control agent 80 in this state (or a state close to it).

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the elements of the mechanism that houses the temperature regulating agent 80 include a temperature regulating agent housing forming material 50, a retaining material 60, and a biasing material 70A (as mentioned above).

[0045] The temperature control agent containment section forming material 50 is made of a synthetic resin mesh and is flexible. Its basic shape is based on a rectangular parallelepiped, with the bottom and one side missing. In other words, the temperature regulating agent containment section forming material 50 (its basic shape) has a rectangular top surface portion 52, a pair of long edge side portions 54a, and one short edge side portion 54b (Figure 4). The top surface portion 52 each has a pair of long and short sides, which correspond to the long and short sides of the lid 40 (they are parallel to the long and short sides of the lid 40). A pair of long edge sides 54a extend downward (towards the lid 40) from each long side of the upper surface 52. One short edge side 54b (Figure 4) extends downward (towards the lid 40) from one short side of the upper surface 52. The lower edges of a pair of long edge portions 54a and one short edge portion 54b are formed with flange-shaped connecting portions 56 that face outward, and these connecting portions 56 are joined to the lid 40 (its inner surface).

[0046] In this way, the lid 40 and the temperature control agent containment material 50 form a containment space 51 (Figures 2 and 4).

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, an opening 55 is formed in the storage space 51. The opening 55 is formed in the part of the temperature-regulating agent containment material 50 opposite to one of the short edge sides 54b (Figure 4) (the part of the pair of short sides (Figures 2 and 3) of the rectangular upper surface 52 that does not have the short edge side 54b formed on it). In other words, the opening 55 is formed at the end of the temperature-regulating agent containment material 50 in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the lid 40. Thus, the storage space 51 is connected to the external space through the opening 55.

[0048] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the retaining material 60 is almost flat (plate-shaped). Its width is slightly shorter than the width of the opening 55. The majority of the retaining material 60 is a flat (flat plate-shaped) main body portion 62, and a mounting portion 64 is formed at the base end of the retaining material 60. A straight bent portion 63 (bent line) is formed between the main body portion 62 and the mounting portion 64. The main body 62 has a flat core material built inside and is not flexible. As shown in Figure 4, the retaining material 60 has a variable bending angle at the bent portion 63.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the retaining material 60 is attached to the mounting portion 64, on the inner surface of the lid 40, near the opening 55 (within the storage space 51). The retaining material 60 is positioned towards the back of the storage space 51 as it moves from its base end towards its tip end. As mentioned above, the bending angle at the bent portion 63 is variable, and it is possible to change between a closed position (Figure 4(a)) and an open position (Figure 4(b)).

[0050] As shown in Figure 4(a), the retaining member 60 is normally in a closed position. In the closed position, as the retaining member 60 moves from the base end towards the tip, the main body 62 moves toward the back of the storage space 51 (as described above) and also extends diagonally upward (not parallel to the lid 40) so as to approach the upper surface 52. As shown in Figure 4(b), in the open position (more precisely, the most open position), the main body 62 extends toward the back of the storage space 51, almost along the lid 40 (its inner surface).

[0051] The biasing member 70A is positioned between the retaining member 60 (its back surface) and the lid 40 (its inner surface). The biasing material 70A is made of sponge and has a wedge-like shape, resembling a triangular prism lying on its side. The biasing material 70A is attached to the lid 40 and / or the retaining material 60 by adhesive or double-sided tape. As described above, the biasing material 70A is made of sponge and is elastically compressible. Because sponge is soft and has a low Young's modulus, it can be compressed significantly even with a small pressing force.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4(a), normally the biasing member 70A is in its natural state (more precisely, nearly natural state), and the retaining member 60 is in a closed position (basic closed position). In the embodiment in which the biasing member 70A is bonded to only one of the lid 40 and the retaining member 60, when the lid 40 is in the state of closing the opening 14 of the case body 10 (Figure 1A) (a state that is upside down compared to the state in Figure 4(a)), as shown by the dashed line, gravity causes it to come into contact with the upper surface 52 (its inner surface) of the temperature regulating agent housing forming material 50 (this is also one of the closed positions).

[0053] Then, as the retaining material 60 is pressed toward the side of the lid 40, the biasing material 70A is elastically compressed by the retaining material 60, and as shown in Figure 4(b), the retaining material 60 changes to an open position. On the other hand, when the aforementioned pressure on the retaining material 60 is released, the biasing material 70A attempts to return to its original natural state due to its own elastic restoring force. Based on this biasing force of the biasing material 70A, the retaining material 60 returns to the closed position, as shown in Figure 4(a).

[0054] Next, we will explain the method of use and the effects of this item storage case. As shown in Figure 5A, when the temperature control agent 80 (cooling agent / warming agent) is placed in the storage space 51, it is done as follows.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5A(a), the worker grasps the temperature regulating agent 80 with one hand and moves the temperature regulating agent 80 into the containment space 51 through the opening 55. As a result, as shown in Figure 5A(b), the temperature regulating agent 80 comes into contact with the retaining material 60, and as shown in Figure 5A(b)→(c), the temperature regulating agent 80 attempts to enter further, pressing the retaining material 60 toward the lid 40, causing the retaining material 60 to change from a closed position (Figure 5A(a)) to an open position (Figure 5A(c)). Then, as shown in Figure 5A(c), the temperature regulating agent 80 enters the housing space 51 while coming into contact with the retaining material 60 (its tip) which is in an open position.

[0056] Then, as shown in Figures 5A(c)→(d), the temperature regulating agent 80 passes over the retaining material 60 (its tip), releasing the pressure the temperature regulating agent 80 exerts on the retaining material 60. Based on the biasing force due to the elastic restoring force of the compressed biasing material 70A, the retaining material 60 returns to its closed position, as shown in Figure 5A(d). Thus, as shown in Figure 5A(d), the temperature regulating agent 80 is housed within the containment space 51, and the retaining material 60 in a closed position prevents the temperature regulating agent 80 from coming out of the containment space 51.

[0057] In this way, the worker can easily store the temperature regulator 80 in the storage space 51.

[0058] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5B, when removing the temperature control agent 80 from the storage space 51, the following procedure is followed.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5B(a), the worker inserts one of their hands into the storage space 51. At that time, they press the retaining material 60 toward the lid 40 with that hand, changing the retaining material 60 from the closed position (5A(d)) to the open position (Figure 5B(a)). In this way, the temperature regulating agent 80 is grasped by the hand that has entered the containment space 51, and the temperature regulating agent 80 is removed by withdrawing that hand from the containment space 51.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5B(b), after the worker's hand has passed the tip of the retaining material 60, the temperature regulating agent 80 moves in the direction of detachment, while maintaining the retaining material 60 in a closed position by pressing the retaining material 60 (its tip) toward the lid 40. Then, as shown in Figure 5B(b)→(c), the temperature regulating agent 80 passes over the tip of the retaining material 60, and as the pressure applied to the retaining material 60 by the temperature regulating agent 80 is released, as shown in Figure 5B(b)→(c)→(d), the retaining material 60 returns to its closed position (Figure 5B(d)) due to the biasing force based on the elastic restoring force of the compressed retaining material 60.

[0061] In this way, as shown in Figure 5B(d), the worker can easily remove the temperature regulator 80 from the storage space 51.

[0062] [Example 2] Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, focusing on the differences from Example 1. Parts common to both Example 1 and Example 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted (this also applies hereafter).

[0063] In the mechanism for housing the temperature control agent 80 in this article storage case, the biasing member 70B (more precisely, the mechanism that biases the retaining member 60 to the open position) differs from that of Example 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, the biasing material 70B is in the form of a strip made of synthetic resin and does not have substantial elasticity or flexibility. Its width (length of the long side) is approximately the same as the width of the retaining material 60. Its length (length of the short side) is shorter than the length of the retaining material 60. The biasing material 70B has a predetermined thickness and is bonded to the back surface (the side facing the lid 40) of the main body portion 62 of the retaining material 60. The base edge of the biasing member 70B is located slightly closer to the leading edge of the retaining member 60 than the bent portion 63 of the retaining member 60.

[0065] Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(a), normally (i.e., in its natural state), the retaining member 60 is in a closed position. That is, the base edge of the biasing member 70B (the edge on the side of the lid 40) abuts against the lid 40 (its inner surface), preventing the main body 62 of the retaining member 60 from descending (displacing toward the lid 40). Conversely, the thickness of the biasing material 70B and the position of its base edge (distance from the bent portion 63) are set to achieve this. Furthermore, when the lid 40 closes the opening 14 of the case body 10 (Figure 1A) (a state that is upside down compared to the state in Figure 7(a)), as shown by the dashed line, gravity causes it to come into contact with the upper surface 52 (its inner surface) of the temperature regulating agent containment material 50 (this is also one of the closed positions).

[0066] In this embodiment, the biasing member 70B changes phase between a closed position and an open position mainly in the following three ways.

[0067] <First aspect> The lid 40 is formed by housing the main material 41 (insulating material) inside a bag-shaped outer material 42 (bag body) (as described above). The size of the bag body made of the outer material 42 corresponds to the size of the main material 41, and there is no adhesion between the main material 41 and the outer material 42, so the outer material 41 can be elastically expanded, contracted, and deformed. Therefore, when the retaining material 60 attempts to shift toward the lid 40 due to pressure from the worker, the outer material 42 elastically deforms. In this way, the retaining material 60 shifts to an open position. Then, when the above-mentioned pressure is released, the retaining material 60 returns to its closed position due to the biasing force of the biasing material 70B based on the elastic restoring force of the surface material 42.

[0068] <Second aspect> In the lid 40, the main material 41 is elastically compressible, and the outer material 42 is also flexible. Therefore, when the retaining material 60 attempts to shift toward the lid 40 due to pressure from the worker, the main material 41 is elastically compressed and deformed (the outer material 42 also follows). In this way, the retaining material 60 shifts to the open position. Then, when the above pressure is released, the retaining material 60 returns to its closed position due to the biasing force of the biasing material 70B based on the elastic restoring force of the main material 41.

[0069] <Third aspect> It combines features of both the first and second embodiments.

[0070] [Example 3] Next, Example 3 of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from Examples 1 and 2, based on Figure 8. In this embodiment, the retaining material 60 is provided on the upper surface 52 of the temperature regulating agent housing forming material 50. Specifically, the mounting portion 64 of the retaining material 60 is attached to the upper surface 52 of the temperature regulating agent housing forming material 50 near the opening 55. In this embodiment, it is desirable that the temperature control agent containment material 50 does not have flexibility.

[0071] Figure 8(A) shows an embodiment in which the biasing material 70A of Example 1 is used. In other words, the retaining material 60 is positioned between the main body portion 62 of the retaining material 60 and the upper surface portion 52 of the temperature control agent housing portion forming material 50.

[0072] When the biasing material 70A is bonded to both the retaining material 60 and the upper surface portion 52 (temperature regulating agent housing portion forming material), the retaining material 60 changes phase between its original closed position (solid line) and an open position (dash-dot line).

[0073] Figure 8(B) shows an embodiment in which the biasing material 70B of Example 2 is used. In other words, the retaining material 60 is fixed to the back surface of the main body portion 62 of the retaining material 60 (the surface on the side of the upper surface portion 52 of the temperature control agent housing portion forming material 50).

[0074] The retaining material 60 changes its position between the maximum closed position (single dotted line) and the open position (double dotted line) where its tip abuts against the lid 40. When the lid 40 closes the opening 14 (Figure 1A) of the case body 10 (the inverted state from the state in Figure 8), gravity normally causes it to return to its original closed position (solid line). This is also true in Figure 8(A), even when the biasing member 70A is bonded to only one of the retaining member 60 or the upper surface portion 52 (temperature control agent housing portion forming material).

[0075] In either case, as in Example 1 or Example 2, the temperature regulating agent 80 is placed in or removed from the storage space 51 through the opening 55 while the retaining material 60 is in an open position (indicated by a dashed line).

[0076] [Example 4] Next, Example 4 of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from Examples 1 and 2, based on Figure 9. In this embodiment, retaining members 60 (accompanied by biasing members 70A and 70B) are provided at both ends of the storage space 51.

[0077] Figure 9(A) shows an embodiment in which the biasing member 70A of Embodiment 1 is attached to each retaining member 60 provided at both ends of the storage space 51. Figure 9(B) shows an embodiment in which the biasing member 70B of Embodiment 2 is attached to each retaining member 60 provided at both ends of the storage space 51.

[0078] In this embodiment, the temperature regulating agent 80 can be placed in the storage space 51 or removed from the storage space 51 through any of the openings 55.

[0079] [Example 5] Next, Example 4 of the present invention will be described, focusing on the differences from Examples 1 and 2, etc., based on Figures 10 and 11. Gussets 65 (connecting parts) are formed on both the left and right edges of the retaining material 60. A flange-shaped mounting area 66 is formed on the lower edge of the gusset 65, and the gusset 65 is attached to the lid 40 (inner surface) at the mounting area 66.

[0080] This prevents the main body portion 62 of the retaining material 60 from separating from the lid 40 beyond a predetermined closed position, and prevents it from coming into contact with the upper surface portion 52 of the temperature regulating agent housing portion forming material 50. In this way, damage to the temperature control agent containment material 50 is prevented. This is particularly effective when, in Example 1 (Figure 4), the biasing material 70A is bonded to only one of the retaining material 60 and the upper surface portion 52 (temperature regulating agent housing portion forming material), and when applied to Example 2 (Figure 7).

[0081] It should be noted that the above are merely embodiments of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0082] For example, the case body 10 may not be a double structure having an inner case body 20 and an outer case body 30, but may be formed from a single case body. Furthermore, the biasing material 70A is not limited to being made of sponge, but may also be spring-shaped. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 10 Case body 40 Lid 50 Temperature control agent containment material 51 storage space 55 Opening 60 Retaining material 65 Gusset section (connecting section) 70A,70B Biasing material 80 Temperature regulator

Claims

1. A case for storing articles, comprising a case body having an opening and a lid that can open and close the opening, It comprises a temperature control agent containment part forming material, a retaining material, and a biasing material. The temperature regulating agent housing component is provided on the inner surface of the lid, and the temperature regulating agent is housed in the housing space inside it. An opening is formed at the end of the housing space in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the lid, for allowing the temperature regulating agent to enter and exit the housing space. The retaining material is planar in shape, attached near the opening at its base end, and moves toward the back of the storage space from its base end towards its tip, and is capable of switching between a closed position with the opening closed and an open position with the opening open by swinging relative to the base end. The biasing member biases the retaining member toward the closed position and elastically maintains it in that closed position. A case for storing items.

2. The article storage case according to claim 1, The aforementioned closed position is such that the retaining material extends diagonally from its base end toward its tip toward the back of the housing space, and from one side of the housing space toward the side of the lid and the opposite side toward the other side. The open position is a position in which the retaining material extends toward the back of the housing space from its base end toward its tip, and the oblique angle from one side of the housing space toward the other side of the lid and the opposite side thereof is smaller than that of the closed position. A case for storing items.

3. The article storage case according to claim 2, The retaining material is attached at its base end to the side of the lid within the housing space. A case for storing items.

4. The article storage case according to claim 3, The biasing member is an elastic body disposed between the retaining member and the side of the lid within the housing space. A case for storing items.

5. The article storage case according to claim 3, The biasing member is fixed to the retaining member and elastically biases the retaining member together with the lid. A case for storing items.

6. The article storage case according to claim 5, The lid is formed by covering the main material with a bag-shaped outer material. The aforementioned surface material elastically expands, contracts and / or deforms, thereby elastically biasing the retaining material. A case for storing items.

7. The article storage case according to claim 5, At least the portion of the cover corresponding to the base end of the retaining material is elastically compressible. A case for storing items.

8. The article storage case according to claim 3, The retaining material is provided with a connecting portion that connects the retaining material to the lid in the closed position and defines the limit of the distance between the retaining material and the lid in the closed position. A case for storing items.

9. An article storage case according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The aforementioned storage space is provided with the aforementioned openings at two locations, The retaining material and the biasing member are provided, respectively, corresponding to each of the openings. A case for storing items.

Images