Food containers

Abstract

The present invention provides a food container in which the height of the food storage space within the container's interior can be changed, and in which the interior space can be efficiently utilized even when the height of the food storage space is changed. [Solution] The food container includes a container body, a lid, and at least one partition plate. The container body includes a slit formed by cutting out a portion of its periphery. The partition plate includes an engaging claw formed at one end of a first side, which is the side corresponding to the height direction of the container body, and which can engage with the slit. In both a first usage mode in which one end of the first side of the partition plate is positioned upward, and a second usage mode in which the other end of the first side of the partition plate is positioned upward, the food container is configured such that the partition plate can be accommodated in the internal space with the engaging claw engaged with the slit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a food container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a food container in which a temperature adjuster such as a heating device or a coolant is housed inside the container together with food, enabling heating or cooling of the food immediately before eating.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that a heating device is housed inside a box body of a food heating container, and the food housed in a food tray is heated by using the heating device. In this food heating container, a support tool installed inside the box body supports the food tray, that is, the food storage space defined by the food tray is arranged above the internal space of the food container, so that a space (temperature adjuster housing space) for housing the temperature adjuster is formed below the food storage space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a food container assuming a usage form without a temperature adjuster (room temperature use), the food is placed at the bottom of the container body. That is, the entire internal space of the food container is used as a food storage space. Since a food container assuming room temperature use usually has a structure that cannot accommodate a temperature adjuster, it is difficult to use it in a usage form (temperature adjustment use) in which the temperature adjuster is housed inside the container.

[0006] On the other hand, while Patent Document 1 neither discloses nor suggests the use of a food heating container without a temperature control device, it is functionally possible to use the food heating container of Patent Document 1 without a temperature control device. However, due to the structure of the food heating container, a food tray cannot be placed at the bottom of the box, meaning that the space for housing the temperature control device cannot be used as a food storage space. Because of the problems described above, food containers designed for temperature control, such as the food heating container described in Patent Document 1, are usually used exclusively for temperature control purposes.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a food container in which the height of the food storage space within the internal space of the food container can be changed, and in which the internal space can be efficiently utilized even when the height of the food storage space is changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A food container according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is A food container in which food is contained, The container body and A lid for covering the opening of the container body, At least one partition plate for defining the space in which the food is contained within the internal space formed inside the food container when the opening of the container body is covered by the lid, Equipped with, The container body includes a slit formed by cutting out a portion of the peripheral edge defining the opening of the container body. The partition plate includes an engaging claw formed at one end of the first side, which is the side corresponding to the height direction of the container body, and which is capable of engaging with the slit. In both the first usage configuration, in which one end of the first side of the partition plate is positioned upward, and the second usage configuration, in which the other end of the first side of the partition plate is positioned upward, the partition plate is configured to be housed in the internal space with the engaging claws engaged with the slit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a food container in which the height of the food storage space within the internal space of the food container can be changed, and the internal space can be used efficiently even when the height of the food storage space is changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a first usage form of a food container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view of the area around the slit in a first usage configuration of a food container according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a second usage form of a food container according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the components of a food container in a second usage form according to one embodiment, in an unfolded state. [Figure 5] This is a side cross-sectional view of a second usage form of a food container according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the components of a temperature control device in one embodiment in an unfolded state. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view showing a partition plate and an auxiliary plate in an unfolded state according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a perspective view showing the partition plate and auxiliary plate in an unfolded state according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of a partition plate according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows a lid and container body according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a view of the first lid protrusion from the inside of the lid according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the inside of the lid in a second usage form of a food container according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a temperature control device housing member according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a front cross-sectional view of a temperature control device housing member according to one embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same configurations and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0012] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the basic configuration of the food container 1 will be described. The food container 1 is for containing food and includes a container body 2, a lid 3 for covering the opening 23 of the container body 2, and at least one partition plate 4.

[0013] ≪Container Body≫ The container body 2 includes a main body bottom plate 21 and a main body side wall 22 erected from the main body bottom plate 21. The container body 2 has an opening 23 on the upper side, and the opening 23 is defined by the peripheral edge 24 of the container body 2. The peripheral edge 24 of the container body 2 is the upper end of the main body side wall 22. Food and the like are put in and taken out of the container body 2 through the opening 23. The food contained in the food container 1 may be, for example, prepared foods, rice balls, fruits, etc.

[0014] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the container body 2 has a box shape in which the main body bottom plate 21 is rectangular in plan view. The main body side wall 22 is erected from the peripheral edge (four sides) of the main body bottom plate 21. The main body side wall 22 includes a first side wall 221, a second side wall 222, a third side wall 223, and a fourth side wall 224 erected from the peripheral edge of the main body bottom plate 21 respectively. The first side wall 221 and the fourth side wall 224 are erected from a pair of opposite long sides of the main body bottom plate 21 respectively. The second side wall 222 and the third side wall 223 are erected from a pair of opposite short sides of the main body bottom plate 21 respectively.

[0015] The main body side wall 22 is constructed by connecting the first side wall 221 to the second side wall 222, the second side wall 222 to the fourth side wall 224, the fourth side wall 224 to the third side wall 223, and the third side wall 223 to the first side wall 221 without any gaps between them. In other words, the periphery 24 of the container body 2 is made up of the upper end 221t of the first side wall 221, the upper end 222t of the second side wall 222, the upper end 223t of the third side wall 223, and the upper end 224t of the fourth side wall 224.

[0016] ≪Slit≫ The container body 2 includes a slit 26 formed by cutting out a portion of the periphery 24 of the container body 2. The slit 26 is cut out from the periphery 24 of the container body 2 toward the bottom plate 21, and the inside and outside of the container body 2 are connected by the slit 26. The slit 26 has a lower end surface 261.

[0017] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the slits 26 are formed by cutting out a portion of the upper end 221t of the first side wall 221. Two slits 26 are provided at positions that divide the first side wall 221 into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction of the container body 2. The width and depth of the cutouts of the two slits 26 are equal to each other.

[0018] The slits 26 may be provided in one or more locations on the first side wall 221. The slits 26 may also be provided on the main body side walls 22 other than the first side wall 221.

[0019] ≪Lid≫ The lid 3 is configured to be placed over the container body 2. The lid 3 can cover the opening 23 when food or other items are placed inside the container body 2. When the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, an internal space R is formed inside the food container 1. The internal space R includes a food storage space R1, which is the space in which food is stored.

[0020] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the lid 3 includes a lid top plate 31 and a lid side wall 32 connected to the periphery 311 of the lid top plate 31. The lid 3 has a box shape. The lid top plate 31 is rectangular in plan view. The inner circumference of the lid side wall 32 is larger than the outer circumference of the main body side wall 22. Therefore, when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, the periphery 24 of the container body 2 is recessed into the inside of the lid 3.

[0021] <<Partition Plate>> The partition plate 4 is a thin, plate-like component. The partition plate 4 is either self-supporting or held upright by the container body 2. The partition plate 4 is used when placed inside the food container 1.

[0022] The partition plate 4 defines the food storage space R1 within the internal space R. The partition plate 4 divides the food storage space R1 into multiple compartments, and food items are stored in each compartment.

[0023] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the partition plate 4 consists of two partition plates 5. Each partition plate 5 is rectangular in shape and has a uniform thickness. The two partition plates 5 are identical in shape and thickness. The two partition plates 5 are arranged parallel to each other along the shorter side of the container body 2.

[0024] The partition plate 4 includes an edge corresponding to the height direction of the container body 2 and an edge corresponding to the width direction or depth direction of the container body 2. The edge corresponding to the height direction of the container body 2 is the edge that extends vertically when the partition plate 4 is placed in the food container 1 so as to define the food storage space R1. The edge corresponding to the width direction or depth direction of the container body 2 is the edge that extends horizontally when the partition plate 4 is placed in the food container 1 so as to define the food storage space R1. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the sides of the partition plate 4 corresponding to the height direction of the container body 2 are a pair of short sides of the partition plate 4. The sides of the partition plate 4 corresponding to the width direction or depth direction of the container body 2 are a pair of long sides of the partition plate 4.

[0025] The partition plate 4 includes a first side 51 and a fourth side 54 as sides corresponding to the height direction of the container body 2. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the first side 51 of the partition plate 4 is the side that is positioned on the first side wall 221 side of the container body 2, and the fourth side 54 of the partition plate 4 is the side that is positioned on the fourth side wall 224 side of the container body 2.

[0026] In addition to the partition plate 4, the food container 1 may further include at least one auxiliary plate 6 for defining the food storage space R1 within the internal space R. The auxiliary plate 6 is housed in the food container 1 in an upright position. The auxiliary plate 6 may be used in combination with the partition plate 4. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the auxiliary plate 6 is a thin, plate-like member. The auxiliary plate 6 is rectangular in shape and has a uniform thickness. The auxiliary plate 6 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the container body 2 and is connected to each of the two partition plates 5. The two partition plates 5 and the auxiliary plate 6 are assembled in a double-cross shape by fitting together the alignment grooves 50 of the partition plates 5 and the alignment grooves 60 of the auxiliary plate 6, which will be described later.

[0027] ≪Engaging claws≫ The first side 51 of the partition plate 4 includes one end 511 and the other end 512. The partition plate 4 includes an engaging claw 55 formed on the end 511 of the first side 51. As shown in Figure 2, the engaging claw 55 has a shape that protrudes from the end 511 of the first side 51.

[0028] The engaging claw 55 is capable of engaging with the slit 26. The thickness of the engaging claw 55 is approximately the same as, or slightly less than, the width of the slit 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the thickness of the engaging claw 55 is uniform in the front-to-back direction of the paper and is the same as the thickness of the parts of the partition plate 5 other than the engaging claw 55.

[0029] ≪First usage form≫ Next, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the first usage form of food container 1 will be described. The first usage configuration is a configuration in which the food container 1 is positioned with one end 511 of the first side 51 of the partition plate 4 facing upward. The partition plate 4 is positioned in the internal space R with one end 511 of the first side 51, where the engaging claws 55 are formed, facing upward.

[0030] In the first usage configuration, the partition plate 4 is positioned towards the lower side of the internal space R, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, the food contained in the food container 1 is also positioned towards the lower side of the internal space R. In the first usage configuration, the food storage space R1 occupies most of the internal space R. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the partition plate 4 is placed directly on the main body bottom plate 21.

[0031] In the first usage configuration, the food container 1 is capable of housing the partition plate 4 in the internal space R with the engaging claws 55 engaged in the slit 26. "Capable of housing" means that with the partition plate 4 housed in the container body 2, the opening 23 of the container body 2 can be covered by the lid 3. When the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, the partition plate 4 does not interfere with the lid 3.

[0032] ≪Second usage form≫ Furthermore, a second usage form of food container 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 3-5. The second usage configuration is a configuration in which the food container 1 is positioned with the other end 512 of the first side 51 of the partition plate 4 facing upward. The partition plate 4 is positioned in the internal space R with one end 511 of the first side 51, where the engaging claws 55 are formed, facing downward.

[0033] In the second usage configuration, the partition plate 4 is positioned towards the upper part of the internal space R, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the food contained in the food container 1 is also positioned towards the upper part of the internal space R. That is, in the second usage configuration, the food storage space R1 is located in the upper part of the internal space R. As shown in Figure 5, the partition plate 4 may be positioned towards the upper side of the internal space R by being supported by the temperature control device housing member 8 and the sheet member 9, which will be described later.

[0034] In the second usage configuration, the food container 1 can accommodate the partition plate 4 in the internal space R with the engaging claws 55 engaged in the slit 26. As shown in Figure 5, when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, the partition plate 4 does not interfere with the lid 3.

[0035] To summarize the above explanation, the food container 1 is configured such that, in both the first and second usage modes, the partition plate 4 can be accommodated in the internal space R with the engaging claws 55 engaged in the slit 26. In the first usage configuration, the engaging claws 55 can be engaged with the slit 26 to accommodate the partition plate 4 in the food container 1. Therefore, the partition plate 4 can be placed in a position closer to the lower side of the internal space R of the food container 1, allowing most of the internal space R of the food container 1 to be used as the food storage space R1. Furthermore, even in the second usage configuration, the engaging claws 55 can be engaged with the slit 26 to accommodate the partition plate 4 in the food container 1. This allows the partition plate 4 to be placed in a position closer to the upper part of the internal space R of the food container 1, thereby raising the position of the food storage space R1. As a result, in the first usage configuration, for example, food can be placed at the bottom of the container body 2, and the food container 1 can be used for room temperature purposes without the temperature control device 7 described later. In the second usage configuration, the food container 1 can be used for temperature control purposes with the temperature control device 7 housed below the partition plate 4. Thus, the food container 1 allows for adjustment of the height of the food storage space R1 within the internal space R, and the internal space R can be efficiently utilized even when the height of the food storage space R1 is changed.

[0036] Furthermore, the container body 2 can take on a variety of shapes as long as it is capable of holding food or the like. For example, the container body 2 may be a box shape with a square or circular bottom plate, or a bowl shape with a flat bottom plate. The side walls 22 of the body may be erected from near the periphery, at a predetermined distance inward from the periphery of the body bottom plate 21. The container body 2 may include legs 27 provided on the underside of the main body bottom plate 21. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, the legs 27 are provided at the four corners on the underside of the main body bottom plate 21.

[0037] In the first usage configuration, the food contained in the food container 1 may be placed directly on the main body bottom plate 21, or a liner or similar material may be placed on the main body bottom plate 21 and the food placed on top of that. Alternatively, the food may be served on a small plate or the like before being placed on the main body bottom plate 21.

[0038] The lid 3 can take on a variety of shapes as long as it can cover the opening 23 of the container body 2. For example, the lid 3 may be box-shaped, flat, or dome-shaped.

[0039] The partition plate 4 is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 5, and may be, for example, a single thin, rectangular flat plate. Also, if the container body 2 is box-shaped with a square bottom plate 21, the partition plate 4 may be constructed by combining one partition plate 5 and one auxiliary plate 6, each having the same length and width, in a cross shape. In the first usage configuration, the partition plate 4 may be placed on top of a sheet of paper or thin board on the main body bottom plate 21, or it may be placed slightly away from the main body bottom plate 21 by means of being held by the main body side wall 22 or the like.

[0040] ≪Temperature control device and temperature control device housing component≫ Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 6, the components of the food container 1 used in the second usage form will be described. In some embodiments, the food container 1 further includes a temperature control device 7, which is used in a second usage mode, and a temperature control device housing member 8 for housing the temperature control device 7.

[0041] The temperature control device 7 is used to regulate the temperature of the food contained in the food container 1. The temperature control device 7 may be, for example, a heating device 7A that is used immediately before the food is eaten and generates steam to heat the contained food, or a cooling agent 7B that is used for a certain period of time before eating and generates cold air to continuously cool the low-temperature food contained. Known heating devices 7A and cooling agents 7B can be used as the temperature control device 7.

[0042] An example of a heating device 7A is shown in Figure 6. The heating device 7A includes a heating agent 72 and a reaction water storage bag 73 containing reaction water for reacting with the heating agent 72. When the reaction water storage bag 73 is opened, the reaction water comes into contact with the heating agent 72, generating high-temperature steam, which heats the food contained in the food container 1.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the heating device 7A is a heating kit 7AA in which a heating agent 72 and a reaction water storage bag 73 are sealed in an impermeable packaging material. In addition to the heating agent 72 and the reaction water storage bag 73, the heating kit 7AA includes a heating agent container 74 in which the heating agent 72 is placed, a plate-frame-shaped support plate 75, a film 76, and a breakable string 71 for opening. In the heating kit 7AA, the heating agent 72 is in sheet form and is placed on the bottom 741 of the heating agent container 74. The reaction water storage bag 73 is fixed to the support plate 75 by fasteners or adhesive and is placed on top of the heating agent 72 together with the support plate 75. The base end 711 of the breaking string 71 is tied to the locking portion 751 formed on the periphery of the support plate 75. The breaking string 71 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the support plate 75 and the reaction water storage bag 73 from above and below, and the tip 712 of the breaking string 71 is pulled out from the notch 731 of the reaction water storage bag 73 to the upper side of the reaction water storage bag 73. The film 76 is made of an impermeable and flexible material and is attached to the flange portion 742 of the heating agent container 74. The heating agent container 74, with the heating agent 72, support plate 75, and reaction water storage bag 73 inside, is shielded by the film 76. The tip 712 of the break string 71 is pulled out to the upper side of the film 76.

[0044] When using the heating kit 7AA, pulling the break string 71 causes the film 76 and the reaction water storage bag 73 to tear open. The vapor generated by contact with the reaction water diffuses out of the heating kit 7AA through the gap in the torn film 76.

[0045] Note that the configuration of the heating kit 7AA is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6. For example, the heating agent 72 sealed in a bag may be placed in the heating agent container 74 and opened with a breakable string 71.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the temperature control device housing member 8 is installed between the bottom plate 21 and the partition plate 4 of the container body 2. The temperature control device housing member 8 defines the temperature control device housing space R2 in the internal space R where the temperature control device 7 is placed. As shown in Figure 5, in the second usage mode, the temperature control device housing space R2 is located at the bottom of the internal space R, and the food storage space R1 is located at the top of the internal space R.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the temperature control device housing member 8 is a middle tray 8A having an opening on its upper side. A sheet member 9, which will be described later, is placed on top of the middle tray 8A. More specifically, the middle tray 8A includes a middle tray flange portion 85 that extends laterally from its upper periphery, and the sheet member 9 is placed on top of the middle tray flange portion 85. The temperature control device housing space R2 is defined by the inner tray 8A and the sheet member 9. The temperature control device 7 is placed on the inner tray 8A and housed in the temperature control device housing space R2.

[0048] Note that the temperature control device housing member 8 is not limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and may also house the temperature control device 7 so as to cover it from above. The temperature control device housing space R2 may be defined by the temperature control device housing member 8 and the container body 2.

[0049] The temperature control device housing member 8 may house multiple temperature control devices 7, or multiple types of temperature control devices 7 of different dimensions. As shown in Figure 4, the temperature control device housing member 8 may house a heating kit 7AA along with a smaller heating kit 7AB that is smaller than the heating kit 7AA.

[0050] The temperature control device 7 may consist of a heating agent 72 and a reaction water storage bag 73 that are not packaged together. In this case, the temperature control device housing member 8 may house the heating agent 72 and the reaction water storage bag 73 separately.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the temperature control device housing member 8 may include a string-passing hole 86 for passing the breakable string 71 of the temperature control device 7 (heating kit 7AA). In this case, the tip 712 of the breakable string 71 is passed through the string-passing hole 86 and the slit 26 and pulled out to the outside of the food container 1. Multiple string-passing holes 86 may be provided.

[0052] ≪Sheet Material≫ In some embodiments, the food container 1 further includes a sheet member 9 which is placed on top of the temperature control device housing member 8 in the second usage mode. The sheet member 9 is a thin plate or a thin, flexible sheet. The area of ​​the sheet member 9 is smaller than the area of ​​the main body bottom plate 21, but close in size to the area of ​​the main body bottom plate 21. The sheet member 9 is used together with the temperature control device housing member 8, which has an opening at the top. As shown in Figure 5, the sheet member 9 is positioned to cover the opening of the temperature control device housing member 8.

[0053] The sheet member 9 has a plurality of ventilation holes 91. When the temperature control device 7 is used with the opening of the inner tray 8A covered by the sheet member 9, the steam or cold air generated by the temperature control device 7 diffuses from the temperature control device housing space R2 to the food housing space R1 via the plurality of ventilation holes 91.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the sheet member 9 is a bamboo blind 9A. The bamboo blind 9A includes a rectangular parallelepiped end component 92, a plurality of thin rod-shaped central component 93, and thread-like fastening members 94 that connect the end component 92 and the central component 93. The end component 92 and the central component 93 are arranged with gaps between them. In this case, the ventilation holes 91 are the gaps between the end component 92 and the central component 93. The bamboo blind 9A may be made of bamboo or wood.

[0055] Note that the sheet member 9 does not have to be a bamboo blind 9A. The sheet member 9 may be a plastic or paper member having multiple ventilation holes 91.

[0056] In the second usage configuration, when the sheet member 9 is used, the partition plate 4 is placed on top of the sheet member 9, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The food and other items to be contained in the food container 1 are placed on top of the sheet member 9. In this case, the food container 1 can accommodate the temperature control device 7, the temperature control device housing member 8 (middle tray 8A), the sheet member 9, and the partition plate 4 in the internal space R with the engaging claws 55 engaged in the slit 26. In other words, the combined height of the temperature control device housing member 8 (middle tray 8A), the sheet member 9, and the partition plate 4 is lower than the internal height of the internal space R.

[0057] ≪Details of the partition plate≫ Next, the partition plate 4 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 7A to 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the partition plate 4 and the auxiliary plate 6 are shown in the orientation for the second usage mode. The partition plate 4 consists of two partition plates 5A(5).

[0058] The partition plate 4 includes a second side 52 and a third side 53 as sides corresponding to the width or depth direction of the container body 2. The second side 52 extends from one end 511 of the first side 51. The third side 53 extends from the other end 512 of the first side 51 and faces the second side 52. As shown in Figure 7A, in the second usage configuration, the partition plate 4 is positioned with the second side 52 facing downwards and the third side 53 facing upwards.

[0059] The second side 52 of the partition plate 4 includes a first side end 521 and a fourth side end 522. The partition plate 4 includes a pair of one-end protrusions 56 that project from the first side end 521 and the fourth side end 522 of the second side 52, respectively, along the height direction of the container body 2. The one-end protrusions 56 include a first protrusion 561 formed on the first side end 521 of the second side 52 and a second protrusion 562 formed on the fourth side end 522 of the second side 52. The shapes of the first protrusion 561 and the second protrusion 562 are mirror-symmetric. Similarly, the third side 53 of the partition plate 4 includes a first side end 531 and a fourth side end 532. The partition plate 4 includes a pair of other-end protrusions 57 that project from the first side end 531 and the fourth side end 532 of the third side 53 along the height direction of the container body 2. The other-end protrusions 57 include a third protrusion 571 formed on the first side end 531 of the third side 53 and a fourth protrusion 572 formed on the fourth side end 532 of the third side 53. The shapes of the third protrusion 571 and the fourth protrusion 572 are mirror-symmetric.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the first usage configuration, the partition plate 4 is housed in the internal space R with a pair of other-end protrusions 57 resting on the main body bottom plate 21 of the container body 2. At this time, a gap exists between the portion of the third side 53 where the other-end protrusions 57 are not formed and the main body bottom plate 21.

[0061] Similarly, as shown in Figure 3, in the second usage configuration, the partition plate 4 is housed in the internal space R with a pair of one-end protrusions 56 resting on the sheet member 9. At this time, a gap exists between the portion of the second side 52 where the one-end protrusions 56 are not formed and the sheet member 9.

[0062] ≪Contact surface on one end and contact surface on the other end of the partition plate≫ In some embodiments, each of the pair of one-end protrusions 56 (first protrusion 561 and second protrusion 562) has a one-end contact surface S1 that contacts the sheet member 9 in the second usage mode. The one-end contact surface S1 is a horizontal plane. In the second usage mode, the partition plate 4 is positioned with the one-end contact surface S1 facing downwards.

[0063] Each of the pair of other-end protrusions 57 (the third protrusion 571 and the fourth protrusion 572) has an other-end contact surface S2 that contacts the bottom plate 21 of the container body 2 in the first usage configuration. The other-end contact surface S2 is a horizontal plane. In the first usage configuration, the partition plate 4 is positioned with the other-end contact surface S2 facing downwards.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, let L1 be the length of the contact surface S1 on one end in the direction in which the second side 52 extends. The length of the contact surface S1 on the one end of the first protrusion 561 and the second protrusion 562 on the direction in which the second side 52 extends is L1 for each. Also, let L2 be the length of the contact surface S2 on the other end in the direction in which the third side 53 extends. The length of the contact surface S2 on the other end of the third protrusion 571 and the fourth protrusion 572 on the direction in which the third side 53 extends is L2 for each. In this case, L1 > L2. The longer the portion of the second side 52 that does not have a protrusion 56 at one end, and the longer the portion of the third side 53 that does not have a protrusion 57 at the other end, the better the visibility of the food contained between the partition plates 4 when the food container 1 with the lid 3 removed is viewed from diagonally above. For this reason, it is desirable that L1 and L2 be as short as possible so that the partition plate 5 can stand on its own. On the other hand, for example, if the sheet member 9 is a bamboo blind 9A or a thin, flexible sheet, if L1 is short, the partition plate 4 may not be able to hold down the sheet member 9, causing the sheet member 9 to sag or shift position, and potentially making it impossible to stably support the food. For this reason, it is desirable that L1 be long enough so that the protrusion 56 at one end can fix the sheet member 9 when the partition plate 4 is placed on top of the sheet member 9.

[0065] ≪Formation location and thickness of the engaging claws≫ In some embodiments, the engaging claw 55 is formed adjacent to a first protrusion 561, which is one of a pair of one-end protrusions 56, as shown in Figures 7A and 8. The engaging claw 55 includes a rising portion 551 connected to one end 511 of the first side 51, and a locking projection 552 extending from the rising portion 551 along the direction of the first side 51. The locking projection 552 protrudes downward in the plane of the paper in Figure 8 from the one-end contact surface S1 of the adjacent first protrusion 561.

[0066] As shown in Figures 7A and 8, the partition plate 4 includes a thickened portion 58 that protrudes in the thickness direction of the partition plate 5 in the connection area with the engaging claw 55 at the first protrusion 561. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the thickened portion 58 is formed on both the left and right sides of the engaging claw 55A(55). The thickness of the portion of the partition plate 4 where the thickened portion 58 is formed is greater than the width of the corresponding slit 26. Therefore, the thickened portion 58 functions as a stopper to prevent the partition plate 4 from sliding out of the container body 2 through the slit 26.

[0067] ≪Gap between the engaging claw and the slit≫ In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, when the engaging claw 55 is engaged with the slit 26 in the second usage mode, a gap G is formed between the engaging claw 55 and the lower end surface 261 of the slit 26 for passing the breaking cord 71. The size of the gap G is larger than the thickness of the breaking cord 71. Therefore, when using the temperature control device 7 having the breaking cord 71, the breaking cord 71 can be pulled smoothly.

[0068] Furthermore, the lower end surface 261 of the slit 26 may be inclined downward from the outside to the inside of the container body 2. In this case, as shown in Figure 2, since the slit 26 is shaped to follow the engaging claw 55 in the first usage configuration, the risk of damage to the engaging claw 55 due to interference with the slit 26 can be reduced.

[0069] The partition plate 4 may include a matching groove 50 for combining with the auxiliary plate 6. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the alignment groove 50 is formed on the third side 53. The alignment groove 50 is formed by cutting out the central portion of the third side 53 in the direction of the second side 52.

[0070] The auxiliary plate 6 may also include a second side 62 and a third side 63, which are sides corresponding to the width or depth of the container body 2. The auxiliary plate 6 may also include a pair of protrusions 66 that project from both ends of the second side 62 along the height direction of the container body 2, and a pair of protrusions 65 that project from both ends of the third side 63 along the height direction of the container body 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the lengths of the pair of protrusions 66 from the second side 62 are equal. Also, the lengths of the pair of protrusions 65 from the third side 63 are equal.

[0071] The auxiliary plate 6 may include a matching groove 60 for combining with the partition plate 4. In the embodiments shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the alignment groove 60 is formed by cutting out the central portion of the second side 62 in the direction of the third side 63. The alignment groove 60 is provided at positions that divide the second side 62 into three equal parts so that the engaging claws 55 of the two combined partition plates 5 can each engage with the slits 26 of the container body 2. The alignment groove 50 of the partition plate 4 may be provided on the second side 52, and the alignment groove 60 of the auxiliary plate 6 may be provided on the third side 63.

[0072] Note that the partition plate 4 may have a different configuration from the embodiment shown in Figure 7A. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7B, the partition plate 4 consists of two partition plates 5B(5). The partition plate 4 includes an engaging claw 55B(55) that protrudes from one end 511 of the first side 51, extending along the second side 52. The partition plate 4 includes a fin plate 59 provided on the fourth side 54 opposite the first side 51, which extends in a direction that increases the thickness of the partition plate 4. By providing the fin plate 59, the partition plate 4 is erected more stably. The auxiliary plate 6 includes a fin plate 67 provided on the first side 61 and the fourth side 64, which are sides corresponding to the height direction of the container body 2, which extends in a direction that increases the thickness of the auxiliary plate 6.

[0073] <<Concave edge and lid protrusion>> Next, the recessed edge portion 25 and the lid protrusion portion 34 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5 and Figures 9 to 11.

[0074] In some embodiments, the container body 2 includes a recessed edge portion 25, which is a part of the peripheral edge 24, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 9. The recessed edge portion 25 is formed when the peripheral edge 24 is recessed toward the bottom plate 21 of the container body. The portion where the recessed edge portion 25 is formed is in communication with the inside and outside of the container body 2.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 9, the recessed edge portion 25 has a shape having a long base and curves extending upward from both ends of the base. The recessed edge portion 25 includes a first recessed edge portion 251 formed on the upper end 221t of the first side wall 221, a second recessed edge portion 252 formed on the upper end 222t of the second side wall 222, a third recessed edge portion 253 formed on the upper end 223t of the third side wall 223, and a fourth recessed edge portion 254 formed on the upper end 224t of the fourth side wall 224.

[0076] The first recessed edge portion 251 is formed in the central part of the upper end 221t of the first side wall 221. The lateral length of the first recessed edge portion 251 is longer than half the length of the upper end 221t of the first side wall 221. The above description also applies to the second recessed edge portion 252, the third recessed edge portion 253, and the fourth recessed edge portion 254.

[0077] Furthermore, a recessed edge portion 25 does not necessarily have to be formed on any of the upper ends 221t of the first side wall 221, 222t of the second side wall 222, 223t of the third side wall 223, or 224t of the fourth side wall 224. Furthermore, the depth of the recess in the recessed edge portion 25 may be 20% or less of the height from the main body bottom plate 21 of the peripheral edge 24 where the recessed edge portion 25 is not formed.

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, the lid 3 includes a lid top plate 31 and a lid side wall 32, as well as a lid projection 34 that protrudes inward from the lid side wall 32. The lid projection 34 is configured to fit into the recessed edge 25 when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3. The lid projection 34 is in close contact with the recessed edge 25 without any gaps when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the lid projection 34 includes a first lid projection 341 that fits into the first recessed edge 251 and a second lid projection 342 that fits into the second recessed edge 252. The lid projection 34 may also include a third lid projection 343 that fits into the third recessed edge 253 and a fourth lid projection 344 that fits into the fourth recessed edge 254.

[0080] ≪Details of the lid's protrusion≫ In some embodiments, the lid projection 34 is rib-shaped, following the shape of the recessed edge 25. The lid projection 34 protrudes from the inner wall surface of the lid side wall 32 in an elongated, dike-like shape. As shown in Figure 10, the lid projection 34 has a shape in front view that has a long base and curves extending upward from both ends of the base. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the width of the ribs of the lid projection 34 is uniform. The length of the lid projection 34 protruding from the lid side wall 32 is uniform regardless of its position, except for the notch 341n which will be described later.

[0081] When the lid projection 34 is rib-shaped, the lid projection 34 may include a vertical rib 341v formed near the center in the left-right direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the width and length of the vertical rib 341v protruding from the lid side wall 32 are the same as the other parts of the lid protrusion 34. By providing the vertical rib 341v, molding defects such as warping that occur during the manufacturing of the lid 3 by injection molding can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, the length of the lid projection 34 protruding from the lid side wall 32 may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the container body 2 and less than or equal to 1.5 times the thickness of the container body 2. Furthermore, the lid protrusion 34 may have a shape that completely fills the recess of the recessed edge 25.

[0083] ≪Notch on the protruding part of the lid≫ In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 9, the slit 26 is formed in the first recessed edge portion 251. The first lid projection 341 that fits into the first recessed edge portion 251 includes a notch 341n in which a part of the rib-shaped first lid projection 341 is recessed at a position corresponding to the slit 26. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the notches 341n are provided at positions corresponding to the positions of the slits 26, dividing the lid 3 into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction. The width of the notches 341n is greater than the width of the partition plate 4. As shown in Figure 11, in the second usage configuration, when the partition plate 4 is positioned above the internal space R, the notch 341n is provided so that the engaging claw 55 and the first lid projection 341 do not interfere with each other. Since the notch 341n is cut to conform to the shape of the engaging claw 55, the engaging claw 55 and the first lid projection 341 do not come into contact.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, the notch 341n may have a shorter length protruding from the lid side wall 32 compared to the portion of the first lid projection 341 where the notch 341n is not formed. The notch 341n may also be a recess of the first lid projection 341 that extends to the lid side wall 32.

[0085] Furthermore, if a fourth lid projection 344 is provided on the lid 3 at a position opposite to the first lid projection 341, a notch 341n may also be provided on the fourth lid projection 344 at the same position as the first lid projection 341. This ensures that even when the lid 3 covers the opening 23 of the container body 2 so that the fourth lid projection 344 fits into the first recessed edge 251, the engaging claw 55 does not interfere with the fourth lid projection 344.

[0086] ≪Details of the lid side wall≫ In some embodiments, the lid side wall 32 includes an upper lid side wall portion 321, a lid flange portion 322, and a lower lid side wall portion 323, as shown in Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 10. The upper lid side wall portion 321 is connected to the peripheral edge 311 of the lid top plate 31. It is erected along the entire circumference of the peripheral edge 311 of the lid top plate 31, in the direction opposite to the lid top plate 31. The upper lid side wall portion 321 has a peripheral edge 321r at its lower end. The lid flange 322 extends from the peripheral edge 321r of the upper lid side wall 321 to the outside of the lid 3. The lid flange 322 is formed horizontally along the entire circumference of the peripheral edge 321r of the upper lid side wall 321. The lid flange 322 has an outer peripheral edge 322o and a lower flat surface 322u which is the plane on the inside of the lid 3 of the lid flange 322. The lower lid side wall portion 323 is erected from the outer peripheral edge 322o of the lid flange portion 322 in the direction opposite to the lid top plate 31. The lower lid side wall portion 323 is formed around the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge 322o of the lid flange portion 322. The inner circumference of the lower lid side wall portion 323 is larger than the inner circumference of the upper lid side wall portion 321. In this case, as shown in Figure 2, when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, the peripheral edge 24 of the container body 2 abuts against the lower flat surface 322u of the lid flange 322, thereby supporting the lid 3 on the container body 2.

[0087] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the lid projection 34 is formed on the inner wall surface 323w of the lower lid side wall portion 323, and the upper end 34t of the lid projection 34 abuts against the lower flat surface 322u of the lid flange portion 322. In other words, the lid projection 34 is formed to protrude downward from the lower flat surface 322u of the lid flange portion 322.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the lid 3 may include a stepped portion 33 formed between the lid top plate 31 and the lid side wall 32, which includes at least one step. The stepped portion 33 may be formed around the entire circumference of the periphery 311 of the lid top plate 31. In this case, the lid side wall 32 is connected to the periphery 311 of the lid top plate 31 via the stepped portion 33 and rises from the stepped portion 33. When multiple food containers 1 are stacked with the opening 23 of the container body 2 covered by the lid 3, the stepped portion 33 of the lower food container 1 and the leg portion 27 of the upper food container 1 fit together, allowing the multiple food containers 1 to be stacked stably.

[0089] ≪Details of the temperature control device housing component (inner tray)≫ Next, with reference to Figures 4, 5, 12, and 13, a middle tray 8A, which is one embodiment of the temperature control device housing member 8, will be described in detail.

[0090] The inner tray 8A has an opening 84 on its upper side. The inner tray 8A includes an inner tray bottom plate 80, a first stepped portion 81, and a second stepped portion 82.

[0091] The first stepped portion 81 includes a first inner tray side wall 811 that rises from the periphery 801 of the inner tray bottom plate 80, and a first flat portion 812 that extends from the upper end 811t of the first inner tray side wall 811 to the outside of the inner tray 8A. The second stepped portion 82 has a second inner tray side wall 821 that rises from the outer peripheral edge 812o of the first flat portion 812, and a second flat portion 822 that extends from the upper end 821t of the second inner tray side wall 821 to the outside of the inner tray 8A. Furthermore, the middle tray 8A may include at least one additional stepped portion above the second stepped portion 82.

[0092] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the inner tray 8A has a rectangular shape in plan view. The inner tray 8A has a shape that widens gently from the inner tray bottom plate 80 toward the opening 84. The first stepped portion 81 is provided so as to be erected from a pair of long sides of the periphery 801 of the inner tray bottom plate 80. The second stepped portion 82 has a second inner tray side wall 821 that rises from the outer peripheral edge 812o of the first flat portion 812, as well as a side wall 823 that rises from the peripheral edge 801 of the inner tray bottom plate 80. The second flat portion 822 is provided around the entire inner circumference of the inner tray 8A.

[0093] In the second mode of use, the temperature control device 7 may be placed on the bottom plate 80 of the inner tray. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the temperature control device 7 may be supported by the second flat portion 822 of the second stepped portion 82 and positioned at a distance from the bottom plate 80 of the inner tray.

[0094] The inner plate 8A may include an inner plate flange portion 85 that protrudes outward from the upper peripheral edge of the inner plate 8A. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the inner plate flange 85 is provided around the entire circumference of the upper edge of the inner plate 8A. As shown in Figure 5, the inner plate flange 85 supports the sheet member 9 in the second usage mode.

[0095] The inner tray 8A may include a string-through hole 86 formed in the inner tray flange 85, as shown in Figure 12. The string-through hole 86 is a hole that penetrates vertically through the inner tray flange 85, into which the break string 71 of the temperature control device 7 housed in the inner tray 8A is inserted. The inner tray flange portion 85 may include a string-passing groove 861 that is recessed in the direction of the inner tray bottom plate 80 around the string-passing hole 86. As shown in Figure 5, when the string-passing groove 861 is formed and the sheet member 9 is placed on the inner tray flange portion 85 in the second usage form, the inner tray flange portion 85 and the sheet member 9 are in close contact without any gaps even when the broken string 71 is inserted into the string-passing hole 86, so that the sheet member 9 is stably supported by the inner tray flange portion 85. Furthermore, multiple string-passing holes 86 may be provided on the inner tray flange 85. This allows temperature control devices 7 of various sizes to be accommodated in the inner tray 8A, as shown in Figure 4, and enables the breakable string 71 to be arranged in a straight line from the inside to the outside of the food container 1.

[0096] ≪Minebe≫ In some embodiments, the inner tray 8A includes a ridge 88 that protrudes upward from the inner tray bottom plate 80 so as to divide the opening 84 of the inner tray 8A. The ridge 88 has a top 881. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the ridge portion 88 is provided at a position that divides the inner plate 8A into two equal parts in the longitudinal direction, connecting the opposite side of the inner plate flange portion 85. The inner plate bottom plate 80 is divided by the ridge portion 88. The top portion 881 is an elongated flat surface that is continuous with the inner plate flange portion 85. Furthermore, a first stepped portion 81 and a second stepped portion 82 may be provided on the side surface of the peak portion 88.

[0097] The height of the ridge portion 88 from the bottom plate 80 of the inner tray is equal to the height of the upper periphery of the inner tray 8A that defines the opening 84 of the inner tray 8A from the bottom plate 80. In other words, the height of the top portion 881 of the ridge portion 88 from the bottom plate 80 is equal to the height of the flange portion 85 of the inner tray from the bottom plate 80.

[0098] The inner tray 8A may also have inner tray legs 87 on the underside of the inner tray bottom plate 80. As shown in Figure 5, when the inner tray 8A is placed on the main body bottom plate 21 of the container body 2, the inner tray bottom plate 80 does not come into contact with the main body bottom plate 21. Therefore, when the temperature control device 7 housed in the inner tray 8A is used, heat transfer between the temperature control device 7 and the container body 2 via the inner tray 8A is suppressed, thereby suppressing a decrease in the temperature control efficiency of the temperature control device 7.

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and also includes modified forms of the embodiments described above, as well as forms that combine these forms as appropriate.

[0100] The material of the food container 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material commonly used for food containers. For example, the container body 2 may be made of resin such as plastic, paper material such as cardboard, natural material such as wood or bamboo, or ceramics or earthenware. In addition, at least one of the bottom plate 21 and the side wall 22 of the container body 2 may be formed to include an insulating material in at least a part. This insulating material may be, for example, a heat-shielding material such as aluminum or a coating agent. Alternatively, at least a part of the bottom plate 21 and the side wall 22 may be formed using a material with high thermal insulation properties.

[0101] The components of the food container 1, particularly the container body 2, lid 3, partition plate 4 (partition plate 5 and auxiliary plate 6), and temperature control device housing member 8, may have their corners chamfered. By applying R-chamfering, C-chamfering, etc., to each part of the components, they become less likely to be damaged when they come into contact with each other. Also, if the food container 1 is to be reused, providing a curved surface in the inner corners makes it less likely for dirt to remain in the inner corners when the food container 1 is washed.

[0102] The temperature regulator 7 is not limited to the examples described above. The temperature regulator 7 may be, for example, a small heater or dry ice.

[0103] The characteristic configurations of the food containers according to some of the embodiments described above can be summarized as follows:

[0104] [1] A food container 1 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is A food container 1 in which food is contained, Container body 2, A lid 3 to cover the opening 23 of the container body 2, At least one partition plate 4 is provided to define the space in which food is contained within the internal space R formed inside the food container 1 when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, Equipped with, The container body 2 includes a slit 26 formed by cutting out a portion of the peripheral edge 24 that defines the opening 23 of the container body 2. The partition plate 4 includes an engaging claw 55 formed at one end 511 of the first side 51, which is a side corresponding to the height direction of the container body 2, and which can engage with the slit 26. In both the first usage configuration, where one end 511 of the first side 51 of the partition plate 4 is positioned upward, and the second usage configuration, where the other end 512 of the first side 51 of the partition plate 4 is positioned upward, the partition plate 4 is configured to be housed in the internal space R with the engaging claws 55 engaged with the slit 26.

[0105] According to the configuration described in [1] above, in the first usage form, the engaging claw 55 can be engaged with the slit 26 to accommodate the partition plate 4 in the food container 1. Therefore, the partition plate 4 can be placed in a position closer to the lower side of the internal space R of the food container 1, and most of the internal space R of the food container 1 can be used as the food storage space R1. Furthermore, even in the second usage configuration, the engaging claws 55 can be engaged with the slit 26 to accommodate the partition plate 4 in the food container 1. This allows the partition plate 4 to be placed in a position closer to the upper part of the internal space R of the food container 1, thereby raising the position of the food storage space R1. As a result, in the first usage configuration, for example, food can be placed at the bottom of the container body 2, and the food container 1 can be used for room temperature purposes without the temperature control device 7. In the second usage configuration, the food container 1 can be used for temperature control purposes with the temperature control device 7 housed below the partition plate 4. In this way, the height of the food storage space R1 within the internal space R of the food container 1 can be changed, and a food container 1 can be obtained that can efficiently utilize the internal space R even when the height of the food storage space R1 is changed.

[0106] [2] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [1] above, A temperature control device 7 used in the second usage mode, In the second usage configuration, a temperature control device housing member 8 for housing the temperature control device 7 is installed between the bottom plate 21 and the partition plate 4 of the container body 2, To further prepare.

[0107] According to the configuration described in [2] above, in the second usage mode, the temperature control device 7 and the temperature control device housing member 8 can be housed in the space between the main body bottom plate 21 and the partition plate 4. For example, a heating device 7A can be housed in the food container 1 as the temperature control device 7, and the heating device 7A can be used immediately before eating to heat the food housed in the food container 1. Another example is to house a cooling pack 7B as the temperature control device 7 in the food container 1, so that the food housed in the food container 1 can be continuously cooled until eating. Furthermore, a variety of temperature control devices 7 can be used within the dimensions that can be accommodated in the temperature control device housing member 8.

[0108] [3] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [2] above, In the second usage form, a sheet member 9 having a plurality of ventilation holes 91 is further provided, which is placed on the temperature control device housing member 8. In the second usage configuration, the partition plate 4 is placed on top of the sheet member 9.

[0109] According to the configuration described in [3] above, in the second usage form, the food can be placed on the sheet member 9 and then placed in the food container 1. Furthermore, if the temperature control device housing member 8 has an opening on its upper side, the opening of the temperature control device housing member 8 is covered by the sheet member 9. In this case, compared to the case where the sheet member 9 does not have ventilation holes 91, the steam or cold air generated by the temperature control device 7 can more easily diffuse out of the temperature control device housing member 8 through the ventilation holes 91, thereby suppressing the decrease in temperature control efficiency caused by the use of the sheet member 9.

[0110] [4] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [3] above, Partition plate 4 is, A second side 52 which is a side corresponding to the width or depth direction of the container body 2, and the second side 52 extends from one end 511 of the first side 51, A third side 53 which corresponds to the width or depth direction of the container body 2, extending from the other end 512 of the first side 51 and facing the second side 52, From both ends (521, 522) of the second side 52, a pair of one-end protrusions 56 (561, 562) protrude along the height direction of the container body 2, From both ends (531, 532) of the third side 53, a pair of other-end protrusions 57 (571, 572) protrude along the height direction of the container body 2, Includes, Partition plate 4 is, In the first usage configuration, the pair of other-end protrusions 57 (571, 572) are placed on the bottom plate 21 of the container body 2 and housed in the internal space R. In the second usage configuration, the pair of one-end protrusions 56 (561, 562) are placed on the sheet member 9 and housed in the internal space R.

[0111] According to the configuration described in [4] above, the presence of one-end protrusions 56 (561, 562) and the other-end protrusions 57 (571, 572) shortens the vertical length of the partition plate 4 in the portion where the one-end protrusions 56 (561, 562) and the other-end protrusions 57 (571, 572) are not provided, allowing adjacent compartments separated by the partition plate 4 to communicate with each other. By securing space above and below the partition plate 4 in this way, in the second usage mode, the steam or cold air generated by the temperature control device 7 can easily diffuse throughout the entire internal space R of the food container 1, improving the temperature control efficiency. Furthermore, since the vertical length of the partition plate 4 is shortened in the parts where the protrusions 56 (561, 562) on one end and the protrusions 57 (571, 572) on the other end are not provided, the visibility of the food contained between the partition plates 4 is improved when the food container 1 with the lid 3 removed is viewed from diagonally above, in both the first and second usage modes. As a result, the visual appeal of the food is enhanced.

[0112] [5] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [4] above, Each of the pair of one-end protrusions 56 (561, 562) has a one-end contact surface S1 that contacts the sheet member 9 in the second usage form. Each of the pair of other-end protrusions 57 (571, 572) has an other-end contact surface S2 that contacts the main body bottom plate 21 of the container body 2 in the first usage configuration. Let L1 be the length of the second side 52 in the direction in which the contact surface S1 at one end extends. If L2 is the length of the third side 53 in the direction in which the other end contact surface S2 extends, L1 > L2.

[0113] In order to obtain the effects described in [4] above, it is desirable that L1 and L2 be as short as possible so that the partition plate 4 can stand on its own. If L1 is excessively short, in the second usage form, it may become difficult to fix the sheet member 9 with the partition plate 4, which may cause the sheet member 9 to shift position or deform, and the sheet member 9 may not be able to stably support the food. On the other hand, with respect to L2, the pair of other-end protrusions 57 (571, 572) only come into contact with the bottom plate 21 of the container body 2 in the first usage configuration, so problems like those that occur when L1 is excessively short do not arise. Therefore, L2 can be as short as necessary, as long as the partition plate 4 can stand on its own. According to the configuration described in [5] above, since L1 is long enough, the sheet member 9 that supports the food can be held stably.

[0114] [6] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [4] or [5] above, The engaging claw 55 is formed adjacent to the first protrusion 561, which is one of a pair of one-end protrusions 56. The partition plate 4 includes a thickened portion 58 that protrudes in the thickness direction of the partition plate 4 in the connection area with the engaging claw 55 of the first protrusion 561.

[0115] According to the configuration described in [6] above, the thickness of the partition plate 4 in the portion where the thickened portion 58 is formed is greater than the width of the slit 26. Therefore, in the second usage configuration, the thickened portion 58 functions as a stopper to prevent the partition plate 4 from sliding out of the container body 2 through the slit 26. As a result, the stability of the partition plate 4 is increased in the second usage configuration, and the risk of the food being disturbed during transport of the food container 1 containing the food is reduced.

[0116] [7] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any of [2] to [6] above, The temperature control device 7 has a breakable string 71 for opening, In the second mode of use, when the engaging claw 55 is engaged with the slit 26, a gap G is formed between the engaging claw 55 and the lower end surface 261 of the slit 26 for passing the breaking string 71 through.

[0117] The heating device 7A of the temperature control device 7 generally includes a heating agent 72, a reaction water storage bag 73, and a break string 71 for opening the reaction water storage bag 73. By pulling the break string 71, the reaction water storage bag 73 is opened, the reaction water comes into contact with the heating agent 72, steam is generated, and the food is heated by the steam. When the heating device 7A is housed inside the food container 1, it is desirable that the break string 71 be positioned outside the food container 1 so that the heating device 7A can be easily used. According to the configuration described in [7] above, the slit 26 for locking the engaging claw 55 can also be used to pull out and install the breaking string 71 outside the food container 1.

[0118] [8] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any of [1] to [7] above, The container body 2 includes a recessed edge portion 25 in which a part of the peripheral edge 24 is recessed. Lid 3 is, Lid top plate 31 and The lid side wall 32 is connected to the peripheral edge 311 of the lid top plate 31, A lid projection 34 that protrudes from the lid side wall 32 toward the inside of the lid 3, and is configured to fit into the recessed edge 25 when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, Includes.

[0119] According to the configuration described in [8] above, by providing a recessed edge 25 on the periphery 24 of the container body 2, in the second usage form, when the food container 1 with the lid 3 removed is viewed from diagonally above, the visibility of the food contained between the partition plates 4 is improved. As a result, the visual appeal of the food is enhanced. On the other hand, by providing the recessed edge portion 25, in the second usage configuration, when the opening of the container body 2 is covered with the lid 3, steam or cold air from the temperature control device 7 is more likely to leak out of the food container 1 through the recessed edge portion 25. However, with the configuration described in [8] above, the lid protrusion portion 34 fits into the recessed edge portion 25, narrowing the gap between the lid 3 and the container body 2. This makes it less likely for steam or cold air from the temperature control device 7 to leak out of the food container 1, thus suppressing a decrease in temperature control efficiency.

[0120] [9] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [8] above, The lid's protruding portion 34 is rib-shaped, following the shape of the recessed edge portion 25.

[0121] According to the configuration described in [9] above, the amount of resin required to manufacture the lid 3 can be reduced compared to the case where the lid protrusion 34 completely fills the recess of the recessed edge 25. Furthermore, compared to the case where the lid protrusion 34 completely fills the recess of the recessed edge 25, the portion of the lid side wall 32 that becomes thicker is smaller, which reduces molding defects such as warping and sink marks that occur during the manufacturing of the lid 3 by injection molding.

[0122]

[10] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [9] above, The container body 2 includes a first recessed edge portion 251 which is a recessed edge portion 25 in which a slit 26 is formed. The lid 3 includes a first lid projection 341 which is a lid projection 34 that fits into the first recessed edge 251. The first lid projection 341 includes a notch 341n in which a part of the rib-shaped first lid projection 341 is recessed, at a position corresponding to the slit 26 formed in the first recessed edge 251.

[0123] According to the configuration described in

[10] above, a notch 341n is provided in the first lid projection 341 at a position corresponding to the engaging claw 55 in the second usage form. As a result, when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered with the lid 3, the engaging claw 55 and the first lid projection 341 do not interfere with each other, and the opening 23 of the container body 2 can be reliably covered with the lid 3. Therefore, steam or cold air from the temperature control device 7 is less likely to leak to the outside of the food container 1, and a decrease in temperature control efficiency can be suppressed.

[0124]

[11] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any of [8] to

[10] above, The lid side wall 32 is The upper lid side wall portion 321 is connected to the peripheral edge 311 of the lid top plate 31, A lid flange portion 322 extends from the peripheral edge 321r of the upper lid side wall portion 321 to the outside of the lid 3, A lower lid side wall portion 323 is erected from the outer peripheral edge 322o of the lid flange portion 322 in the direction opposite to the lid top plate 31, Includes, The lid projection 34 is formed on the inner wall surface 323w of the lower lid side wall portion 323, and the upper end 341t of the lid projection 34 abuts against the lower flat surface 322u of the lid flange portion 322.

[0125] According to the configuration described in

[11] above, when the opening 23 of the container body 2 is covered by the lid 3, the peripheral edge 24 of the container body 2 and the lower flat surface 322u of the lid flange 322 are in close contact. As a result, the steam or cold air generated by the temperature control device 7 is less likely to leak to the outside of the food container 1, and a decrease in temperature control efficiency can be suppressed.

[0126]

[12] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any of [2] to [6] above, The temperature control device housing member 8 is a middle tray 8A having an opening 84 on its upper side. The middle tray 8A is, The bottom plate of the inner tray is 80, The first stepped portion 81 has a first inner tray side wall 811 that rises from the periphery 801 of the inner tray bottom plate 80, and a first flat portion 812 that extends from the upper end 811t of the first inner tray side wall 811 to the outside of the inner tray 8A, The second stepped portion 82 has a second inner tray side wall 821 that rises from the outer peripheral edge 812o of the first flat portion 812, and a second flat portion 822 that extends from the upper end 821t of the second inner tray side wall 821 to the outside of the inner tray 8A, Includes.

[0127] According to the configuration described in

[12] above, when the temperature control device 7 is placed in the middle tray 8A, the first stepped portion 81 and the second stepped portion 82 support the temperature control device 7, thereby restricting the movement of the temperature control device 7 within the middle tray 8A. As a result, uneven temperature control of food due to the uneven positioning of the temperature control device 7 within the middle tray 8A can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing multiple steps, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained for temperature control devices 7 of various dimensions. In addition, by changing the type of temperature control device 7, the temperature control efficiency of the temperature control device 7 can be increased or decreased.

[0128]

[13] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in

[12] above, The inner tray 8A includes a ridge portion 88 that protrudes upward from the bottom plate of the inner tray 8A so as to divide the opening 84 of the inner tray 8A. The height of the ridge portion 88 from the bottom plate 80 of the inner tray is equal to the height of the upper periphery of the inner tray 8A from the bottom plate 80, which defines the opening 84 of the inner tray 8A.

[0129] According to the configuration described in

[13] above, the ridge portion 88 and the upper periphery of the middle plate 8A support the sheet member 9, so that the sheet member 9 can stably support food in the second usage form.

[0130] In this specification, expressions describing relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" shall not only describe such arrangements strictly, but also describe states of relative displacement with tolerances or angles or distances that allow for the same function to be achieved. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that describe things being in an equal state not only describe a state of being strictly equal, but also describe a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference that is sufficient to achieve the same function. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions describing shapes such as quadrilaterals and cylindrical shapes shall not only represent geometrically precise quadrilaterals and cylindrical shapes, but also shapes that include uneven surfaces, chamfered surfaces, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be achieved. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions such as “equipped,” “possessed,” “possessed,” “included,” or “having” a component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1: Food container 2: Container body 21: Base plate of the main unit 23 :Aperture 24: Periphery 25: Concave edge 251: First concave edge 26: Slit 261: Bottom end surface 3: Lid 31: Lid top plate 311: Periphery 32: Lid side wall 321: Upper lid side wall 321r: Periphery 322: Lid flange 322o: Outer edge 322u: Lower flat surface 323: Lower lid side wall 323w: Interior wall surface 34: Lid protrusion 341: 1st lid convex part 341n: Notch 341t:Top end 4: Partition plate 51: First side 511: One end 512: Other end 52: Second side 521: First side end 522: 4th side end 53: Third side 531: 1st side end 532: 4th side end 55: Engaging claw 56: Convex part on one end side 561: First protrusion 562: Second convex part 57: Convex portion on the other end side 571: Third convex part 572: Fourth convex part 58:Thick part 7:Temperature adjustment tool 71: Broken cord 8: Temperature control device housing member 8A: Medium plate 80: Bottom plate of the middle tray 801: Periphery 81: First step section 811: First central pan side wall 811t:Top end 812: 1st flat part 812o: Outer edge 82: Second step section 821: Second central pan side wall 821t:Top end 822: Second closed end 84:Aperture 88: Minebe 9: Sheet material 91: Ventilation holes R: Internal space S1: One end side contact surface S2: Other end side contact surface G: Gap

Claims

1. A food container in which food is contained, The container body and A lid for covering the opening of the container body, At least one partition plate for defining the space in which the food is contained within the internal space formed inside the food container when the opening of the container body is covered by the lid, Equipped with, The container body includes a slit formed by cutting out a portion of the peripheral edge defining the opening of the container body. The partition plate includes an engaging claw formed at one end of the first side, which is the side corresponding to the height direction of the container body, and which is capable of engaging with the slit. In both the first usage configuration, in which one end of the first side of the partition plate is positioned upward, and the second usage configuration, in which the other end of the first side of the partition plate is positioned upward, the partition plate is configured to be housed in the internal space with the engaging claw engaged with the slit. Food container.

2. A temperature control device used in the second usage mode, In the second usage configuration, a temperature control device housing member for housing the temperature control device is installed between the bottom plate of the container body and the partition plate, Furthermore, The food container according to claim 1.

3. The second usage mode further comprises a sheet member having a plurality of ventilation holes, which is placed on the temperature control device housing member, The partition plate is placed on the sheet member in the second usage configuration. The food container according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned partition plate is A second side which is a side corresponding to the width direction or depth direction of the container body, and the second side which extends from one end of the first side, A third side which is a side of the container body corresponding to the width direction or the depth direction, extending from the other end of the first side and facing the second side, A pair of one-end protrusions project from both ends of the second side, along the height direction of the container body, From both ends of the third side, a pair of other-end protrusions project outwards along the height direction of the container body, Includes, The aforementioned partition plate is In the first usage configuration, the pair of other-end protrusions are placed on the bottom plate of the container body and housed in the internal space. In the second usage configuration, the pair of one-end protrusions are placed on the sheet member and housed in the internal space. The food container according to claim 3.

5. Each of the pair of one-end protrusions has a one-end contact surface that contacts the sheet member in the second usage configuration. Each of the pair of other-end protrusions has an other-end contact surface that contacts the bottom plate of the container body in the first usage configuration. Let L1 be the length of the one-end contact surface in the direction in which the second side extends. If L2 is the length of the contact surface on the other end in the direction in which the third side extends, L1 > L2 The food container according to claim 4.

6. The engaging claw is formed adjacent to the first protrusion, which is one of the pair of one-end protrusions, The partition plate includes a thickened portion that protrudes in the thickness direction of the partition plate in the connection area with the engaging claw of the first protrusion. A food container according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The temperature control device has a breakable string for opening, In the second mode of use, when the engaging claw is engaged with the slit, a gap is formed between the engaging claw and the lower end surface of the slit for passing the breaking string through. A food container according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. The container body includes a recessed edge portion in which a part of the periphery is indented, The aforementioned lid is The lid and top panel, The lid side wall connected to the periphery of the lid top plate, A lid projection that protrudes from the lid side wall toward the inside of the lid, and is configured to fit into the recessed edge when the opening of the container body is covered by the lid, including, A food container according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The aforementioned lid protrusion is rib-shaped, following the shape of the aforementioned recessed edge. The food container according to claim 8.

10. The container body includes the first recessed edge portion which is the recessed edge portion in which the slit is formed, The lid includes a first lid projection which is the lid projection that fits into the first recessed edge, The first lid projection includes a notch in which a part of the rib-shaped first lid projection is recessed at a position corresponding to the slit formed in the first recessed edge. The food container according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned lid side wall is, The upper lid side wall portion connected to the periphery of the lid top plate, A lid flange portion extending from the periphery of the upper lid side wall portion to the outside of the lid, A lower lid side wall portion is erected from the outer peripheral edge of the lid flange portion in the direction opposite to the lid top plate, Includes, The lid projection is formed on the inner wall surface of the lower lid side wall, and the upper end of the lid projection abuts against the lower flat surface of the lid flange. The food container according to claim 8.

12. The temperature control device housing member is a tray having an opening on the upper side. The aforementioned inner plate is The bottom plate of the inner tray, A first stepped portion having a first inner tray side wall erected from the periphery of the inner tray bottom plate, and a first flat portion extending from the upper end of the first inner tray side wall to the outside of the inner tray, A second stepped portion having a second inner tray side wall erected from the outer peripheral edge of the first flat portion, and a second flat portion extending from the upper end of the second inner tray side wall to the outside of the inner tray, including, The food container according to claim 2.

13. The inner tray includes a ridge that protrudes upward from the bottom plate of the inner tray so as to divide the opening of the inner tray, The height of the ridge portion from the bottom plate of the inner tray is equal to the height of the upper periphery of the inner tray that defines the opening of the inner tray from the bottom plate of the inner tray. The food container according to claim 12.

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