Multiple containers

Abstract

To provide a multi-layer container that allows the inner container to be easily housed inside the outer container. [Solution] The multi-layer container according to the present invention comprises a bottomed cylindrical outer container having an upper opening, and a bottomed cylindrical inner container housed inside the outer container, wherein the inner container is elastic and, when located outside the outer container, has an expanded shape in which the maximum outer diameter of the body of the inner container is larger than the inner diameter of the upper opening, and when inserted into the outer container through the upper opening, the body of the inner container is pressed against the surrounding portion of the upper opening, causing it to contract so that the maximum outer diameter of the body of the inner container becomes smaller than the inner diameter of the upper opening, and when the inner container passes through the upper opening and is housed inside the outer container, it is configured to elastically return to its expanded shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-layer container including an outer container and an inner container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of multi-layer container, for example, a multi-layer container disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-345709) is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-layer container in which the maximum outer diameter of the body of the inner container is made larger than the upper opening of the outer container, thereby increasing the storage volume of the contents contained in the inner container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional multi-layer container, there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of easily accommodating the inner container inside the outer container.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide a multi-layer container capable of easily accommodating an inner container inside an outer container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, a multi-layer container according to an aspect of the present invention is According to the present invention, a bottomed cylindrical outer container having an upper opening, A bottomed cylindrical inner container housed inside the outer container, A multi-layer container comprising: The inner container is elastic and, when positioned outside the outer container, has an expanded shape in which the maximum outer diameter of the body of the inner container is larger than the inner diameter of the upper opening. When inserted into the outer container through the upper opening, the body of the inner container is pressed against the surrounding portion of the upper opening, causing it to contract so that the maximum outer diameter of the body of the inner container becomes smaller than the inner diameter of the upper opening. When the inner container passes through the upper opening and is housed inside the outer container, it is configured to elastically return to its expanded shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the multi-layered container of the present invention, the inner container can be easily housed inside the outer container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a multilayer container according to an embodiment of the present invention in a partial cross-section. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of housing the inner container inside the outer container in a multi-layered container. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a side view of the inner container of the multi-layered container. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a top view of the inner container. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A is a bottom view of the inner container. [Figure 3D] This is a side view of the inner container as seen from the direction of the arrow in Figure 3B. [Figure 3E] Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view along the line C1-C1. [Figure 3F] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in Figure 3A. [Figure 3G] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B1-B1 in Figure 3A. [Figure 4A] This is a side view showing a modified example of the inner container of the multi-layered container in Figure 1. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a top view of the inner container. [Figure 4C] Figure 4A is a bottom view of the inner container. [Figure 5]It is a side view showing a modified example of the lid provided in the multi-container of FIG. 1 in a partial cross section.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (Knowledge on which the present invention is based) As a result of intensive studies to provide a multi-container in which an inner container can be easily accommodated inside an outer container, the present inventors have obtained the following knowledge.

[0010] In a conventional multi-container, after inserting an inner container contracted by suction or the like into the outer container through the upper opening of the outer container, air is blown into the inner container to expand the inner container and accommodate the inner container inside the outer container. For this reason, two operations of sucking and blowing air are required.

[0011] Therefore, as a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found a configuration in which the inner container is contracted and expanded by one operation of inserting the inner container into the outer container through the upper opening by giving elasticity to the inner container, and the inner container is accommodated inside the outer container. Based on this new knowledge, the present inventors have arrived at the following invention.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bottomed cylindrical outer container having an upper opening, a bottomed cylindrical inner container accommodated inside the outer container, A multi-container comprising: The inner container has elasticity, and when located outside the outer container, has an expanded shape in which the maximum outer diameter of the body portion of the inner container is larger than the inner diameter of the upper opening, and when inserted into the outer container through the upper opening, the body portion of the inner container is pushed against the peripheral portion of the upper opening, and the maximum outer diameter of the body portion of the inner container is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper opening. And when the inner container is accommodated inside the outer container through the upper opening, it is configured to elastically return to the expanded shape. A multi-container is provided.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the outer container includes a neck portion in which the upper opening is formed, a body portion, and a bottom portion. The inner container includes a neck portion, a body portion, and a bottom portion. The inner container is housed inside the outer container by the neck portion of the inner container being held in contact with the inside of the neck portion of the outer container, and the bottom portion of the inner container and the bottom portion of the outer container are configured to be non-contact when the inner container is filled with contents. The multi-container according to the first aspect is provided.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the outer diameter of the body portion of the inner container gradually decreases from the neck portion of the inner container toward the bottom portion of the inner container so that the distance between the body portion of the inner container and the body portion of the outer container gradually increases. The multi-container according to the second aspect is provided.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a V-shaped recess is provided on the body portion of the inner container, extending from the bottom portion of the inner container toward the neck portion of the inner container and recessing toward the inside of the inner container. The recess is formed so that the central angle is an obtuse angle. The multi-container according to the first or second aspect is provided.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, three or four of the recesses are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the body portion of the inner container. The multi-container according to the fourth aspect is provided.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the outer peripheral length of the body portion of the inner container excluding the recess at the outermost diameter of the body portion of the inner container is less than or equal to the inner circumference of the upper opening of the outer container. The multi-container according to the fourth or fifth aspect is provided.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a V-shaped recess that recesses toward the inside of the inner container is provided at a position corresponding to the recess provided on the body portion of the inner container on the neck portion of the inner container. The multi-container according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects is provided.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0020] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a side view showing a partial cross-section of a multi-layer container according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-layer container according to this embodiment is a container for holding tablets.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the multi-layer container 1 according to this embodiment comprises an outer container 2 and an inner container 3.

[0022] The outer container 2 is a bottomed cylindrical container made of, for example, a rigid plastic material with high rigidity. The outer container 2 comprises a neck portion 21, a body portion 22, and a bottom portion 23. An upper opening 2A is formed in the neck portion 21. The upper opening 2A of the outer container 2 is opened and closed by a lid 4. In this embodiment, a male screw portion 21A is formed on the outer circumference of the neck portion 21. A female screw portion 4A is formed on the inner circumference of the lid 4. The upper opening 2A of the outer container 2 is closed by the lid 4 when the female screw portion 4A is screwed into the male screw portion 21A.

[0023] In this embodiment, a desiccant lid 51 is attached to the lid 4 at a position corresponding to the inside of the outer container 2. The desiccant 52 is contained in the storage space between the desiccant lid 51 and the lid 4. The desiccant lid 51 is provided with a plurality of communication holes (not shown) that communicate between the storage space for the desiccant 52 and the inside of the outer container 2.

[0024] An annular groove 21B is formed on the inner circumference of the neck portion 21 of the outer container 2, on the side of the body portion 22 that is closer to the male screw portion 21A.

[0025] The inner container 3 is an elastic, bottomed cylindrical container made of a softer material than the outer container 2. For example, the inner container 3 is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The thickness of the inner container 3 is, for example, 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. Tablets (solid matter) are placed inside the inner container 3 as the contents.

[0026] The inner container 3 comprises a neck portion 31, a body portion 32, and a bottom portion 33. An upper opening 3A is formed in the neck portion 31 of the inner container 3. The inner container 3 is configured to be housed inside the outer container 2 by being held in contact with the neck portion 21 of the outer container 2. Specifically, an annular projection 31A is formed on the outer circumference of the neck portion 31 of the inner container 3, on the portion closer to the body portion 32 than the upper opening 3A. When the projection 31A of the inner container 3 is inserted into the groove portion 21B of the outer container 2, the neck portion 31 of the inner container 3 is held in contact with the neck portion 21 of the outer container 2, and the inner container 3 is suspended inside the outer container 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the outer container 2 is provided with a shoulder portion 24 that connects the neck portion 21 and the body portion 22. The shoulder portion 24 is a tapered portion whose diameter increases from the neck portion 21 toward the body portion 22. The inner container 3 is provided with a shoulder portion 34 that connects the neck portion 31 and the body portion 32. The shoulder portion 34 is a tapered portion whose diameter increases from the neck portion 31 toward the body portion 32. As shown in Figure 1, when the protruding portion 31A of the inner container 3 is inserted into the groove portion 21B of the outer container 2, the shoulder portion 34 of the inner container 3 is in contact with the shoulder portion 24 of the outer container 2. This restricts the radial movement of the inner container 3, and the inner container 3 is held securely inside the outer container 2 without rattling.

[0028] Furthermore, the inner container 3 is configured such that when contents are placed inside the inner container 3, the bottom 33 and the bottom 23 of the outer container 2 do not come into contact. In this embodiment, the bottom 33 of the inner container 3 is provided with a projection 35 that protrudes toward the bottom 23 of the outer container 2. The inner container 3 is configured such that when contents are placed inside the inner container 3, the projection 35 and the bottom 23 of the outer container 2 do not come into contact.

[0029] The outer diameter of the body 32 of the inner container 3 gradually decreases from the neck 31 towards the bottom 33, so that the distance between the body 32 of the inner container 3 and the body 22 of the outer container 2 gradually increases. In other words, the body 22 of the outer container 2 and the body 32 of the inner container 3 are configured not to come into contact.

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of housing the inner container 3 inside the outer container 2 in the multi-layer container shown in Figure 1.

[0031] When the inner container 3 is located outside the outer container 2, it has an expanded shape in which the maximum outer diameter L1 of the body 32 is larger than the inner diameter L2 of the upper opening 2A. In this state, as shown in Figure 2, when the inner container 3 is pushed by the pushing jig 6 and inserted into the interior of the outer container 2 through the upper opening 2A, the body 32 is pushed against the surrounding portion of the upper opening 2A, causing it to contract so that the maximum outer diameter L1 of the body 32 becomes smaller than the inner diameter L2 of the upper opening 2A. Subsequently, the protrusion 35 of the bottom 33 of the inner container 3 comes into contact with the bottom 23 of the outer container 2, restricting the movement of the inner container 3 in the insertion direction. When the inner container 3 has passed through the upper opening 2A and is housed inside the outer container 2, the inner container 3 elastically returns to its expanded shape (see Figures 1 and 2). At this time, the pushing jig 6 separates from the inner container 3, and the protrusion 35 of the bottom 33 of the inner container 3 and the bottom 23 of the outer container 2 become non-contact.

[0032] Figures 3A to 3G show the more specific structure of the inner container 3.

[0033] The body 32 of the inner container 3 is provided with a V-shaped (including a roughly V-shaped) recess 32A that extends from the bottom 33 toward the neck 31 and is recessed toward the inside of the inner container 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3C, the recess 32A is formed such that its central angle θ1 is obtuse (for example, 100 degrees or more). The body 32 of the inner container 3 has four recesses 32A provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The outer circumference length of the body 32 of the inner container 3, excluding the recesses 32A at its outermost diameter, is less than or equal to the inner circumference of the upper opening 2A of the outer container 2. That is, the total length of the four arc portions 32B (see Figure 3C) located between adjacent recesses 32A is less than or equal to the inner circumference of the upper opening 2A of the outer container 2.

[0034] The neck portion 31 of the inner container 3 is provided with a V-shaped recess 31B that is recessed inward towards the inner container 3, at a position corresponding to the recess 32A provided in the body portion 32. In this embodiment, the recess 31B is provided so as to extend in the direction in which the recess 32A extends. In other words, the top of the recess 32A and the top of the recess 31B extend in a straight line. In this embodiment, the recess 31B is formed such that its central angle θ2 is obtuse (for example, 100 degrees or more).

[0035] According to the multi-layer container 1 of this embodiment, the inner container 3 is elastic and, when positioned outside the outer container 2, has an expanded shape in which the maximum outer diameter L1 of the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is larger than the inner diameter L2 of the upper opening 2A. When the inner container 3 is inserted into the outer container 2 through the upper opening 2A, the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is pressed against the surrounding portion of the upper opening 2A, causing it to contract so that the maximum outer diameter L1 of the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 becomes smaller than the inner diameter L2 of the upper opening 2A. When the inner container 3 is housed inside the outer container 2 after passing through the upper opening 2A, it elastically returns to its expanded shape. As a result, the inner container 3 can be contracted and expanded in a single operation of inserting the inner container 3 into the outer container 2 through the upper opening 2A, and the inner container 3 can be easily housed inside the outer container 2.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the multi-layer container 1 of this embodiment, the inner container 3 is housed inside the outer container 2 by being held with its neck portion 21 in contact with the neck portion 31 of the outer container 2. In addition, when contents are placed inside the inner container 3, the bottom portion 33 of the inner container 3 and the bottom portion 33 of the outer container 2 are configured not to be in contact. As a result, even if an impact force is applied to the outer container 2, the transmission of that impact force to the inner container 3 can be suppressed. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the inner container 3 from cracking or the contents from being damaged.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the multi-layer container 1 of this embodiment, the outer diameter of the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 gradually decreases from the neck portion 31 of the inner container 3 toward the bottom portion 33 of the inner container 3, so that the distance between the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 and the body portion 22 of the outer container 2 gradually increases. As a result, the contact area between the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 and the body portion 22 of the outer container 2 can be made smaller (for example, zero), thereby reducing the contact resistance between the inner container 3 and the outer container 2, and allowing the inner container 3 to be easily housed inside the outer container 2. In addition, even if an impact force is applied to the outer container 2, the transmission of that impact force to the inner container 3 can be further suppressed.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the multi-layer container 1 of this embodiment, the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is provided with a V-shaped recess 32A, and the recess 32A is formed such that its central angle θ1 is obtuse. As a result, when the inner container 3 is inserted into the outer container 2, the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is more likely to contract, allowing the inner container 3 to be easily accommodated inside the outer container 2, and also making it easier for the inner container 3 to elastically return to its expanded shape. However, if the central angle θ1 of the recess 32A is acute (for example, less than 80 degrees), when the inner container 3 contracts when inserted into the outer container 2, the area around the recess 32A tends to become rigid like a column. As a result, when the inner container 3 is inserted into the outer container 2, the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is less likely to contract, making it more difficult to easily accommodate the inner container 3 inside the outer container 2, and making it more difficult for the inner container 3 to elastically return to its expanded shape.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the multi-layer container 1 of this embodiment, the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is provided with four recesses 32A at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. As a result, when the inner container 3 is inserted into the outer container 2, the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is more likely to contract, allowing the inner container 3 to be easily accommodated inside the outer container 2, and also making it easier for the inner container 3 to elastically return to its expanded shape.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the multi-layer container 1 of this embodiment, the outer circumference length of the body portion 32 of the inner container 3, excluding the recess 32A at its outermost diameter, is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the upper opening 2A of the outer container 2. As a result, when inserting the inner container 3 into the outer container 2 through the upper opening 2A, the body portion 32 of the inner container 3 is more likely to contract, allowing the inner container 3 to be easily accommodated inside the outer container 2.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the multi-layer container 1 of this embodiment, the neck portion 31 of the inner container 3 is provided with a V-shaped recess 31B at a position corresponding to the recess 32A provided in the body portion 32. As a result, when inserting the inner container 3 into the outer container 2, the neck portion 31 and body portion 32 of the inner container 3 are more likely to contract, making it even easier to accommodate the inner container 3 inside the outer container 2.

[0042] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, in the above description, four recesses 32A are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the body 32 of the inner container 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, three recesses 32A may be provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the body 32 of the inner container 3. With this configuration as well, when the inner container 3 is inserted into the outer container 2, the body 32 of the inner container 3 becomes more easily contracted, allowing the inner container 3 to be easily accommodated inside the outer container 2, and the inner container 3 also becomes more elastically able to return to its expanded shape. However, if five or more recesses 32A are provided on the body 32 of the inner container 3, the area around the recesses 32A tends to become rigid like a column. As a result, when the inner container 3 is inserted into the outer container 2, the body 32 of the inner container 3 becomes less likely to deform, making it more difficult to easily accommodate the inner container 3 inside the outer container 2, and making it more difficult for the inner container 3 to elastically return to its expanded shape.

[0043] Furthermore, although the above assumes that a desiccant lid 51 for containing a desiccant 52 is attached to the lid 4, the present invention is not limited to this. If a desiccant 52 is not required, as shown in Figure 5, a ring-shaped packing 53 for sealing the gap between the lid 4 and the outer container 2 may be provided instead of the desiccant lid 51.

[0044] Furthermore, although the above description assumes that the bottom 33 of the inner container 3 is provided with a projection 35 that protrudes toward the bottom 23 of the outer container 2, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 3A and 4A, the bottom 33 of the inner container 3 does not need to be provided with a projection 35.

[0045] Furthermore, by appropriately combining any of the various embodiments described above, the effects of each embodiment can be achieved. [Industrial applicability]

[0046] The multi-layer container according to the present invention is useful, for example, as a multi-layer container for tablets, because the inner container can be easily housed inside the outer container. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1 multiple containers 2 Outer container 2A Top opening 21 Neck 21A Male threaded section 21B Groove 22 Torso 23 Bottom 24 Shoulder 3 Inner container 3A Top opening 31 Neck 31A Projection part 31B Recess 32 Torso 32A Recess 32B Arc section 33 Bottom 34 Shoulder 35 Protrusion 4. Lid 4A Female thread section 51 Drying material lid 52 Dry material 53 Packing 6. Push-in jig

Claims

1. A bottomed cylindrical outer container having an opening at the top, A bottomed cylindrical inner container housed inside the outer container, A multi-layered container equipped with, A multi-layer container wherein the inner container is elastic and, when positioned outside the outer container, has an expanded shape in which the maximum outer diameter of the body of the inner container is larger than the inner diameter of the upper opening; when inserted into the outer container through the upper opening, the body of the inner container is pressed against the surrounding portion of the upper opening, causing it to contract so that the maximum outer diameter of the body of the inner container becomes smaller than the inner diameter of the upper opening; and when the inner container passes through the upper opening and is housed inside the outer container, it elastically returns to the expanded shape.

2. The outer container comprises a neck portion in which the upper opening is formed, a body portion, and a bottom portion. The inner container comprises a neck, a body, and a bottom. The multi-layer container according to claim 1, wherein the inner container is housed inside the outer container by having its neck portion in contact with the neck portion of the outer container, and is configured such that the bottom of the inner container and the bottom of the outer container are not in contact when contents are placed inside the inner container.

3. The multi-layer container according to claim 2, wherein the outer diameter of the body of the inner container gradually decreases from the neck of the inner container toward the bottom of the inner container, such that the distance between the body of the inner container and the body of the outer container gradually increases.

4. The body of the inner container is provided with a V-shaped recess that extends from the bottom of the inner container toward the neck of the inner container and is recessed toward the inside of the inner container. The multilayer container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess is formed such that its central angle is obtuse.

5. The multi-layer container according to claim 4, wherein three or four of the recesses are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the body of the inner container.

6. The multi-layer container according to claim 4, wherein the outer circumference length of the outermost diameter of the body of the inner container, excluding the recess, is less than or equal to the inner circumference of the upper opening of the outer container.

7. The multi-layer container according to claim 4, wherein the neck portion of the inner container is provided with a V-shaped recess that is recessed toward the inside of the inner container at a position corresponding to the recess provided in the body portion of the inner container.

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