Storage containers

Abstract

To provide. [Solution] The storage container 10 comprises a cylindrical storage body 12 with an upper part 12a and a lower part 12b that are open, and a bottom member 14 that closes the opening 12c of the lower part 12b of the storage body 12. The storage body 12 has a length L from top to bottom that is greater than the maximum diameter D1 of the lower part 12b, and has a shape that can store a portion of a long object. The bottom member 14 has a surface shape 14a that allows the storage body 12 to move to multiple positions when the lower part 12b of the storage body 12 is in contact with the bottom member 14 and the opening 12c of the lower part 12b of the storage body 12 is closed. The surface shape 14a is a sheet shape in which the maximum diameter D2 is greater than the maximum diameter D1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for storing long objects such as writing utensils and kitchen utensils.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, cylindrical storage tools for storing long objects such as writing utensils and rulers have been devised (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the aforementioned storage tool has a bottom, dust and dirt tend to accumulate on the bottom. Also, since the cylindrical part and the bottom are integrated, it is difficult to remove dust and dirt, and when washed with water, the water dries slowly and it tends to become unsanitary.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and one of its exemplary purposes is to provide a new storage container that is easy to keep clean.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a storage container according to an aspect of the present invention includes a cylindrical storage body having openings at both the upper and lower portions, and a bottom member that closes the opening at the lower portion of the storage body. The storage body has a shape in which the length L from the upper portion to the lower portion is larger than the maximum diameter D1 at the lower portion, and a part of a long object can be stored. The bottom member has a surface shape that allows the storage body to move to a plurality of positions while the lower portion of the storage body is in contact and the opening at the lower portion of the storage body is closed. The surface shape is a sheet shape in which the maximum diameter D2 is larger than the maximum diameter D1.

[0007] According to this embodiment, the storage body can be easily separated from the base member. Also, when in use, the ends of long items stored in the storage body come into contact with the base member, preventing the long items from directly touching the desk or table. On the other hand, if dust or other debris accumulates on the base member during use, it can be easily cleaned by lifting the storage body from the base member, making it easy to keep the storage container clean. Furthermore, since the base member has a sheet shape in which the maximum diameter D2 of its surface shape is larger than the maximum diameter D1 of the bottom of the storage body, it is easy to place the storage body on the base member after cleaning without having to precisely align it.

[0008] The storage unit itself may weigh 90g or more, have a length L of 8cm to 20cm, and a maximum diameter D1 of 5cm or more. This ensures that the storage unit has a certain weight, making it less likely to tip over even if the long items stored inside are tilted.

[0009] The base member may have a maximum diameter D2 that is 110% or more of the maximum diameter D1. This allows for less concern about the position when placing the storage unit on top of the base member. It also makes it less likely for the storage unit to fall off the base member and tip over, even if it moves slightly on top of the base member.

[0010] The storage unit itself may have an inclination α of the long object stored inside that is less than 40° with respect to the vertical. For example, if the length L from the top to the bottom of the storage unit is smaller than the maximum diameter D1 of the bottom of the storage unit, the storage unit itself will be stable, but the long object protruding diagonally from the top of the storage unit will be more likely to interfere with surrounding objects. On the other hand, if the length L from the top to the bottom of the storage unit is larger than the maximum diameter D1 of the bottom of the storage unit, that is, if the inclination α is less than 45° (preferably if the inclination α is less than 40°), the amount by which the long object protrudes to the side of the storage unit will be smaller.

[0011] The static friction coefficient between the storage unit and the base material should be 0.3 or higher. This prevents the storage unit from sliding when placed on the base material.

[0012] The storage container itself may contain one of the following materials: enamel, acrylic resin, or fiberglass. This allows for the creation of storage containers with superior design.

[0013] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as conversions of the expression of the present invention between methods, structures, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the storage container can be kept clean. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the storage container according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the storage container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention.

[0017] Traditionally, containers for storing long items such as pen holders, chopstick holders, toothbrush holders, and kitchen utensil holders all have bottoms. Therefore, dust and water can accumulate at the bottom, requiring removal. However, the presence of a bottom makes cleaning very difficult, and drying after washing is also challenging. As a result, keeping these containers clean requires considerable effort.

[0018] In response to these problems, the inventor conceived of a storage container without a bottom. However, concerns arose that the container might tip over due to the lack of a bottom, and that the long items stored inside might soil desks or tables. After further consideration, the inventor came up with the following invention.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage container according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the storage container shown in Figure 1. The storage container 10 according to this embodiment comprises a cylindrical storage body 12 with an upper part 12a and a lower part 12b that are open, and a bottom member 14 that closes the opening at the lower part 12b of the storage body 12. The cross-sectional shape of the storage body 12 according to this embodiment is circular, but it may be an ellipse or a non-circular shape consisting only of curved surfaces. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the storage body 12 may be a polygon such as a triangle or a quadrilateral.

[0020] The storage body 12 is a vertically elongated component whose length L from top to bottom is greater than the maximum diameter D1 of its lower part 12b, and has a shape that allows it to store part of a long object. Figure 1 shows a writing instrument 16 stored as a long object. The bottom member 14 has a surface shape 14a that allows the storage body 12 to move to multiple positions when the lower part 12b of the storage body 12 is in contact with the bottom member 14 and the opening 12c of the lower part 12b of the storage body 12 is closed. The surface shape 14a is a sheet shape in which the maximum diameter D2 is greater than the maximum diameter D1.

[0021] As a result, the storage main body 12 can be easily separated from the bottom member 14. Also, during use, the end of the long item stored in the storage main body 12 abuts against the bottom member, preventing the long item from directly touching the desk or table. On the other hand, when dust 18 or the like accumulates on the bottom member 14 during use, the storage main body 12 can be easily cleaned by lifting it from the bottom member 14, so it is easy to keep the storage container 10 clean. Further, since the bottom member 14 is in the shape of a sheet whose maximum diameter D2 of the surface shape 14a is larger than the maximum diameter D1 of the lower part 12b of the storage main body 12, it is easy to place the storage main body 12 on the bottom member 14 without accurately aligning the positions after cleaning. Here, in addition to the aforementioned writing instrument 16, long items include stationery such as a ruler and scissors, cutlery such as chopsticks, spoons, knives, and forks, kitchen tools such as beads and frying pans, toothbrushes, etc.

[0022] The surface shape 14a according to the present embodiment is flat, but it is not limited to this as long as the storage main body 12 to be placed can move (be placed) at a plurality of positions without falling over. For example, a part may be inclined or there may be irregularities provided in a part.

[0023] Next, the results of examining whether or not a plurality of prototype storage main bodies with different sizes and shapes would fall over when storing long items with different weights and lengths will be described.

[0024] Five types of prototypes of the storage main body were produced using acrylic resin. The thickness of the cylinder is about 2 to 10 mm, but it is not limited to this. Prototype (I) Length L = 10 cm Inner diameter D3 = 7 cm Weight 15 g Prototype (II) Length L = 10 cm Inner diameter D3 = 8 cm Weight 18 g Prototype (III) Length L = 12.5 cm Inner diameter D3 = 7 cm Weight 19 g Prototype (IV) Length L = 12.5 cm Inner diameter D3 = 8 cm Weight 23 g Prototype (V) Length L = 16.5 cm Inner diameter D3 = 9 cm Weight 34 g

[0025] Also, the contents A to C of the items to be stored in each prototype are as follows. A: 10 pens, each 15cm long and weighing 18g, totaling 180g. B: Fork 20cm long / 40g in weight + Spoons, etc., 20cm long / 50g in weight, total 300g C: A ladle 30cm long / weighing 140g + Spatulas, etc., 30cm long / 40g in weight, total 250g

[0026] (Examples 1-1 to 1-2) The prototypes were filled with the contents of each type, and the weights were gradually increased. The shape and placement of the weights should have minimal impact on the shape and balance of the storage unit. For example, the overall weight of the storage unit can be adjusted by changing the length of the thin sheet wrapped around the outer circumference. In Example 1-1, the prototype (I) did not tip over when filled with contents A when the weights were 50g and 75g. In Example 1-2, the prototype (II) did not tip over when filled with contents A when the weights were 75g. In other words, the storage unit will not tip over if the overall weight is 90g or more, and in some cases 65g or more.

[0027] (Examples 2-1 to 2-4) In Examples 2-1 to 2-4, when the weight was 100g or 150g, the containers did not tip over regardless of whether they were prototypes (I) to (IV) and contained the contents of Content B. In other words, the containers will not tip over if the total weight of the container is 165g or more, and in some cases 115g or more.

[0028] (Example 3-1) In Example 3-1, when the weight was 150g, the prototype (V) did not tip over even when the contents of Content C were placed inside. In other words, it will not tip over if the total weight of the storage unit is 184g or more, and in some cases 165g or more.

[0029] The results for each example are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0030] From the above considerations, the storage unit 12 is prone to tipping over if it is too light, so it is preferable that it weighs 90g or more. While there is no specific upper limit on the weight, as a heavier storage unit is less likely to tip over, it should be a weight that does not place too much strain on the user when lifting the storage unit 12. For example, a weight of 500g or less, preferably 300g or less, is preferable. This ensures that the storage unit 12 has a certain weight, making it less likely to tip over even if the long items stored inside are tilted.

[0031] Furthermore, the storage unit 12 should ideally have a length L of 8cm to 20cm. If the length L is too small, it will be difficult to store long items together, and if the length L is too large, the storage unit 12 will be more prone to tipping over. In addition, the maximum diameter D1 of the storage unit 12 should ideally be 5cm or more. If the maximum diameter D1 is too small, the storage unit 12 will be more prone to tipping over, and the amount of items that can be stored will be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, the bottom member 14 should have a maximum diameter D2 that is 110% or larger than the maximum diameter D1. This makes it easier to place the storage body 12 on top of the bottom member 14 without having to worry too much about its position. Also, even if the storage body 12 moves slightly on the bottom member 14, it becomes less likely that the storage body 12 will fall off the bottom member 14 and tip over.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the storage body 12 is preferably designed so that the inclination α of the long object (writing instrument 16) stored inside is less than 45° with respect to the vertical direction Z. The inclination α for each embodiment is shown in Table 1. For example, if the length L from the top 12a to the bottom 12b is smaller than the maximum diameter D1 of the bottom 12b of the storage body 12, the storage body itself will be stable, but the long object protruding diagonally from the top of the storage body will be more likely to interfere with surrounding objects. On the other hand, if the length L from the top to the bottom is larger than the maximum diameter D1 of the bottom of the storage body, that is, if the inclination α is less than 45° (preferably if the inclination α is less than 40°), the amount by which the long object protrudes to the side of the storage body 12 will be smaller.

[0034] Furthermore, the static friction coefficient between the storage body 12 and the bottom member 14 should be 0.3 or higher. This makes the storage body 12, which is placed on the bottom member 14, less likely to slip.

[0035] Furthermore, the storage body 12 may contain one of the following: enamel, acrylic resin, metal, or fiberglass. This makes it possible to create a storage container with excellent design. Also, if the bottom member 14 is made of the same material as the storage body 12, the overall design of the storage container will be more unified. The bottom member 14 may also be made of materials such as diatomaceous earth, silicone resin, paper, cloth, or metal. Preferably, it should be made of a material that is resistant to deformation.

[0036] Furthermore, although the storage body 12 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has an outer surface 12d perpendicular to the bottom member 14, the outer surface may also have a tapered shape that slopes toward the upper part 12b. Specifically, the maximum diameter of the upper part 12a should be smaller than the maximum diameter D1 of the lower part 12b of the storage body 12, and the angle between the outer surface 12d and the vertical direction Z may be 1 to 10°.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the present invention also includes combinations and substitutions of the configurations of the embodiments as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to appropriately rearrange the combinations and processing order in the embodiments or to make various design changes and other modifications to the embodiments based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such modified embodiments may also be included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 10 Storage container, 12 Storage body, 12a Top, 12b Bottom, 12b Top, 12c Opening, 12d Outer surface, 14 Bottom member, 14a Surface shape, 16 Writing instrument, D1 Maximum diameter, D2 Maximum diameter, L Length, Z Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A cylindrical storage body with openings at the top and bottom, The storage body comprises a bottom member that closes the opening at the bottom, The storage body has a shape in which the length L from top to bottom is greater than the maximum diameter D1 at the bottom, allowing a portion of a long object to be stored. The bottom member has a surface shape that allows the storage body to move to multiple positions when the lower part of the storage body is in contact with it and the opening at the bottom of the storage body is closed. The storage container is characterized in that the surface shape is a sheet shape in which the maximum diameter D2 is larger than the maximum diameter D1.

2. The storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage body has a weight of 90 g or more, a length L of 8 cm to 20 cm, and a maximum diameter D1 of 5 cm or more.

3. The storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bottom member has a maximum diameter D2 that is 110% or larger than the maximum diameter D1.

4. The storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage body has an inclination α of the long object to be stored that is less than 40° with respect to the vertical direction.

5. The storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the static friction coefficient between the storage body and the bottom member is 0.3 or more.

6. The storage container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage body includes one of enamel, acrylic resin, and fiberglass.

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