container

Abstract

To provide a container that can improve airtightness. [Solution] The container 1 comprises a box-shaped container body 2 having an opening 4 that opens upward, and a first lid 5a and a second lid 5b that are rotatably attached to the container body 2 so as to be able to move between an open position that opens the opening 4 and a closed position that closes the opening 4. The first lid 5a and the second lid 5b have a first overlapping portion 27 and a second overlapping portion 28 that overlap each other in the vertical direction when the lids 5a and 5b are in the closed position. The container 1 comprises a sealing member 31 interposed between the first overlapping portion 27 and the second overlapping portion 28 when the lids 5a and 5b are in the closed position. The sealing member 31 is constructed separately from the lids 5a and 5b and is made of a more flexible material than the lids 5a and 5b, and deforms to follow the shape of the overlapping portions 27 and 28 when the lids 5a and 5b are in the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container used for storing unnecessary items and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a container used as a trash can or the like, there is known a container including a box-shaped container body that opens upward, a pair of lid bodies that are rotatably displaced with respect to the container body and can open and close the opening of the container body, a pedal, and a linkage member that interlocks the pair of lid bodies with the operation of the pedal to open and close the opening of the container body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, the container of Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which the opening of the container body is closed by a pair of lid bodies. Therefore, in a state where the opening of the container body is closed, a gap is formed between the pair of lid bodies (the joined portion), and there is a concern that the sealing performance is lower than that of a configuration in which the opening of the container body is closed by one lid body, for example.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a container capable of improving the sealing performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above object and the like will be described separately. In addition, effects and the like specific to the corresponding means will be appended as necessary.

[0007] Means 1. A box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upwards, A container comprising a plurality of lids attached to the container body so as to be rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, Of the plurality of covers, at least one pair of covers has an overlapping portion that overlaps the pair of covers in the vertical direction when the pair of covers is in the closed position. The container is provided with a sealing means interposed between the overlapping portion of one lid and the overlapping portion of the other lid when the pair of lids are in the closed position. The sealing means is a container that satisfies at least one of the following requirements (1) and (2).

[0008] Requirement (1): It must have properties that are more flexible than the lid.

[0009] Requirement (2); It shall be constructed as a separate body from the lid.

[0010] According to method 1, the pair of lids are provided with overlapping portions that overlap each other vertically when the pair of lids are in the closed position. This prevents the formation of vertically penetrating gaps between the pair of lids in the closed position (the overlapping portion). Furthermore, by interposing a sealing means between the overlapping portions of the pair of lids in the closed position, even relatively small gaps that would be formed between the overlapping portions if they were simply overlapped can be sealed by the sealing means. Therefore, the airtightness of the container when the lid is in the closed position can be improved, and the environment inside the container and the environment outside the container can be used with greater distinction. For example, even when the lid is in the closed position, if an object that generates an odor is placed inside the container, it is possible to further suppress situations such as odors leaking out of the container, insects entering the container, or the inside of the container being visible from the outside. Also, for example, if liquid is spilled on the upper side of the lid in the closed position (for example, if it rains when installed outdoors), it is possible to prevent the liquid from entering the container. Here, if the sealing means satisfies requirement (1) above, it is expected that the sealing means will conform to the shape of the lid (overlapping portion) and fill any gaps caused by slight irregularities. Furthermore, if the sealing means satisfies requirement (2) above, a shape specifically designed to improve the airtightness of the container (for example, a shape that makes surface contact) can be installed in the overlapping portion, rather than a shape that can be formed integrally with the lid (without causing a decrease in productivity, etc.). Moreover, if damage occurs to the sealing means that causes gaps to form due to prolonged use, etc., only the sealing means can be replaced.

[0011] Method 2. Equipped with an operating means that can be operated by the user, When the pair of lids are in the open position, and a closing operation is performed on the operating means to displace the lids toward the closed position, both of the pair of lids are displaced toward the closed position. The pair of covers comprises a first cover configured to be placed in the closed position first when the closing operation is performed on the operating means while the pair of covers are in the open position, and a second cover configured to be placed in the closed position after the first cover has been placed in the closed position. When the pair of lids are in the open position, and the closing operation is performed on the operating means to bring the pair of lids to the closed position, the overlapping portion of the second lid is positioned above the overlapping portion of the first lid. The container according to means 1, characterized in that the sealing means is provided on at least one of the upper surface of the first lid and the lower surface of the second lid.

[0012] According to means 2, an operating means is provided, improving the workability when closing a pair of lids that are in the open position. Furthermore, when the closing operation is performed on the operating means from the open position of the pair of lids, the overlapping portion of the first lid becomes the lower side and the overlapping portion of the second lid becomes the upper side, so that the overlapping portions of the pair of lids are stacked in a predetermined upper and lower arrangement. This allows the overlapping portions of the pair of lids to be suitably stacked, and the opening of the container body can be closed to the desired state. Moreover, even if the overlapping direction of the pair of lids is reversed, for example, sealing means do not need to be provided on both the upper and lower sides of the predetermined overlapping portion of the lids, as closing the pair of lids with the operating means ensures that a sealing means is always interposed between the overlapping portions of the pair of lids.

[0013] Means 3. The container according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that the container is provided with a peripheral sealing means interposed between the pair of lids and the peripheral edge of the opening of the container body when the pair of lids are in the closed position.

[0014] According to method 3, it is possible to improve the airtightness between the peripheral edge of the opening of the container body and the lid.

[0015] Means 4. The sealing means and the peripheral sealing means are configured separately from the lid and the container body. The container according to means 3, characterized in that the lid on which the sealing means is provided is provided with the peripheral sealing means, and the peripheral sealing means is connected to the sealing means.

[0016] According to method 4, the sealing means and the peripheral sealing means can be attached to and detached from the container (lid) relatively easily. In addition, the airtightness of the area between the sealing means and the peripheral sealing means can be improved.

[0017] Means 5. The pair of lids comprises a first lid and a second lid, and is configured such that both of the pair of lids can be placed in the closed position by placing the overlapping portion of the second lid on top of the overlapping portion of the first lid. On the lower surface of the second lid, the sealing means and the peripheral sealing means are provided so as a whole they form an annular shape when viewed from below. The container according to means 4, characterized in that the peripheral sealing means is provided on the lower surface side of the first lid in a U-shape or annular shape when viewed from below.

[0018] According to means 5, sealing means and peripheral sealing means are interposed between the overlapping portions of a pair of lids in the closed position, and between the peripheral edge of the opening of the container body and the pair of lids in the closed position, thereby further improving the airtightness of the container when the lids are in the closed position. Furthermore, for example, if the sealing means and peripheral sealing means are made of a material that is more flexible than the lids, when the lids are in the closed position, it is possible to suppress damage to the contact area or the generation of abnormal noise due to the lids coming into contact with the container body or the lids coming into contact with each other at the overlapping portion.

[0019] Means 6. The container body comprises a bottom wall component, side wall components extending upward from each side of the bottom wall component, and protruding components extending outward from the side wall components to the container body. The container includes operating means provided so that a user can operate it, and a linkage member that interlocks the lid in accordance with the operation of the operating means. The overhanging portion includes a receiving portion that can receive and support the upper part of the linkage member. The container according to means 3, wherein an upper end portion of the overhanging portion is located below an upper end portion of the side wall portion.

[0020] According to means 6, the linkage member can be arranged on the outer surface side of the side wall portion, and a situation where the sealing performance between the lid in the closed position and the container body is inhibited by the receiving portion and the linkage member received in the receiving portion can be avoided.

[0021] The container according to means 3, wherein the sealing means includes a locking portion that is detachably locked to a locked portion provided on the container body or the lid.

[0022] According to means 7, attachment and detachment of the sealing means to the container body or the lid (manufacture of the container, replacement of the sealing means) can be made relatively easy.

[0023] Means 8. In a container including a box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upward, and a plurality of lids that are rotatably displaced between an open position where the opening is opened and a closed position where the opening is closed with respect to the container body, at least a pair of the plurality of lids are rotatably connected corresponding to opposite side edges of the opening of the container body, at least one of the pair of lids includes sealing means provided along an open side portion opposite to a connecting side portion connected to the container body, when the pair of lids are in the closed position, the sealing means provided on the one lid is configured to contact an open side portion of the other lid or a portion on the open side portion side of the other lid. The sealing means is a container that satisfies at least one of the following requirements (1) and (2).

[0024] Requirement (1): It must have properties that are more flexible than the lid.

[0025] Requirement (2); It shall be constructed as a separate body from the lid.

[0026] According to method 8, by interposing a sealing means between the open sides of a pair of lids in the closed position, the airtightness of the container when the lids are in the closed position can be improved.

[0027] Means 9. A box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upward, A container comprising a plurality of lids attached to the container body so as to be rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, Each of the pair of covers is equipped with a sealing means, When the pair of lids are in the closed position, the sealing means provided on one of the pair of lids and the sealing means provided on the other lid are configured to come into contact with each other. The sealing means is a container that satisfies at least one of the following requirements (1) and (2).

[0028] Requirement (1): It must have properties that are more flexible than the lid.

[0029] Requirement (2); It shall be constructed as a separate body from the lid.

[0030] According to means 9, by interposing a sealing means between the open sides of a pair of lids in the closed position, the airtightness of the container in the closed position can be improved, and in particular, since the sealing means come into contact with each other, the airtightness can be further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a container with its lid in the closed position. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a container with its lid in the open position. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a container with its lid in the open position. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a container with the lid in the closed position and the pedal folded down. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view showing the container body, pedal, interlocking component, and bag-hanging component. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the underside of a pair of lids. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view showing the top side of the first lid and the bottom side of the second lid. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view showing the lower side of the first lid and the upper side of the second lid. [Figure 9] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a container showing a pair of lids and other parts in the closed position. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the first overlapping portion and the second overlapping portion of a pair of lids in the closed position. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the bottom of the container. [Figure 12] This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the upper part of the interlocking member. [Figure 13] This is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the container body. [Figure 14] This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the relationship between the receiving portion of the lid in the open position due to the pedal operation and the engaging portion of the interlocking member. [Figure 15] This is a partially enlarged front view showing a container with its lids in the open position, achieved by operating the pedal. [Figure 16] This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing how the first lid is displaced to the closed position first when the pedal is closed, starting from the open position of a pair of lids. [Figure 17] This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the process of a pair of lids being displaced between a closed position and an open position. [Figure 18]This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the process of a pair of lids being displaced between a closed position and an open position. [Figure 19] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a container with a pair of lids in the closed position. [Figure 20] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first lid has been displaced to the open position without operating the pedal. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the container 1 comprises a roughly rectangular box-shaped container body 2 having a storage section 3 capable of accommodating objects (e.g., garbage) and an opening 4 that opens upwards, and a pair of lids 5 that are rotatably attached to the container body 2 so as to be able to move between an open position that opens the opening 4 and a closed position that closes the opening 4. Furthermore, the container 1 is provided corresponding to the lower part of the container body 2 and includes a pedal 6 as an operating means that is operated by stepping on it with the toes of the user, and an interlocking member 7 that interlocks both of the pair of lids 5 in response to the operation of the pedal 6.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5, 11, and 13, the container body 2 comprises a bottom wall component 11 which is roughly rectangular in plan view, long-side wall components 12 which extend upward from a pair of opposing long sides of the bottom wall component 11, short-side wall components 13 which extend upward from a pair of opposing short sides of the bottom wall component 11, an overhang 14 which protrudes outward from a position slightly below the upper sides of the long-side wall components 12 and the short-side wall components 13, forming a roughly rectangular frame shape overall in plan view, and an edge wall component 15 which protrudes downward from the entire outer edge of the overhang 14. The upper sides of the long-side wall components 12 and the upper sides of the short-side wall components 13 are at the same position in the vertical direction and extend continuously from each other. Furthermore, the container body 2 is configured in a tapered shape, with the long side wall portion 12 and the short side wall portion 13 slightly inclined upwards toward the outside of the container body 2. The container body 2 in this embodiment is integrally constructed from polypropylene.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, each lid 5 is provided with a roughly rectangular plate-shaped top wall portion 21 that can close the opening 4 of the container body 2, and a frame wall portion 22 that protrudes downward from the outer circumference of the top wall portion 21. As shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal width of the top wall portion 21 is approximately the same as the distance between the outer edges of the parts corresponding to each short-side wall portion 13 of the overhang portion 14 (the longitudinal width when the container body 2 is viewed from above), and the short width of the top wall portion 21 is approximately half the length of the distance between the outer edges of the parts corresponding to each long-side wall portion 12 of the overhang portion 14 (the short width when the container body 2 is viewed from above). On the lower surface side of each lid 5, ribs are provided on the inner circumference side of the frame wall portion 22, where appropriate, protruding downward from the lower surface of the top wall portion 21.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 14, each lid 5 is provided with a lid-side shaft portion 23 that protrudes downward from a portion near one of the long sides of the top wall portion 21. The lid-side shaft portion 23 has a shaft hole 24 that opens towards the central part in the longitudinal width direction of the lid 5 (top wall portion 21), and is provided in pairs so as to face each other in the longitudinal width direction of the lid 5. In this embodiment, each lid 5 is integrally constructed from polypropylene.

[0036] In contrast, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the container body 2 is provided with a body-side shaft portion 16 located near the connection points (corner portions) between each long-side side wall portion 12 and each short-side side wall portion 13. The body-side shaft portion 16 is provided projecting outward from the outer surface of the long-side side wall portion 12 so as to fall within the formation range of the overhang portion 14 in a plan view, and is also provided with a shaft projection portion 17 that projects outward from the outer surface of the short-side side wall portion 13 in the longitudinal width direction of the container body 2.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 14, the lid 5 is oriented so that its longitudinal width matches that of the container body 2, and the shaft projection 17 of the body-side shaft portion 16 of the container body 2 is inserted relative to the shaft hole 24 of the lid-side shaft portion 23 of the lid 5, thereby connecting the lid 5 to the container body 2 so that it can rotate and displace. As a result, the rotation axis of the lid 5 extends along the upper edge of the long-side side wall portion 12. In this embodiment, a pedal 6 is provided corresponding to the lower end of one of the short-side side wall portions 13. Hereinafter, the lid 5 on the right side will also be referred to as the "first lid 5a" and the lid 5 on the left side will also be referred to as the "second lid 5b" when describing the lid 5 with the short-side side wall portion 13 on the side where the pedal 6 is provided as the front. Furthermore, of the pair of short-side sidewalls 13, the short-side sidewall 13 on the side where the pedal 6 is provided is also referred to as the "front sidewall 13a," and the short-side sidewall 13 on the opposite side is also referred to as the "back sidewall 13b." In addition, of each lid 5, the side that is connected to the container body 2 is also referred to as the "connecting side," and the side opposite to the connecting side is also referred to as the "open side."

[0038] As shown in Figures 1, 9, etc., in this embodiment, when the lid 5 is in the closed position, the lid 5 (top wall portion 21) is positioned to extend in a substantially horizontal direction, and the lower side of the lid 5 (the peripheral sealing member 32, which will be described in detail later) is supported by the peripheral edge of the opening 4 of the container body 2 (for example, the upper edge of the side wall portions 12 and 13). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 14, 15, etc., when the lid 5 is in the open position, the lid 5 (top wall portion 21) is positioned to extend in a substantially vertical direction. As will be described in detail later, the position of the lid 5 in the open position is maintained (held) by the interlocking member 7.

[0039] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the portion of the shaft projection 17 of the main body shaft portion 16 that is located on the outer side of the container body 2 in the longitudinal width direction of the container body 2, relative to the outer surface of the short side wall portion 13, has a portion that is above the upper edge of the long side wall portion 12 and a portion that is below the upper edge of the long side wall portion 12, and thus has a portion that forms a substantially circular vertical cross-section. In contrast, the portion of the main body shaft portion 16 that is located on the inner side of the container body 2 in the longitudinal width direction of the container body 2 relative to the outer surface of the short side wall portion 13, is configured such that its upper surface is at the same position as the upper edge of the long side wall portion 12 in the vertical direction (so that it is flush with the upper edge of the long side wall portion 12) so that the lower surface of the pair of lids 5 in the closed position substantially abuts against the entire periphery of the opening 4 of the container body 2. Furthermore, the aforementioned portion may be configured to be located below the upper edge of the long side wall portion 12 (i.e., not to protrude above the upper edge of the long side wall portion 12).

[0040] In addition, as shown in Figures 6, 14, and 19, each lid 5 is provided with a receiving portion 26 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the top wall portion 21 when the lid 5 is in the closed position. As will be described in more detail later, the receiving portion 26 is configured to receive a force from the interlocking member 7 toward the open position when an opening operation (the action of pressing the pedal 6) is performed on the pedal 6 to displace the lid 5 toward the open position when the lid 5 is in the closed position, and is configured to receive a force from the interlocking member 7 toward the closed position when a closing operation (the action of removing the foot that was pressing the pedal 6) is performed on the pedal 6 when the lid 5 is in the open position.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 to 10, the first lid 5a is provided with a first overlapping portion 27 that protrudes from the lower edge of the frame wall portion 22 corresponding to the open side of the first lid 5a toward the outer circumference of the first lid 5a. In this embodiment, the first overlapping portion 27 extends to a range located above the opening 4 of the container body 2 when the first lid 5a is in the closed position. Moreover, in this embodiment, the portion of the open side of the second lid 5b, which is in the closed position, is positioned so as to overlap the first overlapping portion 27 of the first lid 5a, which is in the closed position, so that both the first lid 5a and the second lid 5b extend horizontally, and the opening 4 of the container body 2 is suitably closed. In the closed position of the pair of lids 5, the portion of the second lid 5b that overlaps above the first overlapping portion 27 (hereinafter referred to as the "second overlapping portion 28") has a shorter projection length from the top wall portion 21 of the frame wall portion 22 and ribs provided on the lower surface side of the second lid 5b than the other portions. In addition, the portion of the frame wall portion 22 of the first lid 5a that corresponds to the first overlapping portion 27 has a slightly longer projection length from the top wall portion 21 than the other portions.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 9, the container 1 includes a sealing member 31 interposed between the first overlapping portion 27 and the second overlapping portion 28 when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position, and a peripheral sealing member 32 interposed between the pair of lids 5 and the peripheral edge of the opening 4 of the container body 2 when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position. In this embodiment, the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are configured separately from the lids 5 and the container body 2. The sealing member 31 is attached to the second overlapping portion 28 on the lower surface side of the second lid 5b. Furthermore, the peripheral sealing member 32 is attached to the portion located above the peripheral edge of the opening 4 of the container body 2 when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position on the lower surfaces side of the first lid 5a and the second lid 5b. In other words, a peripheral sealing member 32, which is roughly U-shaped when viewed from below, is attached to the first lid 5a. On the other hand, with respect to the sealing member 31 and peripheral sealing member 32 attached to the second lid 5b, the sealing member 31 is connected to the peripheral sealing member 32 (formed integrally), and as a whole, it forms a roughly square shape when viewed from below (a continuous shape including annular shapes such as a square ring or a circular ring). The sealing member 31 and peripheral sealing member 32 are made of polyethylene, which is more flexible than the lid 5, and are configured to deform (tightly adhere) to the shape of the overlapping parts 27, 28 and the peripheral part of the opening 4 of the container body 2 when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position.

[0043] In addition, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the peripheral sealing member 32 of the first lid 5a and the sealing member 31 of the second lid 5b, and the peripheral sealing member 32 are each positioned opposite the lower surface of the top wall portion 21 and include a sealing base portion 33 (approximately U-shaped on the first lid 5a side and approximately square-shaped on the second lid 5b side) that is wider than the thickness of the frame wall portion 22, a locking base portion 34 that protrudes both upward and downward from the inner circumference of the sealing base portion 33, and locking portions 35 that protrude from multiple locations on the locking base portion 34 towards the inner circumference of the sealing base portion 33. In contrast, predetermined ribs (ribs that extend along the inner surfaces of the side walls 12 and 13 when the lid 5 is in the closed position) provided on the inner circumference of the frame wall portion 22 on the lower surface side of each lid 5 are provided with a locking portion 29 (locking hole) into which the locking portion 35 of the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are locked. By locking the locking portion 35 into the locking portion 29, the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are detachably attached to the lid 5.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5, 11, and 12, the interlocking member 7 comprises a vertically extending portion 41 extending in the vertical direction, a horizontally extending portion 42 extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the vertically extending portion 41 and connected to the upper end of the vertically extending portion 41, and an engaging portion 43 connected to the end of the horizontally extending portion 42 and engaged with the receiving portion 26. The horizontally extending portion 42 is provided so as to protrude to both the left and right of the vertically extending portion 41, and the engaging portions 43 are provided at both the left and right ends of the horizontally extending portion 42. The interlocking member 7 in this embodiment is integrally constructed from polypropylene.

[0045] As shown in Figures 12 and 15, the engaging portion 43 includes an inclined portion 44 that extends downward from the end of the laterally extending portion 42, away from the longitudinally extending portion 41, a first engaging portion 45 that extends in the vertical direction, a second engaging portion 46 that protrudes from the upper end of the first engaging portion 45 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the first engaging portion 45, and a third engaging portion 47 that extends substantially horizontally from the lower end of the inclined portion 44 toward the direction away from the longitudinally extending portion 41 and is connected to the lower end of the first engaging portion 45. With this configuration, the first engaging portion 45 has a range that overlaps with the extension range of the inclined portion 44 in the vertical direction (the portion that faces the inclined portion 44 in the extension direction of the laterally extending portion 42).

[0046] Furthermore, the second engaging portion 46 protrudes from the first engaging portion 45 toward the longitudinally extending portion 41, and the protruding tip of the second engaging portion 46 is located closer to the first engaging portion 45 than the connection portion between the inclined portion 44 and the third engaging portion 47. As a result, a gap is formed between the second engaging portion 46 and the inclined portion 44 (laterally extending portion 42). Moreover, in this embodiment, the shapes of the left and right engaging portions 43 are slightly different. That is, the inclination angles of the inclined portions 44 of the left and right engaging portions 43 are the same but opposite angles, and the length of the inclined portion 44, and consequently the vertical position of the third engaging portion 47, are also the same. However, the vertical width of the first engaging portion 45 of the left engaging portion 43 corresponding to the second lid 5b is longer than the vertical width of the first engaging portion 45 of the right engaging portion 43 corresponding to the first lid 5a. As a result, the second engaging portion 46 of the left engaging portion 43 corresponding to the second cover 5b is positioned higher than the second engaging portion 46 of the right engaging portion 43 corresponding to the first cover 5a. Furthermore, the length of the third engaging portion 47 and the protruding length of the second engaging portion 46 are the same for both the left and right engaging portions 43.

[0047] As shown in Figure 11, the rear side wall portion 13b of the container body 2 is provided with an interlocking housing portion 51, which is formed by recessing the center of the rear side wall portion 13b in the width direction toward the inside of the container body 2 in order to position the longitudinally extending portion 41 of the interlocking member 7 on the outer surface side of the container body 2 and to prevent the area including the lower part of the longitudinally extending portion 41 from protruding outward from the outer surface of the container body 2. The upper end of the interlocking housing portion 51 is located below the upper edge of the rear side wall portion 13b, and accordingly, the longitudinally extending portion 41 of the interlocking member 7 is also shaped so that the upper part of the longitudinally extending portion 41 protrudes outward toward the outside of the container body 2 relative to the lower part before extending upward. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11, 13, etc., the protruding portion 14 corresponding to the rear side wall portion 13b is provided with an insertion hole 52 that penetrates vertically, through which the longitudinally extending portion 41 of the interlocking member 7 is inserted, and for positioning the longitudinally extending portion 41 in the horizontal direction. Then, by inserting the longitudinally extended portion 41 of the interlocking member 7 into the insertion hole 52 from above the container body 2, the interlocking member 7 is attached to the container body 2 so that it can slide vertically. The interlocking member 7 will be displaced vertically within the range in which the lower part of the longitudinally extended portion 41 is housed in the interlocking housing portion 51.

[0048] In addition, as shown in Figures 5, 13, 14, and 18, the upper surface of the overhang portion 14 corresponding to the rear side wall portion 13b becomes a receiving portion 53 capable of receiving and supporting the laterally extended portion 42 of the interlocking member 7. As described above, the upper surface of the overhang portion 14 is located below the upper edge of the short side wall portion 13, and in this embodiment, when the lower edge of the laterally extended portion 42 is in contact with and supported by the bottom surface of the receiving portion 53 (the upper surface of the overhang portion 14), the upper end of the interlocking member 7 (later extended portion 42, engaging portion 43) is configured to be located below the upper edge of the short side wall portion 13. Furthermore, the protruding portion 14 corresponding to the rear side wall portion 13b is provided with a recessed portion 54 into which the lower part of the engaging portion 43 of the interlocking member 7 (the inclined portion 44, the lower part of the first engaging portion 45, and the third engaging portion 47) slides in (is housed) when the lower edge of the lateral extension portion 42 is supported on the bottom surface of the receiving portion 53.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the pedal 6 comprises a foot-operating portion 61 positioned in front of the front side wall portion 13a and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a pedal body 62 that extends along the longitudinal width direction of the container body 2 on the lower surface side of the bottom wall component 11, with its front end, which becomes the front side wall portion 13a, being rotatably connected to the lower surface side of the foot-operating portion 61, and its rear end, which becomes the back side wall portion 13b, being rotatably connected to the lower end of the longitudinally extending portion 41 of the interlocking member 7. The pedal body 62 is provided with substantially cylindrical pedal shaft portions 63 that protrude laterally from both sides of the pedal body 62 at an intermediate position in the extending direction of the pedal body 62. In this embodiment, the foot-operating portion 61 and the pedal body 62 are integrally constructed from polypropylene.

[0050] In contrast, as shown in Figure 11, a pedal housing 65 for housing the pedal body 62 is provided on the lower side of the bottom wall component 11 of the container body 2. The pedal housing 65 extends from the center of the short width direction of the container body 2 to the entire length direction of the container body 2 (opening downwards and opening to the front and back sides of the container body 2), and is configured to be continuous with the interlocking housing 51 on the back side side wall 13b side. Furthermore, a pedal shaft support 66 is provided at an intermediate position in the extension direction of the pedal housing 65, which supports the pedal shaft 63 so as to be rotatable (having a circular hole that pivots the pedal shaft 63). In addition, the foot-operated portion 61 is configured to be rotatable between a position where the foot-operated surface that the worker steps on faces upward, as shown in Figure 1, and a position where the foot-operated surface faces the front side wall 13a (folded state), as shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the pedal body 62 is equipped with a rotation restricting part (not shown) that restricts the rotational displacement of the foot-pressing part 61 relative to the pedal body 62 when the foot-pressing surface of the foot-pressing part 61 is facing upward.

[0051] With the above configuration, as shown in Figures 1 and 11, when the pedal 6 is not being operated on the foot-pressing portion 61 (not being pressed), the interlocking member 7 is positioned on the lower side of its range of motion due to its own weight, and the pedal 6 (pedal body 62) maintains a posture in which the side of the pedal body 62 connected to the interlocking member 7 (back side wall portion 13b) is lowered and the foot-pressing portion 61 side (front side wall portion 13a) is raised, with the pedal shaft portion 63 as the center. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, when the foot-pressing portion 61 of the pedal 6 is not being operated, the lateral extension portion 42 of the interlocking member 7 is supported on the bottom surface of the receiving portion 53 (upper surface of the overhang portion 14).

[0052] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2 and 14, when the foot-operated portion 61 is pressed down, the pedal 6 (pedal body 62) is positioned with the foot-operated portion 61 side lowered and the interlocking member 7 side raised, so that the interlocking member 7 is positioned on the upper side of its range of motion.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the receiving portion 26 is provided with an engagement hole 26a that penetrates the lid 5 in the short-width direction. The receiving portion 26 of the first lid 5a is roughly U-shaped, with both ends connected to the top wall portion 21, while the receiving portion 26 of the second lid 5b is roughly square-shaped, with one side connected to the top wall portion 21. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19, when the lid 5 is in the closed position, the engagement hole 26a penetrates in the lateral width direction of the rear side wall portion 13b (the short-width direction of the container body 2, the extending direction of the lateral extension portion 42), and when the lid 5 is in the open position (the top wall portion 21 is in a position where it extends in a roughly vertical direction), it is configured to penetrate in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 14. Furthermore, the receiving portion 26 is provided so as to protrude downward from the portion of the lid 5 (top wall portion 21) that is located directly above the recessed portion 54 when the lid 5 is in the closed position, and when the lid 5 is in the closed position, the lower part of the receiving portion 26 is inserted into the recessed portion 54, as shown in Figure 19. Moreover, as shown in Figure 14, the receiving portion 26 of this embodiment is provided such that, in the longitudinal width direction of the lid 5, the end of the receiving portion 26 on the longitudinal width direction of the lid 5 is in approximately the same position as the lid-side shaft portion 23 provided on the back side wall portion 13b of the pair of lid-side shaft portions 23 provided on each lid 5, and is provided at a predetermined distance from the lid-side shaft portion 23 toward the open side edge of the lid 5.

[0054] As shown in Figure 19, when the lid 5 is in the closed position, the interlocking member 7 is located on the lower side of its range of motion, and the receiving portion 26 is relatively inserted between the first engaging portion 45 of the engaging portion 43 and the inclined portion 44. Also, when the lid 5 is in the closed position, the tip of the receiving portion 26 in the direction of protrusion from the top wall portion 21 (lower end, hereinafter also simply referred to as the "tip of the receiving portion 26 in the direction of protrusion") and the third engaging portion 47 of the engaging portion 43 are configured to be in substantially contact vertically. When the pedal 6's foot-pressing portion 61 is pressed (opening operation), an upward force is applied to the first lid 5a via the third engaging portion 47 against the tip of the receiving portion 26 in the direction of protrusion. As a result, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the first lid 5a rotates and displaces around the main body side shaft portion 16 and the lid side shaft portion 23 towards the open position. During the rotational displacement process, the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 is displaced relative to the inclined portion 44 between the first engaging portion 45 and the inclined portion 44, and comes into contact with the inclined portion 44 for a predetermined period of time, receiving an upward force from the inclined portion 44. After the predetermined period has elapsed, the portion (surface) of the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 on the connecting side of the lid 5 and the third engaging portion 47 come into contact vertically, and an upward force is applied to the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26, causing the first lid 5a to be displaced to the open position, as shown in Figure 15.

[0055] Furthermore, with respect to the second lid 5b, which engages with the engaging portion 43, the first engaging portion 45 is longer than the engaging portion 43 that engages with the receiving portion 26 of the first lid 5a. When the lid 5 is in the closed position, not only does the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 and the third engaging portion 47 of the engaging portion 43 come into approximate vertical contact, but the edge of the engagement hole 26a of the receiving portion 26 on the top wall portion 21 side and the second engaging portion 46 of the engaging portion 43 also come into approximate vertical contact. When the pedal 6's foot-operated portion 61 is pressed (opening operation), as shown in Figure 18, an upward force is applied to the receiving portion 26 of the second lid 5b via the third engaging portion 47 and the second engaging portion 46. As a result, the second lid 5b rotates and displaces around the main body side shaft portion 16 and the lid side shaft portion 23 towards the open position. During this rotational displacement, the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 is displaced relative to the inclined portion 44 between the first engaging portion 45 and the inclined portion 44, and during this time, the edge of the engaging hole 26a on the top wall portion 21 side and the second engaging portion 46 come into contact, and an upward force is applied to the receiving portion 26. Subsequently, the portion (surface) of the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 on the connecting side edge of the lid 5 and the third engaging portion 47 come into contact vertically, and an upward force is applied to the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26, causing the second lid 5b to be displaced to the open position as shown in Figure 15.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 14, and 15, when the first cover 5a and the second cover 5b are in the open position, the first engaging portion 45 of the engaging portion 43 is inserted through the engagement hole 26a that penetrates the receiving portion 26 of each cover 5 in the vertical direction. Also, when the first cover 5a and the second cover 5b are in the open position, the part (surface) of the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 on the connecting side of the cover 5 and the third engaging portion 47 are in approximate contact vertically. Furthermore, the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 (the part located between the first engaging portion 45 and the inclined portion 44) and the second engaging portion 46 are arranged facing each other vertically. As described above, the first engaging portion 45 of the engaging portion 43 on the second cover 5b side is longer than the first engaging portion 45 of the engaging portion 43 on the first cover 5a side, and the distance between the second engaging portion 46 of the engaging portion 43 on the second cover 5b side and the receiving portion 26 of the second cover 5b is longer than the distance between the second engaging portion 46 of the engaging portion 43 on the first cover 5a side and the receiving portion 26 of the first cover 5a (see Figure 15).

[0057] Then, when the pedal 6's foot-operated portion 61 is pressed down, causing the pair of lids 5 to be in the open position, an operation is performed to release the foot-operated portion 61 (closing operation), causing the second engaging portion 46 to be displaced relative to the receiving portion 26 (the surface of the protruding tip of the receiving portion 26 on the open side of the lid 5), and a downward force is applied. As a result, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the lid 5 rotates and displaces around the main body shaft portion 16 and the lid shaft portion 23 towards the closed position. The lid 5 is rotated and displaced to a certain extent towards the closed position by the second engaging portion 46, and thereafter it is displaced to the closed position by its own weight. Furthermore, when the pedal 6 is closed while the first lid 5a and the second lid 5b are in the open position, the second engaging portion 46 first contacts the receiving portion 26 of the first lid 5a, applying a downward force, and then the second engaging portion 46 contacts the receiving portion 26 of the second lid 5b, applying a downward force. As a result, as shown in Figure 16, the first lid 5a begins to displace towards the closed position first, followed by the second lid 5b, and the first lid 5a is set to the closed position first, followed by the second lid 5b. In this embodiment, the pair of lids 5 are set to the closed position so that the second overlapping portion 28 of the second lid 5b is superimposed on the first overlapping portion 27 of the first lid 5a, thereby closing the opening 4 of the container body 2 without any gaps.

[0058] Furthermore, of the receiving portion 26, the tip side portion that constitutes the protruding end of the receiving portion 26 is the part that receives force from the interlocking member 7 (engaging portion 43) in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the pedal 6. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the lid 5 is in the open position, the tip side portion is in approximate contact with the first engaging portion 45. Therefore, when the lid 5 is in the open position, for example, if the receiving portion 26 is displaced relative to the first engaging portion 45 to the side in the short-width direction of the container body 2 (so that the lid 5 in the open position opens further outward from the container body 2), the receiving portion 26 (tip side portion) will come into contact with the first engaging portion 45, and further relative displacement will be restricted.

[0059] Furthermore, when the lid 5 is in the open position, the receiving portion 26 has two sides: one located towards the center of the lid 5 in the longitudinal direction relative to the first engaging portion 45, and the other located towards the end of the lid 5 in the longitudinal direction relative to the first engaging portion 45. These sides are in approximate contact with the first engaging portion 45. Therefore, when the lid 5 is in the open position, if the receiving portion 26 is displaced relative to the first engaging portion 45 in the longitudinal direction of the lid 5 (the direction of the rotation axis of the lid 5), the receiving portion 26 (side side) will come into contact with the first engaging portion 45, restricting further relative displacement. As a result, the receiving portion 26 of the lid 5 and the engaging portion 43 of the interlocking member 7 are displaced relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the container 1, and the receiving portion 26's tip side is prevented from engaging with the engaging portion 43. In addition, this configuration prevents the lid-side shaft portion 23 from detaching from the main body-side shaft portion 16. In this embodiment, the regulating means is formed by the peripheral edge of the engagement hole 26a of the receiving portion 26 (particularly the side edge of the receiving portion 26).

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, when a force is applied directly toward the open position to the lid 5 in the closed position without operating the pedal 6 (by placing a hand on the lid 5 and displacing it), the receiving portion 26 (protruding tip and tip side) is displaced to a position where the engagement with the engaging portion 43 is released through the gap between the inclined portion 44 and the second engaging portion 46, making it possible to open the lid 5 without engaging the interlocking member 7. In other words, when the interlocking member 7 is located at the lower end of its range of motion, the engaging portion 43 is not on the trajectory of the receiving portion 26 of the lid 5 as it displaces between the closed and open positions.

[0061] In addition, as shown in Figure 6 and other figures, the portion of the frame wall portion 22 of the lid 5 that straddles the upper edge of the short-side wall portion 13 when the lid 5 is in the closed position has a shorter protruding length from the top wall portion 21 compared to the portion located above the overhang portion 14. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12 and 19, the upper edge of the central part in the extension direction of the lateral extension portion 42 of the interlocking member 7 is provided with a positioning recess 49 into which the lower edges of the frame wall portions 22 of the pair of lids 5 in the closed position are relatively inserted. This allows for positioning of the lid 5 in the closed position on the open side (restriction of relative displacement in the horizontal direction).

[0062] As shown in Figure 11, a roller 71 is rotatably mounted on the lower surface of the bottom wall component 11, near the rear side wall 13b. The lower surface of the bottom wall component 11 extends approximately horizontally over a relatively wide area including its central part, and the area where the roller 71 is provided is an inclined surface that slopes upward toward the rear side wall 13b. This allows the container 1 to be stably placed on a surface such as a floor, while tilting the container 1 toward the rear side wall 13b allows the roller 71 to make contact with the floor or other surface, enabling the container 1 to be moved relatively smoothly.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, etc., the container 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a bag-hanging member 72 for holding the upper part of a bag (garbage bag) that is attached to the inside of the container body 2. The bag-hanging member 72 is roughly rectangular in shape. In contrast, the container body 2 is provided with a bag-receiving portion 73 by forming a step that displaces the area near the upper part of each short-side side wall portion 13 toward the outside of the container body 2. Then, by fitting the bag-hanging member 72 into the opening 4 of the container body 2, the lower part of the bag-hanging member 72 is supported by the bag-receiving portion 73, and the bag-hanging member 72 is attached to the container body 2. Also, as shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position, the peripheral seal member 32 provided on the lower surface of the lid 5 abuts against the upper part of the side walls 12, 13 of the container body 2, and also abuts against the upper part of the bag-hanging member 72 (via the bag attached to the bag-hanging member 72). Here, even if there is a slight difference in height or gap between the upper edges of the side wall portions 12 and 13 and the upper edge of the bag-hanging member 72, the peripheral sealing member 32, due to its flexibility, is designed to fit snugly against both members.

[0064] As detailed above, according to this embodiment, the pair of lids 5 are provided with overlapping portions 27 and 28 that overlap each other vertically when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position. This prevents the formation of a gap that penetrates vertically between the pair of lids 5 in the closed position (the overlapping portion). Furthermore, by interposing the sealing member 31 between the overlapping portions 27 and 28 of the pair of lids 5 in the closed position, even the relatively small gap that would be formed between the overlapping portions 27 and 28 if they were simply overlapped can be sealed by the sealing member 31. Therefore, the airtightness of the container 1 when the lids 5 are in the closed position can be improved, and the environment inside the container 1 and the environment outside the container 1 can be used with greater distinction. For example, even when the lids 5 are in the closed position, it is possible to further suppress situations such as odors leaking out of the container 1 when an object that generates an odor is placed inside the container 1, pests entering the container 1, or the inside of the container 1 being visible from the outside. Furthermore, if, for example, liquid is spilled on the upper side of the lid 5 in the closed position (for example, if it rains when installed outdoors), it is possible to prevent the liquid from entering the container 1. Here, the sealing member 31 is made of polyethylene which is more flexible than the lid 5, and the sealing member 31 deforms to follow and fill even slight irregularities in the lid 5 (overlapping parts 27, 28). In addition, since the sealing member 31 is constructed separately from the lid 5, it is possible to install a shape that is more specialized in improving the airtightness of the container 1 than a shape that can be formed integrally with the lid 5 (without causing a decrease in productivity, etc.) (for example, a shape that has a wider surface area than the frame wall part 22 or rib part of the lid 5 and contacts the other side over a wider area) corresponding to the overlapping parts 27, 28. Moreover, if damage occurs in the sealing member 31 that causes gaps to form due to aging, etc., only the sealing member 31 can be replaced.

[0065] Furthermore, a pedal 6 and an interlocking member 7 are provided, and by operating the pedal 6 when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position, both of the pair of lids 5 can be moved to the open position, and by operating the pedal 6 when the pair of lids 5 are in the open position, both of the pair of lids 5 can be moved to the closed position. Thus, the workability when opening and closing the lids 5 can be improved. Moreover, when the pedal 6 is operated from the open position of the pair of lids 5, the first lid 5a is moved to the closed position first, followed by the second lid 5b. As a result, the first overlapping portion 27 of the first lid 5a is on the lower side, and the second overlapping portion 28 of the second lid 5b is on the upper side, so that the overlapping portions 27 and 28 of the pair of lids 5 are stacked in a predetermined upper and lower arrangement. This allows the overlapping portions 27 and 28 of the pair of lids 5 to be appropriately overlapped, thereby closing the opening 4 of the container body 2 to the desired state. Furthermore, even without providing a sealing member 31 on the upper side of the second overlapping portion 28 (the lower side of the first overlapping portion 27), for example (considering the case where the first lid 5a is on top and the second lid 5b is on the bottom), closing the pedal 6 to close the pair of lids 5 ensures that a sealing member 31 is always interposed between the overlapping portions 27 and 28 of the pair of lids 5.

[0066] In addition, when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position, the container 1 is equipped with a peripheral sealing member 32 interposed between the pair of lids 5 and the peripheral edge of the opening 4 of the container body 2. This improves the airtightness between the peripheral edge of the opening 4 of the container body 2 and the lids 5. Furthermore, the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 attached to the lower surface of the second lid 5b are integrally formed (connected to each other) and form a roughly rectangular shape overall. This allows the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 to be attached to and detached from the container 1 (second lid 5b) relatively easily. Moreover, it improves the airtightness of the area between the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32.

[0067] In addition, a substantially U-shaped peripheral sealing member 32 is provided on the lower surface of the first lid 5a, and when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position, the peripheral sealing members 32 of the pair of lids 5 cause the entire peripheral edge of the opening 4 of the container body 2 to come into contact with the peripheral sealing members 32. Therefore, when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position, as described above, the sealing member 31 is interposed between the overlapping portions 27 and 28 of the pair of lids 5 in the closed position, and the peripheral sealing member 32 is interposed between the entire peripheral edge of the opening 4 of the container body 2 and the pair of lids 5 in the closed position, thereby further improving the airtightness of the container 1 when the lids 5 are in the closed position. Furthermore, since the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are made of a more flexible material than the lid 5, when the lid 5 is closed, it is possible to suppress damage to the contact area or the generation of abnormal noises caused by the lid 5 coming into contact with the container body 2 or the lids 5 coming into contact with each other at the overlapping portions 27 and 28.

[0068] Furthermore, a receiving portion 53 is provided on the upper side of the protruding portion 14 corresponding to the rear side wall portion 13b, capable of receiving and supporting the laterally extended portion 42 of the interlocking member 7. The upper surface of the protruding portion 14 (the bottom surface of the receiving portion 53) is located below the upper edge of the rear side wall portion 13b. As a result, the interlocking member 7 can be positioned on the outer side of the rear side wall portion 13b, and the receiving portion 53 or the interlocking member 7 (laterally extended portion 42) received by the receiving portion 53 can prevent the airtight seal between the lid 5 in the closed position and the container body 2 from being obstructed (making it impossible to suitably bring the peripheral sealing member 32 into contact with the peripheral edge of the opening 4).

[0069] Furthermore, the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are equipped with a locking portion 35 that can be detachably locked to a locking portion 29 provided on the lid 5. Therefore, attaching and detaching the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 to the lid 5 (manufacturing of the container 1, replacement of the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32) can be made relatively easy.

[0070] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0071] (a) In the above embodiment, a pair of lids 5 are attached to a pair of opposing side edges of the opening 4, but for example, a pair of lids 5 may be attached side by side to one side edge of the opening 4, or a pair of lids 5 may be attached to side edges of the opening 4 that extend in mutually perpendicular directions. Alternatively, for example, the opening 4 of the container body 2 may be closed by three or more lids 5. If three or more lids 5 are provided, at least one pair of lids 5 should be configured to open and close in response to the operation of a common pedal 6 and to be equipped with a sealing member 31 that seals the space between the pair of lids 5 (with overlapping portions 27, 28) (a separate pedal may be provided alongside the pedal for opening and closing the pair of lids in order to open and close a lid other than the pair of lids). Furthermore, by using a pair of lids 5 to close the opening 4, the space required for rotating the lids 5 and the force required for pedal operation can be made relatively smaller compared to, for example, using a single lid, thereby shortening the time it takes to fully open the opening 4.

[0072] In addition, the shape of the lid 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the open side of the lid 5 may extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal width of the container 1 (a trapezoidal shape in plan view), or the open side of the lid 5 may be curved. Furthermore, the shape and size of the pair of lids 5 (top wall portion 21) in plan view do not have to be the same.

[0073] (b) In the above embodiment, the container 1 is configured to include a pedal 6 and an interlocking member 7, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the container may be configured to include a push latch mechanism (the push latch mechanism is a holding means that holds the lid in the closed position, and the part of the lid near the push latch mechanism is a release operation part that releases the lid from being held by the holding means based on the user's operation), and a biasing means that biases the lid towards the open position. It is also possible to have a configuration in which there is no interlocking member or biasing means (a configuration in which the lid 5 is opened and closed by directly placing one's hand on it).

[0074] (c) In the above embodiment, the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are made of polyethylene, but the material of the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. However, it is desirable to use a material that is more flexible than the lid 5 and that can easily deform to conform to the shape of the overlapping parts 27 and 28 and the peripheral part of the opening 4 of the container body 2 when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position. For example, the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 may be made of rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), polypropylene, silicone resin, elastomer, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, the term "flexible" in the above-mentioned flexible properties refers to a broader concept that includes, for example, being elastic, soft, pliable, easily bendable, easily flexible, stretchable, having low rigidity, and being thin (partially thin), and is referred to in this way.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are configured separately from the lid 5 and attached to the lid 5. However, the peripheral sealing member 32 may be attached to the container body 2, or the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 may be formed integrally with the lid 5 and the container body 2 (for example, by molding different materials). By making the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 separate from the lid 5 and the container body 2, it is possible to shape them to improve sealing performance in accordance with the shape of the overlapping portions 27 and 28 and the peripheral portion of the opening 4 of the container body 2. In this case, even if the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32 are made of a relatively hard material (same as the lid 5), such as polypropylene, the sealing performance of the container 1 can be improved by the sealing member 31 and the peripheral sealing member 32. In addition, the formation position, number, and shape of the locking portion 35 and the locked portion 29 are not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriate.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the sealing member 31 is provided on the second overlapping portion 28 on the lower side of the second lid 5b, but instead of this configuration, or in addition, it may be provided on the upper side of the first overlapping portion 27 of the first lid 5a. In particular, when the sealing member 31 is provided on the upper side of the first overlapping portion 27 and on the lower side of the second overlapping portion 28, the sealing members 31 will come into contact with each other, further enhancing the airtightness. Furthermore, the peripheral sealing member 32 is substantially U-shaped, and when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position, the peripheral sealing member 32 is configured to continuously come into contact with the peripheral edge of the opening 4 over its entire circumference, but it may also be configured to come into contact with only a portion of the peripheral edge of the opening 4 (it is also possible to provide it intermittently). In addition, although the sealing member 31 in the above embodiment is connected to the peripheral sealing member 32, it may be configured as a separate component. In addition, the lower surface of the first lid 5a may be configured to be fitted with the same type of seal member 31 and peripheral seal member 32 that are attached to the second lid 5b, which are integrated together (approximately rectangular in shape). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seal member 31 and peripheral seal member 32 may be provided with adhesive surfaces and configured to be attached to the target area.

[0078] (d) In the above embodiment, the first overlapping portion 27 is provided in a part located above the opening 4 when the first lid 5a is in the closed position, but it may also be provided over the entire open side of the first lid 5a. It is also possible to omit the first overlapping portion 27 (and by extension, the second overlapping portion 28). In this case, a sealing member may be provided that protrudes slightly from the open side (approximately the entire area) of at least one of the lids 5 and abuts against the open side of the opposite lid 5 (in the horizontal or vertical direction) when the pair of lids 5 are in the closed position. For example, the following modifications are described in (a) and (b). (a) A pair of lids are rotatably connected to opposing side edges of the opening of the container body, and at least one of the lids is provided with a sealing means along the open side opposite to the connecting side that is connected to the container body, and when the pair of lids is in the closed position, the sealing means provided on one lid may abut horizontally against the open side (all or part) of the other lid, or the sealing means provided on one lid may abut vertically against the open side (all or part) of the other lid. (b) A pair of lids are each provided with a sealing means, and when the pair of lids is in the closed position, the sealing means provided on one lid and the sealing means provided on the other lid may abut each other (horizontally or vertically). Even when this configuration is adopted, the airtightness of the container 1 when the lids 5 are in the closed position can be improved by interposing a sealing member between the open sides (or open sides) of the pair of lids 5 in the closed position. Furthermore, when the sealing member is configured to abut horizontally against the open side of the opposite lid 5 (positioning part or all of the sealing member between the open sides of the pair of lids 5 in the closed position), it is desirable that the sealing member be made of an elastic material.

[0079] (e) In the above embodiment, the container body 2 and the lid 5 are made of polypropylene, but are not limited to this configuration, and may be made of other resin materials such as polyethylene, PET, or polyamide. The shape and use of the container 1 are also not particularly limited, for example, the container body 2 (opening 4) may be configured to be approximately circular in plan view, and it can be used not only as a trash can but also as a storage box for tools and articles. In addition, instead of the lid 5 being directly attached to the container body 2, a lid unit may be provided which is attached to the container body 2 and has an opening into which objects can be inserted, and a pair of lids that are rotatably connected to the lid mounting frame and can open and close the opening, and thus the opening of the container body. Furthermore, the materials of the interlocking member 7 and the pedal 6 are also not particularly limited, for example, the interlocking member 7 may be made of metal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...Container, 2...Container body, 4...Opening, 5...Lid, 5a...First lid, 5b...Second lid, 6...Pedal, 7...Interlocking member, 12...Long side wall, 13...Short side wall, 13b...Back side wall, 14...Protruding part, 27...First overlapping part, 28...Second overlapping part, 29...Locking part, 31...Sealing member, 32...Peripheral sealing member, 35...Locking part, 53...Receiving part.

Claims

1. A box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upwards, A container comprising a plurality of lids attached to the container body so as to be rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, Of the plurality of covers, at least one pair of covers has an overlapping portion that overlaps the pair of covers in the vertical direction when the pair of covers is in the closed position. The container is provided with a sealing means interposed between the overlapping portion of one lid and the overlapping portion of the other lid when the pair of lids are in the closed position. The sealing means is a container that satisfies at least one of the following requirements (1) and (2). Requirement (1): It must have properties that are more flexible than the lid. Requirement (2): It shall be constructed as a separate component from the lid.

2. Equipped with operating means that can be operated by the user, When the pair of lids are in the open position, and a closing operation is performed on the operating means to displace the lids toward the closed position, both of the pair of lids are displaced toward the closed position. The pair of covers comprises a first cover configured to be placed in the closed position first when the closing operation is performed on the operating means while the pair of covers are in the open position, and a second cover configured to be placed in the closed position after the first cover has been placed in the closed position. When the pair of lids are in the open position, and the closing operation is performed on the operating means to bring the pair of lids to the closed position, the overlapping portion of the second lid is positioned above the overlapping portion of the first lid. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing means is provided on at least one of the upper surface of the first lid and the lower surface of the second lid.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the pair of lids are in the closed position, the container is provided with a peripheral sealing means interposed between the pair of lids and the peripheral edge of the opening of the container body.

4. The sealing means and the peripheral sealing means are configured separately from the lid and the container body. The container according to claim 3, characterized in that the lid on which the sealing means is provided is provided with the peripheral sealing means, and the peripheral sealing means is connected to the sealing means.

5. The pair of lids comprises a first lid and a second lid, and is configured such that both of the pair of lids can be placed in the closed position by overlapping the overlapping portion of the second lid on top of the overlapping portion of the first lid. On the lower surface of the second lid, the sealing means and the peripheral sealing means are provided so as a whole they form an annular shape when viewed from below. The container according to claim 4, characterized in that the peripheral sealing means is provided on the lower surface side of the first lid in a U-shape or annular shape when viewed from below.

6. The container body comprises a bottom wall component, side wall components extending upward from each side of the bottom wall component, and protruding components extending outward from the side wall components. The container is provided with an operating means that can be operated by the user, The system includes an interlocking member that interlocks the lid in response to the operation of the operating means, The protruding portion includes a receiving portion capable of receiving and supporting the upper part of the interlocking member, The container according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper end of the protruding portion is located below the upper end of the side wall portion.

7. The container according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing means includes a locking portion that is detachably locked to a locking portion provided on the container body or the lid.

8. A box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upwards, A container comprising a plurality of lids attached to the container body so as to be rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, At least one pair of the aforementioned lids is rotatably connected to the opening of the container body, corresponding to opposing side edges. At least one of the pair of lids is provided with a sealing means along the open side opposite to the connecting side that is connected to the container body, When the pair of lids are in the closed position, the sealing means provided on one of the lids is configured to contact the open side of the other lid. The sealing means is a container that satisfies at least one of the following requirements (1) and (2). Requirement (1): It must have properties that are more flexible than the lid. Requirement (2): It shall be constructed as a separate component from the lid.

9. A box-shaped container body having an opening that opens upwards, A container comprising a plurality of lids attached to the container body so as to be rotatable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening, Each of the pair of covers is equipped with a sealing means, When the pair of lids are in the closed position, the sealing means provided on one of the pair of lids and the sealing means provided on the other lid are configured to come into contact with each other. The sealing means is a container that satisfies at least one of the following requirements (1) and (2). Requirement (1): It must have properties that are more flexible than the lid. Requirement (2): It shall be constructed as a separate component from the lid.

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