Transport containers

Abstract

This prevents egg fragments and liquids from falling into lower transport containers when transporting poultry such as chickens in stacked transport containers. [Solution] The transport container is a transport container for transporting poultry and comprises a container body 3 having a bottom 1 and a lid 5. The bottom 1 has a large number of elongated bottom ventilation holes 12 that are positioned parallel to each other. The lid 5 has a large number of elongated lid ventilation holes 52 that are positioned parallel to each other. The longitudinal directions of the bottom ventilation holes 12 and the longitudinal directions of the lid ventilation holes 52 are different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Transport containers used for transporting livestock products are conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of transport container includes a container body and a lid attached so as to cover the opening thereof. It is common for a large number of through-holes to be provided in the container body and the lid for the purpose of ensuring breathability and weight reduction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional transport container, when transporting poultry such as chickens in a stacked transport container, the poultry may lay eggs, and when the eggs are crushed during transportation, eggshell fragments, liquids such as egg white and egg yolk may fall into the lower transport container.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a transport container capable of suppressing egg fragments and liquids from falling into the lower transport container when transporting poultry such as chickens in a stacked transport container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A transport container according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a transport container for transporting poultry, comprising a container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, and a lid that is placed over the peripheral wall from above. The bottom has a number of elongated bottom ventilation holes arranged parallel to each other. The lid has a number of elongated lid ventilation holes arranged parallel to each other. The longitudinal directions of the bottom ventilation holes and the longitudinal directions of the lid ventilation holes are different from each other.

[0007] A transport container according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a transport container for transporting poultry, comprising a container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, and a lid that is placed over the peripheral wall from above. The bottom has a number of elongated bottom ventilation holes arranged parallel to each other. The lid has a number of elongated lid ventilation holes arranged parallel to each other. The longitudinal direction of the bottom ventilation holes and the longitudinal direction of the lid ventilation holes are the same. When the bottom of the container body is placed on the lid, at least a portion of the bottom ventilation holes overlaps vertically with the portion of the lid excluding the lid ventilation holes, and at least a portion of the lid ventilation holes overlaps vertically with the portion of the bottom excluding the bottom ventilation holes.

[0008] A transport container according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a transport container for transporting poultry, comprising a container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, and a lid that is placed over the peripheral wall from above. The bottom has a number of circular or square bottom ventilation holes. The lid has a number of circular or square lid ventilation holes. When the bottom of the container body is placed on the lid, at least a portion of the bottom ventilation holes overlaps vertically with the portion of the lid excluding the lid ventilation holes, and at least a portion of the lid ventilation holes overlaps vertically with the portion of the bottom excluding the bottom ventilation holes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure has the effect of preventing egg fragments and liquids from falling into lower transport containers when transporting poultry such as chickens in stacked transport containers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the transport container according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the container body of the transport container described above. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the lid of the transport container described above. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the CC line. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the lid of the lower transport container and the container body of the upper transport container when the transport containers shown above are stacked. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the same positional relationship. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the DD line. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the EE line. [Figure 11] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the main part. [Figure 12] This is a plan view of the main parts showing the positional relationship between the lid of the lower transport container and the container body of the upper transport container when the transport containers of Embodiment 2 are stacked. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of the main parts showing the positional relationship between the lid of the lower transport container and the container body of the upper transport container when the transport containers of Embodiment 3 are stacked. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of the main parts showing the positional relationship between the lid of the lower transport container and the container body of the upper transport container when the transport containers of Embodiment 4 are stacked. [Figure 15] This is a plan view of the main parts showing the positional relationship between the lid of the lower transport container and the container body of the upper transport container when the transport containers of Embodiment 5 are stacked. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 shows the transport container of Embodiment 1. The transport container of Embodiment 1 is a container for transporting poultry, and includes a container body 3 shown in Figures 2 - 4, and a lid portion 5 shown in Figures 5 and 6. Here, the poultry is, for example, a chicken, but it is also possible to transport other types of birds such as ducks, geese, and quails.

[0012] (Container Body) As shown in Figures 1 - 4, the container body 3 integrally includes a bottom portion 1 made of synthetic resin and a peripheral wall portion 2 made of synthetic resin. The term "many" used in this text merely means a relatively large number among a plurality, and includes cases such as five or more, six or more.

[0013] (Bottom) First, the bottom portion 1 will be described.

[0014] The bottom portion 1 has a rectangular outer shape in a plan view (see Figure 2 etc.). The bottom portion 1 includes a footrest portion 15 provided for the poultry to place its feet on, and an egg collection portion 17 located so as to surround the footrest portion 15.

[0015] The footrest portion 15 is a portion having a rectangular outer shape in a plan view, and is gently curved so as to be convex upward as a whole (see Figures 3 and 4). The central portion 151 of the footrest portion 15 is the highest portion of the footrest portion 15, and the periphery of the footrest portion 15 is the lowest portion of the footrest portion 15. The upper surface of the footrest portion 15 slopes downward from the central portion 151 towards the periphery.

[0016] The slope of the upper surface of the footrest portion 15 is set such that the slope of the portion closer to the periphery is greater than the slope of the portion closer to the central portion 151, but it is also preferable that it slopes uniformly from the central portion 151 towards the periphery.

[0017] The egg-collecting section 17 has a rectangular annular shape in plan view and is curved so as a whole it is convex downwards. In other words, the egg-collecting section 17, which is provided on the outer circumference of the footrest section 15 to collect poultry eggs, is made up of a rectangular annular groove 18 in plan view, provided on the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the bottom section 1. Using the boundary between the footrest section 15 and the egg-collecting section 17 as a reference, the dimension by which the egg-collecting section 17 is recessed downwards is set to be larger than the dimension by which the footrest section 15 is raised upwards.

[0018] A corner 16 is formed at the boundary between the footrest portion 15 and the egg collection portion 17. The corner 16 has the function of preventing eggs from flying out of the egg collection portion 17 due to vibrations during transport. The corner 16 is curved in a circular arc shape in cross-section so as to smoothly connect the footrest portion 15 and the egg collection portion 17. Here, the cross-section refers to the vertical cross-section.

[0019] The egg-collecting section 17 has a rectangular annular bottom wall 171 in plan view, an inner wall 173 located on the inner circumference of the bottom wall 171, and an outer wall 175 located on the outer circumference of the bottom wall 171. The inner wall 173 has an outer shape that is slightly smaller than the bottom wall 171 in plan view, and the outer wall 175 has an outer shape that is slightly larger than the bottom wall 171 in plan view. The bottom wall 171, the inner wall 173, and the outer wall 175 are smoothly connected.

[0020] The bottom wall 171 has a rectangular, annular, flat top surface. Here, "flat" is not limited to perfectly flat, but also includes a nearly flat surface. The dimensions and shape of the top surface of the bottom wall 171 are set to allow the eggs of the poultry being transported to rest stably on it.

[0021] The inner wall 173 is rectangular and annular in shape, and has a concave curved upper surface. The upper surface of the inner wall 173 is the surface facing the storage space of the container body 3, and is curved so that the slope gradually becomes gentler as it approaches the bottom wall 171.

[0022] The outer wall 175 is rectangular and annular in shape, and has a concave curved upper surface. The upper surface of the outer wall 175 is the surface facing the storage space of the container body 3, and is curved so that the slope gradually becomes gentler as it approaches the bottom wall 171.

[0023] Both the inner wall 173 and the outer wall 175 are curved in a circular arc shape in cross-section, but the radius of curvature of the inner wall 173 is set to be larger than that of the outer wall 175. In other words, the inner wall 173 is curved more gently than the outer wall 175.

[0024] The radii of curvature in the vertical cross-sections of the inner wall 173 and the outer wall 175 are set to be larger than the radius of curvature of the corner 16. In other words, the inner wall 173 and the outer wall 175 are curved more gently than the corner 16.

[0025] The egg-collecting portion 17 described above can be divided into two regions 17a and 17b located on the shorter side of the base 1, and two regions 17c and 17d located on the longer side of the base 1. The regions 17a and 17b on the shorter side of the egg-collecting portion 17 are rectangular regions that are parallel to each other in a plan view. The regions 17c and 17d on the longer side of the egg-collecting portion 17 are rectangular regions that are parallel to each other in a plan view. The longitudinal directions of the regions 17a and 17b on the shorter side and the longitudinal directions of the regions 17c and 17d on the longer side are orthogonal to each other. The term "orthogonal" as used in this text is not limited to perfectly orthogonal, but also includes cases where they are approximately orthogonal.

[0026] The footrest portion 15 described above can be divided into two regions 15a and 15b on the shorter side and two regions 15c and 15d on the longer side. These four regions 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d correspond one-to-one with the four regions 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d of the egg-collecting portion 17.

[0027] The upper surfaces of the two shorter regions 15a and 15b of the footrest section 15 slope downward from the central section 151 towards the shorter regions 17a and 17b of the egg-collecting section 17. The upper surfaces of the two longer regions 15c and 15d of the footrest section 15 slope downward from the central section 151 towards the longer regions 17c and 17d of the egg-collecting section 17. The slope of the two shorter regions 15a and 15b is gentler than the slope of the two longer regions 15c and 15d.

[0028] Furthermore, the bottom portion 1 is provided with numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 and support legs 13.

[0029] The numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 include numerous elongated bottom ventilation holes 12a formed in the footrest portion 15 and numerous elongated bottom ventilation holes 12b formed in the egg collection portion 17. These numerous bottom ventilation holes 12a and 12b are arranged parallel to each other. In other words, the longitudinal directions of these numerous bottom ventilation holes 12a and 12b are the same.

[0030] The numerous bottom ventilation holes 12a of the footrest portion 15 are formed in a matrix pattern, spaced apart from each other. The numerous bottom ventilation holes 12b of the egg collection portion 17 are distributed across each of the four regions 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d. The density of the bottom ventilation holes 12b in the egg collection portion 17 is set to be greater than the density of the bottom ventilation holes 12a in the footrest portion 15.

[0031] The support leg portion 13 includes an inner circumferential support leg 131 and an outer circumferential support leg 133 that protrude downward from the egg-collecting portion 17 (see Figures 3 and 4). The inner circumferential support leg 131 is a rib-shaped support leg that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the inner circumferential portion of the rectangular annular base wall 171. The outer circumferential support leg 133 is a rib-shaped support leg that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the outer circumferential portion of the base wall 171, which is rectangular in plan view. The inner circumferential support leg 131 is a rectangular annular rib, and the outer circumferential support leg 133 is a rectangular annular rib that is slightly larger than the inner circumferential support leg 131.

[0032] (peripheral wall) The peripheral wall portion 2 has the following configuration.

[0033] The peripheral wall portion 2 is a peripheral wall that extends upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 1. The peripheral wall portion 2 extends from the outer wall 175 of the egg collection portion 17 in a slightly inclined position, with the upper portion moving further away from each other. A flange portion 21 on which the lid portion 5 can be placed is provided around the entire circumference of the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 2.

[0034] The peripheral wall portion 2 can be divided into two side walls on the short side and two side walls on the long side. In the peripheral wall portion 2, the two side walls on the short side and the two side walls on the long side are continuous in a ring shape in the circumferential direction.

[0035] In the peripheral wall portion 2, numerous peripheral wall ventilation holes 22 are provided distributed between the two side walls on the short side and the two side walls on the long side. These numerous peripheral wall ventilation holes 22 are elongated ventilation holes with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0036] (Lid) Next, we will explain the lid portion 5.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the lid portion 5 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The lid portion 5 is slightly larger than the bottom portion 1 of the container body 3 and larger than the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 2.

[0038] The lid portion 5 comprises a synthetic resin lid body portion 51 having a rectangular opening 510 in the central part, a synthetic resin inner lid 55 attached to the lid body portion 51, and a synthetic resin lid flange portion 56 integrally provided on the outer edge of the lid body portion 51.

[0039] The lid portion 5 has numerous lid ventilation holes 52 formed through it. The numerous lid ventilation holes 52 are distributed between the lid body portion 51 and the inner lid 55. In other words, the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 include numerous lid ventilation holes 52a arranged in the lid body portion 51 and numerous lid ventilation holes 52b arranged in the inner lid 55.

[0040] The lid body portion 51 includes a flat plate portion 53 with numerous elongated lid ventilation holes 52a formed therein, and a rib structure 54 that rises upward from a part of the flat plate portion 53. The rib structure 54 is composed of a plurality of intersecting ribs 541 in a grid pattern. The plurality of ribs 541 are a plurality of ribs 541a that extend along the long side of the lid portion 5 and a plurality of ribs 541b that extend along the short side of the lid portion 5. Each rib 541 has a U-shaped cross-section that is open downwards.

[0041] The flat plate portion 53 is divided into multiple rectangular regions 531 by a grid-like rib structure 54. Numerous lid ventilation holes 52a are distributed among the multiple regions 531. Multiple lid ventilation holes 52a are provided in each region 531.

[0042] The numerous vents 52a in the lid are arranged parallel to each other. In other words, the longitudinal direction of these numerous vents 52a in the lid is the same as that of each other.

[0043] The longitudinal direction of each lid ventilation hole 52a is parallel to the short side of the lid 5. Each lid ventilation hole 52a is located parallel to the short side of the lid 5.

[0044] An inner lid 55 is positioned in the opening 510 of the lid body 51 to close the opening 510. The inner lid 55 integrally comprises a rectangular inner lid body 551, a support shaft 553 that rotatably connects the inner lid body 551 to the lid body 51, and a handle 555 used when opening and closing the inner lid 55. The handle 555 is a long, flat member that extends along the short side of the lid 5. On both sides of the handle 555 in the longitudinal direction of the lid 5, there are elongated openings 558 in the short direction of the lid 5. Each opening 558 is large enough to insert a finger and has a larger opening area than the opening area of ​​each lid ventilation hole 52a, 52b.

[0045] The upper surface of the handle portion 555 is provided with multiple ribs 556 to enhance the grip of the handle portion 555. The multiple ribs 556 consist of multiple parallel ribs formed to extend along the long side of the lid portion 5. In each rib 556, both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lid portion 5 protrude toward the opening 558 more than the rest of the handle portion 555. As a result, the side of the handle portion 555 facing the opening 558 has a wave-like uneven shape that enhances the grip.

[0046] The numerous elongated vent holes 52b formed in the inner lid 55 are arranged parallel to each other on the inner lid 55, and are also arranged parallel to each other with respect to the numerous elongated vent holes 52a formed in the lid body 51. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the numerous vent holes 52(52a, 52b) formed in the lid 5 is parallel to the short side of the lid 5.

[0047] The lid flange portion 56 integrally comprises a rectangular annular flat flange piece 561 positioned higher than the lid body portion 51 (i.e., higher than the flat plate portion 53 and the rib structure 54), and a hanging piece 563 extending downward from the entire circumference of the outer edge of the flange piece 561. The four corner portions included in the flange piece 561 are all arc-shaped.

[0048] The lid flange portion 56 further includes locking pieces 565 integrally provided at each corner of the flange piece 561, and a plurality of projections 567. The locking pieces 565 are arc-shaped ribs erected upward from the inner peripheral edge of each corner of the flange piece 561.

[0049] The multiple protrusions 567 include protrusions 567a located on the outer circumference of the central portion of the locking piece 565 and protrusions 567b located on the outer circumference of both ends of the locking piece 565. The protrusions 567a located in the circumferential center of each corner portion of the flange piece 561 are integrally connected to the central portion of the locking piece 565. The protrusions 567b located at both ends of each corner portion of the flange piece 561 are integrally connected to both ends of the locking piece 565.

[0050] The central projection 567a is made up of a triangular rib with an inclined upper surface that is higher in the portion closer to the locking piece 565. The projections 567b at both ends are made up of convex ribs with a U-shaped cross-section that are inclined upper surfaces that are higher in the portion closer to the locking piece 565.

[0051] The width of the projections 567b at both ends of the flange piece 561 in the circumferential direction is larger than the width of the central projection 567a. The upper surfaces of the projections 567b at both ends are rectangular planes, while the upper surface of the central projection 567a is a long, narrow straight line. It is also possible to set the width of the central projection 567a to be larger and to form its upper surface as a rectangular plane.

[0052] Furthermore, the projections 567b at both ends are formed over the entire radial area of ​​each corner portion of the flange piece 561, whereas the central projection 567a is formed only on the radially inner portion.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, when the lid 5 is placed over the container body 3, the lid flange 56, which forms the outer edge of the lid 5, is detachably placed on the flange 21, which forms the upper end of the peripheral wall 2. Poultry such as chickens are transported with their feet on the footrest portion 15, which forms the central part of the bottom 1 of the container body 3. If the poultry lays an egg during transport, the egg will roll due to the inclination of the footrest portion 15 to the egg collection portion 17, which forms the outer edge of the bottom 1, and will be stably held in the egg collection portion 17.

[0054] Therefore, with the transport container of Embodiment 1, it is possible to prevent poultry from stepping on and crushing the eggs during transport, and to effectively suppress eggshell fragments and liquid from falling to the bottom.

[0055] (Stacked) Next, we will describe the state in which the transport containers of Embodiment 1 are stacked vertically.

[0056] In the configuration of the first embodiment, where the transport containers are stacked vertically, as shown in Figures 7-11, the container body 3 of the upper transport container is placed on top of the lid 5 of the lower transport container.

[0057] At this time, the rib-shaped support legs 131 and 133 that protrude from the bottom surface of the bottom 1 of the container body 3 are placed on the upper surface of the rib structure 54 provided on the lid 5 (see Figure 9).

[0058] The lid flange portion 56, which forms the outer peripheral edge of the lid portion 5, is positioned higher than the rib structure 54. Furthermore, the inner peripheral edges of the four corner portions of the lid flange portion 56 are provided with locking pieces 565 that are one level higher than the others. As a result, horizontal displacement of the container body 3 of the upper transport container relative to the lid portion 5 of the lower transport container is effectively suppressed by the lid flange portion 56 (especially the locking pieces 565 at the four corner portions).

[0059] Furthermore, the lid portion 5 of the lower transport container has four corner sections, each with multiple protrusions 567 positioned at circumferential distances from one another. Each protrusion 567 has an inclined upper surface that is higher towards the inner circumference, allowing the upper surface of each protrusion 567 to be used as a sliding surface for efficient stacking.

[0060] In addition, in the transport container of Embodiment 1, the longitudinal direction of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 in the bottom 1 of the container body 3 and the longitudinal direction of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 in the lid 5 are arranged to be different from each other.

[0061] Specifically, the longitudinal direction of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 is parallel to the long side of the bottom 1, while the longitudinal direction of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 is parallel to the short side of the lid 5. The long and short sides of the bottom 1 are perpendicular to each other, and the long and short sides of the lid 5 are perpendicular to each other.

[0062] With the container body 3 placed on the lid 5, the long sides of the bottom 1 and the lid 5 are parallel to each other, and the short sides of the bottom 1 and the lid 5 are parallel to each other. In the transport container of Embodiment 1, the longitudinal directions of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 and the longitudinal directions of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 are perpendicular to each other.

[0063] Therefore, as shown in Figures 8 and 11, when the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is placed on top of the lid 5 (i.e., when the transport containers of Embodiment 1 are stacked in multiple layers), at least a portion of each bottom ventilation hole 12 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5 below it, excluding the lid ventilation holes 52. The numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 include multiple bottom ventilation holes 12 that overlap only a portion of the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5, and multiple bottom ventilation holes 12 that overlap the entire non-penetrating portion of the lid 5.

[0064] Similarly, at least a portion of each lid vent 52 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1 above it, excluding the bottom vent 12. The numerous lid vents 52 include multiple lid vents 52 that partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1, and multiple lid vents 52 that completely overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1.

[0065] As a result, when the transport containers of Embodiment 1 are stacked in multiple layers, the ratio of openings on the top and bottom of the transport containers becomes lower than the ratio of openings on the sides. The ratio of openings on the top and bottom of the transport containers is preferably set within the range of 0 to 20%, and more preferably within the range of 0 to 9%.

[0066] The top and bottom opening ratio of the transport container here refers to the opening ratio when the lid 5 and bottom 1 are stacked vertically, that is, the opening ratio of the portions of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 in the lid 5 and numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 in the bottom 1 that cross and communicate vertically in a plan view. The side opening ratio of the transport container refers to the opening ratio of the numerous peripheral wall ventilation holes 22 in the peripheral wall 2.

[0067] Therefore, with the transport container of Embodiment 1, even if poultry crushes eggs by stepping on them while they are being transported in a stacked state, the eggshell fragments and liquid falling into the lower transport container is effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the droppings of poultry being transported in a stacked state falling into the lower transport container are also effectively suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, the relationship between the longitudinal directions of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 and the longitudinal directions of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 is not limited to being orthogonal to each other; similar effects can be obtained if they are in a different relationship (in other words, not identical to each other).

[0069] Although there is a concern that ventilation may be reduced when stacked due to the difference in the longitudinal direction of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 and the numerous lid ventilation holes 52, in the transport container of Embodiment 1, when stacked vertically, multiple spaces 4 are formed between the lid 5 of the lower transport container and the bottom 1 of the container body 3 of the upper transport container (see Figure 10).

[0070] Multiple spaces 4 are formed one-to-one above multiple regions 531 included in the flat plate portion 53 of the lid portion 5. As described above, in the stacked state of the transport containers of Embodiment 1, the bottom portion 1 of the container body 3 rests on the upper surface of the rib structure 54 which is located higher than the flat plate portion 53. Therefore, multiple spaces 4 are secured between the flat plate portion 53 of the lower lid portion 5 and the bottom portion 1 of the upper container body 3. The presence of these spaces 4 prevents obstruction of the airflow of each lid ventilation hole 52 in the flat plate portion 53, and also prevents obstruction of the airflow of each bottom ventilation hole 12 in the bottom portion 1.

[0071] [Embodiment 2] The transport container of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 12. The configuration of the transport container of Embodiment 2 that is the same as that of the transport container of Embodiment 1 will not be described, and the configuration that differs from that of the transport container of Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0072] In the transport container of Embodiment 2, the longitudinal direction of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 in the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is parallel to the long side of the bottom 1, and the longitudinal direction of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 is parallel to the long side of the lid 5.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, when the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is placed on top of the lid 5, the longitudinal direction of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 and the longitudinal direction of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 are the same.

[0074] In the transport container of Embodiment 2, when the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is placed on top of the lid 5 to create a multi-layered stack, the relative positional relationship between the bottom vents 12 and the lid vents 52 is set such that at least a portion of each bottom vent 12 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5 below it, excluding the lid vents 52, and at least a portion of each lid vent 52 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1 above it, excluding the bottom vents 12.

[0075] All of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5, or some groups of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5, while other groups of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to completely overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5.

[0076] Similarly, all of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1, or some groups of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1, while other groups of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may be provided so as to completely overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1.

[0077] In the transport container of Embodiment 2, it is also possible to suppress the poultry from stepping on the eggs during transport, and even if the eggs are crushed, it is effectively suppressed that eggshell fragments and liquid fall into the transport container below. Furthermore, it is also effectively suppressed that poultry droppings fall into the transport container below.

[0078] [Embodiment 3] The transport container of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 13. The configuration of the transport container of Embodiment 3 that is the same as that of the transport container of Embodiment 2 will not be described, and the configuration that differs from that of the transport container of Embodiment 2 will be described below.

[0079] In the transport container of Embodiment 3, similar to the transport container of Embodiment 2, the longitudinal direction of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 in the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is parallel to the long side of the bottom 1, and the longitudinal direction of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 is parallel to the long side of the lid 5. When the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is placed on the lid 5, the longitudinal direction of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 and the longitudinal direction of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 are the same.

[0080] In the transport container of Embodiment 3, when the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is placed on top of the lid 5 to create a multi-layered stack, the relative positional relationship between the bottom vents 12 and the lid vents 52 is set such that all of the bottom vents 12 overlap vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5 below it, excluding the lid vents 52, and all of the lid vents 52 overlap vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1 above it, excluding the bottom vents 12. In a plan view, the bottom vents 12 and the lid vents 52 are positioned alternately so that there are no overlapping portions between them.

[0081] In addition, in the transport container of Embodiment 3, all of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5, or some groups of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5, while other groups of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to completely overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5.

[0082] Similarly, all of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1, or some groups of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1, while other groups of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may be provided so as to completely overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1.

[0083] In the transport container of Embodiment 3, it is possible to prevent poultry from stepping on the eggs during transport, and even if the eggs are crushed, it is effectively prevented from eggshell fragments and liquid falling into the transport container below. Furthermore, it is also effectively prevented from poultry droppings falling into the transport container below.

[0084] [Embodiment 4] The transport container of Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 14. The configuration of the transport container of Embodiment 4 that is the same as that of the transport container of Embodiment 1 will not be described, and the configuration that differs from that of the transport container of Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0085] In the transport container of Embodiment 4, the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 in the bottom 1 of the container body 3 and the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 in the lid 5 are all perfectly circular through holes.

[0086] In the transport container of Embodiment 4, when the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is placed on top of the lid 5 to create a multi-layer stack, the relative positions of the bottom vents 12 and the lid vents 52 are set such that at least a portion of each bottom vent 12 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5 below it, excluding the lid vents 52, and at least a portion of each lid vent 52 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1 above it, excluding the bottom vents 12.

[0087] All of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5, or some groups of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5, while other groups of the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 may be provided so as to completely overlap the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5.

[0088] Similarly, all of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may be provided so as to partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1, or some groups of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may partially overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1, while other groups of the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 may be provided so as to completely overlap the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1.

[0089] In the transport container of Embodiment 4, it is also possible to suppress the poultry from stepping on the eggs during transport, and even if the eggs are crushed, it is effectively prevented from eggshell fragments and liquid falling into the transport container below. Furthermore, it is also effectively prevented from poultry droppings falling into the transport container below.

[0090] [Embodiment 5] The transport container of Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 15. The configuration of the transport container of Embodiment 5 that is the same as that of the transport container of Embodiment 4 will not be described, and the configuration that differs from that of the transport container of Embodiment 4 will be described below.

[0091] In the transport container of Embodiment 5, the numerous bottom ventilation holes 12 in the bottom 1 of the container body 3 and the numerous lid ventilation holes 52 in the lid 5 are all square-shaped through holes. Here, "square-shaped" is not limited to perfectly square shapes, but also includes cases where the shape is approximately square.

[0092] In the transport container of Embodiment 5, similar to the transport container of Embodiment 4, when the bottom 1 of the container body 3 is placed on top of the lid 5 and stacked in multiple layers, the relative positions of the bottom vents 12 and the lid vents 52 are set such that at least a portion of each bottom vent 12 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the lid 5 below it, excluding the lid vents 52, and at least a portion of each lid vent 52 overlaps vertically with the non-penetrating portion of the bottom 1 above it, excluding the bottom vents 12.

[0093] In the transport container of Embodiment 5, it is also possible to suppress the poultry from stepping on the eggs during transport, and even if the eggs are crushed, it is effectively suppressed that eggshell fragments and liquid fall into the transport container below. Furthermore, it is also effectively suppressed that poultry droppings fall into the transport container below.

[0094] [Differentiation] In the transport containers of each embodiment described above, the footrest portion 15 includes regions 15a and 15b that slope downward toward the respective short-side regions 17a and 17b of the egg-collecting portion 17, and regions 15c and 15d that slope downward toward the respective long-side regions 17c and 17d of the egg-collecting portion 17 (see Figure 2, etc.). However, the entire portion may be sloped toward only one of these four regions 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d of the egg-collecting portion 17, or it may be provided to be sloped toward only two or three of these four regions 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d of the egg-collecting portion 17.

[0095] The inclination of the footrest portion 15 only needs to be inclined as a whole toward the egg-collecting portion 17, and may, for example, be formed in a stepped shape that descends in stages. If the upper surface of the footrest portion 15 is stepped, then the footrest portion 15 can be said to be inclined as a whole toward the egg-collecting portion 17 if the hypothetical surface including the protruding angles of each step is inclined.

[0096] Furthermore, the incline of the footrest portion 15 may change discontinuously as it approaches the egg-collecting portion 17. For example, a relatively gentle incline and a relatively steep incline may alternate as it approaches the egg-collecting portion 17.

[0097] Furthermore, the bottom wall 171 of the egg-collecting section 17 may have a slope in the circumferential direction. For example, if the surrounding portion of the bottom wall 171, which is rectangular in shape in plan view, slopes downward toward each of its four corners, eggs can be collected in the four corners of the bottom wall 171. Also, if the entire bottom wall 171 slopes downward toward one of its four corners, eggs can be collected in that one corner. If a portion of the bottom wall 171 slopes downward toward one of its four corners, and another portion slopes downward toward another, eggs can be collected in two corners. If a portion of the bottom wall 171 slopes downward toward one of its four corners, another portion slopes downward toward another, and yet another portion slopes downward toward yet another, eggs can be collected in three corners.

[0098] Furthermore, in the transport containers of each embodiment described above, it is also possible to provide ribs or a wave-like shape to the grooves 18 that constitute the egg collection section 17 to restrict the movement of eggs on the grooves 18. By providing ribs or a wave-like shape to the grooves 18 to restrict the movement of eggs, the speed at which eggs move on the grooves 18 is slowed down, which reduces the likelihood of multiple eggs colliding on the grooves 18 during transport, and even if collisions do occur, the eggs are less likely to break.

[0099] Furthermore, in the transport containers of each embodiment described above, the longitudinal direction of each bottom ventilation hole 12 is parallel to the long side of the bottom 1, so that when an egg rolls toward the short side of the bottom 1, it is less likely to get caught in the bottom ventilation hole 12 compared to when an egg rolls toward the long side of the bottom 1. However, it is also possible to set the longitudinal direction of each bottom ventilation hole 12 to be parallel to the short side of the bottom 1. In this case, when an egg rolls toward the long side of the bottom 1, it is less likely to get caught in the bottom ventilation hole 12 compared to when an egg rolls toward the short side of the bottom 1.

[0100] Furthermore, in the transport containers of each embodiment described above, the upper end of the inner wall 173 of the egg collection portion 17 is not vertical but slightly inclined inward, but the upper end may be formed vertically.

[0101] Furthermore, in the transport containers of each embodiment described above, the inner lid 55 is a rotatable type that is rotatably connected to the lid body 51, but a sliding type that is slidably connected to the lid body 51 may also be adopted.

[0102] [Effects and Effects] As described based on the embodiments and modifications described above, the transport container according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a transport container for transporting poultry, comprising a container body 3 having a bottom portion 1 and a peripheral wall portion 2, and a lid portion 5 that is placed over the peripheral wall portion 2 from above. The bottom portion 1 has a number of elongated bottom ventilation holes 12 that are positioned parallel to each other. The lid portion 5 has a number of elongated lid ventilation holes 52 that are positioned parallel to each other. The longitudinal directions of the bottom ventilation holes 12 and the longitudinal directions of the lid ventilation holes 52 are different from each other.

[0103] According to the first embodiment of the transport container, when stacking transport containers, the area in which the bottom ventilation holes 12 and the lid ventilation holes 52 communicate vertically can be reduced when the bottom 1 of the container body 3 of the upper transport container is placed on top of the lid 5 of the lower transport container. Therefore, even if poultry crush the eggs during transport, fragments of eggshells and liquids will not fall into the lower transport container through the bottom ventilation holes 12 and the lid ventilation holes 52, and feces will not fall into the lower transport container.

[0104] Furthermore, a transport container according to a second aspect of this disclosure is a transport container for transporting poultry, comprising a container body 3 having a bottom portion 1 and a peripheral wall portion 2, and a lid portion 5 that is placed over the peripheral wall portion 2 from above. The bottom portion 1 has a large number of elongated bottom ventilation holes 12 positioned parallel to each other. The lid portion 5 has a large number of elongated lid ventilation holes 52 positioned parallel to each other. The longitudinal direction of the bottom ventilation holes 12 and the longitudinal direction of the lid ventilation holes 52 are the same. When the bottom portion 1 of the container body 3 is placed on the lid portion 5, at least a portion of the bottom ventilation holes 12 overlaps vertically with the portion of the lid portion 5 excluding the lid ventilation holes 52, and at least a portion of the lid ventilation holes 52 overlaps vertically with the portion of the bottom portion 1 excluding the bottom ventilation holes 12.

[0105] According to the transport container of the second embodiment, when stacking transport containers, if the bottom 1 of the container body 3 of the upper transport container is placed on top of the lid 5 of the lower transport container, the area in which the bottom ventilation holes 12 and the lid ventilation holes 52 communicate vertically can be reduced. Therefore, even if poultry crush the eggs during transport, fragments of eggshells and liquid will not fall into the lower transport container, and feces will not fall into the lower transport container.

[0106] Furthermore, a transport container according to a third aspect of this disclosure is a transport container for transporting poultry, comprising a container body 3 having a bottom portion 1 and a peripheral wall portion 2, and a lid portion 5 that is placed over the peripheral wall portion 2 from above. The bottom portion 1 has a number of circular or square bottom ventilation holes 12. The lid portion 5 has a number of circular or square lid ventilation holes 52. When the bottom portion 1 of the container body 3 is placed on the lid portion 5, at least a portion of the bottom ventilation holes 12 overlaps vertically with the portion of the lid portion 5 excluding the lid ventilation holes 52, and at least a portion of the lid ventilation holes 52 overlaps vertically with the portion of the bottom portion 1 excluding the bottom ventilation holes 12.

[0107] According to the third embodiment of the transport container, when stacking transport containers, if the bottom 1 of the container body 3 of the upper transport container is placed on top of the lid 5 of the lower transport container, the area in which the bottom ventilation holes 12 and the lid ventilation holes 52 communicate vertically can be reduced. Therefore, even if poultry crush the eggs during transport, eggshell fragments and liquids are less likely to fall into the lower transport container, and feces are also less likely to fall into the lower transport container.

[0108] Furthermore, the transport container according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure is a transport container according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the bottom 1 includes a footrest portion 15 on which poultry place their feet, and an egg collection portion 17 provided on the outer circumference of the footrest portion 15 so that poultry eggs can be collected. The upper surface of the footrest portion 15 slopes downward toward the egg collection portion 17.

[0109] According to the fourth embodiment of the transport container, if a poultry lays an egg during transport, the egg rolls to the egg collection section 17 due to the inclination of the footrest section 15 and is held in the egg collection section 17. Therefore, with the transport container of embodiment 4, it is suppressed that the poultry will crush the egg during transport, and the falling of eggshell fragments and liquid into the transport container below is more effectively suppressed.

[0110] Furthermore, in the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the transport container is such that, in the transport container of the fourth aspect, the egg collection portion 17 is a groove 18 provided on the upper surface of the bottom portion 1.

[0111] In the fifth embodiment of the transport container, eggs that roll to the egg collection section 17 due to the inclination of the footrest section 15 are stably held in the egg collection section 17. Therefore, with the transport container of embodiment 5, the falling of eggshell fragments and liquid into the lower transport container during transport is more effectively suppressed.

[0112] The transport container of this disclosure has been described above based on various embodiments and modifications. However, the transport container of this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and it is possible to make appropriate design changes, as well as to combine and apply the configurations of each embodiment and various modifications as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1 bottom 12 Bottom ventilation holes 15 Footrest 17 Egg collection part 18 Concave 2 Surrounding wall part 3. Container body 5 Lid 52 Ventilation holes in the lid

Claims

1. A transport container for transporting poultry, A container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, It comprises a lid portion that is placed over the peripheral wall portion from above, The bottom portion has numerous bottom ventilation holes, The aforementioned lid portion has numerous lid ventilation holes, The bottom is, The footrest portion on which the poultry rests its feet, The footrest portion includes an egg collection portion provided on the outer circumference of the footrest portion so that the eggs of the poultry can be collected therein. The upper surface of the footrest portion slopes downward toward the egg collection portion. The egg-collecting portion is a groove provided on the upper surface of the bottom, The footrest portion includes a region on the shorter side and a region on the longer side. The upper surface of the short-side region of the footrest portion slopes downward from the central portion of the footrest portion toward the short-side region of the egg-collecting portion. The upper surface of the region on the longer side of the footrest portion slopes downward from the central portion of the footrest portion toward the region on the longer side of the egg collection portion. A container for transport.

2. The bottom wall of the groove is sloped so as to collect eggs at the four corner portions of the bottom wall. A transport container according to claim 1.

3. The egg-collecting portion has both an inner wall and an outer wall that are curved in a circular arc shape in cross-section. The radius of curvature of the inner wall is greater than the radius of curvature of the outer wall. A transport container according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The density at which the bottom ventilation holes are arranged in the egg-collecting portion is greater than the density at which the bottom ventilation holes are arranged in the footrest portion. A transport container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images