Composite container

Abstract

This invention provides a composite container that enhances heat insulation and decorative appeal through a simple configuration in which a paper outer covering is wrapped around the outer surface of the container body, and that allows the outer covering to be easily fixed to the container body without the use of adhesive. [Solution] The container comprises a container body 10 made of a plastic sheet molded body for containing contents, and a paper outer casing 50 arranged on the outer circumference of the container body 10. At least two tongue-shaped parts are formed on the upper edge 52 of the upper opening of the outer casing 50, extending upward from the upper edge 52. The tongue-shaped parts are folded inward from the outer casing 50 to form a bent tongue-shaped part 62, and the end edge 62a of the bent tongue-shaped part 62 is attached to the upper end of the protruding part 22, thereby integrating the container body 10 and the outer casing 50.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite container, and particularly to a composite container that can fix a paper outer body to a container body simply without using an adhesive.

Background Art

[0002] As containers for providing foods such as various noodles, beverages, miso soup, soups, stews, curries, etc. at around 70 to 95°C, and other containers with added decorativeness, double containers composed of a container body for containing contents such as foods and daily necessities and an outer body (sleeve) are widely used. The container body is a molded product made of a plastic (thermoplastic resin) sheet and is formed into a predetermined shape such as a rectangular shape or a cup shape. The outer body is made of paper such as cardboard and is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the container body. Thus, in the double container, since the paper outer body is overlapped on the outside of the container body, the heat of the food in the container body is not directly conducted from the container body to the hands of the eater. Therefore, the portability of the container itself, the provision of food, and the convenience of handling are improved.

[0003] Conventionally, a double container in which a paper outer body is fixed to a container body with an adhesive has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). On the other hand, a double container in which a paper outer body is fixed to a container body without using an adhesive is also known. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a double container in which, in a paper outer body configured in a tapered cylindrical shape with a diameter narrowing from the upper side to the lower side, an upper side bent portion obtained by bending the circumferential upper side portion inward of the cylinder is pressed against an inverted tapered belt-shaped portion provided on the upper side portion of the tapered cylindrical body portion of the container body to fix the container body and the paper outer body. Thus, a double container in which a paper outer body is fixed to a container body without using an adhesive can omit the step of applying an adhesive in the manufacturing process of the double container, so the process can be simplified.

[0004] However, in the double-walled container described in Patent Document 2, the upper edge of the tapered paper outer casing is folded to form the upper edge bend, which inevitably creates wrinkles (pleats) in the upper edge bend. Depending on the degree of wrinkle formation in the upper edge bend, these wrinkles may interfere with properly fixing the paper outer casing to the container body, or the paper outer casing fixed to the container body may become loose, causing problems. Therefore, when forming the upper edge bend, the paper must be folded in a way that the resulting wrinkles do not hinder the fixing of the container body and the paper outer casing, and this process is complicated and requires a certain level of skill. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3195580 Gazette [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-023098 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a composite container that enhances heat insulation and decorative properties through a simple configuration in which a paper outer covering is wrapped around the outer surface of the container body, and that does not use adhesive and can be easily fixed to the container body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In other words, the first invention relates to a composite container comprising a container body made of a plastic sheet molded body for containing contents, which is tapered towards the bottom and has a closed curve portion formed in a closed curve shape surrounded by an outwardly convex curve at least near the opening, or a closed figure portion formed in a closed figure portion surrounded by an outwardly convex curve and a straight line at least near the opening, wherein a convex ridge portion is formed on the closed curve portion or the closed figure portion that protrudes outward, and a paper outer casing disposed on the outer periphery of the container body, wherein at least two tongue portions are formed on the upper edge of the upper opening of the outer casing, extending upward from the upper edge, the tongue portions are bent inward to become folded tongue portions, and the end edge of the folded tongue portion is attached to the upper end of the convex ridge portion, thereby integrating the container body and the outer casing.

[0008] The second invention relates to a composite container in which, in the first invention, the tongue portion is formed at equal intervals on the periphery of the upper edge of the upper opening.

[0009] The third invention relates to a composite container in which, in the first or second invention, an upper outer peripheral wall portion extending downward from the opening is formed in the closed curve portion or the closed figure portion, the protruding portion is formed by being connected to the upper outer peripheral wall portion, and the bent tongue portion is pressed against the upper outer peripheral wall portion.

[0010] The fourth invention relates to a composite container in which, in the first or second invention, an upper outer peripheral wall portion extending downward from the opening is formed in the closed curve portion or the closed figure portion, the protruding portion is formed by being connected to the upper outer peripheral wall portion, and the bent tongue portion is fitted to the upper outer peripheral wall portion.

[0011] The fifth invention relates to a composite container in which, in the first or second invention, the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

[0012] The sixth invention relates to a composite container in which, in the third invention, the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

[0013] The seventh invention relates to a composite container in which, in the fourth invention, the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

[0014] The eighth invention relates to a composite container in which, in the fifth invention, the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body.

[0015] The ninth invention relates to a composite container in which, in the sixth invention, the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body.

[0016] The tenth invention relates to a composite container in which the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body portion, as in the seventh invention.

[0017] The eleventh invention relates to a composite container in which, in the first or second invention, the closed curve shape is circular.

[0018] The twelfth invention relates to a composite container in which, in the third invention, the closed curve shape is circular.

[0019] The thirteenth invention relates to a composite container in which the closed curve shape is circular, in the fourth invention.

[0020] The 14th invention relates to a composite container comprising: a container body made of a plastic sheet molded body for containing contents, which is tapered towards the bottom and has a closed curve portion formed in a closed curve shape surrounded by an outwardly convex curve at least near the opening, or a closed figure portion formed by an outwardly convex curve and a straight line at least near the opening, wherein the closed curve portion or the closed figure portion has an inverse tapered band portion formed thereon in which the opening area decreases toward the opening side; and a paper outer casing disposed on the outer periphery of the container body, wherein at least two tongue portions are formed on the upper edge of the upper opening of the outer casing, extending upward from the upper edge portion, the tongue portions are bent toward the inward side of the outer casing to become bent tongue portions, and the bent tongue portions engage with the upper space of the inverse tapered band portion to integrate the container body and the outer casing.

[0021] The 15th invention relates to a composite container in the 14th invention, wherein the tongue pieces are formed at equal intervals on the periphery of the upper side portion of the upper opening.

[0022] The 16th invention relates to a composite container in the 14th or 15th invention, wherein an inverted tapered band portion extending downward from the opening is formed in the closed curve portion or the closed figure portion, and the bent tongue piece is in pressure contact with the inverted tapered band portion.

[0023] The 17th invention relates to a composite container in the 14th or 15th invention, wherein the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the exterior body.

[0024] The 18th invention relates to a composite container in the 16th invention, wherein the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the exterior body.

[0025] The 19th invention relates to a composite container in the 17th invention, wherein the taper angle of the exterior body is smaller than the taper angle of the body portion.

[0026] The 20th invention relates to a composite container in the 18th invention, wherein the taper angle of the exterior body is smaller than the taper angle of the body portion.

[0027] The 21st invention relates to a composite container in the 14th or 15th invention, wherein the closed curve shape is circular.

[0028] The 22nd invention relates to a composite container in the 16th invention, wherein the closed curve shape is circular.

[0029] The 23rd invention relates to a composite container in the 1st or 14th invention, wherein a display portion is provided on the exterior body.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] The composite container according to the first invention comprises a container body made of a plastic sheet molded body for containing contents, tapered towards the bottom, and having a closed curve portion formed in a closed curve shape surrounded by an outwardly convex curve at least near the opening, or a closed figure portion formed by an outwardly convex curve and a straight line at least near the opening, with outwardly protruding convex ridges formed on the closed curve portion or the closed figure portion, and a paper outer casing disposed on the outer periphery of the container body, wherein at least two tongue-shaped portions are formed on the upper edge of the upper opening of the outer casing, extending upward from the upper edge, and the tongue-shaped portions are bent inward to become folded tongue-shaped portions, and the ends of the folded tongue-shaped portions are attached to the upper ends of the convex ridges so that the container body and the outer casing are integrated, thereby enhancing heat insulation and decorative properties with a simple configuration of wrapping the paper outer casing around the outer surface of the container body, and the outer casing can be easily fixed to the container body without using adhesive.

[0031] According to the composite container of the second invention, in the first invention, the tongue portion is formed at equal intervals on the periphery of the upper edge of the upper opening, thereby making the fixation between the container body and the outer casing more secure.

[0032] According to the composite container of the third invention, in the first or second invention, the closed curve portion or the closed geometric portion has an upper outer peripheral wall portion extending downward from the opening, the protruding portion is connected to the upper outer peripheral wall portion, and the bent tongue portion is pressed against the upper outer peripheral wall portion. As a result, not only is the end edge of the bent tongue portion hooked onto the upper end of the protruding portion, but the bent tongue portion is also pressed against the upper outer peripheral wall portion, which makes the fixation between the container body and the outer casing stronger.

[0033] According to the composite container of the fourth invention, in the first or second invention, the closed curve portion or the closed geometric portion has an upper outer peripheral wall portion extending downward from the opening, the protruding portion is formed by connecting to the upper outer peripheral wall portion, and the bent tongue portion is fitted to the upper outer peripheral wall portion. As a result, not only is the end edge of the bent tongue portion hooked onto the upper end of the protruding portion, but the bent tongue portion is also fitted to the upper outer peripheral wall portion, which makes the fixation between the container body and the outer casing stronger.

[0034] According to the composite container of the fifth invention, in the first or second invention, the entire body of the container body is covered by the outer casing, so that heat conduction from the container body can be effectively reduced by the outer casing. In addition, the unevenness on the body of the container body can be covered and concealed by the outer casing, thus improving the appearance of the composite container.

[0035] According to the composite container of the sixth invention, in the third invention, since the entire body of the container body is covered by the outer casing, heat conduction from the container body can be effectively reduced by the outer casing. Furthermore, since the unevenness on the body of the container body can be covered and concealed by the outer casing, the appearance of the composite container can be improved.

[0036] According to the composite container of the seventh invention, in the fourth invention, since the entire body of the container body is covered by the outer casing, heat conduction from the container body can be effectively reduced by the outer casing. Furthermore, since the unevenness on the body of the container body can be covered and concealed by the outer casing, the appearance of the composite container can be improved.

[0037] According to the composite container of the eighth invention, in the fifth invention, since the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body, the overall taper angle of the composite container can be made to appear smaller, and the composite container can be given a high-class feel.

[0038] According to the composite container of the ninth invention, in the sixth invention, since the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body, the overall taper angle of the composite container can be made to appear smaller, giving the composite container a high-class feel.

[0039] According to the composite container of the 10th invention, in the 7th invention, since the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body, the overall taper angle of the composite container can be made to appear smaller, and the composite container can be given a high-class feel.

[0040] According to the composite container of the 11th invention, in the first or second invention, the closed curve shape is circular, so by making the shape of the closed curve portion of the body a relatively simple closed curve shape such as a circle, a highly versatile composite container can be made.

[0041] According to the composite container of the 12th invention, in the third invention, since the closed curve shape is circular, a highly versatile composite container can be made by making the shape of the closed curve portion of the body a relatively simple closed curve shape such as a circle.

[0042] According to the composite container of the 13th invention, in the 4th invention, since the closed curve shape is circular, a highly versatile composite container can be made by making the shape of the closed curve portion of the body a relatively simple closed curve shape such as a circle.

[0043] According to the composite container of the 14th invention, the container body is made of a plastic sheet molded body for containing contents, and is tapered towards the bottom, and has a closed curve portion formed in a closed curve shape where at least the vicinity of the opening is surrounded by an outwardly convex curve, or a closed figure portion formed where at least the vicinity of the opening is surrounded by an outwardly convex curve and a straight line, and the closed curve portion or the closed figure portion has an inverse tapered band portion formed thereon where the opening area decreases toward the side of the opening, and the outer circumference of the container body The container body is made of paper and comprises an outer casing, the upper edge of the upper opening of the outer casing having at least two tongue-shaped parts extending upward from the upper edge, the tongue-shaped parts being folded inward to become bent tongue-shaped parts, and the bent tongue-shaped parts engaging with the upper space of the reverse tapered band, thereby integrating the container body and the outer casing. This simple configuration of wrapping the paper outer casing around the outer surface of the container body enhances heat insulation and decorative appeal, and allows the outer casing to be easily fixed to the container body without using adhesive.

[0044] According to the composite container of the 15th invention, in the 14th invention, the tongue portion is formed at equal intervals on the periphery of the upper edge of the upper opening, thereby making the fixing of the container body and the outer casing more secure.

[0045] According to the composite container of the 16th invention, in the 14th or 15th invention, the closed curve portion or the closed geometric portion has the inverted tapered band portion extending downward from the opening, and the bent tongue portion is pressed against the inverted tapered band portion. As a result, not only is the end edge of the bent tongue portion hooked onto the upper end of the convex portion, but the bent tongue portion is also pressed against the upper outer peripheral wall, thereby making the fixation between the container body and the outer casing stronger.

[0046] According to the composite container of the 17th invention, in the 14th or 15th invention, the entire body of the container body is covered by the outer casing, so that heat conduction from the container body can be effectively reduced by the outer casing. In addition, the unevenness on the body of the container body can be covered and concealed by the outer casing, thus improving the appearance of the composite container.

[0047] According to the composite container of the 18th invention, in the 16th invention, the entire body of the container body is covered by the outer casing, so that heat conduction from the container body can be effectively reduced by the outer casing. In addition, the unevenness on the body of the container body can be covered and concealed by the outer casing, thus improving the appearance of the composite container.

[0048] According to the composite container of the 19th invention, in the 17th invention, since the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body, the overall taper angle of the composite container can be made to appear smaller, giving the composite container a high-class feel.

[0049] According to the composite container of the 20th invention, in the 18th invention, since the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body, the overall taper angle of the composite container can be made to appear smaller, and the composite container can be given a high-class feel.

[0050] According to the composite container of the 21st invention, in the 14th or 15th invention, the closed curve shape is circular, so by making the shape of the closed curve portion of the body a relatively simple closed curve shape such as a circle, a highly versatile composite container can be made.

[0051] According to the composite container of the 22nd invention, in the 16th invention, since the closed curve shape is circular, a highly versatile composite container can be made by making the shape of the closed curve portion of the body a relatively simple closed curve shape such as a circle.

[0052] According to the composite container of the 23rd invention, in the first or 14th invention, a display unit is provided on the outer casing, thereby enhancing the appearance and design of the composite container through the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0053] [Figure 1] This is a disassembled perspective view of a composite container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a vertical cross-section of the container body. [Figure 3] This shows a plan view of the unfolded paper pieces and a perspective view of the exterior body made up of the unfolded paper pieces. [Figure 4] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a composite container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A partial cross-sectional view of a composite container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a composite container 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The composite container 1 of the present invention comprises a container body 10 made of a molded plastic sheet (synthetic resin sheet) for containing contents, and a paper outer casing 50 disposed on the outer periphery of the container body 10. As will be described later, the outer casing 50 is fixed to the container body 10 without the use of adhesive.

[0055] The contents of the composite container 1 (container body 10) include, for example, soups such as stews and miso soup, noodles such as ramen and udon, rice bowls, porridge, side dishes such as curry, and beverages such as coffee and tea, which are foods and drinks that are relatively hot immediately after cooking (for example, around 70-95°C). Alternatively, the contents may include soft drinks, frozen desserts such as ice cream and shaved ice, and fruits, which are served at relatively low temperatures. Because the heat or coldness of the contents of the composite container 1 is not easily conducted by the paper outer casing 50, it is easy for users such as eaters and providers to hold and use. The composite container 1 can also be used as a container for instant foods that can be consumed by adding hot water.

[0056] From the standpoint of food hygiene management, the composite container 1 is preferably a one-way or disposable container, designed for single use only. Furthermore, the composite container 1 can be suitably used in various environments suitable for disposable containers, such as convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, restaurants, food stalls, delivery services such as catering, and buffet-style service.

[0057] In addition to Figure 1, the structure of the container body 10 will be explained using the longitudinal cross-sectional view in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the container body 10. The container body 10 is a plastic container molded from a plastic sheet (synthetic resin sheet). The container body 10 has an appropriate shape, such as a cup shape or a bowl shape (donburi shape), suitable for the contents such as food and beverages that it will contain.

[0058] The resin material constituting the container body 10 can be, for example, thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET resin), or biodegradable thermoplastic resins such as polylactic acid. The container body 10 can be manufactured inexpensively and easily by known molding methods such as vacuum forming or pressure forming. The thickness of the container body 10 is appropriate, but is generally 2 mm or less, and is usually 100 to 1500 μm thick.

[0059] The container body 10 has an opening 11, a body portion 20, and a bottom portion 12. A flange portion 13 is provided at the opening 11. The body portion 20 is tapered, becoming smaller from the opening 11 towards the bottom portion 12. In this embodiment, the container body 10 has an inverted truncated cone shape with a circular opening 11 and bottom portion 12.

[0060] The body portion 20 has a closed curve portion 21 at its upper part. The closed curve portion 21 is formed in a closed curve shape, with at least the vicinity of the opening 11 surrounded by a curve that is convex outward. In this embodiment, the closed curve portion 21 has the opening 11 as its upper end and is configured in the same circular shape as the opening 11. The "closed curve shape surrounded by a curve that is convex outward" described above is not limited to a circular shape as in this embodiment, but also includes various convex closed curve shapes such as elliptical shapes, egg shapes, teardrop shapes, and shapes that approximate these (for example, roughly circular shapes or roughly elliptical shapes). By making the shape of the closed curve portion 21 in the container body 10 a relatively simple closed curve shape such as a circular shape, elliptical shape, egg shape, or teardrop shape, a highly versatile composite container 1 can be made.

[0061] Furthermore, the closed curve section 21 only needs to have a closed curve shape in which at least the vicinity of the opening 11 is surrounded by a curve that is convex outward, and it does not necessarily need to be the same shape as the opening 11. Also, the shape of the closed curve section 21 may be different from the cross-sectional shape of the bottom section 12 of the body section 20 (i.e., the shape of the bottom section 12 and the shape of the closed curve section 21 may switch midway).

[0062] The closed curve section 21 has outwardly projecting protrusions 22 on the side away from the opening 11. In this embodiment, the protrusions 22 are provided around the entire circumference of the body section 20. However, the protrusions 22 do not necessarily need to be provided continuously around the entire circumference of the body section 20; a configuration in which protrusions 22 of a predetermined length are provided intermittently, including the area where the bent tongue portion 62 (see Figure 3), described later, is arranged, is also possible. The closed curve section 21 has an upper outer peripheral wall section 23 that extends downward from the opening 11. The protrusions 22 are formed by being connected to the lower end side of the upper outer peripheral wall section 23.

[0063] In addition to Figure 1, the plan view and perspective view in Figure 3 will be used to explain the paper outer casing 50. The outer casing 50 is a paper component, also called a sleeve, that is positioned to cover the entire outer circumference of the container body 10.

[0064] The materials constituting the outer casing 50 include known paper-like sheets such as thick cardboard, paper, and paper-based materials mainly composed of food fibers. The thickness of the outer casing 50 is appropriately selected according to the application, taking into account factors such as strength, specific heat of paper, and ease of processing. For example, a thickness of about 0.15 to 1.5 mm is suitable for food containers. If the outer casing 50 is too thin, it may lack the rigidity to maintain the container shape, and if it is too thick, it may have reduced ease of processing.

[0065] The outer casing 50 is made of paper, which is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing environmental impact, and it also has excellent heat resistance. By constructing the outer casing 50 from 100% paper raw materials, it is possible to contribute to reducing environmental impact, while at the same time, it is possible to enhance the functionality as a container by providing water resistance, water repellency, heat resistance, oil resistance, etc. In particular, by applying a water-repellent treatment with a water-repellent agent or the like to give the outer casing 50 water resistance and water repellency, softening due to condensation and moisture absorption can be suppressed, and the rigidity and shape of the composite container 1 can be effectively maintained. Furthermore, the outer casing 50 may be provided with a functional resin layer or functional resin film such as polyethylene resin, polystyrene resin, polypropylene resin, or polyester resin on one or both sides as needed.

[0066] The outer casing 50 is made from a fan-shaped unfolded paper piece 51 formed by unfolding the outer casing 50. The unfolded paper piece 51 has an upper edge portion 52, a lower edge portion 53 that is shorter than the upper edge portion 52, and joining portions 54, 54 provided at the left and right ends. When the unfolded paper piece 51 is rolled into a ring and joined together at the joining portions 54, 54, a cylindrical outer casing 50 is formed in the shape of an inverted frustoconical, becoming smaller from the upper opening formed by the upper edge portion 52 to the lower opening formed by the lower edge portion 53. The taper angle of the outer casing 50 is smaller than the taper angle of the container body 10 (see Figure 4). The outer surface of the outer casing 50 constitutes the grip portion 55.

[0067] A tongue portion 61 is formed on the upper edge 52 of the unfolded paper piece 51, extending upward from the upper edge 52. The tongue portion 61 is folded inward along the upper edge 52 to form a folded tongue portion 62. The folded tongue portion 62 may be formed by folding the tongue portion 61 on the unfolded paper piece 51 before it becomes the outer casing 50, or it may be formed by folding the tongue portion 61 after the outer casing 50 has been formed.

[0068] The bent tongue portion 62 formed by bending the tongue portion 61 acts as a lip against the inner surface of the outer casing 50 and functions as a part that attaches to the container body 10, as will be described later. In particular, the bent tongue portion 62 (tongue portion 61) provided at a position corresponding to the closed curve portion 21 of the container body 10 has a curved upper edge portion 52 corresponding to the base 62b of the bent tongue portion 62 (see Figure 4), making it easy for the fold to open and difficult to close, thus making it easy to function as a lip.

[0069] In the outer casing 50 of this embodiment, four tongue-shaped portions 61 are formed at equal intervals on the closed curve (on the circumference in this embodiment) of the upper opening (upper edge portion 52) of the outer casing 50. Note that the number of tongue-shaped portions 61 does not necessarily have to be four; at least two or more are sufficient. As will be described in detail later, the outer casing 50 is fixed to the container body 10 using the bent tongue-shaped portions 62 formed from the tongue-shaped portions 61. Therefore, from the viewpoint of balancing the fixing position, it is preferable that the tongue-shaped portions 61 are formed at equal intervals on the closed curve of the upper opening (upper edge portion 52) of the outer casing 50. However, the arrangement of the tongue-shaped portions 61 does not necessarily have to be formed at equal intervals on the closed curve of the upper opening of the outer casing 50.

[0070] A display section 70 is provided on the outer surface of the outer casing 50 (unfolded paper piece 51). The display section 70 is printed on the unfolded paper piece 51 or is a sticker, and its size, shape, color, etc., are as appropriate. If the display section 70 is printed, the display section 70 is printed together with the printing on the unfolded paper piece 51 itself. Since the unfolded paper piece 51 is flat, processing such as printing is easy.

[0071] The information displayed on the display unit 70 may include, for example, textual information such as the type of contents, ingredients, cooking method, precautions, product name, manufacturer, and seller; symbolic information such as the product's barcode; and decorative information such as illustrations and photographs for package design. Since the display unit 70 is provided on the outer surface (grip portion 55) of the outer casing 50, the contents of the display unit 70 can be shown to consumers or providers who hold the composite container 1.

[0072] In addition to Figures 1 and 3, Figure 4, a partial cross-sectional view, will be used to explain the state in which the outer casing 50 is attached (wrapped) to the container body 10 in the composite container 1. Note that Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the composite container 1 in the same longitudinal section as in Figure 2.

[0073] To form the composite container 1 from the container body 10 and the outer casing 50, the container body 10 is inserted into the cylinder of the outer casing 50, which has a bent tongue portion 61 bent to form a bent tongue portion 62, and the outer casing 50 is pushed in until the end edge 62a of the bent tongue portion 62 goes over the protruding portion 22 of the container body 10. When the bent tongue portion 62 passes over the side surface of the protruding portion 22, it is pushed towards the inner surface side of the outer casing 50 by contact with the outer surface of the protruding portion 22, thereby reducing the gap with the inner surface and allowing it to pass over that side easily.

[0074] Since the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23 of the container body 10 is located inward from the outer surface of the protruding portion 22, when the end edge 62a of the folded tongue portion 62 crosses over the protruding portion 22, the space between the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23 and the folded tongue portion 62 widens, and the fold of the folded tongue portion 62 naturally unfolds due to the elasticity of the paper (i.e., the end edge 62a moves closer to the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23). As a result, the end edge 62a of the folded tongue portion 62 hooks onto the upper end of the protruding portion 22. With the folded tongue portion 62 (end edge 62a) hooking onto the upper end of the protruding portion 22, the container body 10 and the outer casing 50 are integrated to form the composite container 1.

[0075] In this way, by providing a tongue portion 61 on the upper edge 52 of the outer casing 50, the bent tongue portion 62, which is created by bending the tongue portion 61 inward, can function as a latch that engages with the protruding portion 22. Therefore, it becomes possible to fix (integrate) the container body 10 and the outer casing 50 with each other without using adhesive.

[0076] In particular, the end edge 62a of the bent tongue portion 62 (tongue portion 61) is not parallel to the outer circumference of the protruding portion 22 when viewed from above, even after being attached to the upper end of the protruding portion 22, making it difficult to detach from the protruding portion 22 after attachment. Furthermore, the bent tongue portion 62, which is provided at a position corresponding to the closed curve portion 21 of the container body 10, does not easily close at the fold as described above, and in that respect as well, it is difficult to detach from the protruding portion 22 even after being attached to the upper end of the protruding portion 22.

[0077] Since the outer casing 50 (unfolded paper piece 51) is made of paper, the folded tongue portion 62 that contacts the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23 presses against the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23 due to the elasticity of the paper. The pressing of the folded tongue portion 62 against the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23 fixes the container body 10 and the outer casing 50 to each other. Furthermore, as described above, the folded tongue portion 62 (tongue portion 61) is easily unfolded, allowing it to press against the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23 more strongly, thus fixing the outer casing 50 more firmly.

[0078] In particular, in the case of the composite container 1 shown in Figure 4, the bent tongue portion 62 fits between the upper end of the protruding portion 22 and the back portion 13u of the flange portion 13 and is fitted to the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23. Therefore, the outer casing 50 can be fixed more securely than if the bent tongue portion 62 simply pressed against the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23.

[0079] Furthermore, the bent tongue portion 62 may not be fitted to the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23 as shown in Figure 4, but may simply be configured to press against the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23. Also, in the composite container 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the end edge 62a of the bent tongue portion 62 is hooked onto the upper end of the protruding portion 22, and the bent tongue portion 62 is attached to the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23. However, the composite container 1 may be configured such that the end edge 62a of the bent tongue portion 62 is hooked onto the upper end of the protruding portion 22, while the bent tongue portion 62 does not contact, fit, or press against the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23, depending on the degree of inclination (taper) of the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23. In other words, for the purpose of integrating the container body 10 and the outer casing 50, the composite container 1 only needs to be configured such that at least the end edge 62a of the bent tongue portion 62 is hooked onto the upper end of the protruding portion 22.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, the base 62b (upper edge 52) of the bent tongue portion 62 of the outer casing 50 reaches the back portion 13u of the flange portion 13, and the lower edge 53 reaches the bottom portion 12 of the container body 10. Thus, in the composite container 1, the configuration in which the entire body portion 20 of the container body 10 is covered by the outer casing 50 is preferable in that it effectively reduces heat conduction from the container body 10. Note that the above-mentioned "entire body portion 20 of the container body 10" may include configurations in which the outer casing 50 does not cover at least one of the opening 11 side or the bottom 12 side of the body portion 20 by a small amount (for example, a width of a few millimeters, such as 2-3 mm).

[0081] Furthermore, since the entire body portion 20 of the container body 10 is covered by the outer casing 50, the irregularities (for example, the raised ridges 22) of the body portion 20 of the container body 10 can be concealed by the outer casing 50, thereby improving the appearance of the composite container 1. In addition, a display section 70 for displaying appropriate information is provided on the outer surface (grip portion 55) of the outer casing 50, thereby enhancing the appearance, product value, and customer appeal of the composite container 1 through the display section 70.

[0082] Since the taper angle of the outer casing 50 is smaller than the taper angle of the body 20 of the container body 10, the overall taper angle of the composite container 1 can be made to appear smaller, giving the composite container 1 a premium feel. However, it is not necessarily required that the taper angle of the outer casing 50 be smaller than the taper angle of the body 20 of the container body 10; both taper angles may be the same, or the taper angle of the outer casing 50 may be larger than the taper angle of the body 20.

[0083] Since the container body 10 is provided with a protruding ridge 22 that extends outward, a space S1 is formed between the body 20 and the outer casing 50 below the protruding ridge 22 on the body 20. The space S1 functions as an insulating space, preventing the heat of the high-temperature or low-temperature contents contained in the container body 10 from being directly transferred to the user. Therefore, the space S1, in synergy with the reduction of heat conduction by the outer casing 50, can mitigate the effect of heat conduction by the contents.

[0084] Next, variations of the container body 10 in the composite container 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container body 10A according to the first embodiment, while Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container body 10B according to the second embodiment. The partial cross-sectional view in Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the composite container 1 in the same longitudinal section as in Figures 2 and 4. Note that the same reference numerals in each figure represent the same components and their explanation is omitted.

[0085] As described above, the closed curve portion 21 of the container body 10A in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4 has a convex ridge portion 22 and an upper outer peripheral wall portion 23. On the other hand, in the closed curve portion 21 of the container body 10B in the second embodiment, instead of the convex ridge portion 22 and the upper outer peripheral wall portion 23, an inverse tapered band portion 26 is formed, which decreases in opening area toward the opening 11. The inverse tapered band portion 26 is formed extending downward from the opening 11.

[0086] Furthermore, the upper end of the inverted tapered band 26 does not need to coincide with the upper end of the closed curve 21 or the opening 11. For example, the upper end of the inverted tapered band 26 may be located below the upper end of the closed curve 21. In this case, the opening area of ​​the closed curve 21 above the upper end of the inverted tapered band 26 may be larger than the opening area of ​​the upper end of the inverted tapered band 26. Also, although Figure 5 illustrates a configuration in which the lower end of the inverted tapered band 26 is connected to the body 20 via a stepped portion 27 protruding outward, the lower end of the inverted tapered band 26 and the body 20 may be connected without a step, or the lower end of the inverted tapered band 26 may be connected to the body 20 via a stepped portion protruding inward.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5, the inverted tapered strip portion 26 has a shape in which the opening area decreases toward the opening 11. Therefore, when the outer casing 50 is pushed upward relative to the container body 10B, the end edge 62a of the folded tongue portion 62 enters the upper space of the inverted tapered strip portion 26. As a result, the space between the inverted tapered strip portion 26 and the folded tongue portion 62 widens, and the fold of the folded tongue portion 62 naturally unfolds within this upper space due to the elasticity of the paper. The width of the lower end of the inverted tapered strip portion 26 is greater than the width of the end edge 62a which is curved in an arc shape by the curve of the upper edge portion 52 (root 62b). Therefore, the folded tongue portion 62 engages with the upper space of the inverted tapered strip portion 26, thereby integrating the container body 10B and the outer casing 50 to form a composite container 1.

[0088] Figure 5 illustrates a case where the base 62b of the bent tongue portion 62 that engages with the container body 10B is in contact with the back surface 13u of the flange portion 13. However, the design is not limited to this, and the base 62b may be slightly separated from the back surface 13u when the bent tongue portion 62 engages with the container body 10B (more specifically, the upper space of the reverse tapered band portion 26).

[0089] The bent tongue portion 62 that engages with the container body 10B in the upper space of the inverse tapered band portion 26 may be configured to be pressed against the inverse tapered band portion 26. This configuration allows for more secure fixing of the outer casing 50 compared to a configuration in which the bent tongue portion 62 simply engages with the upper space of the inverse tapered band portion 26. However, it is not necessarily required that the bent tongue portion 62 be pressed against the inverse tapered band portion 26.

[0090] As described above, the composite container 1 of the present invention comprises a container body 10 (10A) made of a plastic sheet molded body for containing contents, a body 20 which is tapered towards the bottom 12 and has a closed curve portion 21 formed in a closed curve shape surrounded by an outwardly convex curve at least near the opening 11, and a convex ridge portion 22 that protrudes outward formed on the closed curve portion 21, and a paper outer casing 50 arranged on the outer periphery of the container body 10, wherein at least two tongue portions 61 are formed on the upper edge portion 52 of the upper opening of the outer casing 50, and the tongue portions 61 are bent inward toward the outer casing 50 to become bent tongue portions 62, and the end edge 62a of the bent tongue portion 62 is attached to the upper end of the convex ridge portion 22 so that the container body 10 (10A) and the outer casing 50 are integrated. Furthermore, the composite container 1 of the present invention comprises a container body 10 (10B) made of a plastic sheet molded body for containing contents, having a body portion 20 which is tapered towards the bottom 12 and has a closed curve portion 21 formed in a closed curve shape surrounded by an outwardly convex curve at least near the opening 11, and an inverse tapered band portion 26 formed on the closed curve portion 21 in which the opening area decreases toward the side of the opening 11, and a paper outer casing 50 arranged on the outer circumference of the container body 10, having at least two tongue portions 61 formed on the upper edge portion 52 of the upper opening of the outer casing 50 extending upward from the upper edge portion 52, the tongue portions 61 bent toward the inward side of the outer casing 50 to become folded tongue portions 62, and the folded tongue portions 62 engage with the upper space of the inverse tapered band portion 26 so that the container body 10 (10B) and the outer casing 50 are integrated. As described above, the composite container 1 of the present invention enhances heat insulation and decorative properties through a simple configuration in which a paper outer casing 50 is wrapped around the outer surface of the container body 10, and the outer casing 50 can be easily fixed to the container body 10 without using adhesive.

[0091] As described above, since the outer casing 50 can be easily fixed to the container body 10 (10A, 10B), the occurrence of defective products is suppressed even when users of the composite container 1 assemble the composite container 1 from the container body 10 and the outer casing 50. Therefore, manufacturers or sellers of the composite container 1 do not need to ship the container body 10 and the outer casing 50 as a composite container 1 beforehand, but can ship the container body 10 and the outer casing 50 (unfolded paper strip 51) separately to users (customers), allowing users to assemble the composite container 1 from the container body 10 and the outer casing 50. Stacking the container bodies 10 fits better than stacking composite containers 1 with the outer casing 50 wrapped around the outside, thus efficiently increasing the number that can be accommodated in a packing box (e.g., a cardboard box). Similarly, since the unfolded paper strip 51 is a flat piece of paper, shipping the container body 10 and the outer casing 50 (unfolded paper strip 51) separately improves transportation efficiency.

[0092] It should be noted that the composite container of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented by appropriately changing a part of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, a composite container 1 is exemplified in which the lower end (lower edge portion 53) of the outer casing 50 is at the same height as the bottom portion 10 of the container body 10 (10A, 10B) (see Figures 4 and 5). However, when the outer casing 50 is attached to the container body 10, the lower end of the outer casing 50 may extend downward from the bottom portion 10 (i.e., the outer casing 50 is skirt-shaped). In this case, the lower end of the outer casing 50 may consist of the lower edge portion 53, or it may consist of a bent portion when the side of the lower edge portion 53 is folded inward to the outer casing 50 by a predetermined width.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the container body 10 (10A, 10B) is shown as having a closed curve portion 21 on the upper part of the body portion 20, which is formed in a closed curve shape where at least the vicinity of the opening 11 is surrounded by an outwardly convex curve. However, the container body 10 (10A, 10B) may also be configured to have a closed figure portion on the upper part of the body portion 20, which is formed by at least the vicinity of the opening 11 being surrounded by an outwardly convex curve and a straight line, instead of the closed curve portion 21.

[0094] The "closed shape formed by being surrounded by outwardly convex curves and straight lines" described above includes closed shape sections consisting of various shapes, such as an oval shape having outwardly convex curves at both ends and connecting each end of those curves with a single straight line, a D shape with both ends of an outwardly convex curve connected by a single straight line, and shapes that approximate these (for example, roughly oval or roughly D shapes). By making the shape of the closed shape section in the container body 10 a relatively simple closed shape such as an oval or D shape, a highly versatile composite container 1 can be made, similar to the case of a closed curve section 21 with a simple closed curve shape such as a circle. Note that, like the closed curve section 21, the closed shape section does not necessarily have to be the same shape as the opening 11, and may also have a different shape from the cross-sectional shape of the bottom 12 side of the body 20.

[0095] In the case of a container body 10 (10A, 10B) having the closed geometric portion on the body portion 20, the end edge 62a of the folded tongue portion 62 of the outer casing 50 is attached to the upper end of the protruding portion 22 on the container body 10 (10A), or to the upper space of the inverted tapered band portion 26 on the container body 10 (10B), similar to the case of a container body 10 (10A, 10B) having the closed geometric portion on the body portion 20, thereby integrating the container body and the outer casing. Thus, the simple configuration of wrapping the paper outer casing 50 around the outer surface of the container body 10 (10A, 10B) enhances heat insulation and decorative appeal, and the outer casing can be easily fixed to the container body without using adhesive. [Industrial applicability]

[0096] The composite container of the present invention has at least two tongue-shaped portions extending upward from the upper edge of the upper opening of the outer casing, which are bent inward to form a folded tongue portion. The ends of these folded tongue portions are hooked onto the upper end of the protruding portion of the container body, or engaged with the upper space of the reverse tapered band portion, thereby integrating the container body and the outer casing. As a result, the outer casing can be easily fixed to the container body without using adhesive. Therefore, it is a promising alternative to conventional composite containers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Composite container 10, 10A, 10B Container body 11 Opening 12 Bottom 21 Circular section 22 Convex part 23 Upper outer peripheral wall 26 Reverse tapered band 50 Exterior 52 Upper part 61 Tongue piece 62 Bent tongue piece 62a Edge

Claims

1. It consists of a plastic sheet molded body that contains the contents, The body has a tapered shape that becomes smaller towards the bottom, and has a closed curve portion formed in a closed curve shape where at least the vicinity of the opening is surrounded by an outwardly convex curve, or a closed figure portion formed where at least the vicinity of the opening is surrounded by an outwardly convex curve and a straight line. The container body has a convex portion that protrudes outward in the closed curve portion or the closed geometric portion, The container body is provided with a paper outer casing arranged on the outer circumference of the container body, At least two tongue-shaped pieces are formed on the upper edge of the upper opening of the exterior body, extending upward from the upper edge. The tongue portion is bent inward towards the outer casing to form a folded tongue portion, and the end edge of the folded tongue portion is attached to the upper end of the protruding portion, thereby integrating the container body and the outer casing. A composite container characterized by the following features.

2. The composite container according to claim 1, wherein the tongue portion is formed at equal intervals on the periphery of the upper edge of the upper opening.

3. The closed curve portion or the closed figure portion has an upper outer peripheral wall portion extending downward from the opening, and the protruding portion is formed by being connected to the upper outer peripheral wall portion. The composite container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bent tongue portion is pressed against the upper outer peripheral wall portion.

4. The closed curve portion or the closed figure portion has an upper outer peripheral wall portion extending downward from the opening, and the protruding portion is formed by being connected to the upper outer peripheral wall portion. The composite container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bent tongue portion is fitted to the upper outer peripheral wall portion.

5. The composite container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

6. The composite container according to claim 3, wherein the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

7. The composite container according to claim 4, wherein the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

8. The composite container according to claim 5, wherein the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body.

9. The composite container according to claim 6, wherein the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body.

10. The composite container according to claim 7, wherein the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body.

11. The composite container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closed curve shape is circular.

12. The composite container according to claim 3, wherein the closed curve shape is circular.

13. The composite container according to claim 4, wherein the closed curve shape is circular.

14. It consists of a plastic sheet molded body that contains the contents, The body has a tapered shape that becomes smaller towards the bottom, and has a closed curve portion formed in a closed curve shape where at least the vicinity of the opening is surrounded by an outwardly convex curve, or a closed figure portion formed where at least the vicinity of the opening is surrounded by an outwardly convex curve and a straight line. The container body has a closed curve portion or closed geometric portion in which an inverse tapered band portion is formed, the opening area decreasing toward the opening side, The container body is provided with a paper outer casing arranged on the outer circumference of the container body, At least two tongue-shaped pieces are formed on the upper edge of the upper opening of the exterior body, extending upward from the upper edge. The tongue portion is bent inward towards the outer casing to form a folded tongue portion, and the folded tongue portion engages with the upper space of the reverse tapered band portion, thereby integrating the container body and the outer casing. A composite container characterized by the following features.

15. The composite container according to claim 14, wherein the tongue portion is formed at equal intervals on the periphery of the upper edge of the upper opening.

16. The closed curve portion or the closed figure portion has the inverse tapered band portion extending downward from the opening, The composite container according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the bent tongue portion is pressed against the inverse tapered band portion.

17. The composite container according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the entire body portion of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

18. The composite container according to claim 16, wherein the entire body of the container body is covered by the outer casing.

19. The composite container according to claim 17, wherein the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body.

20. The composite container according to claim 18, wherein the taper angle of the outer casing is smaller than the taper angle of the body.

21. The composite container according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the closed curve shape is circular.

22. The composite container according to claim 16, wherein the closed curve shape is circular.

23. The composite container according to claim 1 or 14, wherein a display unit is provided on the exterior body.

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