Folding container

Abstract

The objective is to provide a folding container that prevents deformation of the notched side walls when stacking folding containers on top of each other. [Solution] In the folding container 10 of this disclosure, a front opening W1 is formed in the front first side wall 40A, cut out from the top surface. An upper projection 46 is provided on the top surface of the front first side wall 40A. When stacked, the upper projection 46 of the front first side wall 40A of the lower folding container 10 is received between the outer wall 12A and the inner wall 12B of the first embankment 12 of the upper folding container 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a collapsible container that can be changed between an assembled state in which side walls stand upright and a folded state in which all side walls fall down.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of collapsible container, there is known one in which the upper surfaces of opposing side walls face each other in the folded state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). <000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​One aspect of the invention is a folding container in which side walls are hinged to each outer edge of a rectangular base member, and can be changed between an assembled state in which all the side walls are upright and a folded state in which all the side walls are folded down, wherein in the folded state the upper surfaces of opposing side walls face each other, one of the side walls is a notched side wall having a notch on its upper surface, the upper surface of the notched side wall is provided with upper end protrusions projecting upward on both sides of the notch, and the lower surface of the base member is provided with a lower surface recess that engages with the upper end protrusions of the lower folding container when the folding containers are stacked on top of each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, when folding containers are stacked on top of each other, the upper projection provided on the notched side wall of the lower folding container engages with the recess on the lower surface of the upper folding container in an interlocking manner, thereby positioning the notched side wall relative to the upper folding container and preventing deformation of the notched side wall. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a folding container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the folded container. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view near the side wall. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the side edge of the front first side wall. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the side edge of the second side wall. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the underside of the folding container. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the folded container with the first side wall removed. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a plan view of the upper end projection and the vicinity of the upper end receiving portion in the folded state, and Figure 8B is a plan view of the hinge portion and the vicinity of the hinge receiving portion in the folded state. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the area near the bulging section of the dam in the folded state. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view of the area near the bulging section of the dam in the folded state. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of stacked folding containers. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the area near the upper end protrusion of a stacked folding container. [Figure 13] Figure 13A is a perspective view of another type of folding container in its folded state, and Figure 13B is a side cross-sectional view of another type of folding container in its folded state. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view of the upper end projection and the vicinity of the upper end receiving portion of a modified folding container. [Figure 15] Figure 15A is a side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the bulging section of the folding container according to the modified example, and Figure 15B is a plan cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the bulging section of the folding container according to the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] The folding container 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 13. As shown in Figure 1, the folding container 10 of this embodiment has a base member 11 with a rectangular planar shape, a pair of first side walls 40 rising from a pair of long sides of the base member 11, and a pair of second side walls 30 rising from a pair of short sides. Hereinafter, the direction in which the pair of first side walls 40 face each other will be referred to as the first horizontal direction H1, and the direction in which the pair of second side walls 30 face each other will be referred to as the second horizontal direction H2, and the overall structure of the folding container 10 will be described first.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base member 11 has a bottom wall 11A, a pair of first embankment portions 12 rising from a pair of long sides of the bottom wall 11A, and a pair of second embankment portions 13 rising from a pair of short sides, with the pair of first embankment portions 12 being higher than the pair of second embankment portions 13. The hinge receiving portions 12U and 13U formed on these first embankment portions 12 and second embankment portions 13 receive the hinge portions 41 and 31 of the first side wall 40 and the second side wall 30, which will be described later, and the two are hinged together. Then, one pair of second side walls 30 are folded so that they overlap the bottom wall 11A, and then one pair of first side walls 40 are folded on top of them so that the folding container 10 is in the folded state (see Figure 2). In the reverse order, one pair of first side walls 40 and one pair of second side walls 30 are raised to return to the assembled state (see Figure 1).

[0010] The height of the folding container 10 is approximately half the dimension of the first horizontal direction H1 of the planar shape of the folding container 10, and as shown in Figure 2, the upper surfaces of the pair of first side walls 40 are close together when folded. Unless otherwise specified, the following explanation assumes that the folding container 10 is in its assembled state.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, each second side wall 30 is sandwiched between the side edges of a pair of first side walls 40 in the first horizontal direction H1. Each first side wall 40 is also provided with side projections 43 that extend from both side edges toward the second side wall 30, and these side projections 43 overlap the outer surface of the side edges of each second side wall 30. Furthermore, each side projection 43 is provided with a plurality of through holes 43A (see Figures 3 and 4) arranged in the vertical direction, and a plurality of engaging projections 33T (see Figures 3 and 5) that engage with these through holes 43A are formed on the outer surface of each side edge of the second side wall 30.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, a locking mechanism 34 is provided at the upper part of each second side wall 30. The locking mechanism 34 has an operation part 35 arranged at the horizontal center, a pair of locking bars 36 (see Figs. 3 and 5) extending from the operation part 35 to both sides, and an elastic deformation part (not shown). The operation part 35 rotates in the vertical direction, and in conjunction with this, the pair of locking bars 36 approach and separate from each other. Also, due to the elastic force of the elastic member, usually, the operation part 35 is arranged at the locking position on the upper end side of the rotation range, and the pair of locking bars 36 are arranged at the locking positions where they are separated from each other. Then, by the tip part of the locking bar 36 at the locking position engaging with a locking engagement part 44 (see Figs. 3 and 4) provided on the inner surface of the first side wall 40, the second side wall 30 is locked so as not to fall inward. Further, when the operation part 35 is rotated to the unlocking position on the lower end side of the rotation range, the pair of locking bars 36 retreat from the locking engagement part 44 and the above-mentioned locking is released, and the second side wall 30 can be tilted inward.

[0013] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of each part of the folding container 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the inner part of the lower surface of the base member 11, which is inside the earth retaining parts 12 and 13, is a fitting part 11K that protrudes downward. The first earth retaining part 12 of the base member 11 has an internal space 12V that is open downward, and has a structure in which the upper ends between the outer wall 12A outside the internal space 12V and the inner wall 12B inside are connected by an upper wall 12C (see Fig. 2) shown in Fig. 2. Also, the outer wall 12A and the inner wall 12B are connected by a plurality of connecting ribs 12D.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, hinge receiving parts 12U that open to the upper wall 12C and the inner wall 12B are recessed and formed at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction of the first earth retaining part 12. The opening width of the inner wall 12B is smaller than the opening width of the upper wall 12C, and a pair of locking walls 12T are arranged at both side edges at the inner end of the hinge receiving part 12U.

[0015] As shown in Figure 6, the second embankment portion 13 of the base member 11, like the first embankment portion 12, has an internal space 13V that is open downwards, and the upper ends of the outer wall 13A outside the internal space 13V and the inner wall 13B inside are connected by an upper wall 13C (see Figure 2). In addition, the outer wall 13A and the inner wall 13B are connected by a plurality of connecting ribs 13D. As shown in Figure 7, both ends of the second embankment portion 13 are a pair of corner portions 13Y that curve downwards from the same height as the first embankment portion 12 in the first horizontal direction H1 and then hang down. Furthermore, the second embankment portion 13 has a pair of embankment ends 13G that extend inwards in the first horizontal direction H1 from the lower ends of the pair of corner portions 13Y, and an intermediate embankment portion 13H that is stepped down from the embankment ends 13G and extends between the pair of embankment ends 13G. Furthermore, an inner edge section 13E is provided in the middle section 13H of the embankment, rising from the inner edge in the width direction and connecting a pair of embankment ends 13G.

[0016] The second embankment section 13 has hinge receiving sections 13U formed in the central part and at both ends in the longitudinal direction. In detail, the hinge receiving sections 13U at both ends are located at a pair of embankment ends 13G and, similar to the hinge receiving section 12U of the first embankment section 12, open into the upper wall 13C and the inner wall 13B. The hinge receiving section 13U in the central part is formed on the inside of the inner edge embankment section 13E, which bulges outward. The outward bulging portion of the inner edge embankment section 13E is called the "embankment bulge section 13F". At the inner ends of these hinge receiving sections 13U of the second embankment section 13, a pair of locking walls 13T are also provided at both side edges. In addition, on both sides of the embankment bulge section 13F of the inner edge embankment section 13E, there are upper surface recessed sections 13K formed, with the upper surface slightly recessed.

[0017] As shown in Figure 7, the second side wall 30 is provided with a frame-shaped rib group 32K on the outer edge of the flat main plate wall 32S that demarcates the inside and outside of the folding container 10. The main plate wall 32S is comprised of an outer wall portion 32S1 that is arranged in substantially the same plane as the outer wall 13A of the second embankment portion 13, and an inner wall portion 32S2 that is arranged in substantially the same plane as the inner wall 13B of the second embankment portion 13. The inner wall portion 32S2 is located in the rectangular area in the center of the main plate wall 32S, and when viewed from the outside, it can be said that a side wall recessed portion 32T is formed in the center of the second side wall 30, recessed inward relative to the outer wall portion 32S1.

[0018] Each side portion of the frame-shaped rib group 32K includes a main longitudinal rib 32X that extends over substantially the entire length of the second side wall 30, and the upper and lower portions of the frame-shaped rib group 32K include a main transverse rib 32Y that extends over substantially the entire length of the second side wall 30. Side edge projections 33 are provided on both side edges of the second side wall 30, projecting laterally from the main longitudinal ribs 32X. As shown in Figure 5, the upper end of the side edge projection 33 is positioned slightly below the main transverse rib 32Y on the upper edge, and the lower end of the side edge projection 33 is positioned above the main transverse rib 32Y on the lower edge to avoid interference with the corner portion 13Y (see Figure 7) of the base member 11. The aforementioned engaging projection 33T is positioned on the side edge of this side edge projection 33, and when the side edge projection 33 overlaps the side projection wall 43 of the first side wall 40 from the inside, the engaging projection 33T engages with the through hole 43A of the side projection wall 43 (see Figure 3).

[0019] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the pair of lock bars 36 of the locking mechanism 34 described above always protrude from the main longitudinal rib 32X, and when the operating part 35 is rotated to the unlocked position, they retract inward from the main longitudinal rib 32X. Also, as shown in Figure 1, a handle hole 30M is formed below the portion of the second side wall 30 in which the operating part 35 of the locking mechanism 34 is housed.

[0020] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, multiple hinge portions 31 protrude downward from the main transverse rib 32Y at the lower edge of the second side wall 30. The hinge portions 31 are block-shaped and open to the outside of the folding container 10, and have hinge shafts 31H protruding laterally from the lower ends of both sides. When the hinge portions 31 of the second side wall 30 are received by the hinge receiving portions 13U of the second embankment portion 13, the hinge shafts 31H engage with the locking wall 13T to prevent them from coming loose, and the second side wall 30 is hinge-connected to the second embankment portion 13. In this embodiment of the folding container 10, the second side wall 30 is molded from transparent resin.

[0021] Next, the first side wall 40 will be described. In the folding container 10 shown in Figure 1, the first horizontal direction H1 is the front-to-back direction, and one of the first side walls 40 located on the front side in the front-to-back direction has a front opening W1 cut out from the top surface. In the following description, when distinguishing between the pair of first side walls 40, the first side wall 40 having the front opening W1 will be called the front first side wall 40A, and the opposite side will be called the rear first side wall 40B.

[0022] The rear first side wall 40B is provided with a frame-shaped rib group 42K on the outer edge of the flat main plate wall 42S that separates the inside and outside of the folding container 10. One pair of side portions of the frame-shaped rib group 42K includes a main longitudinal rib 42X that extends over substantially the entire lengthwise direction of the rear first side wall 40B, and the upper and lower portions of the frame-shaped rib group 42K include a main transverse rib 42Y that extends over substantially the entire lateral direction of the first side wall 40. The aforementioned side projection wall 43 is bent from the main longitudinal ribs 42X on both sides toward the second side wall 30.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, multiple hinge portions 41 protrude downward from the main transverse rib 42Y at the lower edge of the rear first side wall 40B. The hinge portions 41, like the hinge portions 31 of the second side wall 30, are block-shaped and open to the outside of the folding container 10, and have hinge shafts (not shown) that protrude laterally at the lower ends of both sides. When the hinge portions 41 of the rear first side wall 40B are received by the hinge receiving portions 12U of the first embankment portion 12, the hinge shafts lock into the locking wall 12T to prevent them from coming loose, and the rear first side wall 40B is hinged to the first embankment portion 12.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main plate wall 42S of the rear first side wall 40B has a transparent window portion 42M made of transparent resin fixed to the inside of a frame portion 42W made of non-transparent resin, allowing the inside of the folding container 10 to be seen through the transparent window portion 42M. It is also conceivable to mold the entire rear first side wall 40B from transparent resin, but since transparent resin is generally less strong than non-transparent resin, making the frame portion 42W that forms the outer edge of the rear first side wall 40B from non-transparent resin makes it possible to improve visibility while suppressing a decrease in strength.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the front first side wall 40A is molded from an opaque resin and, like the rear first side wall 40B, is provided with main longitudinal ribs 42X on both sides and a main transverse rib 42Y at its lower end. Furthermore, the front first side wall 40A is provided with a sub-longitudinal rib 42S located inward in the second horizontal direction H2 from the main longitudinal rib 42X, and a sub-transverse rib 42T above the main transverse rib 42Y. The upper ends of the main longitudinal rib 42X and the sub-longitudinal rib 42S are connected by an upper transverse rib 42Y1.

[0026] The inner surface of the front opening W1 is formed by these sub-vertical ribs 42S and sub-horizontal ribs 42T. The vertical length of the front opening W1 is approximately 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the height of the folding container 10, and the horizontal length of the front opening W1 is approximately 3 / 4 to 5 / 6 of the second horizontal length H2 of the folding container 10. The corners of the sub-vertical ribs 42S and sub-horizontal ribs 42T are connected by diagonal ribs 42R.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the upper end transverse rib 42Y1 of the front first side wall 40A is provided with an upper end projection 46 that protrudes upward. The upper end projection 46 is located in the center of the width direction of the upper end transverse rib 42Y1 and has a protruding ridge 46A that extends along the upper end transverse rib 42Y1, and a pair of bent portions 46B formed by bending both ends of the protruding ridge 46A outward in the first horizontal direction H1. The upper part of the pair of bent portions 46B has a first tapered portion 46C (see Figure 8) that approaches each other as it goes upward, and a second tapered portion 46D (see Figure 3) whose end face approaches the protruding ridge 46A as it goes upward. The upper end projection 46 is also located at a position offset in the second horizontal direction H2 from the connecting rib 12D of the first embankment portion 12 of the base member 11.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the main transverse rib 42Y on the upper edge of the rear first side wall 40B has recessed upper end receiving portions 45 at both ends. Then, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, in the folded state, the upper end projection 46 of the front first side wall 40A is received by the upper end receiving portion 45 of the rear first side wall 40B.

[0029] Here, Figure 8A shows the upper end projection 46 and upper end receiving portion 45 in a state where the centers of the hinge portions 41 of the front first side wall 40A and the rear first side wall 40B coincide with the centers of the hinge receiving portions 12U of the first embankment portion 12. In this state, the gap between the inner surface of the upper end receiving portion 45 and the side surface of the upper end projection 46 ("2X" in Figure 8A) is approximately twice the gap between the inner surface of the hinge receiving portion 12U and the tip surface of the hinge axis 41H of the hinge portion 41 ("X" in Figure 8B). This prevents the upper end projection 46 from interfering with the rear first side wall 40B even if the front first side wall 40A is shifted to one side in the second horizontal direction H2 and the rear first side wall 40B is shifted to the other side.

[0030] Figure 8A shows the state in which the first side walls 40 are furthest apart (the state in which each hinge portion 41 is located furthest outward in the first horizontal direction H1 play within each hinge receiving portion 12U). In this state, there are no parallel opposing portions between the upper end projection 46 and the upper end receiving portion 45. However, it is also possible to have a configuration in this state in which parallel opposing portions exist between the upper end projection 46 and the upper end receiving portion 45, for example, by shortening the first tapered portion 46C.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the side projection wall 43 of the first side wall 40 has a first vertical wall 43M extending vertically parallel to the main plate wall 42S, and a second vertical wall 43N projecting inward in the first horizontal direction H1 from the outer edge of the first vertical wall 43M. A locking engagement portion 44 is positioned near the inner edge of the upper end of the first vertical wall 43M. The locking engagement portion 44 has a shape in which both ends of the vertically extending projection are slightly bent outward in the second horizontal direction H2, and the amount of protrusion from the first vertical wall 43M is smaller than that of the second vertical wall 43N. Furthermore, the second vertical wall 43N has the aforementioned through hole 43A formed therein, and a cylindrical component 43T is provided that projects inward in the second horizontal direction H2 from the opening edge of the hole. The cylindrical component 43T has a U-shape, with a side portion 43T1 extending along the inner edge of the second vertical wall 43N in the first horizontal direction H1, and an upper portion 43T2 and a lower portion 43T3 extending from both ends of the side portion 43T1 to the first vertical wall 43M, and forms a cylindrical portion that extends the through hole 43A in cooperation with the first vertical wall 43M.

[0032] These cylindrical components 43T extend to the center of the first vertical wall 43M in the width direction, but the upper edge portion 43T2 of the upper cylindrical component 43T extends to the inner edge of the first vertical wall 43M in the width direction. Hereafter, the extended portion of the upper edge portion 43T2 will be referred to as the extended projection 43V. The upper surface of the upper edge portion 43T2 of the upper cylindrical component 43T, including the extended projection 43V, is flush with the upper surface of the upper transverse rib 42Y1. As shown in Figure 3, the extended projection 43V of the first side wall 40 overlaps the side edge projection 33 of the second side wall 30 from above.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, in the folded state, the upper end of the side projection 43 of the first side wall 40 is positioned on the central part of the second embankment 13. At this time, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the inner edge position of the side edge 43T1 of the upper end cylindrical component 43T in the second horizontal direction H2 abuts against the embankment bulge 13F. In addition, the lock engagement portion 44 of the first side wall 40 is positioned on the upper recessed portion 13K. This prevents the lock engagement portion 44 from interfering with the second embankment 13 even if a load is applied to the folded folding container 10 and the first side wall 40 bends.

[0034] Next, the effects and advantages of this folding container 10 will be explained. The folding container 10 is used, for example, as a transport container for transporting goods (not shown) shipped from a factory, and also as a display case (or display case for exhibiting goods) for displaying goods in a retail store. Specifically, the folding container 10 is stored in the folded state shown in Figure 2 at the factory that ships the goods, and is assembled to the state shown in Figure 1 when in use. Then, multiple goods are placed in the folding container 10 through the top opening as cargo and transported to the retail store.

[0035] In a retail store, for example, as shown in Figure 11, multiple folding containers 10 are placed on the sales floor in a stacked state with all front openings W1 facing the same direction. When folding containers 10 are stacked on top of each other, as shown in Figure 12, the fitting portion 11K of the upper folding container 10 fits into the top opening of the lower folding container 10, preventing the upper and lower folding containers 10 from shifting laterally.

[0036] The foldable containers 10 stacked on the sales floor become display cases (showcases) in which the products are visible through the front opening W1, and customers can take out the products inside the foldable containers 10 from the top opening or the front opening W1. Once all the products have been taken out, the foldable containers 10 are folded again and returned from the store to the factory. Thus, with the foldable container 10 of this embodiment, since the front opening W1 is cut out of the front first side wall 40A, it is possible to display products in a way that makes them visible from the outside simply by placing the foldable container 10 on the sales floor. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second side wall 30 is made of transparent resin and a transparent window 42M is provided in the rear first side wall 40B, so it is possible to show the products from all sides, and the products can be effectively promoted.

[0037] However, there is a concern that the front first side wall 40A may bend or flex under the load of the upper folding container 10 due to the provision of the front opening W1. In response to this, in the folding container 10, as shown in Figure 12, the upper end projection 46 of the front first side wall 40A of the lower folding container 10 is received between the outer wall 12A and the inner wall 12B of the first embankment 12 of the upper folding container 10, thereby restricting the rotation of the front first side wall 40A and suppressing deformation of the front first side wall 40A. Furthermore, since the upper end projection 46 faces both the outer wall 12A and the inner wall 12B of the first embankment 12, both outward and inward deformation of the front first side wall 40A are suppressed. The space surrounded by the outer wall 12A, the inner wall 12B and the connecting rib 12D of the first embankment 12 corresponds to the "lower recess".

[0038] In order to provide an upper end projection 46 on the front first side wall 40A, it is conceivable to set the height of the folding container 10 so that the upper surfaces of a pair of first side walls 40 are spaced apart when folded. However, in this embodiment, by providing an upper end receiving portion 45 on the rear first side wall 40B, the height can be set so that the upper surfaces of a pair of first side walls 40 are close together. Furthermore, since the upper end receiving portion 45 is open in both the inward and outward directions, the upper end projection 46 and the rear first side wall 40B do not interfere with each other, regardless of whether the front first side wall 40A or the rear first side wall 40B is folded first.

[0039] Furthermore, when the upper surfaces of a pair of first side walls 40 are close together in the folded state, it becomes difficult to grip the first side walls 40 when raising them. However, in the folding container 10, a front opening W1 is formed by cutting out from the top surface of the front first side wall 40A, so that fingers can be gripped from this front opening W1 to the bottom surface (bottom surface in Figure 2) of the rear first side wall 40B, making it easier to raise the first side walls 40. Alternatively, fingers can be inserted between the second side walls 30 or through the recessed part 32T of the side wall. Also, when raising the front first side wall 40A, fingers can be gripped from the inside through the recessed part 32T of the side wall.

[0040] Furthermore, as a method for engaging the front first side wall 40A of the lower folding container 10 with the upper folding container 10, it is conceivable to provide a projection that protrudes downward on the base member 11 and a recess that receives the projection on the front first side wall 40A. However, by providing an upper end projection 46 on the front first side wall 40A as in this embodiment, it becomes possible to use the same base member 11 as other types of folding containers 100 that do not have an upper end projection, as shown in Figure 13.

[0041] Other types of folding containers 100 are taller than the folding container 10 of this embodiment, and in the folded state, the upper end (upper cylindrical component 143T) of the side projection 143 of the first side wall 140 exceeds the levee bulge 13F and abuts outside the inner levee portion 13E of the embankment intermediate portion 13H. On the other hand, in the folding container 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the cylindrical components 43T of a pair of first side walls 40 abut the levee bulge 13F. Here, since the front first side wall 40A is easily deformed, there is a concern that the cylindrical component 43T at the upper end of the side projection 43 of the front first side wall 40A may drop laterally from the levee bulge 13F, causing one side of the front first side wall 40A to spread out. In contrast, in this embodiment, the upper end of the front first side wall 40A has an extended projection 43V which is an extension of the upper edge portion 43T2 of the cylindrical component 43T, and the range in which the front first side wall 40A can contact the second embankment portion 13 in the side projection 43 is extended inward, so even if the front first side wall 40A is displaced in the second horizontal direction H2, the upper end of the side projection 43 is less likely to fall from the embankment bulge portion 13F, and deformation that causes the front first side wall 40A to spread is prevented.

[0042] Furthermore, since the extension projection 43V is positioned at the upper end of the side projection wall 43, which is most easily moved due to the hinge play, the front first side wall 40A can be more effectively supported by the second embankment portion 13 than if it were positioned at the lower part of the side projection wall 43, and deformation of the front first side wall 40A is more effectively prevented. Also, since the upper end of the side projection wall 43 is supported by the bulging portion 13F that protrudes outward from the inner edge embankment portion 13E, the side projection wall 43 becomes less likely to sag. In addition, the rear first side wall 40B also becomes less likely to sag, similar to the front first side wall 40A, so deformation of both the pair of first side walls 40 is prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, even if the upper wall 13C of the middle section 13H of the second embankment section 13 extends flush with the embankment end 13G and the hinge receiving section 13U is formed as a depression, the effect of making it less likely for the upper end of the side projection wall 43 to fall from the second embankment section 13 is achieved.

[0044] [Other embodiments] Although the front opening W1 of the folding container 10 in the above embodiment was rectangular, it is not limited to this. For example, the front opening W1 may be trapezoidal, with the opening width widening towards the top, or it may be elliptical. Furthermore, the opening edge of the front opening W1 may be corrugated.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the folding container 10 had a front opening W1 on only one of the first side walls 40, but the front opening W1 may be provided on both of the two first side walls 40, or on three or more side walls including the second side wall 30.

[0046] When both of the two first side walls 40 are provided with a front opening W1, the upper end projection 46 may be provided on only one of the first side walls 40 and the upper end receiving portion 45 may be provided on only the other first side wall 40. Alternatively, the upper end projection 46 and the upper end receiving portion 45 may be provided on both first side walls 40 in a rotationally symmetrical manner (for example, on one first side wall 40, the upper end receiving portion 45 and the upper end projection 46 may be provided on both sides of the front opening W1 from one side of the second horizontal direction H2, and on the other first side wall 40, the upper end projection 46 and the upper end receiving portion 45 may be provided on both sides of the front opening W1 from one side of the second horizontal direction H2), so that the same first side wall 40 can be used for both the front and rear first side walls 40.

[0047] The rear first side wall 40B may have an opening instead of the transparent window portion 42M, or the entire structure may be made of opaque resin so that the inside cannot be seen. The second side wall 30 may also be made of opaque resin. The front first side wall 40A may also be made of transparent resin.

[0048] The planar shape of the folding container 10 in the above embodiment is rectangular, but it may also be square.

[0049] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the folding container 10 is also used as a transport container. However, it is also possible that the container is transported from the factory in another container and then placed in the folding container 10 of this embodiment at the sales store.

[0050] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the folding container 10 is used as a display case, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be used as a storage container or as a shelf.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the gap between the inner surface of the upper end receiving portion 45 and the side surface of the upper end projection 46 is approximately twice the gap between the inner surface of the hinge receiving portion 12U and the tip surface of the hinge shaft 41H of the hinge portion 41, but it is not limited to this, and may be less than twice or greater than twice. Note that if the gap between the inner surface of the upper end receiving portion 45 and the side surface of the upper end projection 46 is greater than or equal to the gap between the inner surface of the hinge receiving portion 12U and the tip surface of the hinge shaft 41H of the hinge portion 41, the upper end projection 46 is less likely to interfere with the rear first side wall 40B when the front first side wall 40A is displaced due to the play of the hinge. Furthermore, if the gap between the inner surface of the upper end receiving portion 45 and the side surface of the upper end projection 46 is less than or equal to twice the gap between the inner surface of the hinge receiving portion 12U and the tip surface of the hinge shaft 41H of the hinge portion 41, the movement of the front first side wall 40A relative to the rear first side wall 40B is restricted, and deformation of the front first side wall 40A is prevented.

[0052] Furthermore, if the gap between the inner surface of the upper end receiving portion 45 and the side surface of the upper end projection 46 is less than or equal to twice the gap between the inner surface of the hinge receiving portion 12U and the tip surface of the hinge shaft 41H of the hinge portion 41, guide inclined surfaces 45G and 46G may be provided on the inner opening edge of the upper end receiving portion 45 and the inner corner of the upper end projection 46, respectively. In this case, when the front first side wall 40A and the rear first side wall 40B are tilted, if the upper end projection 46 comes into contact with the opening edge of the upper end receiving portion 45, the front first side wall 40A or the rear first side wall 40B can be shifted so that the upper end projection 46 is received by the upper end receiving portion 45. It is preferable that the guide inclined surfaces 45G and 46G are positioned and wide enough to include the entire range in the second horizontal direction H2 where the upper end projection 46 and the opening edge of the upper end receiving portion 45 can interfere with each other.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the upper surfaces of the pair of first side walls 40 were close together in the folded state, but they may be spaced apart.

[0054] As shown in Figure 15, the side portion 43T1 of the upper cylindrical component 43T of the side protrusion 43 of the first side wall 40 may be extended inward, and a projection 43T4 may be provided at its tip that faces the inner surface of the bulging portion 13F of the second embankment 13 from the inside when folded. When folded, the projection 43T4 is received between the bulging portion 13F and the locking wall 13T. In this case, the projection 43T4 abuts against the inner surface of the bulging portion 13F, which further prevents the side protrusion 43 from falling outward of the second embankment 13.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the upper end receiving portion 45 was U-shaped, but it may be trapezoidal, corresponding to the upper end projection 46, or it may have any other shape.

[0056] <Note> The following describes the features extracted from the above embodiments, showing their effects and other details as needed. For ease of understanding, the corresponding components in the above embodiments are indicated in parentheses; however, these features are not limited to the configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0057] [Feature 1] In a folding container (10) in which side walls (30, 40) are hinged to each outer edge of a rectangular base member (11), and which can be changed between an assembled state in which all the side walls (30, 40) are upright and a folded state in which all the side walls (30, 40) are folded down, and in the folded state the upper surfaces of opposing side walls (30, 40) face each other, One of the aforementioned side walls is a notched side wall (40A) having a notch (W1) on its upper surface. The upper surface of the notched side wall (40A) is provided with upper end projections (46) that protrude upward on both sides of the notch (W1), The lower surface of the base member (11) is provided with a lower recess that engages with the upper end projection (46) of the lower folding container (10) when folding containers are stacked on top of each other.

[0058] When the folding containers of Feature 1 are stacked on top of each other, the upper projection on the notched side wall of the lower folding container engages with the recess on the lower surface of the upper folding container, thereby positioning the notched side wall relative to the upper folding container and preventing deformation of the notched side wall.

[0059] [Feature 2] The notched side wall (40A) and the opposing side wall (40B) of the side wall that faces the notched side wall (40A) are such that their upper surfaces are close together in the folded state. The folding container (10) according to feature 1, wherein the upper end of the opposing side wall (40B) is provided with an upper end receiving portion (45) that receives the upper end projection (46) in the folded state.

[0060] According to Feature 2, by providing an upper end receiving portion, the upper surfaces of the notched side wall and the opposing side wall can be brought closer together, making the folding container taller than in a configuration where the upper surfaces are spaced apart.

[0061] [Feature 3] The folding container (10) according to feature 2, wherein the upper end receiving portion (45) penetrates the opposing side wall (40B) in an inward-outward direction.

[0062] According to Feature 3, the notched side wall and the opposing side wall can be knocked down from either side.

[0063] [Feature 4] A folding container (10) according to feature 2 or 3, wherein the play of the upper end projection (46) with respect to the upper end receiving portion (45) in the lateral direction of the notched side wall (40A) is the same as or greater than the play of the notched side wall (40A) and the opposing side wall (40B) with respect to the base member (11).

[0064] According to Feature 4, even if the notched side wall or the opposing side wall is shifted to one side relative to the base member, the upper projection is less likely to interfere with the opposing side wall.

[0065] [Feature 5] The folding container (10) according to feature 4, wherein the play of the upper end projection (46) with respect to the upper end receiving portion (45) is twice the play of the notched side wall (40A) and the opposing side wall (40B) with respect to the base member (11).

[0066] According to Feature 5, even if the notched side wall and the opposing side wall are positioned on opposite sides, the upper projection is less likely to interfere with the opposing side wall.

[0067] [Feature 6] The base member (11) comprises a first embankment (12) that rises from a pair of opposing side edges and to which a first side wall (40) is connected, and a second embankment (13) that rises from the remaining pair of side edges, is lower than the first embankment (12), and to which a second side wall (30) is connected. In the folded state, the first side wall (40) overlaps the second side wall (30), One of the pair of first side walls (40) is the notched side wall (40A), Each pair of first side walls (40) is provided with side projections (43) on both sides of its edge that project toward the second side wall (30), overlap the side edge of the second side wall (30) from the outside in the assembled state, and are supported by the second embankment (13) in the folded state. The folding container according to any one of features 1 to 5, wherein the side protrusion (43) has a surface that protrudes from the inner surface of the side protrusion (43) and is flush with the tip surface of the side protrusion (43), and has a first projection (43V) that can come into contact with the second embankment (13) when folded.

[0068] While notched sidewalls are more prone to deformation than unnotched sidewalls, and there is concern that the side protrusions may spread outward beyond the second embankment when folded, according to feature 6, the first projection protrudes from the inner surface of the side protrusion, and the area in contact with the second embankment is extended inward, making it less likely for the side protrusions to fall outward beyond the second embankment, thus making the notched sidewall less prone to deformation.

[0069] [Feature 7] The upper surface of the side edge of the second side wall (30) is stepped downwards, The folding container according to feature 6, wherein the first projection (43V) includes an upper projection (43V) positioned at the upper end of the side wall and covering the side edge of the second side wall (30) from above.

[0070] While the upper end of the notched side wall is prone to shifting, in feature 7, the upper end projection of the first projection is positioned at the upper end of the side projection wall, thereby effectively preventing deformation of the notched side wall.

[0071] [Feature 8] The aforementioned second embankment section (13) is, The inner edge ridge portion (13E) of the second side wall (30) is higher on the inner side than on the outer side in the direction in which the two sides face each other, The inner edge ridge portion (13E) includes a second projection (13F) that protrudes outward from the central part of the inner edge ridge portion (13E), The folding container according to feature 7, wherein a pair of the first side walls (40) have their upper surfaces close together in the folded state, and both upper end protrusions (43V) are supported by the second protrusions (13F).

[0072] According to Feature 8, even when an inner rim embankment is formed on the second embankment, the provision of a second projection supports both upper projections of the pair of first side walls, thereby preventing deformation of the pair of first side walls.

[0073] [Feature 9] The folding container according to feature 8, wherein the second protrusion (13F) bulges outward from the inner edge ridge (13E) and receives the hinge portion (31) of the second side wall (30) on its inner side.

[0074] [Feature 10] The folding container (10) according to feature 8 or 9, wherein the base member (11) is reused between the folding container (100) and another type of folding container (100) that is positioned outside the inner edge rim (13E) at a position where the upper end of one of the first side walls (40) exceeds the second protrusion (13F) in the folded state.

[0075] [Feature 11] The base member (11) can be reused with other types of folding containers (100) that do not have the upper end projection (46). A folding container according to any one of the features 1 to 10, wherein the lower surface of the base member (11) is provided with a plurality of partitioned compartments separated by a plurality of ribs (13A, 13B, 13D), and a portion of the plurality of partitioned compartments is the lower surface recess.

[0076] [Feature 12] The aforementioned notch (W1) is cut deeper than half the height of the notched side wall (40A) so that the contents stored in the folding container can be seen. A folding container according to any one of features 1 to 11, wherein the opposing side wall (40B) of the side wall, which is opposite to the notched side wall (40A), is provided with a viewing window (42M) that allows the contents to be seen.

[0077] According to Feature 12, the contents can be viewed from either side of the direction in which the notched side wall and the opposing side wall face each other.

[0078] [Feature 13] In a folding container (10) in which side walls (30, 40) are hinged to each outer edge of a rectangular base member (11), and which can be changed between an assembled state in which all the side walls (30, 40) are upright and a folded state in which all the side walls (30, 40) are folded down, and in the folded state the upper surfaces of opposing side walls (30, 40) face each other, Of the side walls (30, 40), the upper surface of the first side wall (40A) is provided with an upper projection (46) that protrudes upward, while the lower surface of the base member (11) is provided with a lower recess that engages with the upper projection (46) of the lower folding container (10) when the folding containers (10) are stacked on top of each other. The first side wall (40A) and the second side wall (40B) of the side walls (30, 40) that faces the first side wall (40A) are such that their upper surfaces are close together in the folded state. A folding container (10) is provided with an upper end receiving portion (45) at the upper end of the second side wall (40B) for receiving the upper end projection (46) in the folded state.

[0079] According to Feature 13, when stacked, the upper end projection on the upper layer and the lower surface recess on the lower layer engage with each other, suppressing misalignment between the folding containers. Furthermore, by providing an upper end receiving portion that receives the upper end projection, the upper surfaces of the first and second side walls can be brought closer together, allowing the folding containers to be made taller than in a configuration where the upper surfaces are spaced apart.

[0080] While this specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes various modifications and changes to these examples, as well as parts of the examples taken individually. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10 Folding Containers 11 Base member 13. Second embankment section 13E Inner edge embankment 13F Embankment protrusion (second protrusion) 30 Second side wall 40 First side wall 40A Front first side wall (side wall with notch) 40B Rear first side wall (opposing side wall) 42M Transparent window section (viewing window) 43 Side wall 43A through hole 43T cylinder component 43V Extension protrusion (1st protrusion, upper protrusion) 45 Upper end receiving portion 46 Upper end protrusion W1 Front opening (notch)

Claims

1. In a folding container in which side walls are hinged to each outer edge of a rectangular base member, and which can be changed between an assembled state in which all the side walls are upright and a folded state in which all the side walls are folded down, and in the folded state the upper surfaces of opposing side walls face each other, One of the aforementioned side walls is a notched side wall having a notch on its upper surface, The upper surface of the notched side wall is provided with upper end projections that protrude upward on both sides of the notch. The folding container is provided with a lower recess on the lower surface of the base member that engages with the upper end projection of the lower folding container when the folding containers are stacked on top of each other.

2. The notched side wall and the opposing side wall that faces the notched side wall are in close proximity to each other in the folded state. The folding container according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the opposing side wall is provided with an upper end receiving portion for receiving the upper end projection in the folded state.

3. The folding container according to claim 2, wherein the upper end receiving portion penetrates the opposing side wall in an inward-outward direction.

4. The folding container according to claim 2, wherein the play of the upper end projection with respect to the upper end receiving portion in the lateral direction of the notched side wall is the same as or greater than the play of the notched side wall and the opposing side wall with respect to the base member.

5. The base member comprises a first embankment portion that rises from a pair of opposing side portions and to which a first side wall is connected, and a second embankment portion that rises from the remaining pair of side portions, is lower than the first embankment portion and to which a second side wall is connected. In the folded state, the first side wall overlaps the second side wall. One of the pair of first side walls is the notched side wall, The pair of first side walls are provided with side projections on both side edges that protrude toward the second side wall, overlap the side edge of the second side wall from the outside in the assembled state, and are supported by the second embankment in the folded state. The folding container according to claim 1, wherein the side wall protrudes from the inner surface of the side wall and has a surface flush with the tip surface of the side wall, and the side wall protrudes a first projection that can come into contact with the second embankment when folded.

6. The upper surface of the side edge of the second side wall is stepped downwards, The folding container according to claim 5, wherein the first projection includes an upper projection positioned at the upper end of the side wall and covering the side edge of the second side wall from above.

7. The aforementioned second embankment section is, The inner edge ridge portion is such that the inner side of the second side wall is higher than the outer side in the direction in which they face each other, It comprises a second projection that protrudes outward from the central part of the inner edge ridge, The folding container according to claim 6, wherein the pair of first side walls have their upper surfaces close together in the folded state, and both upper end protrusions are supported by the second protrusion.

8. The aforementioned notch is cut deeper than half the height of the notched side wall, allowing the contents stored in the folding container to be visible. The folding container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the side wall opposite to the notched side wall is provided with a viewing window that allows the contents to be viewed.

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