Method for manufacturing a container and a crate with the container already placed inside.

Abstract

To provide a container that can be easily placed inside a crate. [Solution] A container is provided, comprising a container body, the container body having a bottom portion having a rounded rectangular outer shape, a body portion extending upward from the bottom portion along the periphery of the bottom portion and defining an opening, and a flange portion having a rounded rectangular outer shape and projecting from the body portion toward the opposite side of the opening at the periphery of the opening of the body portion, wherein the radius of curvature of the corners of the outer shape of the flange portion is larger than the radius of curvature of the corners of the outer shape of the bottom portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container and a method for manufacturing a crate in which the container is arranged.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, containers containing contents such as foods like boxed lunches and prepared dishes have been arranged in a transport container called a crate and transported and stored in order to improve efficiency during transport, storage, etc. (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it is difficult to say that sufficient consideration has been given to the shape and the like of the containers arranged in the crate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container including a container body, the container body including a bottom portion having a rounded rectangular outer shape, a body portion extending upward from the bottom portion along the periphery of the bottom portion and defining an opening, and a flange portion protruding from the body portion toward the side opposite to the opening at the periphery of the opening of the body portion and having a rounded rectangular outer shape, wherein a radius of curvature of a corner portion of the outer shape of the flange portion is larger than a radius of curvature of a corner portion of the outer shape of the bottom portion.

[0006] According to this embodiment, a container that can be easily placed inside the crate can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of a container. [Figure 2] This is an upper perspective view of the container body and lid. [Figure 3] This is a downward perspective view of the container body and lid. [Figure 4] This is a top view of the container body and lid. [Figure 5] This is a view of the bottom of the container body and lid. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) schematically shows the cross-section of line AA in Figure 1, and Figure 6(b) shows an enlarged view of the end face of the region enclosed by the dashed line in the schematic cross-section of line AA (Figure 6(a)). [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a side view of the containers stacked in an offset manner, and Figure 7(b) is a schematic diagram of the containers stacked in an offset manner viewed from above. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) shows a crate with containers already placed inside, viewed from above, and Figures 8(b) and 8(c) show schematic diagrams illustrating how containers are placed inside the crate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0009] [container] (overview) First, an overview of the container 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The container 100 is suitable for transporting, storing, etc., in a crate, such as the one described in Non-Patent Document 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a container. Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of the container body and lid. Figure 3 is a lower perspective view of the container body and lid. Figure 4 is a top view of the container body and lid. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the container body and lid. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-section along line AA in Figure 1 (Figure 6(a)), and a magnified view of the end face of the area enclosed by the dashed line in the schematic diagram of the cross-section along line AA (Figure 6(a)) (Figure 6(b)).

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, etc., the container 100 comprises a container body 1 and a lid 2 that is detachably attached to the container body 1. Hereinafter, the side of the container 100 with the lid 2 will be referred to as the "upper side," and the side with the container body 1 will be referred to as the "lower side." The container body 1 comprises a bottom portion 12, a body portion 11, and a flange portion 13. The body portion 11 extends upward from the bottom portion 12 along the periphery of the bottom portion 12, and defines a substantially circular opening 10 at the end opposite to the bottom portion 12 (upper end) (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper end"). The body portion 11 and the bottom portion 12 define a storage space 101 for accommodating contents such as food from above through the opening 10 (i.e., the container body 1 has a storage space 101). The flange portion 13 protrudes from the body portion 11 toward the opposite side of the opening 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the "outside") at the periphery of the opening 10 of the body portion 11.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the flange portion 13 comprises a corner portion 131 and a straight portion 132, and its outer shape is a rounded rectangle. The outer shape of the flange portion 13 matches the outer shape of the container 100 itself in a plan view. Therefore, when multiple containers 100 are placed inside the crate, the straight portion 132 makes line contact with the inner surface of the crate. Also, adjacent containers 100 are positioned relative to each other by the line contact of their straight portions 132. This makes it easy to align the containers 100 inside the crate without paying close attention. Furthermore, when displayed as merchandise, the gaps between the containers 100 can be kept small, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing display. Furthermore, it is not necessary for container 100 to be in contact with the crate, nor for adjacent containers 100 to be in contact with each other. It is sufficient that the straight section 132 and the inner surface of the crate or the straight section 132 of the adjacent container 100 are facing each other. The same applies in the following explanation.

[0012] The constituent materials of the container body 1 and lid 2 are not particularly limited, but for example, thermoplastic resin materials such as polypropylene (PP), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), biaxially oriented polystyrene (BOPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene (PE), foamed resin materials such as expanded polystyrene (PSP), plant fiber materials such as paper, bamboo, and bagasse, or mixtures thereof can be used. In addition, the constituent materials of the container body 1 and lid 2 may contain additives. For example, when using resin materials, additives such as inorganic fillers such as talc, antioxidants such as phenol, and flame retardants such as phosphate esters may be included.

[0013] (Lid) The lid 2 comprises a top portion 22, a side portion 21, and a fitting portion 23. The side portion 21 extends downward from the top portion 22 along the periphery of the top portion 22. The fitting portion 23 protrudes radially outward from the side portion 21. This fitting portion 23 fits (so-called internal fitting) into the portion that defines the opening 10 of the container body 1 (body portion 11). In this state, the lid 2 is configured to cover the storage space 101. This prevents or suppresses the leakage or dripping of the contents of the container body 1 or water droplets generated from the contents that adhere to the inner surface of the lid 2 to the outside of the container 100. In other words, the container 100 can be used hygienically.

[0014] The fitting portion 23 of the lid body 2 includes a first flat portion 231, a wall portion 232, a second flat portion 233, and a gripping portion 234. The first flat portion 231 projects outward in a ring shape from the lower end of the side portion 21. The wall portion 232 extends upward along the outer edge of the first flat portion 231 so as to face the side portion 21. The second flat portion 233 projects outward in a ring shape from the upper end of the wall portion 232. The gripping portion 234 projects outward at the outer edge of the second flat portion 233. In the present disclosure, two gripping portions 234 are provided facing each other (spaced apart), but the number of gripping portions 234 provided may be only one or three or more.

[0015] In FIG. 1, the lid body 2 is fitted to the container body 1. In this state, the second flat portion 233 contacts the flange portion 13. The wall portion 232 contacts the upper end portion of the container body 1 (barrel portion 11) and presses the portion outward by its elastic force. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the wall portion 232 has an inclined portion 232a, a protruding portion 232b, and a standing portion 232c.

[0016] The inclined portion 232a is continuous upward from the first flat portion 231 and inclines so that the distance from the side portion 21 increases upward. The standing portion 232c is provided at the upper end of the wall portion 232 and faces the upper end of the opening 10 of the container body 1. The protruding portion 232b connects the inclined portion 232a and the standing portion 232c and is provided so as to protrude outward (toward the container body 1 side). The protruding portion 232b fits into a recessed portion 10b of the container body 1 described later. Thereby, in the state where the lid body 2 is fitted to the container body 1, the upward displacement of the lid body 2 is locked (prohibited). When opening and closing the container 100, by the protruding portion 232b being detached from or fitted into the recessed portion 10b, an appropriate sense of resistance can be generated.

[0017] In addition, in Fig. 6(b), for the convenience of explanation, there is a gap between the container body 1 and the lid body 2, but the gap may not be necessary. For example, the outer shape of the fitting portion 23 of the lid body 2 may be formed slightly larger than the opening 10 of the container body 1. In this case, in the state where the container 100 is closed as shown in Figs. 1 and 6, the fitting portion 23 is pressed by the peripheral edge of the opening 10 (that is, the wall portion 232 presses the peripheral edge of the opening 10), so that the lid body 2 (particularly, the fitting portion 23) can closely adhere to the peripheral edge of the opening 10 (the inner wall of the container body 1) while being appropriately deformed. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent the container 100 from being unintentionally opened.

[0018] (Container body) Such a lid body 2 fits into the opening 10 formed at the upper end portion of the container body 1. The body portion 11 defining the opening 10 includes, at its upper end portion, an inclined portion 10a, a recessed portion 10b, and an upper end portion 10c. The inclined portion 10a inclines toward the outside of the container body 1 as it goes upward. Thereby, when the lid body 2 is attached to the container body 1 and the container 100 is closed, the inclined portion 232a can be placed on the inclined portion 10a. That is, when attaching the lid body 2 or in the state where the lid body 2 is fitted to the container body 1, it is possible to prevent the lid body 2 from being displaced downward beyond the inclined portion 10a. The recessed portion 10b is continuous above the inclined portion 10a and has a recessed shape such that the diameter of the opening 10 becomes larger. The protruding portion 232b of the lid body 2 can fit into this recessed portion 10b. The upper end portion 10c is continuous above the recessed portion 10b and inclines toward the inside of the container body 1 as it goes upward. Thereby, when the lid body 2 is removed from the container body 1 and the container 100 is opened, as the lid body 2 is displaced upward, the pressing force on the lid body 2 (the protruding portion 232b) passing through the upper end portion 10c becomes stronger. Therefore, an appropriate sense of resistance is generated when the container 100 is opened, and it is possible to prevent the container 100 from being unintentionally opened. Also, when the lid body 2 is attached to the container body 1 and the container 100 is closed, the user can be made to recognize that the container 100 is closed with a sense of resistance when the lid body 2 (the protruding portion 232b) passes through the upper end of the inclined portion 10a.

[0019] The body portion 11 of the container body 1 is open at the upper end through the aforementioned opening 10, and closed at the lower end through the bottom portion 12. As shown in Figure 5, the bottom portion 12 has a rounded rectangular shape. By forming the bottom portion 12 in this shape, a large area of ​​the bottom portion 12 can be secured, and thus sufficient volume can be provided to the storage space 101 (see Figure 4, etc.). Preferably, the bottom portion 12 has a rounded square shape. In other words, it is preferable that the outer shape of the bottom portion 12 has four-fold rotational symmetry. This makes it relatively easy to arrange the contents in the storage space 101 without having to strictly control the orientation of the container body 1. In this specification, "the outer shape has four-fold rotational symmetry" means that when the container 100 is rotated 90° horizontally, the shape viewed from above (i.e., the plan view shape) overlaps before and after the rotation.

[0020] As shown in Figure 5, the bottom portion 12 is flat and has a plurality (four in this disclosure) of legs 121. The four legs 121 are each provided protruding downward from the corners of the bottom 12, and support the entire container body 1 (container 100).

[0021] Furthermore, the inner portion of each of the four legs 121 is arc-shaped. These arc-shaped portions are substantially located on a single virtual circle, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 5. The diameter of this virtual circle is larger than the diameter of the ceiling portion 22 of the lid 2 (see Figure 4, etc.). Therefore, when two containers 100 are stacked on top of each other, the ceiling portion 22 of the lid 2 of the lower container 100 (see Figure 4, etc.) can be positioned inside the four legs 121 of the upper container 100 (see Figure 5). In other words, the two stacked upper and lower containers 100 can be positioned relative to each other. This makes it easier to stably hold the two containers 100 stacked together during transportation, storage, etc. Specifically, for example, the diameter of the virtual circle (see Figure 5) should be more than 1 times but less than or equal to 1.5 times the diameter of the ceiling portion 22 (see Figure 4, etc.).

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, etc., the body portion 11 is provided so as to rise upward from the bottom portion 12. This body portion 11 is integrally formed with the bottom portion 12. As shown in Figure 4, etc., the size of the opening 10 in plan view is larger than the size of the bottom portion 12. That is, the opening 10 has a size that encloses the bottom portion 12 in plan view. In other words, the body portion 11 is inclined (inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the normal direction of the bottom portion 12) so as to widen from the bottom portion 12 toward the opening 10.

[0023] The body portion 11 has four recesses 111 and four corners 112. Each recess 111 extends upward from the straight portion of the bottom portion 12 and is recessed toward the housing space 101. The four corners 112 each extend upward from the corners (leg portions 121) of the bottom portion 12. As a result, one recess 111 is defined between two adjacent corners 112. In other words, the body portion 11 has multiple (four) recesses 111 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the body portion 11.

[0024] Each recess 111 is formed by smoothly connecting two sections with different inclines, as shown in Figure 6(a). That is, in the recess 111, the incline with respect to the vertical direction (or radial direction) differs between the end on the bottom 12 side (hereinafter also referred to as the "lower end") and the end on the opening 10 side (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper end"). Specifically, the upper end of the recess 111 has a gentler incline than the lower end. Furthermore, in the cross-section of the recess 111, the angle θ1 between the lower end and the vertical direction is smaller than the angle θ2 between the upper end and the vertical direction. Here, the magnitudes of angles θ1 and θ2 are within the range of 0° to 90°. The ratio of angle θ2 to angle θ1 (θ2 / θ1) is, for example, approximately 1.1 to 10.

[0025] A flange portion 13 protrudes outward from the upper end of the body portion 11. As described above, the flange portion 13 has a corner portion 131 and a straight portion 132, and its outer shape is a rounded rectangle. With this configuration, the presence of the straight portion 132 makes it easy to position the container 100 inside the crate. Preferably, the flange portion 13 has a rounded square shape. In other words, it is preferable that at least the outer shape of the flange portion 13 (the maximum outer shape of the container 100 excluding the grip portion 234) has four-fold rotational symmetry. This makes it easy to orient the container 100 in the correct direction without having to rotate it significantly when placing it inside the crate. Furthermore, it is not necessary to strictly control the orientation of the container 100. In addition, when placing contents in the storage space 101 or displaying the container 100, it is similarly easy to orient it in a direction that facilitates placement and display.

[0026] Here, the rounded rectangles forming the outer shapes of the flange portion 13 and the base portion 12 are not identical in shape. Specifically, the radius of curvature R13 of the corner 131 of the outer shape of the flange portion 13 (see Figure 4) is larger than the radius of curvature R12 of the corner (leg portion 121) of the outer shape of the base portion 12 (see Figure 5). Therefore, the outer shapes of the flange portion 13 and the base portion 12 are dissimilar to each other.

[0027] More specifically, the ratio of the radius of curvature R13 to the maximum length L13 (see Figure 4) along one side of the flange portion 13 (R13 / L13) is greater than the ratio of the radius of curvature R12 (see Figure 5) to the maximum length L12 (see Figure 5) along one side of the bottom portion 12 (R12 / L12) (i.e., the radius of curvature at the corners relative to the maximum length along one side is greater for the outer shape of the flange portion than for the outer shape of the bottom portion). In other words, the outer shape of the flange portion 13 is closer to a perfect circle than the outer shape of the bottom portion 12.

[0028] In this way, by making the shapes of the bottom portion 12 and the flange portion 13 different, the effects resulting from each shape can be fully realized. For example, the outer shape of the base 12 is closer to a rectangle due to its small radius of curvature R12. This increases the area of ​​the base 12, ensuring sufficient volume for the storage space 101. Furthermore, the legs 121 positioned at each corner of the base 12 are located on the outer circumference of the container 100, improving stability when the container 100 is placed on it. Furthermore, the outer shape of the flange portion 13 (container 100) is closer to a perfect circle due to the large radius of curvature R13. Because of the large radius of curvature R13, multiple containers 100 can be accommodated within the crate even if the straight section 132 and the inner surface of the crate or the straight section 132 of other containers 100 are not strictly parallel. In other words, when arranging the containers 100 within the crate, a slight rotation around the height of the container 100 is permitted. Also, as will be described later, it is possible to create appropriate gaps between the containers 100.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, each corner 131 (flange portion 13) has a protrusion 131a that extends upward. The protrusion 131a can provide the corner 131 with mechanical strength to resist vertical loads or external forces. As a result, even if the user grips the corner 131 when opening and closing the container 100, the presence of the protrusion 131a makes it difficult for the corner 131 to deform.

[0030] Furthermore, the presence of the protrusion 131a provides excellent mechanical strength to the corner 131, allowing the two containers 100 (container body 1) to be stacked with a slight offset, as shown in Figure 7(a). Figure 7 shows a side view of the stacked containers with a slight offset (Figure 7(a)) and a schematic diagram of the stacked containers with a slight offset viewed from above (Figure 7(b)). As shown in Figure 7(a), when the containers are stacked, the protrusion 131aα of the lower (one) container 100α contacts the recess 111β of the upper (other) container 100β, allowing it to be supported from below.

[0031] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7(b), one upper container (another container) 100β is positioned above the four lower containers 100α arranged in a 2x2 matrix (vertically and horizontally), rotated approximately 45° relative to the lower containers 100α. Then, the convex portions 131aα of each of the four lower containers 100α are brought into contact with the concave portions 111β of the upper container 100β. This allows the four lower containers 100 to support the upper container 100 from below. In Figure 7(b), the dashed line shows the outer shape of the bottom portion 12, and the solid line shows the outer shape of the flange portion 13.

[0032] As mentioned above, the flange portion 13 has a large radius of curvature R13 (see Figure 4). This allows for the creation of appropriate gaps between the corners 131α of the flange portions 13α of the four lower containers 100α. Therefore, one upper container 100β can be positioned by inserting it from the bottom 12β side between the corners 131α of the four lower containers 100α. In container 100, the body portion 11, which is continuous with the bottom 12, also has a shape close to a rectangle (square) in plan view, reflecting the outer shape of the bottom 12. Therefore, when inserting the upper container 100β into the gap between the four closely spaced lower containers 100α (a gap shaped like a quadragram in plan view), the nearly rectangular body portion 11β can contact the corners 131α of the lower containers 100α, widening the gap. This makes the positioning of the upper container 100β easy and smooth. Furthermore, the outer shapes of the flange portion 13 and the bottom portion 12 have four-fold rotational symmetry. This allows the lower container 100α and the upper container 100β to be easily positioned without requiring meticulous attention or large rotations.

[0033] As described above, the recess 111 is provided at an angle such that the inclination angle θ2 (see Figure 6) at the upper end on the opening 10 side is greater than the inclination angle θ1 (see Figure 6) at the lower end on the bottom 12 side. In other words, the body 11 is configured to open wider from bottom to top. This improves the stability when the recess 111β of the upper container 100β is placed on the convex portion 131aα of the lower container 100α.

[0034] The recess 111 is recessed toward the inside of the containment space 101. As a result, on the outside of the upper container 100β, the recess 111β is positioned along the shape of the convex portion 131aα of the lower container 100α. Therefore, it is gently positioned between the lower container 100α and the upper container 100β, which further enhances the stability of the arrangement. Furthermore, the angles θ1 and θ2 of the recess 111 (see Figure 6) satisfy the above-mentioned relationship (0° ≤ θ1 < θ2 ≤ 90°). As a result, the recess 111β of the lower container 100β is appropriately recessed, further improving the stability when the containers 100 (containers 100α and 100β) are stacked with a slight offset.

[0035] The number of containers 100 that can be stacked in an offset manner is not limited to those shown in the illustration. It is sufficient that one upper container 100β can be placed above four lower containers 100α. For example, two upper containers 100β could be placed above eight lower containers 100α arranged in a 2x4 grid, one between the first and second columns and the second and third rows, and the other between the first and second columns and the third and fourth rows. Alternatively, four lower containers 100α and one upper container 100β could be considered as a set, and multiple sets could be stacked in the height direction as shown in Figure 7(a), or only one set could be placed as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0036] The ratio (H2 / H1) of the total height H2 of the four lower containers 100α and the one upper container 100β positioned above them to the maximum height H1 of one container 100 (100α or 100β) is preferably between 1.1 and 1.9, and more preferably between 1.2 and 1.8. In this case, the total height H2 of the stacked containers 100 can be appropriately suppressed. Therefore, space can be effectively utilized when transporting and storing the containers 100. Furthermore, by placing the upper container 100β above the lower containers 100α (i.e., suspending it), the multiple containers 100 can be clustered together to some extent horizontally. This eliminates the need to prepare a crate with a large base area.

[0037] [Crate with container already placed] The container 100 described above is configured to be housed in a crate 3 that is roughly rectangular in plan view, as shown in Figure 8(a). Figure 8 shows a view of the crate with the container already placed inside from above (Figure 8(a)), and schematic diagrams of how the container is placed inside the crate (Figures 8(b) and 8(c)).

[0038] As described above, since the outer shape of the flange portion 13 (container 100) is a rounded rectangle, the straight portion 132 makes line contact with the inner surface of the crate 3. This positions the container 100 relative to the crate 3. Furthermore, even between adjacent containers 100 (container 100A and container 100B, and container 100C and container 100D), the straight portions 132 make line contact with each other, positioning them relative to one another. For this reason, it is easy to align multiple containers 100 within the crate 3 without paying close attention, and disorder in arrangement is unlikely to occur. In other words, it is easy to arrange multiple containers 100 regularly (in a matrix) within the crate 3. In addition, the roundness of the corner portion 131 (radius of curvature R13 in Figure 4) allows for obstacles within the crate 3. That is, as shown in Figure 8(a), even if the crate 3 has reinforcing columns 31 inside it, the containers 100 can be arranged while avoiding the reinforcing columns 31.

[0039] Furthermore, since the container 100 (the upper container 100β) is inserted from above into the gap between the four containers 100 (the lower container 100α), the weight of the other container 100 widens the gap. As a result, the containers 100 and the crate 3, and the containers 100 themselves, come into closer contact, thus restricting the vigorous movement of the multiple containers 100 within the crate 3. Therefore, collisions between the containers 100 and the crate 3, or between the containers 100 themselves, can be prevented. Consequently, the lid 2 is less likely to detach from the container body 1, the containers 100 are less likely to be damaged, and the contents are less likely to leak out.

[0040] Furthermore, when the inner dimension of the short side of the crate 3 is S3 (mm) and the inner dimension of the long side is L3 (mm), and the maximum length L13 (see Figure 4) in the direction along one side of the flange portion 13 (container 100) is satisfied, it is preferable that the following equations are satisfied. 2 ≤ S3 / L13 ≤ 2.9 2.1 ≤ L3 / L13 ≤ 4.9

[0041] Here, "internal dimensions" refers to the smallest length (effective internal dimensions) of the inside of Crate 3. In the case of Crate 3, this is the length of the bottom surface minus the reinforcing pillars 31. In this case, multiple containers 100 can be arranged within the crate 3 so that the containers 100 are less likely to move around.

[0042] Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the maximum length L13 of the container 100 (see Figure 4) be approximately 150 mm to 300 mm. This makes it easier to adapt the container 100 to widely distributed crates, such as those whose standardization is being promoted in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0043] Furthermore, the internal dimensions S3 and L3 of crate 3 are not particularly limited. For example, the internal dimension S3 of the shorter side of crate 3 is approximately 200 mm to 450 mm, and the internal dimension L3 of the longer side is approximately 350 mm to 550 mm. This allows the internal dimensions of crate 3 to be brought closer to the internal dimensions of crates that are being standardized, for example, in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferable that the total height H2 (see Figure 7(a)) of the two containers 100 stacked in a offset manner is smaller than the internal height dimension (not shown) of the crate 3. This prevents the containers 100 from protruding from the top edge of the crate 3 when the containers are already placed in the crate 1000. In other words, the crates 1000 with containers already placed can be stacked on top of each other. Therefore, space can be used more effectively during transportation, storage, etc. The internal height of Crate 3 is not particularly limited, but is approximately 80mm to 200mm.

[0045] [Manufacturing method for pre-placed crates] Next, the method for manufacturing a pre-packaged crate will be described with reference to Figures 8(a) to 8(c). The method for manufacturing a pre-packaged crate comprises the following steps.

[0046] [1] First, prepare a crate 3 as shown in Figure 8(a) and multiple containers 100. Although not particularly limited, the crate 3 can be the "Type II Deep" (effective internal dimensions: long side 490 mm, short side 400 mm, height 126 mm), which is being standardized in Non-Patent Literature 1. By using a widely available crate 3 in this way, the distribution of crates 1000 with containers already placed can be made smoother.

[0047] [2] Next, at least four containers 100A to 100D are arranged in a row inside the crate 3. In this case, containers 100A to 100D are arranged in a 2x2 matrix in the illustrated example. As described above, since the container 100 has a straight section 132 (see Figure 4, etc.), the container 100 can be easily positioned between the crate 3 and other containers 100 without paying close attention. Also, since the outer shape of the container 100 (flange section 13) has four-fold rotational symmetry, it is not necessary to rotate the container 100 significantly when positioning it. Furthermore, because the outer shape of the container 100 (flange section 13) is a rounded rectangle, an appropriate gap is formed between the four containers 100A to 100D. [3] Next, one container (the other container) 100E is placed between the four (one) containers 100A to 100D that are arranged side by side, so as to be in contact with each of them. Using the appropriate gaps formed between the four containers 100A to 100D as a guide, one container 100E can be positioned to be inserted. More specifically, as explained with reference to Figures 7(a) and 7(b), one container 100β (100E) is rotated approximately 45° relative to the four containers 100α (100A to 100D). Then, one of the other containers 100β (100E) is positioned by placing (or bringing into contact with) each of the recesses 111β of the container 100β (100E) above each of the protrusions 131aα of the four containers 100α (100A to 100D).

[0048] At the point when step [2] is performed, containers 100A to 100D may be placed close together, as shown in Figure 8(b). Even in such cases, because the outer shape of container 100 is close to a perfect circle (i.e., the radius of curvature R13 shown in Figure 4 is large), a gap is formed between containers 100A to 100D, as shown by the shading in Figure 8(b). When container 100E is placed from above, the bottom 12 of container 100E and the body 11 continuous with the bottom 12 can widen this gap. As a result, as shown by the shading in Figure 8(c), the gap between containers 100A to 100D becomes large enough, allowing container 100E to be inserted and placed.

[0049] In this manner, a crate 1000 with containers already arranged can be manufactured. Steps [2] and [3] above may be repeated multiple times to further stack the containers 100 in the height direction. With this type of pre-arranged crate 1000, the containers 100 placed inside the crate 3 are less likely to move around during transport, storage, etc. In addition, the height of the containers 100 placed inside the crate 3 can be kept low, allowing for more efficient use of space.

[0050] Although each embodiment of this disclosure has been described above, the embodiments described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the product may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0051] (1) A container comprising a container body, wherein the container body comprises a bottom portion having a rounded rectangular shape, a body portion extending upward from the bottom portion along the periphery of the bottom portion and defining an opening, and a flange portion having a rounded rectangular shape and projecting from the body portion toward the opposite side of the opening at the periphery of the opening of the body portion, wherein the radius of curvature of the corners of the outer shape of the flange portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the corners of the outer shape of the bottom portion.

[0052] (2) A container as described in (1) above, wherein the flange portion and the bottom portion have dissimilar external shapes.

[0053] (3) A container according to (1) or (2) above, wherein at least the outer shape of the flange portion has four-fold rotational symmetry.

[0054] (4) A container according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the bottom portion and the flange portion each have a rounded square shape.

[0055] (5) A container as described in (4) above, wherein the radius of curvature of the corner with respect to the maximum length in the direction along one side is greater for the outer diameter of the flange than for the outer diameter of the bottom.

[0056] (6) A container according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the flange portion has a convex portion that protrudes upward.

[0057] (7) The container described in (6) above, wherein the container body is defined by the body and the bottom and has a storage space for receiving contents from above through the opening, the body has four recesses that are recessed toward the storage space and are spaced at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the body, and by arranging one more container from above between the four containers arranged in a matrix, the protrusions of each of the four containers contact each of the recesses of the other container, thereby supporting the other container from below with the four containers.

[0058] (8) A container as described in (7) above, wherein the ratio of the total height of the four containers and the other container positioned above them to the maximum height of one of the containers is 1.1 or more and 1.9 or less.

[0059] (9) A method for manufacturing a crate with containers already placed, comprising the steps of: preparing a crate and a plurality of containers as described in any one of (1) to (8) above; arranging at least four of the containers side by side inside the crate; and arranging another container between the four containers that are arranged side by side, so as to be in contact with each of them. Of course, this is not always the case.

[0060] Finally, while various embodiments relating to this disclosure have been described, these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. For example, the container 100 does not need to have a lid 2. In this case, for example, the opening 10 of the container body 1 can be covered with plastic wrap or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1: Container body 10:Aperture 10a: Inclined part 10b: Recessed area 10c: Upper end 100α: Lower container 100β: Upper container 100: Container 100A: Container 100B: Container 100C: Container 100D: Container 100E: Container 101: Containment Space 11: Torso 111β: recess 111: recess 112: Corner 12β: Bottom 12: Bottom 121: Legs 123: Dome section 13α: Flange section 13: Flange section 131: Corner 131aα: convex part 131a: Convex part 132: Straight section 2: Lid 21: Side 22: Ceiling 23: Fitting part 231: 1st flat part 232: Wall 232a: Inclined part 232b:Protrusion 232c: Standing section 233: 2nd flat part 234:Gripping part 3: Crate 31: Reinforcement column 1000: Crate with containers already placed L3: Internal dimensions R12: radius of curvature R13: radius of curvature S3: Internal dimensions θ1 :Angle θ2 :Angle

Claims

1. A container having a container body, The container body is The bottom has a rounded rectangular shape, A body portion extending upward from the bottom along the periphery of the bottom portion, defining the opening, The periphery of the opening of the body portion comprises a flange portion that protrudes from the body portion toward the opposite side of the opening and has an outer shape of a rounded rectangle, The radius of curvature of the corners of the outer shape of the flange portion is larger than the radius of curvature of the corners of the outer shape of the bottom portion. container.

2. In the container according to claim 1, The flange portion and the bottom portion have dissimilar shapes to each other. container.

3. In the container according to claim 1, At least the outer shape of the flange portion has four-fold rotational symmetry. container.

4. In the container according to claim 1, The bottom portion and the flange portion each have an outer shape that is a rounded square. container.

5. In the container according to claim 4, The radius of curvature of the corner with respect to the maximum length along one side is greater for the outer shape of the flange than for the outer shape of the bottom. container.

6. In the container according to claim 1, The flange portion has a protrusion that extends upward, container.

7. In the container according to claim 6, The container body is defined by the body and the bottom, and has a storage space for receiving contents from above through the opening. The body portion has four recesses that are recessed toward the housing space, and these recesses are spaced at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the body portion. By positioning one more container above between four containers arranged in a matrix, the convex portion of each of the four containers contacts the concave portion of the other container, thereby supporting the other container from below with the four containers. container.

8. In the container according to claim 7, The ratio of the total height of the four containers and the other container positioned above them to the maximum height of one of the containers is between 1.1 and 1.

9. container.

9. A method for manufacturing a pre-packaged crate, A step of preparing a crate and a plurality of containers according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The steps include: arranging at least four of the containers side by side inside the crate; The process includes the step of positioning one more container between the four containers that are arranged side by side, so as to be in contact with each of them. A method for manufacturing pre-packaged crates.

Images