container

Abstract

To provide a container that can improve the workability of the information display unit in a nested configuration. [Solution] The container 1 comprises a bottom wall component 2, side wall components 3 and 4, support components 14 protruding from the outer surface of each short-side side wall component 3, and receiving components 13 provided on the inner surface of each short-side side wall component 3. When the containers 1 are stacked, there is a stacking configuration in which the support component 14 of the upper container 1 is supported near the upper edge of the short-side side wall component 3 of the lower container 1, and a nesting configuration in which the support component 14 of the upper container 1 is housed in the receiving component 13 of the lower container 1. The container 1 is provided with an information display component 24 on the outer surface of each long-side side wall component 4, and when in the nesting configuration, the formation ranges of the information display components 24 of the upper and lower containers 1 overlap in the lateral direction of the long-side side wall component 4. The container 1 is provided with a space 46 that separates the information display components 24 of the upper and lower containers 1 in the nesting configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a container capable of accommodating an article.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a container including a bottom wall component having a rectangular shape in plan view and side wall components extending upward from respective side edges of the bottom wall component, a container configured to be able to stack containers on top of each other is known. Also, it is configured to be possible to stack containers in the same orientation and to stack containers with the orientation of the upper container changed with respect to the lower container (while aligning the positions of the outer peripheral edges in plan view), and depending on the stacking method, the depth at which the upper container is inserted into the inner space of the lower container is different, and accordingly, the overall height of the stacked containers is also different. Furthermore, there is a technique in which an information display portion to which an information means such as a card can be attached is provided on the outer surface of the container, and in a stacking method (nesting form) in which the upper container is inserted deeper into the inner space of the lower container, the information display portion of the upper container can be made visible (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a state where the container is in a nesting form, it is conceivable to perform an operation on the information display portion (for example, attaching an information means). However, regarding the container (container body) of Patent Document 1, when the container is in a nesting form, there is a concern that the positions of the information display portions (card insertion portions) of the upper and lower containers are not aligned, making it difficult to perform an operation on the information display portion.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the problems exemplified above, and its purpose is to provide a container that can improve the workability of the information display unit in a nested configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The following sections will describe each means suitable for achieving the above objectives. Additionally, specific effects and benefits of each means will be noted as needed.

[0007] Means 1. A container comprising a bottom wall component having a rectangular shape in plan view, and a side wall component extending upward from the side edge of the bottom wall component, Support portions that protrude outward from at least one pair of opposing side walls of the container, A receiving portion is provided on the inner surface of the container by causing at least one pair of opposing side walls to bulge outward, and the receiving portion is provided on the inner side of the container and opens upward. The containers are configured to be stackable in a way that allows them to change their configuration between a stacking configuration in which the lower surface of the support portion of the upper container abuts against or is supported by the upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower container, or a nearby portion thereof, by changing the relative orientation of the upper and lower containers (while aligning the outer edges of the upper and lower containers in a plan view), and a nesting configuration in which the support portion of the upper container is housed in the receiving portion of the lower container. An information display section on the outer surface of a predetermined side wall portion is provided, on which information means can be arranged. When the containers are arranged in the nesting configuration, the information display sections of all the containers are exposed to the outside of the containers, and at least a portion of the area where the information display section of the upper container is formed and the area where the information display section of the lower container is formed overlap in the lateral width direction of the side wall portion on which the information display section is provided. A container characterized in that, when the containers are arranged in the nesting configuration, a space is provided to separate the information display section of the upper container from the information display section of the lower container.

[0008] According to method 1, when the containers are arranged in a nesting configuration, at least a portion of the area where the information display section of the upper container is formed and the area where the information display section of the lower container is formed overlap in the lateral direction of the side wall portion where the information display section is provided (the positions of the information display sections of the upper and lower containers are aligned). Therefore, for example, it is possible to perform operations on the information display section, such as placing (attaching, printing, or engraving, etc.) information means on the information display section of a nesting container, and (especially when the articles contained in the upper and lower containers are different) checking the information of information means that have already been placed (attached, etc.) on the information display section.

[0009] Furthermore, in the nested container configuration, the information display sections of the upper and lower containers are aligned, so that the information display sections are close together, but the containers are provided with a space that separates the information display section of the upper container from the information display section of the lower container. For example, if the information means is in the form of a seal with an adhesive surface, when attaching the information means to the information display section of a predetermined container (approaching it nearly horizontally), it is possible to prevent the information means from extending beyond the information display section of the upper container. Also, for example, if the information means is in the form of a card without an adhesive surface, when attaching the information means to the information display section of a predetermined container (which has an information storage section where the information means is housed, a window section that opens the information storage section outwards to expose the surface of the information means to the outside of the container, and an insertion opening that opens upwards to allow the information means to be inserted into the information storage section), it is possible to prevent the information display section of the upper container from interfering with the work. In addition, for example, when the information means is composed of printing or engraving on an information display area, it is possible to prevent situations where the information means of one container extends beyond the information display area of ​​the container above it, resulting in overlapping areas and making it difficult to distinguish the information of the information means.

[0010] Furthermore, it may be stated that "when the containers are stacked, the information display sections of all the containers are exposed to the outside of the containers, and at least a portion of the area where the information display section of the upper container is formed and the area where the information display section of the lower container is formed overlap in the lateral direction of the side wall portion on which the information display section is provided." By adopting this configuration, it is possible to perform work on the information display section relatively easily even when the containers are stacked.

[0011] Means 2. In the nesting configuration of the containers, the space is configured such that the information display section of the upper container and the information display section of the lower container are separated in the vertical direction. The container according to means 1, characterized in that, in the nesting configuration of the containers, the information display section of the lower container is positioned outward from the upper container, beyond the wall portion that constitutes the inner surface of the side wall portion.

[0012] According to method 2, in a nested container configuration, the information display sections of the upper and lower containers can be separated vertically. Therefore, compared to, for example, a case where the lower end of the information display section of the upper container and the upper end of the information display section of the lower container are separated front to back in a nested container configuration, the positions of the information display sections of the upper and lower containers can be aligned in the inward and outward directions of the containers (for example, each information display section can be extended vertically). Consequently, it is possible to make work on the information display section easier, improve the visibility of the information means attached to the information display section, and avoid situations where the external dimensions of the container become larger due to the information display section.

[0013] Furthermore, in a nested container configuration, the information display section of the lower container can be positioned outward from the inner wall portion of the side wall of the upper container. Therefore, even if, for example, a seal-type information means attached to the information display section of the lower (or upper) container protrudes upward (or downward) from the lower (or upper) container, it is possible to prevent the information means from adhering to the side wall of the upper (or lower) container. Consequently, when the containers are in a nested configuration and the information means is attached to both the upper and lower containers in a manner that straddles them, and only the upper container is lifted, it is possible to prevent the information means from being damaged.

[0014] Means 3. The container according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper end of the information display section and the upper edge of the side wall section on which the information display section is provided are at the same position in the vertical direction.

[0015] According to method 3, the information display unit can be positioned as far upward as possible on the container. Compared to a configuration in which the space is formed by positioning, for example, the upper end of the information display unit below the upper edge of the side wall, it is possible to ensure as wide a vertical width as possible for the information display unit to be visible even when the containers are nested.

[0016] Means 4. The information display section is provided with a projection that protrudes downward from at least one of its two sides, or from a nearby portion thereof. Below the information display unit, the space is formed, The container according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the nesting configuration of the containers, the information display section of the lower container is positioned adjacent to the space formed below the information display section of the upper container.

[0017] According to method 4, when attaching a card-shaped information means to the information display section (which has the information storage section, window section, and insertion opening) of the lower container in a nested container configuration, the protrusion of the upper container can be used as a guide for the insertion operation of the information means, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0018] Means 5. The information display section is provided with a pair of protrusions that project downward from both sides or nearby parts thereof. The space is formed between the pair of protrusions and below the information display section. The container according to means 4, characterized in that, in the nesting configuration of the containers, the information display section of the lower container is positioned adjacent to the space formed below the information display section of the upper container.

[0019] According to method 5, the effects of method 4 described above are further enhanced.

[0020] Means 6. The container according to Means 4, characterized in that when the container is in the nesting form, the protrusion of the upper container abuts on the upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower container or a vicinity thereof.

[0021] According to Means 6, when attaching the card-shaped information means to the information display portion of the lower container among the containers in the nesting form, for example, the information means is caught in the gap between the protrusion of the upper container and the upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower container, and a situation where the insertion operation of the information means is hindered can be avoided.

[0022] In addition, "the information display portion has an information storage portion capable of storing the information means, a receiving portion that supports the lower side portion of the information means stored in the information storage portion, a holding portion that holds a predetermined portion of the outer peripheral edge on the surface of the information means stored in the information storage portion, a window portion that opens the information storage portion to the outside of the container to expose the surface of the information means to the outside of the container, and an insertion opening portion that opens the information storage portion upward to enable the information means to be inserted into the information storage portion. Further, at the lower portion of the information display portion, an opening portion is provided that is formed by cutting out a part of the receiving portion, penetrates the receiving portion vertically, and opens to the outside of the container." This may be the case. In this case, the lower side portion of the information means (stored in the information storage portion) attached to the information display portion can be lifted from below by hanging a fingertip through the opening portion. Therefore, the workability when removing the information means from the information display portion can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the upper surface side of the container. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the container. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing the upper surface side of the container. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of the container. [Figure 5] It is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the peripheral portion of the information display portion. [Figure 6] This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the area surrounding the information display unit. [Figure 7] This is a partially enlarged front view showing the area surrounding the information display unit. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged plan view showing the area surrounding the information display unit. [Figure 9] This perspective view shows the first and second containers from the bottom arranged in a nesting configuration, and the second and third containers from the bottom arranged in a stacking configuration. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged perspective view, including a partial cross-section, based on Figure 9, which shows the area surrounding the information display section of a nested container. [Figure 11] This is a partially enlarged front view based on Figure 9, which shows the area around the information display section of a nested container. [Figure 12] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view based on Figure 9, showing the area around the information display section of a nested container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the container 1 has a rectangular bottom wall component 2 in plan view, short-side wall components 3 extending upward from a pair of opposing short sides of the bottom wall component 2, and long-side wall components 4 extending upward from a pair of opposing long sides of the bottom wall component 2, forming a rectangular box shape with an upward opening. The container 1 is integrally formed from polypropylene.

[0025] The bottom wall component 2 comprises a rectangular outer frame portion 6 and an inner component portion 7 arranged in a grid pattern on the inner circumference of the outer frame portion 6, with the short-side side wall portion 3 and the long-side side wall portion 4 extending upward from the outer frame portion 6.

[0026] The short-side wall portion 3 comprises a short-side base portion 11 that constitutes the inner surface of the short-side wall portion 3, and a short-side upper flange portion 12 that protrudes outward from the upper edge of the short-side base portion 11 towards the outside of the container 1. The short-side base portion 11 extends slightly inclined outward toward the outside of the container 1 toward upward, and the short-side upper flange portion 12 extends in a substantially horizontal direction. Furthermore, the container 1 of this embodiment is provided on the inner surface by causing predetermined portions of each short-side base portion 11 to bulge outward toward the outside of the container 1, and is provided with a receiving portion 13 that opens inward toward the inside of the container 1 and also opens upward in a manner that cuts out the short-side upper flange portion 12. In this embodiment, of the pair of short-side side wall portions 3, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, receiving portions 13 are provided on both sides of one of the short-side side wall portions 3, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, receiving portions 13 are provided on the other short-side side wall portion 3 at positions adjacent to the central part in the lateral direction of the other short-side side wall portion 3, opposite to the receiving portions 13 provided on the first short-side side wall portion 3. Furthermore, the protrusion length of the outer surface of the receiving portion 13 from the short-side base portion 11 is constant at all positions in the vertical direction, and the width of the receiving portion 13 is configured to gradually widen towards the top. In addition, the lower end (inner bottom surface) of the receiving portion 13 is located slightly above the upper surface of the bottom wall component 2 (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the container 1 is provided with support portions 14 that protrude outward from each short-side side wall portion 3 (short-side base portion 11). In this embodiment, the support portions 14 are formed by the lower outer surface of each receiving portion 13. The lower end of the support portion 14 is located above the lower surface of the bottom wall component 2 and extends horizontally. In addition, each short-side side wall portion 3 is provided with a stacking installation portion 15 that opens upward and inward to the container 1, by recessing the short-side upper flange portion 12 downward at a position opposite to the receiving portion 13 of the short-side side wall portion 3 that is opposite to the short-side side wall portion 3.

[0028] The long-side wall portion 4 comprises a long-side base portion 21 that forms the inner surface of the long-side wall portion 4, and a long-side upper flange portion 22 that protrudes outward from the upper side of the long-side base portion 21 towards the outside of the container 1. The long-side base portion 21 extends slightly inclined outward toward the outside of the container 1 toward the upward, and the long-side upper flange portion 22 extends in a substantially horizontal direction. The container 1 of this embodiment is provided with an information display portion 24 on the outer surface of each long-side wall portion 4 to which a card 51 (see the dashed line in Figure 7) can be attached as an information means. The card 51 has a rectangular body when viewed from the front, and its surface is inscribed with information about the items to be contained in the container 1 and information about the destination (text, two-dimensional code, etc.). Note that the information means is not limited to the card 51; for example, a seal-type device with an adhesive surface coated with adhesive and smaller in external dimensions than the dashed line in Figure 7 can also be used.

[0029] To describe the information display unit 24 in more detail, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, in this embodiment, the outer portion of the container 1 is cut out in a rectangular shape, leaving the inner portion of the container 1 intact, corresponding to the area of ​​the upper flange portion 22 on the long side that includes the central part in the width direction of the long side side wall portion 4 (long side base portion 21). The information display unit 24 includes a back support portion 25 that protrudes downward from the inner edge of the cutout portion that extends along the width direction of the long side side wall portion 4, a pair of positioning portions 26 that protrude downward from a pair of opposing side edges that extend along the thickness direction of the long side side wall portion 4 and are connected to the back support portion 25, and a receiving portion 27 that connects the lower edges of the back support portion 25 and the pair of positioning portions 26. Furthermore, an information storage section 28 is formed in a region located on the outer side of the container 1 relative to the back support section 25, and is surrounded by a pair of positioning sections 26 and receiving sections 27, allowing for the storage of a card 51. In other words, the lower edge of the card 51 stored in the information storage section 28 is supported by the receiving section 27, and the left-right displacement of the card 51 stored in the information storage section 28 is restricted by the pair of positioning sections 26. In addition, the information display section 24 has an insertion opening 29 that allows the information storage section 28 to open upwards, enabling the card 51 to be inserted into the information storage section 28. Moreover, the upper end of the information display section 24 (information storage section 28) and the upper edge of the long-side wall section 4 on which the information display section 24 is provided are at the same position in the vertical direction. As a result, the information display section 24 in this embodiment is configured to be able to attach an information means (card 51) whose upper edge, when stored in the information storage section 28, is less than or equal to the height of the upper edge of the back support section 25.

[0030] Furthermore, the information display unit 24 includes a holding portion 30 that protrudes inward from the outer edge of the pair of positioning portions 26 and receiving portions 27 of the container 1, and holds a predetermined portion of the outer edge of the surface of the card 51 housed in the information storage portion 28. The length of the holding portion 30 protruding from the positioning portions 26 and receiving portions 27 is such that it does not obstruct the visibility of the information written on the surface of the card 51 housed in the information storage portion 28, and furthermore, the holding portion 30 is not provided in the area including the lateral central portion of the receiving portion 27. In other words, a window portion 31 is provided on the inner circumference side of the holding portion 30 protruding from the pair of positioning portions 26 and receiving portions 27, allowing the information storage portion 28 to open outward from the container 1 and exposing the surface of the card 51 to the outside of the container 1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the back support portion 25 (at least the outer surface of the container 1) extends downward and slightly inclined outward toward the container 1. In contrast, the projection length of the positioning portion 26 from the back support portion 25 is configured to gradually increase towards the upper part, and the outer edge of the positioning portion 26 (the outer surface of the holding portion 30) extends in a substantially vertical direction. As a result, the width of the information storage portion 28 in the inward and outward directions of the container 1 is configured to gradually widen towards the upper part.

[0032] In addition, as shown in Figure 5, etc., the lower part of the information display section 24 is formed by cutting out an area including the center of the receiving section 27 in the lateral direction, and an opening 32 is provided that penetrates the receiving section 27 vertically and opens to the outside of the container 1. Furthermore, the upper end of the back support section 25 is formed to be recessed (recessed and penetrated) inward towards the container 1, and an upper recess (penetrating section) 33 is provided that opens upward and to the outside of the container 1. On the outer surface of the back support section 25, there are multiple protrusions extending in the vertical direction (grooves may be used instead of protrusions, or a textured surface with fine irregularities may be applied instead of or in addition to the protrusions), which prevents the card 51 (information means) and the back support section 25 from being too tightly attached. Furthermore, the protrusions increase the sliding properties, making it easier to insert and remove the card 51 (information means). Furthermore, the outer surface of the backing portion 25 (which may include the protruding portion) can be made into an information function surface with a textured or uneven finish. The protruding portion and information function surface prevent situations where part of the information means remains on the backing portion 25 after the sticker-type information means has been peeled off, thereby improving convenience and design when replacing the information means.

[0033] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions located above the holding portion 30 corresponding to the receiving portion 27 are tapered towards the lower end, and the length of the protrusion from the back support portion 25 gradually decreases (the outer edge is inclined towards the back support portion 25). In addition, below these protrusions, there is no receiving surface of the receiving portion 27, and holes are formed that penetrate vertically, making it easier to form the information display portion 24 (such as the back side of the holding portion 30 provided in correspondence with the protrusions and the positioning portion 26) using a mold.

[0034] Furthermore, the long-side side wall portion 4 includes an information reinforcement portion 41 that connects the side portion of the back support portion 25 (the inner side portion of each positioning portion 26 of the container 1), the long-side base portion 21, and the long-side upper flange portion 22.

[0035] In addition, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the short-side side wall portion 3 and the long-side side wall portion 4 are provided with transverse ribs 42 that protrude outward from the short-side base portion 11 and the long-side base portion 21 of the container 1, are separated by a predetermined distance below the short-side upper flange portion 12 and the long-side upper flange portion 22, and extend parallel to the short-side upper flange portion 12 and the long-side upper flange portion 22. The transverse ribs 42 are connected to the information reinforcement portion 41 and the positioning portion 26 in the long-side side wall portion 4. Furthermore, the short-side side wall portion 3 and the long-side side wall portion 4 are provided with longitudinal ribs 43 that protrude outward from the short-side base portion 11 and the long-side base portion 21 of the container 1, and extend from the short-side upper flange portion 12 and the long-side upper flange portion 22 via the transverse ribs 42 to a position below the transverse ribs 42. The lower end of the vertical rib 43 is located above the lower end of the support portion 14. In addition, each short-side wall portion 3 is provided with a handle portion 44, which is formed by creating an opening adjacent to the lower part of the horizontal rib 42 of the short-side base portion 11 and including the central part in the lateral direction of the short-side wall portion 3.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the containers 1 can be stacked in a configuration where, while aligning the outer edges of the upper container 1 and the lower container 1 in a plan view, the relative orientation of the upper container 1 and the lower container 1 is changed so that the lower surface of the support portion 14 of the upper container 1 abuts against or near the upper edge of the short side wall portion 3 of the lower container 1 and is supported (as shown in Figure 9, the stacking of the second container 1 from the bottom and the third container 1 from the bottom), and the support portion 14 of the upper container 1 is housed in the receiving portion 13 of the lower container 1 (as shown in Figure 9, the stacking of the first container 1 from the bottom and the second container 1 from the bottom). More specifically, by stacking containers 1 in the same orientation, the containers 1 are arranged in a nesting configuration, and the lower end of the vertical rib 43 of the upper container 1 is supported by contacting the upper surface of the short-side upper flange portion 12 and the long-side upper flange portion 22 of the lower container 1. Alternatively, by stacking the upper container 1 with the lower container 1 rotated 180 degrees around the vertical axis from the same orientation, the containers are arranged in a stacking configuration, and the lower end of the support portion 14 of the upper container 1 is supported by being placed on (contacting the inner bottom surface of the stacking installation portion 15) provided on the upper edge of the short-side side wall portion 3 of the lower container 1.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only when the containers 1 are stacked, but also when the containers 1 are nested, all information display sections 24 of all stacked containers 1 are exposed to the outside of the containers 1, and the formation range of the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 and the formation range of the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 overlap in the lateral direction of the long side wall 4 on which the information display section 24 is provided. In other words, in this embodiment, the information display section 24 is located above the lower end of the vertical rib 43 and is symmetrical with respect to the lateral center of the long side wall 4 in a range that includes the lateral center of the long side wall 4 (and the width of the information display section 24 of one long side wall 4 is the same as the width of the information display section 24 of the other long side wall 4).

[0038] In addition, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, the long side wall portion 4 is provided with a space 46 that separates the information display portion 24 of the upper container 1 from the information display portion 24 of the lower container 1 when the containers 1 are arranged in a nesting configuration. The long side wall portion 4 of this embodiment is provided with information reinforcement portions 41 and positioning portions 26 on both sides of the information display portion 24, and projections 47 are provided so that they protrude below the lower end of the information display portion 24 (the lower edge of the back support portion 25 and the lower surface of the receiving portion 27). The space 46 is formed between the pair of projections 47 and below the information display portion 24.

[0039] In other words, in the nesting configuration of container 1, the space 46 separates the information display unit 24 of the upper container 1 from the information display unit 24 of the lower container 1 in the vertical direction. To put it another way, in the nesting configuration of container 1, the information display unit 24 of the lower container 1 is positioned adjacent to the space 46 formed below the information display unit 24 of the upper container 1 (the information display unit 24 of the upper container 1 and the information display unit 24 of the lower container 1 are positioned with the space 46 of the upper container 1 in between).

[0040] Furthermore, as described above, the information display unit 24 is provided so as to protrude downward from a rectangular cutout in the outer part of the container 1, while leaving the inner part of the long-side upper flange portion 22 of the container 1 intact. As shown in Figure 12, in the nesting configuration of the containers 1, the information display unit 24 of the lower container 1 is positioned further outward from the container 1 than the long-side base portion 21 (in this example, particularly the upper end of the long-side base portion 21 that slopes upward toward the outer side of the container 1) which constitutes the inner surface of the long-side side wall portion 4 of the upper container 1.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, the lower end of the protrusion 47 is at the same height as the lower end of the vertical rib 43 in the vertical direction, so that when the containers 1 are nested, the protrusion 47 of the upper container 1 abuts against and is supported by the upper surface of the long-side upper flange portion 22 of the lower container 1.

[0042] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, when the containers 1 are arranged in a nesting configuration, the formation range of the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 and the formation range of the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 overlap in the lateral direction of the long side wall portion 4 on which the information display section 24 is provided (the positions of the information display sections 24 of the upper and lower containers 1 are aligned). For this reason, operations on the information display section 24, such as attaching a card 51 to the information display section 24 of a nested container 1, and (especially when the items contained in the upper and lower containers 1 are different) checking the information on a card 51 already attached to the information display section 24, can be performed relatively easily.

[0043] Furthermore, in the nested configuration of container 1, the information display sections 24 of the upper and lower containers 1 are aligned, so that the information display sections 24 are close together. However, container 1 is provided with a space 46 that separates the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 from the information display section 24 of the lower container 1. Therefore, when attaching a card 51 to the information display section 24 of a given container 1 (by inserting it from above), the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 does not get in the way of the work.

[0044] Furthermore, if, for example, a sticker with an adhesive surface is used as the means of information instead of the card 51, it is possible to prevent situations such as the information means protruding onto the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 when attaching (sticking) the information means to the information display section 24 of the predetermined container 1 (approaching it nearly horizontally).

[0045] In addition, even when the containers 1 are stacked, all information display sections 24 of all containers 1 are exposed to the outside of the containers 1, and the formation area of ​​the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 and the formation area of ​​the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 overlap in the lateral direction of the long side wall 4 on which the information display section 24 is provided. For this reason, even when the containers 1 are stacked, it is possible to perform work on the information display section 24 relatively easily.

[0046] Furthermore, the space 46 of container 1 allows the information display sections 24 of the upper and lower containers 1 to be separated vertically in the nested configuration of container 1. For this reason, compared to the case where the lower end of the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 and the upper end of the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 are separated front to back in the nested configuration of container 1, the positions of the information display sections 24 of the upper and lower containers 1 in the inward and outward directions of container 1 can be aligned (in particular, in this example, the outer surfaces of each information display section 24 extend in the vertical direction). Consequently, it is possible to make it easier to work on the information display section 24, improve the visibility of the card 51 attached to the information display section 24, and avoid situations where the external dimensions of container 1 become larger due to the information display section 24.

[0047] Furthermore, in the nesting configuration of container 1, the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 is configured to be positioned outside the container 1, beyond the long-side base section 21 that constitutes the inner surface of the long-side side wall section 4 of the upper container 1. Therefore, even if, for example, a seal-type information means attached to the information display section 24 of the lower (or upper) container 1 protrudes upward (or downward) from the lower (or upper) container 1, it is possible to prevent the information means from adhering to the long-side side wall section 4 (long-side base section 21) of the upper (or lower) container 1. Consequently, when the container 1 is in a nesting configuration and the information means is attached to the upper and lower containers 1 in a way that straddles the upper and lower containers 1, it is possible to prevent the information means from being damaged when only the upper container 1 is lifted.

[0048] In addition, the upper end of the information display unit 24 and the upper edge of the long-side wall 4 on which the information display unit 24 is provided are at the same position in the vertical direction. As a result, the information display unit 24 can be positioned as far upward as possible on the container 1. For example, compared to a configuration in which the upper end of the information display unit 24 is positioned below the upper edge of the long-side wall 4 to create a space between the information display unit 24 of the upper container 1 and the information display unit 24 of the lower container 1 in a nested configuration, it is possible to ensure as wide a vertical width as possible for the information display unit 24 to be visible even when the containers 1 are nested.

[0049] Furthermore, a pair of protrusions 47 are provided that project downward from both sides of the information display section 24, and a space 46 is formed between the pair of protrusions 47 and below the information display section 24. In addition, in the nesting configuration of the containers 1, the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 is positioned adjacent to the space 46 formed below the information display section 24 of the upper container 1. Therefore, when attaching a card 51 to the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 in the nested container configuration, the protrusions 47 of the upper container 1 can be used as guides for inserting the card 51, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0050] In addition, when the containers 1 are arranged in a nesting configuration, the protrusion 47 of the upper container 1 abuts against the upper edge (long-side upper flange portion 22) of the long-side side wall portion 4 of the lower container 1. Therefore, when attaching the card 51 to the information display portion 24 of the lower container 1 in a nesting configuration, it is possible to avoid situations where, for example, the card 51 gets caught in the gap between the protrusion 47 of the upper container 1 and the long-side upper flange portion 22 of the lower container 1, thereby hindering the insertion of the card 51.

[0051] Furthermore, the lower part of the information display unit 24 is provided with an opening 32 formed by cutting out a portion of the receiving portion 27, which penetrates the receiving portion 27 vertically and opens to the outside of the container 1. As a result, the lower edge of the card 51 attached to the information display unit 24 (stored in the information storage unit 28) can be grasped from below with a fingertip through the opening 32 and the card 51 can be lifted. Therefore, the workability when removing the card 51 from the information display unit 24 can be improved.

[0052] Furthermore, the upper end of the back support portion 25 is provided with an upper recess 33 that is formed to be recessed inward from the container 1 and opens upward and outward from the container 1. Therefore, the upper edge of the card 51 attached to the information display portion 24 (stored in the information storage portion 28) can be grasped by placing fingertips on the back side of the card 51 via the upper recess 33. Thus, the workability when removing the card 51 from the information display portion 24 can be improved.

[0053] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0054] (a) In the above embodiment, when the containers 1 are arranged in a nesting configuration, the formation range of the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 and the formation range of the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 are configured to coincide in the lateral direction of the long-side wall portion 4 on which the information display section 24 is provided. However, it is sufficient if at least a portion of the formation range of the information display section 24 of the upper container 1 and the formation range of the information display section 24 of the lower container 1 overlap in the lateral direction of the long-side wall portion 4 on which the information display section 24 is provided. Furthermore, when the containers 1 are arranged in a nesting configuration, it is not necessary for all of the information display sections 24 of all containers 1 to be exposed to the outside of the container 1. With respect to the information display section 24 to which information means (cards 51) that do not need to be viewed in the nesting configuration are attached, the information means may be covered from the outside of the container 1 by the side walls 3 and 4 (short-side base portion 11, long-side base portion 21) of the lower container 1. Furthermore, while the information display section 24 on one long side wall 4 and the information display section 24 on the other long side wall 4 do not necessarily have to be the same shape or size, it is desirable that they be the same shape and size in order to allow the attachment of the same (same dimensions) information means, or to allow ascertainment that such attachment is possible.

[0055] (b) In the above embodiment, the support portion 14 and the receiving portion 13 are provided on each short-side side wall portion 3, but they may also be provided on each long-side side wall portion 4. In addition, in the above embodiment, the support portion 14 is provided on the lower part of the outer surface of the receiving portion 13, and a nesting configuration is formed by stacking the containers 1 in the same orientation, and a stacking configuration is formed by stacking the upper container 1 in an orientation rotated 180 degrees with respect to the lower container 1 from the same orientation, with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation, but the configuration is not limited to these. For example, the positions of the support portion 14 and the receiving portion 13 may be offset in the lateral direction of the short-side wall portion 3 on which the support portion 14 and the receiving portion 13 are provided, and the formation position of the support portion 14 on one short-side wall portion 3 may be opposite to the formation position of the receiving portion 13 on the other short-side wall portion 3, and the formation position of the receiving portion 13 on one short-side wall portion 3 may be opposite to the formation position of the support portion 14 on the other short-side wall portion 3. When this configuration is adopted, stacking is achieved by stacking the containers in the same orientation, and nesting is achieved by stacking the upper container rotated 180 degrees relative to the lower container. Furthermore, the containers may be configured to be approximately square in plan view, and stacking them in the same orientation may result in a stacking or nesting configuration, while stacking the upper container rotated 90 degrees relative to the lower container may result in a nesting or stacking configuration. In addition, although the container 1 is made of polypropylene in the above embodiment, it may be made of other resin materials such as polyethylene, PET, or polyamide.

[0056] Furthermore, the nesting configuration of container 1 should be such that the height of the stacked containers 1 is lower than that of the stacking configuration. In addition, the parts that contact and support the upper container 1 with the support part 14 in the stacking configuration of container 1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, if the stacking installation part 15 is omitted and container 1 is in a stacking configuration, the lower end of the support part 14 of the upper container 1 may contact and support the upper flange part 12 on the short side of the lower container 1.

[0057] (c) In the above embodiment, the information display unit 24 is provided in the center of the width direction of the long side side wall 4, but the arrangement of the information display unit 24 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the information display unit may be provided near one or both sides of the long side side wall 4, or it may be provided on the short side side wall 3. Also, in the above embodiment, the outer surface of the holding portion 30 of the information display unit 24 extends along a substantially vertical direction, but it may be configured to extend downward from the long side upper flange portion 22, inclined toward the outside of the container 1 or toward the inside of the container 1. In this case, when the container 1 is in a nesting configuration, it is possible to separate the information display unit 24 of the upper container 1 and the information display unit 24 of the lower container 1 in the inward and outward directions of the container 1, without separating them vertically. However, by extending the information display unit 24 as vertically as possible, the information means (card 51) attached to the information display unit 24 can be easily seen, and work on the information display unit 24 can be easily performed. Furthermore, the upper end of the information display unit 24 may be configured to be located below the upper end of the long-side side wall 4 or short-side side wall 3 on which the information display unit 24 is provided. In addition, the information display unit may be provided on the outer surface of the long-side base 21 (so that the information means abuts against the outer surface of the long-side base 21).

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a pair of protrusions 47 are provided corresponding to each information display section 24, but one or both of the protrusions 47 may be omitted. In addition, in the above embodiment, when the containers 1 are stacked, the protrusions 47 of the upper container 1 abut against the upper edge (long side upper flange 22) of the long side side wall 4 of the lower container 1, but a configuration in which they do not abut, or a configuration in which they abut only when the upper container 1 is slightly tilted relative to the lower container 1, may also be used. In addition, in the above embodiment, the entire container 1 is formed integrally, but for example, the information display section may be formed separately from the main body of the container 1, and the container 1 may be constructed by connecting the information display section to the main body of the container 1.

[0059] (d) The shape, size, thickness, hardness, presence or absence of an adhesive surface, etc., of the information means in the above embodiment are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, there may be a configuration in which there is no display surface on which information is written, and an RFID tag as a storage means for storing information, a tag that can wirelessly communicate using radio waves of a different frequency than the frequency used by the RFID tag, or infrared rays is embedded, or in a configuration in which a display surface on which information is written is provided in addition to the above configuration. Also, for example, the main body of the information means can be made of various materials such as resin, metal, paper, and cloth, or a laminate of multiple materials, as long as it has a shape that secures a display surface or holds the RFID tag etc. in the information display unit 24. Furthermore, for example, a flat surface may be provided on the information display unit 24 (with the back support portion 25 being flat), and characters, patterns, pictures etc. that are directly printed, engraved, stamped, marked, or handwritten on the flat surface may be used as the information means. Even when this configuration is adopted, the provision of a space 46 that separates the information display units 24 in the nested configuration of container 1 prevents the information means of container 1 from overflowing onto the information display unit 24 of the upper container 1, resulting in overlapping areas where the information means become difficult to distinguish. In addition, the information means may be configured to include GPS functionality.

[0060] Furthermore, if only seal-type information is used as the information means, the holding portion 30 may be omitted from the information display portion 24, and the positioning portion 26 and receiving portion 27 may also be omitted. The information display portion 24 of the above embodiment is a dual-purpose information display portion composed of a back support portion 25, a positioning portion 26, a receiving portion 27, a holding portion 30, a window portion 31, and a plurality of protruding portions (allowing for the arrangement of multiple forms of information means). Also, for example, as a modification of the opening portion 32 of the information display portion 24, an opening portion may be provided in the area including the center of the lateral width direction of the lower edge of the outer surface of the back support portion 25, such that the area of ​​adhesion with the seal-type information means per unit area is small, or an area to which the seal-type information means is not attached (separated), so that when removing the seal-type information means, the information means can be easily peeled off from the opening portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1...Container, 2...Bottom wall component, 3...Short side wall, 4...Long side wall, 12...Short side upper flange, 13...Receiving part, 14...Support part, 15...Stacking installation part, 21...Long side base, 22...Long side upper flange, 24...Information display part, 46...Space, 47...Protrusion, 51...Card.

Claims

1. A container comprising a bottom wall component having a rectangular shape in plan view, and side wall components extending upward from the side edges of the bottom wall component, Support portions that protrude outward from at least one pair of opposing side walls of the container, A receiving portion is provided on the inner surface of the container by causing at least one pair of opposing side walls to bulge outward, and the receiving portion is provided on the inner side of the container and opens upward. The containers are configured to be stackable in a way that allows them to change their configuration by changing the relative orientation of the upper and lower containers. This configuration includes a stacking configuration in which the lower surface of the support portion of the upper container abuts against or is supported by the upper edge of the side wall portion of the lower container, or a nearby portion thereof, and a nesting configuration in which the support portion of the upper container is housed in the receiving portion of the lower container. An information display section on the outer surface of a predetermined side wall portion is provided, on which information means can be arranged. When the containers are arranged in the nesting configuration, the information display sections of all the containers are exposed to the outside of the containers, and at least a portion of the area where the information display section of the upper container is formed and the area where the information display section of the lower container is formed overlap in the lateral width direction of the side wall portion on which the information display section is provided. A container characterized in that, when the containers are arranged in the nesting configuration, a space is provided to separate the information display section of the upper container from the information display section of the lower container.

2. In the nesting configuration of the containers, the space is configured such that the information display unit of the upper container and the information display unit of the lower container are separated in the vertical direction. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the nesting configuration of the containers, the information display section of the lower container is positioned outward from the upper container, beyond the wall portion that constitutes the inner surface of the side wall portion of the upper container.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper end of the information display section and the upper edge of the side wall section on which the information display section is provided are at the same position in the vertical direction.

4. The information display section is provided with a projection that protrudes downward from at least one of its two sides, or from a nearby portion thereof. Below the information display unit, the space is formed, The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the nesting configuration of the containers, the information display section of the lower container is positioned adjacent to the space formed below the information display section of the upper container.

5. The information display section is provided with a pair of protrusions that project downward from both sides or nearby thereto, The space is formed between the pair of protrusions and below the information display section. The container according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the nesting configuration of the containers, the information display section of the lower container is positioned adjacent to the space formed below the information display section of the upper container.

6. The container according to claim 4, characterized in that when the containers are arranged in the nesting configuration, the protrusion of the upper container abuts against the upper edge of the side wall of the lower container, or a portion near thereto.

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