Storage container and method for increasing its volume

Abstract

The initial volume is reduced to facilitate transportation and management. [Solution] The storage container 100 comprises an annular first peripheral ring 20 formed integrally by folding back in a sharp-angled V-shape in cross-section, continuous with the opening end of the container body 10 at the first boundary 11; an annular second peripheral ring 30 formed integrally by folding back in a sharp-angled T-shape in cross-section, continuous with the edge of the first peripheral ring 20 at the second boundary 21; and a plurality of deformable ribs 40 formed at a distance from each other, extending across the second boundary 21 and spanning both the first and second peripheral rings 20 and 30, on a part of the second boundary 21 of the first and second peripheral rings 20 and 30. By deforming the V-shape of the first boundary 11 from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, and the T-shape of the second boundary 21 from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, the height from the bottom surface of the container body 10 to the edge of the second peripheral ring 30 can be increased, thereby increasing the volume. The deformable ribs 40 are equipped with a locking mechanism to maintain the increased volume state achieved by deforming the first boundary 11 and the second boundary 21.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage container for storing stored objects such as products including food, and a volume increasing method for the same. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Storage containers for storing stored objects such as food are in use. For example, storage containers for holding products that allow frozen food to be heated and eaten in a microwave oven are widely used in supermarkets and convenience stores.

[0003] The size of such a storage container varies depending on the product to be stored. For example, noodles such as ramen require a relatively large capacity container because hot water is added when eating. On the other hand, at the stage of transporting or storing such storage containers, a smaller size is easier to handle. Also, when disposing of the storage container after use, it is similarly preferable that the volume can be reduced for easier disposal. For this reason, containers configured to be volume-reducible have been proposed.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a packaging container 800 capable of maintaining a reduced volume state. As shown in FIG. 8, this packaging container 800 includes an upper side wall portion 830 and a lower side wall portion 820 on the side wall 812 of the container main body 810, with a bent portion 821 interposed therebetween. The side wall 812 is formed with a bent rib 840 extending from the upper side wall portion 830 to the lower side wall portion 820 across the bent portion 821. The side wall 812 is configured to be deformable such that the bent portion 821 is bent inward to bring the upper side wall portion 830 and the lower side wall portion 820 close to each other. The bent rib 840 is elastically deformed such that the lateral width of the bent rib 840 is narrowed when the side wall 812 is deformed. Further, after the deformation of the side wall 812, the bent rib 840 is configured to be elastically deformable so that the lateral width of the bent rib 840 is widened.

[0005] However, this storage container had a problem: its large volume in its standard state made it bulky and unsuitable for transportation. Furthermore, its purpose was to maintain the reduced volume after being compressed, preventing it from returning to its original shape; conversely, it was difficult to restore it to its original large volume once compressed. In other words, it could not be used to reduce volume during transport and then expand it again for use, such as when heating food in a microwave. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-99919 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] One objective of this disclosure is to provide a storage container with a small initial volume for easier transport and management, and a method for increasing its volume. Another objective is to provide a storage container that can maintain a deformed state to increase its volume during use, and a method for increasing its volume. The description of these objectives and objectives in this disclosure does not preclude the existence of other objectives and objectives. Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure does not need to solve all of these objectives. It is also possible to extract other objectives from the description, drawings, and claims of this disclosure. Means for solving the problems and effects of the invention.

[0008] A storage container according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure comprises: a bottomed container body with an open top forming a storage space for storing items to be stored; an annular first peripheral ring formed integrally by folding back in a sharp-angled V-shape in cross-section, continuous with a first boundary from the open end of the container body; an annular second peripheral ring formed integrally by folding back in a sharp-angled T-shape in cross-section, continuous with a second boundary from the edge of the first peripheral ring; and a plurality of deformable ribs formed at a distance from each other, extending across the second boundary of the first and second peripheral rings, and spanning the second boundary, wherein the volume can be increased by increasing the height from the bottom of the container body to the edge of the second peripheral ring by deforming the V-shape of the first boundary from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, and the T-shape of the second boundary from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, respectively, and the deformable ribs are provided with a locking mechanism to maintain the increased volume state achieved by deforming the first and second boundaries. The above configuration adds a mechanism that allows the storage container to be deformed to increase its height and thus its volume, improving usability, for example, by allowing more hot water to be poured when eating noodles. Furthermore, the increased volume state can be maintained by a locking mechanism, preventing situations such as the storage container accidentally shrinking during consumption.

[0009] Furthermore, in the storage container according to Embodiment 2, in any of the above embodiments, the locking mechanism is a mechanism that applies stress to maintain the deformation of the first boundary and the second boundary by deforming the deformation rib itself when the first boundary and the second boundary are deformed. With the above configuration, even if the storage container is deformed to increase in height, the deformed state is maintained, so a storage container suitable for use can be made low in height during transport and storage, and deformed when in use.

[0010] Furthermore, in the storage container according to Embodiment 3, in any of the above embodiments, the deformable rib is formed in a convex shape that protrudes from the outer surface side of the first peripheral ring and the second peripheral ring. With the above configuration, the deformable rib can be easily formed on the storage container.

[0011] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the storage container according to Embodiment 4 has a convex portion that protrudes vertically downward from the valley shape of the second boundary. With this configuration, when deforming the storage container, the storage container can be deformed to increase its capacity by pushing up the convex portion of the second boundary with an index finger while pushing the mountain shape of the first boundary towards the bottom of the container body with a thumb.

[0012] Furthermore, in the storage container relating to form 5, in any of the above forms, the locking mechanism is a mechanism that reverses the deformable rib when it is deformed. With the above configuration, the deformed state of the storage container can be maintained by reversing the deformable rib.

[0013] Furthermore, in the storage container according to form 6, in any of the above forms, the deformation ribs are formed at three or more equally spaced locations along the annular second boundary. With this configuration, the expanded volume state can be stably maintained by evenly providing deformation ribs along the annular second boundary.

[0014] Furthermore, in the storage container according to form 7, the edge of the second peripheral ring is folded back in any of the above forms. With this configuration, the edge of the storage container can be folded back to make it easier to hold by hand.

[0015] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the storage container according to Embodiment 8 has a circular opening at the main body of the container.

[0016] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the storage container according to embodiment 9 has an octagonal shape at the opening end of the container body.

[0017] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the storage container according to embodiment 10 is a tray for frozen foods.

[0018] Furthermore, the method for increasing the volume of a storage container according to form 11 is a method for increasing the volume of a storage container comprising: a bottomed container body with an open top that forms a storage space for storing items to be stored; an annular first peripheral ring formed integrally by folding back in a sharp-angled V-shape in cross-section, continuous with the opening end of the container body at a first boundary; and an annular second peripheral ring formed integrally by folding back in a sharp-angled V-shape in cross-section, continuous with the edge of the first peripheral ring at a second boundary, wherein the second boundary The process includes the steps of: preparing a storage container having a plurality of deformable ribs that extend across the boundary between the first and second peripheral rings and are formed spaced apart from each other; increasing the height from the bottom surface of the container body to the edge of the second peripheral ring by deforming the V-shape of the first boundary from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, and the V-shape of the second boundary from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, thereby increasing the volume; and locking the deformable ribs with a locking mechanism to maintain the increased volume state achieved by deforming the first and second boundaries. By adding a mechanism that allows the storage container to be deformed to increase its height and thus increase its volume, usability can be improved, for example, by allowing more hot water to be poured when eating noodles. Furthermore, since the increased volume state can be maintained by the locking mechanism, it is possible to avoid situations such as the storage container accidentally shrinking when eating.

[0019] Furthermore, the method for increasing the volume of a storage container according to form 12 includes, in any of the above forms, a step of increasing the volume by pushing up the convex portion of the deformation rib that protrudes vertically downward from the valley shape of the second boundary, while pushing the mountain shape of the first boundary towards the bottom of the container body. As a result, when deforming the storage container, the storage container can be deformed to increase its volume by pushing up the convex portion of the second boundary with an index finger, while pushing the mountain shape of the first boundary towards the bottom of the container body with a thumb. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a storage container according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]It is an exploded perspective view showing a state where a lid is added to the storage container of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a plan view of the storage container of Figure 1, and Figure 3B is a partial cross-sectional side view of Figure 3A. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a state where the storage container of Figure 1 is increased in capacity. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a plan view of the storage container of Figure 4, and Figure 5B is a side view of Figure 5A. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the storage container of Figure 1 as seen from an obliquely lower side. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the storage container of Figure 4 as seen from an obliquely lower side. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a conventional packaging container. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (for example, "upper", "lower", and other terms including these terms) may be used as necessary, and the use of these terms is for facilitating the understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention by the meaning of these terms. In addition, parts denoted by the same reference numeral appearing in a plurality of drawings indicate the same or equivalent parts or members.

[0022] Furthermore, the embodiments described below show specific examples of the technical idea of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the following. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described below are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those, but are intended to be illustrative. The contents described in one embodiment or example are also applicable to other embodiments or examples. In addition, the sizes, positional relationships, and the like of the members shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of description. [Embodiment 1]

[0023] Figures 1 to 7 show a storage container 100 according to Embodiment 1. In these figures, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the storage container 100 according to the embodiment, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the storage container 100 of Figure 1 with a lid 1 added, Figure 3A is a plan view of the storage container 100 of Figure 1, Figure 3B is a partial cross-sectional side view of Figure 3A, Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the storage container 100 of Figure 1 with increased capacity, Figure 5A is a plan view of the storage container 100 of Figure 4, Figure 5B is a side view of Figure 5A, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the storage container 100 of Figure 1 viewed from diagonally below, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the storage container 100 of Figure 4 viewed from diagonally below. The storage container 100 shown in Figure 1 stores items such as food. The items to be stored include, but are not limited to, frozen foods. In addition, a lid 1 may be added as needed, as shown in Figure 2. (Container body 10)

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the storage container 100 comprises a container body 10, a first peripheral ring 20, a second peripheral ring 30, and a deformed rib 40. The container body 10 is formed in the shape of a bottomed vessel with an open top, forming a storage space for storing the items to be stored. The open end of the container body 10 is formed in a circular shape in the example shown in Figure 3A. However, the shape of the open end of the container body 10 is not limited to a circular shape; it can be any shape depending on the items to be stored, such as an ellipse, a track shape, or a polygonal shape such as an octagon. The container body 10 is made of a resin with excellent heat resistance and cold resistance, depending on the application, such as microwave oven compatibility. Polypropylene is preferably used. (First peripheral ring 20)

[0025] Furthermore, a continuous annular first peripheral ring 20 is provided around the open end of the container body 10, as shown in Figure 3A. The first peripheral ring 20 is formed integrally from the open end of the container body 10 to the first boundary 11. The first peripheral ring 20 is also folded back in a sharp, V-shape in cross-section, as shown in Figure 3B. (Second peripheral ring 30)

[0026] Furthermore, a second annular peripheral ring 30 is continuously provided around the first peripheral ring 20. The second peripheral ring 30 is formed integrally from the edge of the first peripheral ring 20 at the second boundary 21. Also, as shown in Figure 3B, the second peripheral ring 30 is folded back in a sharp valley shape in cross-section. (Deformed Rib 40)

[0027] A deformation rib 40 is provided on a portion of the second boundary 21 where the first peripheral ring 20 and the second peripheral ring 30 meet. The deformation rib 40 is formed to extend across the second boundary 21 and across both the first peripheral ring 20 and the second peripheral ring 30. Multiple deformation ribs 40 are formed along the annular second boundary 21, spaced apart from each other. These container body 10, the first peripheral ring 20, the second peripheral ring 30, and the deformation rib 40 are formed as a single unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the edge of the second peripheral ring 30 is folded back in a V-shape to form the third peripheral ring 40. This configuration allows the edge of the storage container 100 to be folded back, making it easier to hold by hand. (Volume expansion mechanism)

[0029] This storage container 100 allows for increased volume by increasing the height h1 from the bottom surface of the container body 10 shown in Figure 5A to the edge of the second peripheral ring 30, to h2 as shown in Figure 5B. Specifically, the angle α1 formed by the V-shape of the first boundary 11 is deformed from the acute angle shown in Figure 3B to the obtuse angle α2 shown in Figure 5B, and the angle β1 formed by the Valley-shaped shape of the second boundary 21 is deformed from the acute angle shown in Figure 3B to the obtuse angle β2 shown in Figure 5B.

[0030] By adding a mechanism that allows the storage container 100 to be deformed to increase its height and thus increase its volume, usability can be improved. For example, when used as a food storage container 100 for storing food, the container can be made shorter during transport to reduce transportation and management costs. On the other hand, when the user eats the food after purchasing it, the volume can be increased to make it easier to eat. In particular, if the food is a soup-based dish such as noodles, where hot water is added for cooking, increasing the volume allows more hot water to be added. (Locking mechanism)

[0031] Furthermore, the deformable rib 40 is equipped with a locking mechanism that maintains the expanded volume state by deforming the first boundary 11 and the second boundary 21. This allows the expanded volume state to be maintained by the locking mechanism, thus preventing situations such as the storage container 100 accidentally shrinking during consumption. In other words, if the storage container 100 were to accidentally shrink during consumption, problems such as spillage would occur, but by adding a locking mechanism that maintains the expanded volume state, such situations can be avoided.

[0032] Furthermore, when disposing of the storage container 100, the volume can be reduced from its expanded state to its original volume by releasing the locking mechanism, thus providing the advantage of easy disposal in a reduced volume state.

[0033] The locking mechanism can be configured such that when the first boundary 11 and the second boundary 21 are deformed, the deformation rib 40 itself deforms, thereby applying a stress that maintains the deformation of the first boundary 11 and the second boundary 21. As a result, even if the storage container 100 is deformed to increase in height, the deformed state is maintained, making it possible to create a storage container 100 that is suitable for use by reducing its height during transport and storage, and then deforming it when in use.

[0034] It is preferable that the deformation ribs 40 are formed at three or more equal intervals along the annular second boundary 21. By evenly providing the deformation ribs 40 along the annular second boundary 21 in this way, the volume-increasing state can be stably maintained. Furthermore, it is preferable that the deformation ribs 40 are located on both sides when the storage container 100, which has a circular outer shape, is held by the left and right sides. In the example shown in Figure 3A, the deformation ribs 40 are formed at four locations along the annular second boundary 21 at approximately 45° intervals. By providing an even number of deformation ribs 40 at equal intervals in this way, the deformation ribs 40 facing the center of the circular storage container 100 are necessarily aligned in the diametrical direction, so that the user can grip both sides of the storage container 100 in a balanced manner.

[0035] In examples such as Figures 1 and 6, the deformation rib 40 is formed as a convex shape protruding from the outer surface of the first peripheral ring 20 and the second peripheral ring 30. Such a deformation rib 40 can be easily formed on the storage container 100. The deformation rib 40 also has a convex portion that protrudes vertically downward from the valley shape of the second boundary 21. With this configuration, when deforming the storage container 100, the storage container 100 can be deformed to increase its capacity by pushing up the convex portion of the second boundary 21 with an index finger while pressing the mountain shape of the first boundary 11 towards the bottom of the container body 10 with a thumb.

[0036] The locking mechanism can be configured to reverse the deformation rib 40 when it is deformed. This allows the deformed state of the storage container 100 to be maintained by reversing the deformation rib 40. In the example shown in Figure 4, the protrusions, including the convex portion, are shown to protrude to the outside of the storage container 100. However, the disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the ribs may protrude to the inside of the storage container 100 in the normal state, i.e., in the volume-reduced state, and then reversed to protrude to the outside when the container is being used for storage. [Methods for increasing the capacity of storage containers]

[0037] Here, we will explain how to increase the capacity of the storage container 100. First, prepare the storage container 100. As described above, the storage container 100 is provided with a plurality of deformable ribs 40 that extend across the second boundary 21 of the first peripheral ring 20 and the second peripheral ring 30, and are spaced apart from each other, on a part of the second boundary 21 of the first peripheral ring 20 and the second peripheral ring 30. Preferably, the user grasps both ends of the circular storage container 100 opposite to the center and takes a posture in which they touch the protrusions of the deformable ribs 40 located therewith with their index fingers.

[0038] Next, the volume is increased by deforming the first boundary 11 from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, and the second boundary 21 from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, thereby increasing the height from the bottom surface of the container body 10 to the edge of the second peripheral ring 30. At this time, the user holds both ends of the storage container 100 with both hands, and pushes up the convex part of the second boundary 21 with their index finger, while pushing the first boundary 11's peak shape towards the bottom of the container body 10 with their thumb. This allows the storage container 100 to be deformed to increase its volume.

[0039] Furthermore, the first boundary 11 and the second boundary 21 are deformed and locked by a locking mechanism provided on the deformation rib 40 to maintain the increased volume. This adds a mechanism that allows the storage container 100 to be deformed to increase its height and thus increase its volume, improving usability, for example, by allowing more hot water to be poured when eating noodles. Also, since the increased volume can be maintained by the locking mechanism, it is possible to avoid situations such as the storage container 100 accidentally shrinking during consumption.

[0040] Furthermore, the user pushes up the convex portion of the deformable rib 40 that protrudes vertically downward from the valley shape of the second boundary 21, while simultaneously pushing the mountain shape of the first boundary 11 towards the bottom of the container body 10. This process can be performed at the same time as the process of increasing the volume of the storage container 100. That is, when deforming the storage container 100, by pushing up the convex portion of the second boundary 21 with an index finger, while simultaneously pushing the mountain shape of the first boundary 11 towards the bottom of the container body 10 with a thumb, the storage container 100 can be deformed to increase its volume, and the convex portion can be pushed up to invert the deformable rib 40. [Industrial applicability]

[0041] The storage container and its volume-increasing method of the present invention can be suitably used as packaging for foods such as frozen foods, as well as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, clothing, small items, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 100... Storage containers 1…Lid 10…Container body 11…first boundary 20…First circumferential ring 21…Second boundary 30...Second Peripheral Ring 40...Third Peripheral Ring 50…Deformed Rib 800...Packaging containers 810... Container body 812…Side wall 820...Lower side wall section 821...Bend 830... Upper side wall section 840... Flexed Rib

Claims

1. A container body with a bottom and an open top, forming a storage space for storing the items to be stored, A first annular peripheral ring is formed integrally by folding back in a sharp, V-shape in cross-sectional view, extending from the open end of the container body at the first boundary, A second annular peripheral ring is formed integrally by folding back in a valley shape with an acute angle in cross-section, continuing from the edge of the first peripheral ring at the second boundary, A plurality of deformed ribs are formed at a distance from each other, extending across the second boundary between the first and second peripheral rings and across the second peripheral ring, on a portion of the second boundary between the first and second peripheral rings, A storage container equipped with, By changing the angle of the first boundary from acute to obtuse, and the angle of the second boundary from acute to obtuse, the height from the bottom surface of the container body to the edge of the second peripheral ring can be increased, thereby increasing the volume. The deformable ribs are provided with a locking mechanism that maintains the expanded volume state by deforming the first boundary and the second boundary of the storage container.

2. A storage container according to claim 1, The locking mechanism is a storage container that, when the first boundary and the second boundary are deformed, applies stress that maintains the deformation of the first boundary and the second boundary by deforming the deformation rib itself.

3. A storage container according to claim 1, A storage container in which the deformed ribs are formed in a convex shape that protrudes from the outer surfaces of the first and second peripheral rings.

4. A storage container according to claim 1, A storage container in which the deformed rib has a convex portion that protrudes vertically downward from the valley shape of the second boundary.

5. A storage container according to claim 1, The locking mechanism is a storage container in which the deformable rib is reversed when it is deformed.

6. A storage container according to claim 1, A storage container in which the deformed ribs are formed at three or more equal intervals along the annular second boundary.

7. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A storage container in which the edge of the second peripheral ring is folded back.

8. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A storage container in which the opening end of the container body is circular.

9. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A storage container in which the opening end of the container body is octagonal in shape.

10. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A storage container, specifically a tray, for frozen foods.

11. A container body with a bottom and an open top, forming a storage space for storing the items to be stored, A first annular peripheral ring is formed integrally by folding back in a sharp, V-shape in cross-sectional view, extending from the open end of the container body at the first boundary, A second annular peripheral ring is formed integrally by folding back in a valley shape with an acute angle in cross-section, continuing from the edge of the first peripheral ring at the second boundary, A method for increasing the volume of a storage container equipped with the following features: The steps of preparing the storage container, which includes a plurality of deformed ribs formed at a distance from each other, extending across the second boundary of the first peripheral ring and the second peripheral ring, and extending across the second boundary to span the first peripheral ring and the second peripheral ring, and located at a distance from each other, A step of increasing the volume by increasing the height from the bottom surface of the container body to the edge of the second peripheral ring, by deforming the mountain shape of the first boundary from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, and the valley shape of the second boundary from an acute angle to an obtuse angle, A step of locking the deformation rib with a locking mechanism provided on it so as to maintain the deformed and increased volume state of the first boundary and the second boundary, A method for increasing the volume of a storage container containing [a specific item / material].

12. A method for increasing the volume of a storage container according to claim 11, A method for increasing the volume of a storage container, wherein the volume-increasing step includes pushing up the convex portion of the deformed rib that protrudes vertically downward from the valley shape of the second boundary, while pushing the mountain shape of the first boundary towards the bottom of the container body.

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