Packaging containers

The packaging container design with stepped lids and regulatory features addresses the instability issue of stacked containers, ensuring stable placement and preventing spillage, enhancing work efficiency.

JP7612067B1Active Publication Date: 2025-01-10DENKA CO LTD
View PDF 8 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024010214
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-26
Publication Date
2025-01-10
Estimated Expiration
2044-01-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Packaging containers used for foods can become unstable when stacked with their lids open, leading to a risk of food spillage due to loss of balance.

Method used

The packaging container design includes a lid with stepped portions and legs that allow another container body to be stably placed on the lid, with regulatory features to prevent relative movement and enhance stability.

Benefits of technology

The design ensures that container bodies can be stably placed on lids, preventing balance loss and spillage, even when stacked, thereby improving work efficiency and stability during food packaging.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007612067000001_ABST
    Figure 0007612067000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A packaging container in which a container body can be stably placed on a lid body. [Solution] A packaging container 1 includes a container body 10 having a bottom plate portion 11, and a lid body 20 connected to the container body 10 via a hinge portion 30 so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body 10. The lid body 20 has a step portion 23 formed on a side portion. When the outer surface side of the container body 10 of another packaging container 1B is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body 20 of one packaging container 1A in a state in which the lid body 20 is open relative to the container body 10, the container body 10 of the other packaging container 1B is placed on the step portion 23 of the lid body 20 of the first packaging container 1A.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging container. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a packaging container that includes a container body and a lid body that is openably and closably connected to the container body via a hinge portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-039783 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The packaging container as described above is used, for example, to package food. During packaging, food is placed (arranged) in the container body with the lid open. In this case, in order to improve work efficiency, it is conceivable to arrange a plurality of containers with the lid open in advance, and to sequentially place food in the container bodies of those containers. In addition, in order to further improve work efficiency by making effective use of the work space, it is conceivable to adopt an arrangement in which, when arranging a plurality of containers, the container body of one container is placed on the lid of another container, and the container body of yet another container is placed on the lid of the other container. However, simply adopting this arrangement may cause the container to lose balance when food is placed on the container body of another container placed on the lid of one container, resulting in the food spilling out.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container in which the container body can be stably placed on the lid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The packaging container of the present invention is [1] "a packaging container comprising a container body having a bottom plate portion, and a lid body connected to the container body via a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body, wherein the lid body has a pair of steps formed on a pair of sides facing each other, and when the outer surface side of the container body of one of the packaging containers is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body of one of the packaging containers when the lid body is open relative to the container body, the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of steps of the lid body of the one of the packaging containers."

[0007] In this packaging container, when the outer surface side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid of the first packaging container with the lid open to the container body, the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of steps of the lid of the first packaging container. This allows the container body of the other packaging container to be stably placed on the lid of the first packaging container. As a result, for example, when food is placed on the container body of the other packaging container placed on the lid of the first packaging container, it is possible to prevent the packaging container from losing its balance.

[0008] The packaging container of the present invention may be [2] "the packaging container according to [1], in which relative movement between the lid of the first packaging container and the container body of the second packaging container is restricted in a state in which the container body of the second packaging container is placed on the pair of steps of the lid of the first packaging container." In this case, the container body of the second packaging container can be placed more stably on the lid of the first packaging container.

[0009] The packaging container of the present invention may be [3] "the packaging container according to [1] or [2], in which the pair of steps of the lid body constitute a lid body fitting portion for fitting between the lid body and the container body." In this case, the container body of one packaging container can be stably placed on the lid body of another packaging container by using the lid body fitting portion for fitting between the lid body and the container body.

[0010] The packaging container of the present invention may be the packaging container according to [4] "wherein the container body has a body fitting portion that fits with the lid fitting portion, and when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion, in a state in which the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of step portions of the lid of the one packaging container, the lid fitting portion of the lid of the one packaging container overlaps with the body fitting portion of the container body of the other packaging container." In this case, when the lid of the other packaging container is closed on the container body of the other packaging container placed on the lid of the one packaging container, the lid fitting portion of the lid of the one packaging container serves as a support, making it easy to fit the lid fitting portion of the lid of the other packaging container into the body fitting portion of the container body of the other packaging container.

[0011] The packaging container of the present invention may be a packaging container according to any one of [1] to [4], in which the container body has the bottom plate portion and a pair of legs formed on a pair of sides of the bottom plate portion corresponding to the pair of sides of the lid body, the pair of legs protruding outward from the bottom plate portion, and when the outer side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner side of the lid body of the one packaging container in a state in which the lid body is opened relative to the container body, the pair of legs of the container body of the other packaging container are placed on the pair of steps of the lid body of the one packaging container. In this case, the container body of the other packaging container can be placed more stably on the lid body of the one packaging container. In addition, the provision of legs on the container body makes it easier to hold the packaging container.

[0012] The packaging container of the present invention may be the packaging container according to [6] "wherein each of the pair of steps has a first surface extending in a direction parallel to the bottom plate and a second surface extending in a direction intersecting the first surface, each of the pair of legs has a leg bottom surface and a leg side surface, and in a state in which the pair of legs of the container body of the other packaging container are placed on the pair of steps of the lid of the one packaging container, the leg bottom surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container are placed on the first surfaces of the pair of steps of the one packaging container, and the second surfaces of the pair of steps of the one packaging container and the leg side surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container face each other." In this case, the container body of the other packaging container can be placed more stably on the lid of the one packaging container.

[0013] The packaging container of the present invention may be the packaging container according to [6], in which the lid has a pair of extending surfaces extending from the second surfaces of the pair of steps in a direction parallel to the bottom plate, each of the pair of legs further has a leg inclined surface extending from the leg side surface at an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate, and in the above-described placed state, the leg inclined surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container face the corners between the second surfaces of the pair of steps of the first packaging container and the pair of extending surfaces, respectively. In this case, when placing the container body of the other packaging container on the lid of the first packaging container, the leg inclined surfaces of the other packaging container come into contact with and are guided by the corners between the second surfaces and the extending surfaces of the first packaging container, so that the container body of the other packaging container can be easily placed on the lid of the first packaging container.

[0014] The packaging container of the present invention may be [8] "the packaging container according to any one of [5] to [7], in which a rib protruding on the inner surface side is formed on each of the pair of legs." In this case, the strength of the legs can be increased by forming the rib. Also, since the rib protrudes on the inner surface side, it is possible to prevent the rib from contacting the lid when the legs are placed on the step.

[0015] The packaging container of the present invention may be [9] "the packaging container according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the lid has a top plate and a lid side wall that defines an opening of the lid, and the pair of steps are provided at an opening end of the lid side wall." In this case, the container body can be supported at the opening end of the lid side wall, facilitating the operation of putting food into the container body.

[0016] The packaging container of the present invention may be

[10] "the packaging container according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the container body has the bottom plate and the body side wall, the lid has a top plate and the lid side wall, and the lid is deeper than the container body." If the lid is deeper than the container body, the packaging container is likely to lose balance when food is placed on the container body of another packaging container placed on the lid of one packaging container, but this packaging container can prevent loss of balance even when the lid is deeper than the container body. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a packaging container in which a container body can be stably placed on a lid. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in an open state, as viewed from the inside. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in an open state, as viewed from the outer surface side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in a closed state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container in an open state. [Diagram 5] 5 is a side view of the container in FIG. 4 as viewed from the Y direction side. [Figure 6] 5 is a side view of the container in FIG. 4 as viewed from the X direction side. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container in a closed state. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing two open containers stacked one on top of the other. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing how containers are arranged in a comparative example, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing how containers are arranged in an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing how a molded product is released from a mold in a comparative example, and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing how a molded product is released from a mold in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. [Packaging containers]

[0020] As shown in Figs. 1 to 8, container 1 (packaging container) includes a container body 10 for containing contents, and a lid body 20 connected to container body 10 via hinge portion 30 so as to be openable and closable relative to container body 10. That is, container 1 is an integrated container (food pack) in which container body 10 and lid body 20 are integrated. Contents contained (packaged) in container 1 are foods such as cooked rice, sushi, side dishes, noodles, and confectionery. Container 1 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape overall.

[0021] 1, 2, and 4 to 7 show the container 1 in a state where the lid 20 is open relative to the container body 10 (open state), and FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 show the container 1 in a state where the lid 20 is closed relative to the container body 10 (closed state). In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 11 (described later) of the container body 10 of the container 1 in the closed state (the vertical direction in FIG. 1) is the vertical direction, the side where the lid 20 is located relative to the container body 10 in the closed state (the upper side in FIG. 3) is the upper side, and the side where the container body 10 is located relative to the lid 20 (the lower side in FIG. 3) is the lower side. One direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (the direction perpendicular to the hinge part 30) is the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the X direction (the direction parallel to the hinge part 30) is the Y direction. The direction along the plane including the X direction and the Y direction is also called the lateral direction. The surface facing the inside of the container in the closed state is the inner surface, and the surface facing the outside of the container in the closed state is the outer surface. Note that these directions do not limit the manner of use of the container 1. The container 1 is usually used with the lid body 20 positioned vertically above the container body 10, but the manner of use is not limited to this.

[0022] The container 1 is, for example, a molded product of a sheet material, and is manufactured by molding the sheet material into a predetermined shape using a predetermined mold. The sheet material constituting the container 1 is formed of, for example, a resin material. The sheet material may be formed only of a resin material, or may contain an inorganic material in addition to the resin material. The sheet material may contain, for example, 50% by weight or more of an inorganic filler. The material of the sheet material may be a bio-based material such as polylactic acid (PLA) resin or polyethylene derived from plants. The raw material of the sheet material may be derived from petroleum or plants.

[0023] The material of the sheet material may be a transparent synthetic resin material. The transparent synthetic resin material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. As the synthetic resin sheet, for example, a polystyrene sheet obtained by biaxially stretching polystyrene, or a heat-resistant biaxially stretched styrene-based resin sheet may be used. The material of the sheet material may be a translucent or opaque synthetic resin material. The translucent or opaque synthetic resin material may be high impact polystyrene (HIPS) containing a rubber component to enhance impact resistance, or PP filler (filler-containing polypropylene).

[0024] The material of the sheet material may be a non-foaming material. The non-foaming material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The non-foaming sheet material may be a sheet having improved heat resistance by including inorganic components such as calcium carbonate, talc, and fillers. The non-foaming sheet material may be multi-layered or single-layered. A film may be attached to the non-foaming sheet material. The non-foaming sheet material may be transparent or may have various colors or patterns. Various additives may be added to produce the non-foaming sheet material.

[0025] The sheet material may be a foamed synthetic resin sheet material. The material of the foamed synthetic resin sheet material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene. As the foamed synthetic resin sheet, for example, a foamed polystyrene sheet obtained by foaming polystyrene, or a heat-resistant foamed polystyrene sheet obtained by foaming polystyrene having excellent heat resistance may be used.

[0026] Examples of methods for forming the container 1 include vacuum forming, pressure forming, vacuum / pressure forming, double-sided vacuum forming, and hot plate forming. For example, the container 1 can be manufactured by thermoforming a synthetic resin sheet by any of these methods. When a stretched sheet is used, hot plate forming may be employed in which the sheet is sandwiched between a heated platen and a mold to perform molding. [Container body]

[0027] The container body 10 has a bottom plate portion 11, a side wall portion 12 (main body side wall portion), a fitting portion 13 (main body fitting portion), a flange portion 14, and four legs 15. The bottom plate portion 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a long side along the Y direction. The bottom plate portion 11 is formed substantially flat perpendicular to the up-down direction. The bottom plate portion 11 may be formed with ribs or protruding portions for partitioning. The side wall portion 12 is formed so as to surround the bottom plate portion 11 in a plan view (when viewed from the up-down direction), and extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate portion 11. The side wall portion 12 defines an opening of the container body 10.

[0028] The side wall portion 12 extends at an incline in the vertical direction so as to be outwardly as it goes upward (FIG. 10). The fitting portion 13 is formed at the open end (upper end) of the side wall portion 12. The fitting portion 13 is, for example, a step portion (a recess recessed toward the outside) formed along the entire circumference of the side wall portion 12. The fitting portion 13 fits with a fitting portion 25 (lid fitting portion) of the lid body 20 described later. The flange portion 14 extends outwardly in the horizontal direction from the fitting portion 13. In this example, the container body 10 is connected to the lid body 20 at one side (long side) via a hinge portion 30, and the flange portion 14 is formed over three sides excluding the one side. The flange portion 14 will be described in detail later. The hinge portion 30 is a deformable portion configured so that the container body 10 and the lid body 20 can rotate relatively to each other around the hinge portion 30. The hinge portion 30 extends along the Y direction, and has, for example, a substantially U-shaped curved shape in a cross section perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0029] The four legs 15 are formed at the four corners of the bottom plate 11. Each leg 15 is formed so as to protrude outward from the bottom plate 11. That is, each leg 15 is formed as a recess when viewed from above. Each leg 15 is formed in a substantially L-shape so as to extend along two sides constituting the corners of the bottom plate 11 in a plan view. Each leg 15 is located inside the outer edge of the rectangular bottom plate 11 in a plan view. In a plan view, the side wall 12 surrounds the bottom plate 11 and the four legs 15. A plurality of (12 in this example) ribs 15a are formed on each leg 15. Each rib 15a protrudes toward the inner surface. Each rib 15a is formed so as to extend linearly between the inner edge and the outer edge of the leg 15 (between the bottom plate 11 and the side wall 12) in a plan view.

[0030] As particularly shown in FIG. 10, each leg 15 has a bottom surface 151 (leg bottom surface), a side surface 152 (leg side surface), and an inclined surface 153 (leg inclined surface). The bottom surface 151 is connected to the bottom plate portion 11 via a side surface 154. The bottom surface 151 is formed flat perpendicular to the vertical direction. The side surface 154 extends at an incline with respect to the vertical direction so as to be inward as it approaches the upper side. In this example, the side surface 154 includes a plurality (three) of inclined surfaces with different inclination angles. The side surface 152 extends upward from the bottom surface 151 along the vertical direction. The inclined surface 153 extends upward from the upper end of the side surface 152. The inclined surface 153 extends at an incline with respect to the vertical direction so as to be outward as it approaches the upper side. The inclined surface 153 is connected to the above-mentioned fitting portion 13 via the side wall portion 12. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 153 in the vertical direction is larger than the inclination angle of the side wall portion 12 in the vertical direction. [Lid]

[0031] The lid 20 has a top plate 21, a side wall 22 (lid side wall), a step 23, a flange 24, and a fitting portion 25 (lid fitting portion). The top plate 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the bottom plate 11 of the container body 10. That is, the top plate 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a long side along the Y direction. The top plate 21 is formed substantially flat perpendicular to the up-down direction. In the closed state, the top plate 21 faces the bottom plate 11 of the container body 10 in the up-down direction.

[0032] The side wall 22 is formed to surround the top plate 21 in a plan view, and extends downward (to the lower side in the closed state) from the edge of the top plate 21. The side wall 22 defines an opening of the lid 20. The side wall 22 extends at an incline in the up-down direction so as to extend outward as it approaches the lower side. The depth D20 of the lid 20 is deeper than the depth D10 of the container body 10 (FIG. 7).

[0033] The step 23 is formed at the open end (lower end) of the side wall 22. The step 23 is a step (stepped portion) formed along the entire circumference of the side wall 22. The step 23 can also be considered as a recess formed in the side wall 22 so as to be recessed toward the outside. The step 23 constitutes a part of the inside of the fitting portion 25. The fitting portion 25 fits with the fitting portion 13 of the container body 10 described above. The fitting portion 25 is, for example, a convex portion formed along the entire circumference of the side wall 22. When fitted, a part of the outside (outer surface) of the fitting portion 25 contacts the fitting portion 13. The flange portion 24 extends outward in the lateral direction from the step 23. In this example, the lid body 20 is connected to the container body 10 via the hinge portion 30 at one side (long side), and the flange portion 24 is formed over three sides excluding the one side.

[0034] As particularly shown in FIG. 10, the step portion 23 has a first surface 231 and a second surface 232. The first surface 231 is connected to the side wall portion 22 and extends flatly perpendicular to the up-down direction (parallel to the bottom plate portion 11). The second surface 232 extends from the first surface 231 downward (the lower side in the closed state) (the upper side in FIG. 10) along the up-down direction. That is, the second surface 232 extends along a direction intersecting the first surface 231 (along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface 231 in this example). In addition, the lid body 20 has an extending surface 233 connected to the second surface 232. The extending surface 233 extends from the lower end of the second surface 232 outward in the lateral direction. The extending surface 233 extends flatly perpendicular to the up-down direction (parallel to the top plate portion 21). The second surface 232 constitutes the inner surface of the fitting portion 25 , and the extending surface 233 constitutes the top surface of the fitting portion 25 . [Usage]

[0035] For example, the lid 20 rotates from the open state shown in FIG. 1 etc. to the container body 10 about the hinge portion 30 to the closed state shown in FIG. 3 etc. In the closed state, the lid 20 covers the entire opening of the container body 10 on one side in the vertical direction (upper side in FIG. 8). As shown particularly in FIG. 8, the fitting portion 13 (body fitting portion) of the container body 10 and the fitting portion 25 (lid fitting portion) of the lid 20 are fitted together to maintain the closed state. When opening the lid 20, for example, a force is applied to the lid 20 in a direction away from the container body 10 to release the fitting between the fitting portion 13 and the fitting portion 25. The container 1 is an internal fitting type container. That is, in the container 1, the fitting portion 25 of the lid 20 is fitted into the fitting portion 13 formed on the inside of the opening of the container body 10.

[0036] In the closed state, the bottom plate 11 of the container body 10 and the top plate 21 of the lid 20 face each other in the vertical direction, and the flange 14 of the container body 10 and the flange 24 of the lid 20 face each other in the vertical direction. The flanges 14, 24 may contact each other in the attached state, or may face each other entirely or partially with a small gap therebetween.

[0037] A container 1 in a closed state can be stacked on top of another container 1 in a closed state. In this case, the outer surface of the container body 10 of one container 1 is placed on the outer surface of the lid body 20 of the other container 1. In this state, the legs 15 of the container body 10 are engaged with the corner between the top plate portion 21 and the side wall portion 22 of the lid body 20, thereby restricting the lateral positional deviation between the container body 10 and the lid body 20. Specifically, for example, when the container body 10 arranged on the upper side tries to move laterally relative to the lid body 20 arranged on the lower side, the legs 15 of the container body 10 come into contact with the corner of the lid body 20, thereby restricting the positional deviation between the container body 10 and the lid body 20.

[0038] 9 and 10, a container 1 in an open state can be stacked on top of another container 1 in an open state. Specifically, when the outer surface side of the container body 10 of another container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as container 1B) is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body 20 of one container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as container 1A) in an open state, the container body 10 of container 1B is placed on the step portion 23 of the lid body 20 of container 1A. This allows the container body 10 of container 1B to be stably placed on the lid body 20 of container 1A.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 10, in a placed state in which the container body 10 of the container 1B is placed on the lid 20 of the container 1A, the leg 15 of the container body 10 of the container 1B is placed on the step 23 of the lid 20 of the container 1A. In the placed state, the bottom surface 151 of the leg 15 of the container 1B is placed (contacted) on the first surface 231 of the step 23 of the container 1A, and the second surface 232 of the step 23 of the container 1A and the side surface 152 of the leg 15 of the container 1B face each other. In this example, there is a gap between the second surface 232 and the side surface 152, but the second surface 232 may also come into contact with the side surface 152. In the placed state, the inclined surface 153 of the leg 15 of the container 1B faces the corner 234 between the second surface 232 and the extended surface 233 of the step 23 of the container 1A. In this example, a gap is provided between the inclined surface 153 and the corner portion 234 , but the inclined surface 153 may be in contact with the corner portion 234 .

[0040] In the placed state, the step 23 of container 1A and the leg 15 of container 1B restrict relative movement in the lateral direction between the lid 20 of container 1A and the container body 10 of container 1B. Specifically, for example, when the container body 10 of container 1B tries to move in the lateral direction relative to the lid 20 of container 1A, the side surface 152 or the inclined surface 153 of the leg 15 of container 1B abuts against the second surface 232 of the step 23 of container 1A, restricting misalignment between the container body 10 and the lid 20.

[0041] In the placed state, in a plan view, fitting portion 25 (lid fitting portion) of lid 20 of container 1A overlaps with fitting portion 13 (main body fitting portion) of container body 10 of container 1B. That is, in the cross section of Fig. 10 (cross section parallel to the vertical direction), step portion 23 and fitting portion 13 are located on the same straight line parallel to the vertical direction.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, in the placed state, the distance L between the boundary between the inclined surface 153 of the leg 15 and the side wall 12 of the container 1B and the boundary step between the side surface 152 of the leg 15 and the inclined surface 153 is 1 / 3 or more of the width of the extending surface 233. This allows the width of the inclined surface 153 to be secured wide, and the container body 10 of the container 1B can be stably placed on the lid 20 of the container 1A. In addition, the distance L is set so that the inclination angle of the side wall 12 with respect to the vertical direction does not become too small (the distance L does not become too long). This is because the moldability decreases when the inclination angle of the side wall 12 with respect to the vertical direction approaches zero. The distance L may be 1 / 2 or more of the width of the extending surface 233.

[0043] An example of the use of the container 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing how containers 101 of a comparative example are arranged, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing how containers 1 of an embodiment are arranged. When packaging, food is placed (arranged) in the container body with the lid body open. In order to improve work efficiency, it is possible to arrange a plurality of containers in an open state on a work table in advance, and to sequentially put food into the container bodies of those containers. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 11(a), a plurality of containers 101 in an open state are arranged so as not to overlap each other. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11(b), a container body of one container 1 is placed on the lid body of another container 1, and a container body of yet another container 1 is placed on the lid body of the other container 1. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the work space and further improve work efficiency. However, if this arrangement is simply adopted, there is a risk that the container will lose balance when food is placed on the container body of another container placed on the lid body of one container, and the food will spill out. In this regard, as described above, in the container 1 of the embodiment, the container body 10 of one container (container 1B) can be stably placed on the lid of another container (container 1A), thereby preventing the occurrence of such a situation. [Flange]

[0044] As shown in Figs. 1, 3, 12, 13, etc., the flange portion 14 of the container body 10 (first member) includes a protruding portion 41 that protrudes outward relative to the lid body 20 (second member) in a plan view in the closed state. That is, the protruding portion 41 is a portion located laterally outward from the outer edge of the lid body 20. In this example, the flange portion 14 has two protruding portions 41 that protrude from one side and the other side of the Y direction (the direction along the long side of the container body 10) relative to the lid body 20. In addition, the container body 10 includes an overlapping portion 42 that overlaps with the lid body 20 (flange portion 24) in a plan view in the closed state. The flange portion 14 is connected to the fitting portion 13 at the overlapping portion 42.

[0045] The protruding portion 41 and the overlapping portion 42 have an inclined curved portion 43 (together constituting the inclined curved portion 43). The inclined curved portion 43 is curved and extends at an incline in a cross section parallel to the up-down direction ( FIG. 13 ). The inclined curved portion 43 is smoothly curved so as to be convex upward and outward in the cross section. The inclined curved portion 43 extends at an incline so as to be outward as it approaches the bottom in the cross section.

[0046] A patterned portion 44 is formed on the inclined curved portion 43. The patterned portion 44 is formed by partially recessing the sheet material constituting the container 1, and shows a predetermined pattern. As shown in FIG. 13, in this example, the patterned portion 44 is formed of a plurality of recesses 44a having only side surfaces along the vertical direction (parallel to the vertical direction in this example). The patterned portion 44 may be formed by partially protruding the sheet material constituting the container 1. In this case, the patterned portion 44 may be formed of a protrusion having only side surfaces along the vertical direction. The recesses constituting the patterned portion 44 may have a shape that opens toward the upper side, and for example, the side surfaces of the recesses constituting the patterned portion 44 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to be outward as they approach the upper side (as they approach the opening edge). When the patterned portion 44 is formed of a protrusion, the side surfaces of the protrusions constituting the patterned portion 44 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to be inward as they approach the tip.

[0047] In this example, the pattern portion 44 is formed on each of the protruding portion 41 and the overlapping portion 42, but it is sufficient that the pattern portion 44 is formed at least on the protruding portion 41, and it is not necessary that the pattern portion 44 is formed on the overlapping portion 42. The pattern portion 44 is formed only on the flange portion 14. The pattern portion 44 is not formed on the top plate portion 21 and the side wall portion 22 of the lid body 20. This allows the contents contained in the container 1 to be clearly seen through the lid body 20 in the closed state.

[0048] FIG. 14(a) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the molded product 102 is released from the mold M in a comparative example, and FIG. 14(b) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the container body 10 (molded product) is released from the mold M in an embodiment. When molding a container, for example, a sheet material softened by heating is pressed against the mold M, and then peeled off (released) from the mold M to obtain a molded product. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 14(a), the side of the recess 144a constituting the pattern part is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In this case, there is a risk that the molded product 102 will get caught on the mold M during release, and the molded product 102 will be scratched. In contrast, in the container 1 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the pattern part is composed of the recess 44a having only the side along the vertical direction, so that the container body 10 can be smoothly released from the mold. Note that, as described above, even if the side of the recess constituting the pattern part 44 is inclined so as to be outward as it approaches the opening edge, the container body 10 can be smoothly released from the mold in the same manner. In addition, the container body 10 can be smoothly released from the mold in the same manner when the side surface of the convex portion constituting the pattern portion 44 is aligned in the vertical direction and when the side surface is inclined inward as it approaches the tip.

[0049] 12, pattern portion 44 includes portion 45 that represents, for example, an arabesque pattern. Portion 45 includes portion 46 that is formed in a substantially circular shape. In this example, portion 46 forms a spiral pattern. In this way, the "portion that is formed in a substantially circular shape" included in pattern portion 44 is not limited to the case where the portion is a perfect circle, but also includes the case where the portion includes a portion that extends at least once in the radial direction and has, for example, a spiral shape. [Action and Effects]

[0050] In the container 1, when the outer surface side of the container body 10 of the container 1B is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body 20 of the container 1A in the open state, the container body 10 of the container 1B is placed on the step portion 23 of the lid body 20 of the container 1A. This allows the container body 10 of the container 1B to be stably placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A. As a result, for example, when food is placed on the container body 10 of the container 1B placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A, it is possible to prevent the container 1 from losing its balance.

[0051] In a state in which the container body 10 of the container 1B is placed on the step portion 23 of the lid body 20 of the container 1A, the relative movement between the lid body 20 of the container 1A and the container body 10 of the container 1B is restricted. This allows the container body 10 of the container 1B to be placed more stably on the lid body 20 of the container 1A.

[0052] The step 23 of the lid body 20 constitutes a fitting portion 25 (lid body fitting portion) for fitting between the lid body 20 and the container body 10. This allows the container body 10 of the container 1B to be stably placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A using the fitting portion 25 for fitting between the lid body 20 and the container body 10.

[0053] In the placed state, in a plan view (when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 11), the fitting portion 25 of the lid body 20 of the container 1A overlaps with the fitting portion 13 of the container body 10 of the container 1B. As a result, when the lid body 20 of the container 1B is closed on the container body 10 of the container 1B placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A, the fitting portion 25 of the lid body 20 of the container 1A serves as a support, making it easy to fit the fitting portion 25 of the lid body 20 into the fitting portion 13 of the container body 10 of the container 1B.

[0054] The container body 10 has legs 15 formed on each side of the bottom plate portion 11, and the legs 15 of the container body 10 of the container 1B are placed on the step portion 23 of the lid body 20 of the container 1A. This allows the container body 10 of the container 1B to be placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A more stably. In addition, the legs 15 on the container body 10 make it easier to hold the container 1. In addition, when the containers 1 in the closed state are stacked on top of each other, the legs 15 of the upper container 1 surround the top plate portion 21 of the lower container 1, so that the containers 1 can be stacked on top of each other stably. In addition, when the depth of the container body 10 and the depth of the lid body 20 are different, by adjusting the position of the step portion 23 and the height of the legs 15, it becomes possible to place the container body 10 of the other container 1 in a balanced manner on the lid body 20 of the container 1 in the open state.

[0055] In the placed state, the bottom surface 151 of the leg portion 15 of the container 1B is placed on the first surface 231 of the step portion 23 of the container 1A, and the second surface 232 of the step portion 23 of the container 1A and the side surface 152 of the leg portion 15 of the container 1B face each other. This allows the container body 10 of the container 1B to be placed more stably on the lid 20 of the container 1A.

[0056] In the placed state, the inclined surface 153 of the leg portion 15 of the container 1B faces the corner portion 234 between the second surface 232 and the extended surface 233 of the step portion 23 of the container 1A. As a result, when the container body 10 of the container 1B is placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A, the inclined surface 153 of the container 1B comes into contact with and is guided by the corner portion 234 of the container 1A, so that the container body 10 of the container 1B can be easily placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A.

[0057] A rib 15a protruding toward the inner surface side is formed on each leg portion 15. Thus, by forming the rib 15a, it is possible to increase the strength of the leg portion 15. In addition, since the rib 15a protrudes toward the inner surface side, it is possible to prevent the rib 15a from coming into contact with the lid body 20 when the leg portion 15 is engaged with the step portion 23.

[0058] A step 23 is provided at the open end of the side wall 22 of the lid 20. This allows the container body 10 to be supported at the open end of the side wall 22, making it easier to put food into the container body 10.

[0059] The depth D20 of the lid body 20 is deeper than the depth D10 of the container body 10. If the depth D20 of the lid body 20 is deeper than the depth D10 of the container body 10, the container 1 is likely to lose balance when food is placed on the container body 10 of the container 1B placed on the lid body 20 of the container 1A. However, with this container 1, even if the depth D20 of the lid body 20 is deeper than the depth D10 of the container body 10, the loss of balance can be suppressed.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples. For example, the materials and shapes of the components are not limited to those described above, and various materials and shapes can be adopted.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the step portion 23 is formed over the entire circumference, but the step portion 23 may be formed at least on a pair of sides of the lid body 20 facing each other, and at least one pair may be formed. For example, a pair of step portions 23 may be formed on a pair of sides of the lid body 20 facing each other in the Y direction. The pair of step portions 23 may be connected to each other by the step portion 23 formed on the side portion of the lid body 20 along the Y direction. That is, the pair of step portions 23 may not necessarily be composed of two parts separated from each other, and may be connected to each other. Three or more step portions 23 may be formed. The step portion 23 may not necessarily be formed continuously along the side portion of the lid body 20, and may be formed partially or intermittently on the side portion of the lid body 20.

[0062] The leg portions 15 may be formed on the sides of the bottom plate portion 11 corresponding to the sides of the lid body 20 on which the step portions 23 are formed. That is, the leg portions 15 may be formed corresponding to the step portions 23, and may be formed in at least a pair like the step portions 23. For example, when a pair of step portions 23 are formed on a pair of sides of the lid body 20 facing each other in the Y direction, a pair of leg portions 15 may be formed on a pair of sides of the bottom plate portion 11 facing each other in the Y direction.

[0063] In the placed state, the relative movement between the lid body 20 of the container 1A and the container body 10 of the container 1B in the lateral direction does not necessarily have to be restricted. The step portion 23 of the lid body 20 does not have to constitute a fitting portion 25 (lid body fitting portion) for fitting between the lid body 20 and the container body 10, and may be provided separately from the fitting portion 25 (apart from the fitting portion 25). The container 1 may be an external fitting type container. That is, the fitting portion of the lid body 20 may fit into the outer edge portion of the container body 10. The container body 10 may not have a fitting portion 13. The lid body 20 may not have a fitting portion 25.

[0064] The container body 10 may not have legs 15. In this case, in the placed state, the bottom plate portion 11 of the container body 10 of the container 1B may be placed on the step portion 23 of the lid body 20 of the container 1A. The legs 15 may not have ribs 15a. The depth D20 of the lid body 20 may be the same as the depth D10 of the container body 10 or may be shallower than the depth D10. The pattern portion 44 may not be formed. The flange portion 14 may not have a protruding portion 41. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1...container (packaging container), 1A...container (first packaging container), 1B...container (another packaging container), 11...bottom plate portion, 12...side wall portion (main body side wall portion), 13...fitting portion (main body fitting portion), 15...leg portion, 15a...rib, 20...lid body, 21...top plate portion, 22...side wall portion (lid body side wall portion), 23...step portion, 25...fitting portion (lid body fitting portion), 30...hinge portion, 151...bottom surface (leg bottom surface), 152...side surface (leg side surface), 153...inclined surface (leg inclined surface), 231...first surface, 232...second surface, 233...extension surface, 234...corner portion.

Claims

1. A container body having a bottom plate portion; A packaging container comprising: a lid body connected to the container body via a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body; The cover has a pair of step portions formed on a pair of sides facing each other, When the outer surface side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body of the one packaging container in a state where the lid body is opened relative to the container body, the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the one packaging container, the container body has the bottom plate portion and a pair of legs formed on a pair of sides of the bottom plate portion corresponding to the pair of sides of the lid body, the pair of legs protruding outwardly from the bottom plate portion, When the outer surface side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body of the first packaging container in a state where the lid body is opened relative to the container body, the pair of legs of the container body of the other packaging container are placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the first packaging container, A packaging container, wherein each of the pair of legs has a rib protruding toward an inner surface thereof.

2. The packaging container according to claim 1, wherein when the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the one packaging container, relative movement between the lid body of the one packaging container and the container body of the other packaging container is regulated.

3. 3. The packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the pair of steps of the lid constitute a lid fitting portion for fitting the lid and the container body together.

4. the container body has a body fitting portion that fits with the lid fitting portion, 4. The packaging container according to claim 3, wherein when the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the one packaging container, the lid body fitting portion of the lid body of the one packaging container overlaps with the body fitting portion of the container body of the other packaging container when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion.

5. Each of the pair of step portions has a first surface extending along a direction parallel to the bottom plate portion and a second surface extending along a direction intersecting the first surface, Each of the pair of legs has a leg bottom surface and a leg side surface, 3. A packaging container as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the pair of legs of the container body of the other packaging container are respectively placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the one packaging container, the bottom surfaces of the legs of the pair of legs of the other packaging container are respectively placed on the first surfaces of the pair of step portions of the one packaging container, and the second surfaces of the pair of step portions of the one packaging container and the leg side surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container face each other.

6. the lid body has a pair of extending surfaces extending from the second surfaces of the pair of step portions along a direction parallel to the bottom plate portion, Each of the pair of legs further includes a leg inclined surface extending from the leg side surface at an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion, A packaging container as described in claim 5, wherein, in the placed state, the leg inclined surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container each face a corner between the second surface of the pair of step portions of the one packaging container and the pair of extending surfaces.

7. The lid has a top plate portion and a lid side wall portion that defines an opening of the lid, The packaging container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of steps are provided at an opening end of the lid side wall portion.

8. The container body has the bottom plate portion and a body side wall portion, The lid has a top plate portion and a lid side wall portion, The packaging container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid body has a depth greater than a depth of the container body.

9. A container body having a bottom plate portion; A packaging container comprising: a lid body connected to the container body via a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body; The cover has a pair of step portions formed on a pair of sides facing each other, When the outer surface side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body of the one packaging container in a state where the lid body is opened relative to the container body, the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the one packaging container, the container body has the bottom plate portion and a pair of legs formed on a pair of sides of the bottom plate portion corresponding to the pair of sides of the lid body, the pair of legs protruding outwardly from the bottom plate portion, When the outer surface side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body of the first packaging container in a state where the lid body is opened relative to the container body, the pair of legs of the container body of the other packaging container are placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the first packaging container, Each of the pair of step portions has a first surface extending along a direction parallel to the bottom plate portion and a second surface extending along a direction intersecting the first surface, Each of the pair of legs has a leg bottom surface and a leg side surface, In a state in which the pair of legs of the container body of the other packaging container are placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the one packaging container, the leg bottom surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container are placed on the first surfaces of the pair of step portions of the one packaging container, and the second surfaces of the pair of step portions of the one packaging container and the leg side surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container face each other, the lid body has a pair of extending surfaces extending from the second surfaces of the pair of step portions along a direction parallel to the bottom plate portion, Each of the pair of legs further includes a leg inclined surface extending from the leg side surface at an angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion, A packaging container, in the placed state, wherein the leg inclined surfaces of the pair of legs of the other packaging container each face the corners between the second surfaces of the pair of step portions of the one packaging container and the pair of extending surfaces.

10. A container body having a bottom plate portion; A packaging container comprising: a lid body connected to the container body via a hinge portion so as to be openable and closable relative to the container body; The cover has a pair of step portions formed on a pair of sides facing each other, When the outer surface side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body of the one packaging container in a state where the lid body is opened relative to the container body, the container body of the other packaging container is placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the one packaging container, the container body has the bottom plate portion and a pair of legs formed on a pair of sides of the bottom plate portion corresponding to the pair of sides of the lid body, the pair of legs protruding outwardly from the bottom plate portion, When the outer surface side of the container body of the other packaging container is brought close to the inner surface side of the lid body of the first packaging container in a state where the lid body is opened relative to the container body, the pair of legs of the container body of the other packaging container are placed on the pair of step portions of the lid body of the first packaging container, The container body has the bottom plate portion and a body side wall portion, The lid has a top plate portion and a lid side wall portion, A packaging container, wherein the lid body has a depth greater than the depth of the container body.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JP1977116424U

  • Container having lid

    JP2002128113A

  • Synthetic resin-made container

    JP2006096366A

  • Sheet molding container

    JP2016216084A

  • Container for packaging

    JP2018172166A