Container

Abstract

To provide a container that can improve convenience. 【Solution means】The container 1 is a molded product of a sheet material. The container 1 includes a container body 10 and a lid body 20 formed integrally or separately from the container body 10. The container body 10 has a first body fitting portion 15 and a second body fitting portion 16. The lid body 20 has a first lid fitting portion 25 and a second lid fitting portion 26. When the lid body 20 is closed with respect to the container body 10, the first body fitting portion 15 and the first lid fitting portion 25 are fitted to each other. When one container 1 is stacked on another container 1, the second body fitting portion 16 of one container 1 and the second lid fitting portion 26 of the other container 1 are fitted to each other. The fitting strength between the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 is lower than the fitting strength between the first body fitting portion 15 and the first lid fitting portion 25.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for packaging foods and the like, for example.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a packaging container including a container body and a lid, in which a fitting recess is formed in the container body and a fitting projection is formed in the lid, and the fitting recess and the fitting projection can be fitted to each other when stacking the packaging containers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For the containers as described above, it is required to improve convenience. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a container capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The container of the present invention is [1] "a container which is a molded product of a sheet material, comprising a container body and a lid formed integrally or separately with the container body, the container body having a first body fitting portion and a second body fitting portion, the lid having a first lid fitting portion and a second lid fitting portion, when the lid is closed with respect to the container body, the first body fitting portion and the first lid fitting portion are fitted to each other, when one container is stacked on another container, the second body fitting portion of the one container and the second lid fitting portion of the other container are fitted to each other, and the fitting strength between the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion is lower than the fitting strength between the first body fitting portion and the first lid fitting portion".

[0006] In this container, the fitting strength between the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion is lower than the fitting strength between the first body fitting portion and the first lid fitting portion. As a result, for example, when attempting to separate the containers by releasing the fit between the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion from a state where the containers are stacked, it is possible to prevent the fit between the first body fitting portion and the first lid fitting portion from being released, the lid from opening, and the contents from flowing out. Also, for example, when the container is displayed at a store in a stacked state, it is possible to prevent the lid of the container from opening when a consumer tries to pick up the upper container. Thus, according to this container, convenience can be improved.

[0007] The container of the present invention may be the container according to claim 1, [2] "wherein the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion are provided partially in the circumferential direction when viewed from the facing direction in which the bottom plate portion of the container body and the top plate portion of the lid face each other in a state where the lid is closed with respect to the container body". By providing the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion partially in the circumferential direction rather than over the entire circumference, the fitting strength between the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion can be lowered (adjusted). Also, when forming the container, for example, a sheet material softened by heating is pressed against a mold and then peeled off (released) from the mold to obtain a molded product. By providing the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion partially in the circumferential direction, the releasability (ease of peeling from the mold) can be improved.

[0008] The container of the present invention may be the container according to claim 1 or 2, [3] "wherein the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion include convex portions protruding in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction in which the bottom plate portion of the container body and the top plate portion of the lid face each other in a state where the lid is closed with respect to the container body". In this case, the second body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion can be firmly fitted together.

[0009] The container of the present invention may be "[4] the container according to claim 3, wherein when viewed from the facing direction, the outer edges of the convex portions of the second main body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion are formed in an arc shape". In this case, it is possible to facilitate the fitting of the second main body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion. Further, the mold release property can be improved.

[0010] The container of the present invention may be "[5] the container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a recess is formed in the lid, and when one container is stacked on the other container, the bottom of the container body of the one container is disposed in the recess of the lid of the other container, the second main body fitting portion is formed at the bottom of the container body, and the second lid fitting portion is formed on a side surface of the recess". In this case, by disposing the bottom of the container body of one container in the recess of the lid of the other container, one container can be stably stacked on the other container. Further, since the second main body fitting portion is formed at the bottom of the container body and the second lid fitting portion is formed on the side surface of the recess, when one container is stacked on the other container, the second main body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion can be easily fitted together.

[0011] The container of the present invention may be "[6] the container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid is connected to the container body via a hinge portion". In this case, compared with the case where the lid is formed separately from the container body, it is possible to suppress the lid from accidentally opening and the contents from accidentally flowing out.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a container that can improve convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. [Container]

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 1 includes a container body 10 for storing contents, and a lid body 20 connected to the container body 10 via a hinge portion 30 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the container body 10. That is, the container 1 is an integrated container (hood pack) in which the container body 10 and the lid body 20 are integrally formed. The contents stored (packaged) in the container 1 are, for example, foods such as vegetables, cooked rice, prepared dishes, noodles, and confectionery. The container 1 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

[0016] Figures 1 and 2 show the container 1 in an open state where the lid body 20 is open with respect to the container body 10. As will be described later, the container 1 can also be in a closed state where the lid body 20 is closed with respect to the container body 10 (Figure 3). In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 11 of the container body 10 of the closed container 1, which will be described later (the vertical direction in Figure 3), is defined as the vertical direction, the side where the lid body 20 is located with respect to the container body 10 in the closed state (the upper side in Figure 3) is defined as the upper side, and the side where the container body 10 is located with respect to the lid body 20 (the lower side in Figure 3) is defined as the lower side. The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and perpendicular to the hinge portion 30 is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the X direction (the direction parallel to the hinge portion 30) is defined as the Y direction. The direction along the plane including the X direction and the Y direction (the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction) is also referred to as the lateral direction. Note that these directions do not limit the usage mode of the container 1. The container 1 is usually used with the lid body 20 located above the container body 10 in the vertical direction, but the usage mode is not limited to this.

[0017] 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 (filler).

[0018] The material of the sheet material may be a transparent synthetic resin material. The transparent synthetic resin material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefins such as polypropylene and 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) with enhanced impact resistance by containing a rubber component, or PP filler (polypropylene with filler). The synthetic resin material may use 100% by mass of petroleum-derived raw materials, or a part or all of it may be biomass-derived raw materials. It may be a sheet material having a biodegradable biomass plastic layer containing at least one layer of polylactic acid (PLA) resin, or biomass polyethylene, biomass polypropylene, biomass PET, etc. using a part or all of biomass-derived raw materials. The material of the sheet material may be a bio-based material such as polylactic acid resin or plant-derived polyethylene. The raw material of the sheet material may be petroleum-derived or plant-derived.

[0019] The material of the sheet material may be a non-foamed material. The non-foamed material may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. The non-foamed sheet material may be a sheet with improved heat resistance by containing inorganic components such as calcium carbonate, talc, and filler. The non-foamed sheet material may be multilayer or single layer. A film may be attached to the non-foamed sheet material. The non-foamed sheet material may be transparent or may have various colors or patterns. Various additives may be added to manufacture the non-foamed sheet material.

[0020] The sheet material may be a foamed synthetic resin sheet. The material of the foamed synthetic resin sheet may be polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, or polyolefins such as polypropylene and 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 heat-resistant polystyrene may be used.

[0021] Examples of the method for forming the container 1 include vacuum forming, pressure-air forming, vacuum-pressure-air 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 hot plate and a mold for forming. [Container body]

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the container body 10 has a bottom plate portion 11, a side wall portion 12, and a flange portion 13. The bottom plate portion 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a long side along the X direction. The bottom plate portion 11 is formed substantially flat perpendicular to the vertical direction. A plurality of protrusion portions 11a protruding toward the inside of the container 1 are formed on the bottom plate portion 11. The side wall portion 12 is formed so as to surround the bottom plate portion 11 in a plan view (when viewed from the vertical direction) and extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate portion 11. "Plan view" also means "when viewed from the opposing direction in which the bottom plate portion 11 of the container body 10 and the top plate portion 21 of the lid body 20 face each other in the closed state".

[0023] The side wall portion 12 extends obliquely with respect to the vertical direction so as to face outward as it goes upward (FIG. 3). A plurality of protruding ridges 12a protruding toward the outside of the container 1 are formed on the side wall portion 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2). A protruding edge portion 14 is formed at the opening end portion (upper end portion) of the side wall portion 12, and the side wall portion 12 is connected to the flange portion 13 via the protruding edge portion 14. The protruding edge portion 14 is formed over the entire circumference along the side wall portion 12 and protrudes upward with respect to the side wall portion 12 and the flange portion 13. The protruding edge portion 14 is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section that opens downward in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction.

[0024] The flange portion 13 extends outward from the protruding edge portion 14. In this example, the container body 10 is connected to the lid body 20 via a hinge portion 30 at one side portion (short side), and the flange portion 13 is formed over three sides excluding the one side portion. The hinge portion 30 is a deformable portion configured such that the container body 10 and the lid body 20 can rotate relative to each other about the hinge portion 30.

[0025] The container body 10 further has a first body fitting portion 15 and a second body fitting portion 16. The first body fitting portion 15 is a fitting portion for engagement between the container body 10 and the lid body 20, and fits with a first lid body fitting portion 25 of the lid body 20 described later. The second body fitting portion 16 is a fitting portion for engaging the containers 1 with each other when stacking the containers 1, and fits with a second lid body fitting portion 26 of the lid body 20 described later.

[0026] The first main body fitting portion 15 is formed on the outer surface 14a of the protruding edge portion 14. More specifically, four first main body fitting portions 15 are formed on the outer surface 14a of the protruding edge portion 14 so as to be located near the four corners of the container main body 10 in a plan view. The first main body fitting portion 15 may be formed to extend across two side portions constituting the corner portion, or may be formed to extend along only one side portion constituting the corner portion. In this example, among the four first main body fitting portions 15, the two first main body fitting portions 15 far from the hinge portion 30 are formed to extend across the two side portions constituting the corner portion, and the two first main body fitting portions 15 close to the hinge portion 30 are formed to extend along the side portion on the side close to the hinge portion 30 among the pair of side portions constituting the corner portion.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the first main body fitting portion 15 is constituted by uneven portions. More specifically, the first main body fitting portion 15 has a convex portion 15a protruding outward and a concave portion 15b formed below the convex portion 15a and recessed inward. That is, the convex portion 15a protrudes outward in the lateral direction. The convex portion 15a and the concave portion 15b are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction, and the side surfaces of the convex portion 15a and the concave portion 15b are inclined with respect to the lateral direction. In this example, the side surface of the convex portion 15a on the concave portion 15b side (the boundary surface between the convex portion 15a and the concave portion 15b) is also the side surface of the concave portion 15b.

[0028] The second body fitting portion 16 is formed on the outer surface 10b of the bottom portion 10a of the container body 10. More specifically, eight second body fitting portions 16 are formed on the outer surface 10b of the bottom portion 10a so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the four corners of the container body 10 (bottom plate portion 11) in plan view. The bottom portion 10a is the bottom side portion of the container body 10 and is the portion disposed in the concave portion 24 of the lid body 20 described later during stacking. The bottom portion 10a is composed of the bottom plate portion 11 and a part of the lower side of the side wall portion 12. In this example, the second body fitting portion 16 is formed on the side wall portion 12 that constitutes the bottom portion 10a. Two second body fitting portions 16 are formed at each corner of the container body 10 (bottom plate portion 11). At each corner, one of the pair of second body fitting portions 16 is formed on one of the pair of side portions that constitute the corner, and the other of the pair of second body fitting portions 16 is formed on the other of the pair of side portions that constitute the corner. That is, the pair of second body fitting portions 16 are formed so as to sandwich the corner portion of the bottom plate portion 11. Thus, the second body fitting portion 16 is provided partially in the circumferential direction (the direction along the outer edge of the container body 10 in plan view), not over the entire circumference.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the second body fitting portion 16 is constituted by a concavo-convex portion. More specifically, the second body fitting portion 16 has a convex portion 16a that protrudes outward and a concave portion 16b that is formed above the convex portion 16a and is recessed inward. That is, the convex portion 16a protrudes outward in the lateral direction. The convex portion 16a and the concave portion 16b are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction, and the side surfaces of the convex portion 16a and the concave portion 16b are inclined with respect to the lateral direction. In this example, the side surface of the convex portion 16a on the concave portion 16b side is also the side surface of the concave portion 16b. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the outer edge of the convex portion 16a is formed to be curved in an arc shape in plan view. [Lid body]

[0030] The lid body 20 has a top plate portion 21, a side wall portion 22, and a flange portion 23. The top plate portion 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the bottom plate portion 11 of the container body 10. That is, the top plate portion 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having a long side along the X direction. The top plate portion 21 is formed substantially flat perpendicular to the vertical direction. The top plate portion 21 faces the bottom plate portion 11 of the container body 10 in the vertical direction (opposite direction) in the closed state.

[0031] A recess 24 that is recessed toward the inside of the container 1 is formed in the top plate portion 21. The recess 24 has a rectangular shape that is slightly smaller than the top plate portion 21 in plan view. The bottom 10a of the container body 10 of another container 1 is arranged in a stacked manner in the recess 24. Therefore, the recess 24 is formed in a shape corresponding to the bottom 10a.

[0032] The side wall portion 22 is formed so as to surround the top plate portion 21 in plan view and extends downward (the lower side in the closed state) from the edge of the top plate portion 21. The flange portion 23 extends laterally outward from the side wall portion 22. In this example, the lid body 20 is connected to the container body 10 via a hinge portion 30 at one side portion (short side), and the flange portion 23 is formed over three sides excluding the one side portion.

[0033] The lid body 20 further has a first lid body fitting portion 25 and a second lid body fitting portion 26. The first lid body fitting portion 25 is a fitting portion for the engagement between the container body 10 and the lid body 20, and fits with the first main body fitting portion 15 of the container body 10. The second lid body fitting portion 26 is a fitting portion for engaging the containers 1 with each other when stacking the closed containers 1, and fits with the second main body fitting portion 16 of the container body 10.

[0034] The first lid body fitting portion 25 is formed in the side wall portion 22. More specifically, four first lid body fitting portions 25 are formed in the side wall portion 22 so as to be located near the four corners of the lid body 20 (top plate portion 21) in plan view. The arrangement positions of the four first lid body fitting portions 25 correspond to the arrangement positions of the four first main body fitting portions 15 in the container body 10.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the first lid body fitting portion 25 is constituted by uneven portions. More specifically, the first lid body fitting portion 25 has a convex portion 25a that protrudes inward and a concave portion 25b that is formed above the convex portion 25a and is recessed outward. That is, the convex portion 25a protrudes inward in the lateral direction. The convex portion 25a and the concave portion 25b are formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction, and the side surfaces of the convex portion 25a and the concave portion 25b are inclined with respect to the lateral direction. In this example, the side surface of the convex portion 25a on the concave portion 25b side (the boundary surface between the convex portion 25a and the concave portion 25b) is also the side surface of the concave portion 25b.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, in the closed state, the convex portion 25a of the first lid body fitting portion 25 of the lid body 20 is disposed in the concave portion 15b of the first main body fitting portion 15 of the container main body 10, and the convex portion 15a of the first main body fitting portion 15 is disposed in the concave portion 25b of the first lid body fitting portion 25. Thereby, the first main body fitting portion 15 and the first lid body fitting portion 25 are fitted, and the container main body 10 and the lid body 20 are engaged. When closing the lid body 20 with respect to the container main body 10, for example, the convex portion 25a of the first lid body fitting portion 25 gets over the convex portion 15a of the first main body fitting portion 15 and enters the concave portion 15b of the first main body fitting portion 15.

[0037] The second lid body fitting portion 26 is formed on the side surface 24a of the recess 24 of the lid body 20. More specifically, eight second lid body fitting portions 26 are formed on the side surface 24a of the recess 24 so as to be located near the four corners of the recess 24 (top plate portion 21) in plan view. The arrangement positions of the eight second lid body fitting portions 26 correspond to the arrangement positions of the eight second main body fitting portions 16 in the container body 10. Two second lid body fitting portions 26 are formed at each corner of the recess 24. At each corner, one of the pair of second lid body fitting portions 26 is formed on one of the pair of side portions constituting the corner, and the other of the pair of second lid body fitting portions 26 is formed on the other of the pair of side portions constituting the corner. That is, the pair of second lid body fitting portions 26 are formed so as to sandwich the corner portion of the recess 24. Thus, the second lid body fitting portions 26 are provided partially in the circumferential direction (the direction along the outer edge of the recess 24 (lid body 20) in plan view), rather than over the entire circumference.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the second lid body fitting portion 26 is constituted by a convex portion 26a protruding inward in the lateral direction. The convex portion 26a is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape in a cross-section parallel to the vertical direction, and the side surface of the convex portion 26a is inclined with respect to the lateral direction. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the outer edge of the convex portion 26a is formed to be curved in an arc shape in plan view.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, in the stacked state where the bottom portion 10a of the container body 10 of one container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as container 1A) is disposed in the recess 24 of the lid body 20 of another container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as container 1B), the convex portion 26a of the second lid body fitting portion 26 of the lid body 20 is disposed in the recess 16b of the second main body fitting portion 16 of the container body 10. Thereby, the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid body fitting portion 26 are fitted, and the container 1A and the container 1B are engaged. When stacking the container 1A on the container 1B, the convex portion 16a of the second main body fitting portion 16 gets over the convex portion 26a of the second lid body fitting portion 26, so that the convex portion 26a of the second lid body fitting portion 26 is disposed in the recess 16b of the second main body fitting portion 16. [Usage mode]

[0040] From the open state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, when the lid body 20 rotates with respect to the container body 10 about the hinge portion 30, the lid body 20 closes the opening of the container body 10 to enter a closed state. At this time, as described above, the first main body fitting portion 15 of the container body 10 and the first lid body fitting portion 25 of the lid body 20 are fitted to maintain the closed state (FIG. 3). When opening the lid body 20, for example, by applying a force in a direction away from the container body 10 to the lid body 20, the fitting between the first main body fitting portion 15 and the first lid body fitting portion 25 is released. The container 1 is a container of an external fitting type. That is, in the container 1, the first lid body fitting portion 25 of the lid body 20 is fitted to the first main body fitting portion 15 formed outside the opening of the container body 10.

[0041] The container 1 in the closed state can be stacked on another container 1 in the closed state. At this time, as described above, the bottom portion 10a of the container body 10 of one container 1 (container 1A) is disposed in the concave portion 24 of the lid body 20 of the other container 1 (container 1B), and the second main body fitting portion 16 of the container body 10 and the second lid body fitting portion 26 of the lid body 20 are fitted to engage the container 1A and the container 1B. Thereby, the containers 1 can be stacked stably. [Fitting strength]

[0042] In the container 1, the second fitting strength between the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid body fitting portion 26 is lower than the first fitting strength between the first main body fitting portion 15 and the first lid body fitting portion 25. The fitting strength here means the magnitude of the force (tensile strength) required to release the fitting between the fitting portions. The first fitting strength is, for example, 150 cN or more and 1000 cN or less, preferably 300 cN or more and 800 cN or less. The second fitting strength may be lower than the first fitting strength. As an example, the first fitting strength may be 350 cN and the second fitting strength may be 150 cN. As another example, when the first fitting strengths are 375 cN, 425 cN, and 500 cN respectively, the second fitting strengths may be 100 cN, 150 cN, and 150 cN respectively.

[0043] The fitting strength can be measured, for example, by the following method. (1) First fitting strength Place the container 1 in the closed state so that the bottom plate portion 11 contacts the measurement table, and fix it to the measurement table with double-sided tape. Subsequently, fix the flange portion 23 of the lid body 20 to a tension gauge (manufactured by Nakamura Seisakusho, model number TK-2000CN-G) at either one of the two corners on the side far from the hinge portion 30. From this state, pull up the tension gauge, and use the value when the lid body 20 opens with respect to the container body 10 as the measured value. (2) Second fitting strength Place the container 1 in the closed state so that the bottom plate portion 11 contacts the measurement table, and fix it to the measurement table with double-sided tape. Subsequently, place another container 1 (container 1A) in the closed state on the fixed container 1 (container 1B), and fit the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid body fitting portion 26 together. Fix the flange portion 23 of the lid body 20 of the container 1A to the above-mentioned tension gauge at either one of the two corners on the side far from the hinge portion 30. Pull up the tension gauge, and use the value when the engagement between the container 1A and the container 1B is released as the measured value.

[0044] The first fitting strength can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the fitting length between the first main body fitting portion 15 and the first lid body fitting portion 25 (the length where the convex portion 15a of the first main body fitting portion 15 and the convex portion 25a of the first lid body fitting portion 25 overlap in plan view). Also, the first fitting strength can be adjusted by adjusting the length in the circumferential direction (the direction along the outer edge of the container 1 in plan view) of the first main body fitting portion 15 and the first lid body fitting portion 25.

[0045] Similarly, the second fitting strength can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the fitting length between the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid body fitting portion 26 (the length where the convex portion 16a of the second main body fitting portion 16 and the convex portion 26a of the second lid body fitting portion 26 overlap in plan view). Also, the second fitting strength can be adjusted by adjusting the length in the circumferential direction (the direction along the outer edge of the container 1 in plan view) of the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid body fitting portion 26. [Function and effect]

[0046] In container 1, the fitting strength between the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 is lower than the fitting strength between the first body fitting portion 15 and the first lid fitting portion 25. Thereby, for example, when attempting to separate containers 1 from each other by releasing the fit between the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 from the stacked state of containers 1, the fit between the first body fitting portion 15 and the first lid fitting portion 25 is released, the lid 20 opens, and it is possible to suppress the contents from flowing out. Also, for example, when container 1 is displayed at a store in a stacked state, it is possible to suppress the lid 20 of the container 1 from opening when a consumer attempts to pick up the upper container 1. Thus, according to container 1, convenience can be improved.

[0047] In plan view, the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 are partially provided in the circumferential direction. By providing the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 partially in the circumferential direction rather than over the entire circumference, the fitting strength between the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 can be lowered (adjusted). Also, when forming container 1, for example, a sheet material softened by heating is pressed against a mold and then peeled off (released from the mold) from the mold to obtain a molded product. By the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 being partially provided in the circumferential direction, the releasability (ease of peeling from the mold) can be improved.

[0048] The second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 include convex portions 16a, 26a that protrude in the lateral direction. Thereby, the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 can be firmly fitted together.

[0049] In plan view, the outer edges of the convex portions 16a, 26a of the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 are formed in an arc shape. Thereby, it is possible to facilitate the fitting of the second body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 together. Also, the releasability can be improved.

[0050] This will be further described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5(a), in the container 1, the outer edges of the convex portions 16a and 26a of the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 are formed in an arc shape. On the other hand, in the modified example shown in FIG. 5(b), the outer edges of the convex portions 16a and 26a of the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 are formed in a trapezoidal shape. When the outer edge is arc-shaped as in FIG. 5(a), compared with the case of FIG. 5(b), since the movement between the convex portions 16a and 26a is guided along the outer edge of the convex portions 16a and 26a, it is easy to fit the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26. Also, in the case of FIG. 5(a), the most protruding portion of the convex portions 16a and 26a is not linear but point-shaped, which also makes it easy to fit the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26. When it is easy to fit the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26, the mold release property during molding is also improved.

[0051] The lid 20 is formed with a recess 24. During stacking, the bottom 10a of the container body 10 of the container 1A is disposed within the recess 24 of the lid 20 of the container 1B. The second main body fitting portion 16 is formed on the bottom 10a of the container body 10 of the container 1A, and the second lid fitting portion 26 is formed on the side surface 24a of the recess 24. Thereby, by disposing the bottom 10a of the container body 10 of the container 1A within the recess 24 of the lid 20 of the container 1B, the container 1A can be stably stacked on the container 1B. Also, since the second main body fitting portion 16 is formed on the bottom 10a of the container body 10 and the second lid fitting portion 26 is formed on the side surface 24a of the recess 24, when the container 1A is stacked on the container 1B, the second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 can be easily fitted together.

[0052] The lid 20 is connected to the container body 10 via a hinge portion 30. Thereby, compared with the case where the lid 20 is formed separately from the container body 10, it is possible to suppress the lid 20 from accidentally opening and the contents from accidentally flowing out.

[0053] This will be further described with reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, for delivery, a plurality of containers may be housed in the storage box 50 in a state where they are arranged side by side horizontally. In FIG. 6, in order to prevent the containers from separating from each other and the lid from opening and the contents from flowing out, a plurality of containers are fastened with a rubber band. In particular, when the lid is formed separately from the container body, the lid is likely to open and the contents are likely to flow out. On the other hand, in the container 1, the lid 20 is connected to the container body 10 via the hinge portion 30 and is integrated with the container body 10. Further, when the second main body fitting portion 16 of the container body 10 and the second lid fitting portion 26 of the lid 20 are fitted during stacking, the containers 1 are engaged with each other. By combining these, in the container 1 of the embodiment, even when a plurality of containers 1 are housed in the storage box in a state where they are arranged side by side horizontally as shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to effectively suppress the lid 20 from opening and the contents from flowing out. Further, in this case, the rubber band itself and the operation of applying the rubber band can be omitted.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. For example, the materials and shapes of the respective components are not limited to the materials and shapes described above, and various materials and shapes can be adopted. The lid 20 may be formed separately from the container body 10.

[0055] The first main body fitting portion 15 and the first lid fitting portion 25 only need to be able to fit with each other. For example, the shape, arrangement, and number are not limited to the above examples. For example, the container 1 may be an inner fitting type container, and the first lid fitting portion 25 of the lid 20 provided corresponding to the first main body fitting portion 15 formed inside the opening of the container body 10 (for example, on the side wall portion 12) may be fitted to the first main body fitting portion 15.

[0056] The second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 only need to be capable of fitting with each other, and the shape, arrangement, number, etc. are not limited to the above examples. For example, the second lid fitting portion 26 may be formed on the outer surface of a convex portion formed to protrude outward from the top plate portion 21 toward the outside of the container 1. The concave portion 24 may not be formed on the top plate portion 21, and the second lid fitting portion 26 may be formed at a location other than the concave portion 24. The second main body fitting portion 16 and the second lid fitting portion 26 may be provided over the entire circumference in plan view. The container 1 can be used not only for food but also as a container for accommodating cards such as trading cards and medical examination tickets, and accessories, etc.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0057] 1, 1A, 1B... containers, 10... container body, 10a... bottom, 11... bottom plate portion, 15... first main body fitting portion, 16... second main body fitting portion, 16a... convex portion, 20... lid body, 21... top plate portion, 24... concave portion, 24a... side surface, 25... first lid fitting portion, 26... second lid fitting portion, 26a... convex portion, 30... hinge portion.

Claims

1. A container that is a molded product of a sheet material, The container has a container body and a lid body formed integrally with or separately from the container body, The container body has a first body fitting portion and a second body fitting portion, The lid has a first lid fitting portion and a second lid fitting portion, When the lid is closed on the container body, the first body fitting portion and the first lid fitting portion are fitted to each other, When one of the containers is stacked on another of the containers, the second body fitting portion of the one of the containers and the second lid fitting portion of the other of the containers are fitted together, a fitting strength between the second main body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion is lower than a fitting strength between the first main body fitting portion and the first lid fitting portion, the second main body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion include a convex portion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to a facing direction in which a bottom plate portion of the container body and a top plate portion of the lid body face each other when the lid body is closed on the container body, A container, wherein outer edges of the convex portions of the second main body fitting portion and the second lid fitting portion are formed in an arc shape when viewed from the opposing direction.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein when viewed from an opposing direction in which the bottom plate portion of the container body and the top plate portion of the lid body face each other when the lid body is closed on the container body, the second main body fitting portion and the second lid body fitting portion are provided partially in the circumferential direction.

3. The cover has a recess formed therein, When the first container is stacked on the second container, a bottom of the first container is disposed in the recess of the lid of the second container; The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second main body fitting portion is formed on the bottom portion of the container body, and the second lid fitting portion is formed on a side surface of the recess.

4. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid is connected to the container body via a hinge portion.

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