Boxes and packaging articles

Abstract

To provide boxes and packaging articles that can improve usability. [Solution] The packaging box 10 is provided with a partition section 23 that divides it into a first section 21 and a second section 22. The partition section 23 includes weakening lines 25 and 26. The first section 21 and the second section 22 are separated by breaking the weakening lines 25 and 26. With the first section 21 and the second section 22 separated from each other, the first section 21 and the second section 22 can be combined by inserting the second opening end into the first opening end. The first notification section 61 and the second notification section 62 notify that the relative insertion amount of the first section 21 and the second section 22 in the combined state has reached a predetermined amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a box and a packaged article.

Background Art

[0002] For example, articles such as foods are stored in packaging boxes and sold. Among packaging boxes, there is known one that opens the packaging box by separating the packaging box into a box body and a lid by cutting a belt. This packaging box can be used in combination with the lid reduced in volume on the box body in a state where the divided contents are stored in the box body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a conventional packaging box, for example, when combining the lid with the box body in a state where the volume of the lid is reduced, it is difficult to know a preferable insertion amount, etc., and there is room for improvement in usability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a box and a packaged article that can improve usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A box according to one aspect of the present invention is a box for storing articles, wherein the box is provided with a partition portion that divides the box into a first portion and a second portion along the axial direction of the box, the partition portion includes a weakening line extending in the circumferential direction of the box, the first portion and the second portion are separated by breaking the weakening line, the first portion and the second portion are combined when separated from each other by inserting one of the open ends of the first portion and the open end of the second portion into the other open end, and when the first portion and the second portion are combined, a first pattern provided in the first portion and a second pattern provided in the second portion combine with each other to function as a first combined pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide boxes and packaging articles that can improve usability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a packaged food product according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is a front view of the packaged food according to the embodiment, (b) is a side view of the packaged food from one side, (c) is a rear view of the packaged food from the back, and (d) is a side view of the packaged food from the other side. [Figure 3] (a) is a front view of the packaging box according to the embodiment, showing the partitioned portion separated from the first and second members; (b) is a side view of the packaging box with the partitioned portion separated from the first and second members, seen from one side; (c) is a rear view of the packaging box with the partitioned portion separated from the first and second members, seen from the back; and (d) is a side view of the packaging box with the partitioned portion separated from the other side. [Figure 4](a) is a front view of the volume-reducing box formed by combining the first and second members of the packaging box according to the embodiment, (b) is a side view of the volume-reducing box formed by combining the first and second members of the packaging box from one side, (c) is a rear view of the volume-reducing box formed by combining the first and second members of the packaging box from the back, and (d) is a side view of the volume-reducing box formed by combining the first and second members of the packaging box from the other side. [Figure 5] (a) is a front view of the packaged food according to Modification 1, and (b) is a front view of the volume-reducing box formed by combining the first and second components of the packaging box according to Modification 1. [Figure 6] (a) is a front view of the packaged food according to Modification 2, and (b) is a front view of the volume-reducing box formed by combining the first and second components of the packaging box according to Modification 2. [Figure 7] (a) is a front view of the packaged food according to Modification 3, and (b) is a front view of the volume-reducing box formed by combining the first and second components of the packaging box according to Modification 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description relates to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, packaged food 1 includes food 2 (article) and a packaging box (box) 10 that contains the food 2. Examples of food 2 include confectionery and ice cream. Examples of ice cream include ice cream coated with chocolate bars. The packaging box 10 is, for example, an outer box that contains the food 2. Specifically, the packaging box 10 is provided with, for example, a front (first surface) 11, a back surface 12, a pair of side surfaces 13 and 14, and a pair of end surfaces 15 and 16. The packaging box 10 is formed into a hollow polyhedron (a hexahedron or rectangular parallelepiped in an embodiment) by the front surface 11, the back surface 12, the pair of side surfaces 13 and 14, and the pair of end surfaces 15 and 16.

[0010] Furthermore, the packaging box 10 is provided with, for example, a first part 21, a second part 22, and a partitioned part 23 that can be separated (detached) along the axial direction of the packaging box 10. The first part 21 is provided on one side of the packaging box 10 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the axial direction of the packaging box 10 is the direction along the central axis of the packaging box 10. In the illustrated example, the central axis is the central axis that passes through two planes that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction among the multiple planes that constitute the rectangular parallelepiped formed by the packaging box 10. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the packaging box 10 may be abbreviated as "axial direction". Also, in the figure, one side of the axial direction is indicated by arrow A, and the other side of the axial direction is indicated by arrow B. The axial direction is the direction parallel to the axis passing through the pair of end faces 15, 16 of the packaging box 10. Furthermore, the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10 may be abbreviated as "circumferential direction". In this embodiment, the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10 is the direction that revolves around the central axis of the packaging box 10.

[0011] The first part 21 has a first front surface 11a, a first back surface 12a, a pair of first side surfaces 13a, 14a, and one end surface 15. The first front surface 11a, the first back surface 12a, and the pair of first side surfaces 13a, 14a form one side of the front surface 11, the back surface 12, and the pair of side surfaces 13, 14 in the axial direction. The one end surface 15 is one of the pair of end surfaces 15, 16 in the axial direction.

[0012] The second portion 22 has a second front surface 11b, a second back surface 12b, a pair of second side surfaces 13b, 14b, and the other end surface 16. The second front surface 11b, the second back surface 12b, and the pair of second side surfaces 13b, 14b form the other side portions of the front surface 11, the back surface 12, and the pair of side surfaces 13, 14 in the axial direction. The other end surface 16 is the other end surface of the pair of end surfaces 15, 16 in the axial direction.

[0013] The partitioned portion 23 is provided between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 in the axial direction. The partitioned portion 23 divides the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 along the axial direction. The partitioned portion 23 includes a strip portion 24 and a pair of weakening lines 25, 26. The strip portion 24 extends circumferentially around the packaging box 10 between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. Specifically, the strip portion 24 has a strip portion front 11c, a strip portion back 12c, and a pair of strip portion sides 13c, 14c. The strip portion front 11c, the strip portion back 12c, and the pair of strip portion sides 13c, 14c form the portion between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 in the axial direction. The strip portion 24 is connected to the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, respectively, via a pair of weakening lines 25, 26. A strip portion start end 24a is provided at one end of the strip portion 24.

[0014] The pair of weakening lines 25 and 26 consist of one weakening line 25 provided on one side in the axial direction and the other weakening line 26 provided on the other side in the axial direction. One weakening line 25 extends in the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10 between the first portion 21 and the band portion 24. The other weakening line 26 extends in the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10 between the second portion 22 and the band portion 24. Here, the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10 is the direction that revolves around the axis passing through the pair of end faces 15 and 16 of the packaging box 10.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the partitioned portion 23 is separated from the packaging box 10 by, for example, pinching the starting end 24a of the strip portion 24 with your fingers and pulling the strip portion 24 in the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10, which causes the pair of weakening lines 25 and 26 to break from the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are separated with a gap S along the axial direction as the pair of weakening lines 25 and 26 are broken and the partitioned portion 23 is separated.

[0016] In a state where the first part 21 and the second part 22 are separated from each other, a first opening end (opening end) 21a is formed on the other side of the first part 21. Also, a second opening end (opening end) 22a is formed on one side of the second part 22. One of the first opening end 21a and the second opening end 22a can be inserted into the other. In the embodiment, an example in which the second opening end 22a is inserted into the first opening end 21a will be described.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a state where the first part 21 and the second part 22 are separated from each other, the second opening end 22a of the second part 22 is inserted into the first opening end 21a of the first part 21. By inserting the second opening end 22a into the first opening end 21a, the first part 21 and the second part 22 can be combined in the axial direction. The first part 21 and the second part 22 can be used as a reduced-volume box 30 by being combined in a reduced-volume state. Hereinafter, the reduced-volume box 30 may be referred to as the "reduced-volume box 30".

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, when the packaging box 10 is in a state where the first part 21 and the second part 22 are connected by the partition part 23, it has a first pattern 41, a second pattern 42, a third pattern 43, a fourth pattern 44, a fifth pattern 45 (first pattern), and a sixth pattern 46 (second pattern). Each pattern represents, for example, a so-called picture, photograph, character, etc. Each pattern is printed at a position determined for each of the packaging boxes 10, for example, and for each individual pattern, the content to be displayed does not change at the position where it is provided. For example, when each pattern is displayed on a display device such as a display, even for each individual pattern, it is possible to change the content to be displayed at the position where it is provided, but each pattern according to this embodiment is not such a pattern.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, both the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 include symbols of living organisms. In the embodiment, a human figure is included as the symbol of a living organism. Note that the living organism is not limited to a human figure, and may be an animal different from a human. Specifically, for example, the first symbol 41 is provided at the first opening end 21a on the first front surface 11a of the first part 21. The second symbol 42 is provided, for example, at a position 11d that axially avoids the second opening end 22a on the second front surface 11b of the second part 22. As shown in FIG. 4, in the volume reduction box 30 in which the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined, the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 function as a first combined symbol 51 that is combined (cooperated, collaborated) with each other. In the illustrated example, in the first combined symbol 51, it is shown that the human figure of the first symbol 41 and the human figure of the second symbol 42 are holding hands. The first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 are combined with each other to function as the first combined symbol 51 by at least a part of each being axially continuous when viewed from the front (when the front surface 11 on which the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 are drawn is viewed from the front). In this way, it is possible to easily understand that, for example, the first combined symbol 51 is formed when the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 change from a state where they are not axially continuous to a continuous state.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the third symbol 43 is provided on the front surface 11c of the belt part. The third symbol 43 forms a second combined symbol 52 together with the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 in a state where the first part 21 and the second part 22 are connected by the partition part 23 (specifically, the belt part 24). In other words, the first symbol 41, the second symbol 42, and the third symbol 43 function as the second combined symbol 52 by being combined so that their symbols are related in a state of the packaging box 10 in which the first part 21, the second part 22, and the partition part 23 are connected. In the illustrated example, in the second combined symbol 52, it is shown that the human figure of the first symbol 41 and the human figure of the third symbol 43 are talking, and the human figure of the second symbol 42 is looking at them from a distance. Note that in the second combined symbol 52, none of the first symbol 41, the second symbol 42, and the third symbol 43 is axially continuous when viewed from the front.

[0021] Thus, in this embodiment, the observer perceives a first concept (the person in the first figure 41 and the person in the third figure 43 talking) through the first figure 41, and a second concept (the person in the second figure 42 observing from a distance) through the second figure 42. Then, as shown in Figure 4, in the aforementioned volume reduction box 30, the combination of the first design 41 and the second design 42 causes some or all of the first and second concepts to be lost, and a third concept (the figure in the first design 41 and the figure in the second design 42 holding hands) to be manifested.

[0022] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, an example is described in which the first pattern 41, the second pattern 42, and the third pattern 43 are related to each other and combined to form the second combined pattern 52, but the second combined pattern 52 is not limited to this. As other examples, the second combined pattern 52 may be formed by relating and combining only the first pattern 41 and the third pattern 43 among the first pattern 41, the second pattern 42, and the third pattern 43, or by relating and combining only the second pattern 42 and the third pattern 43.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the third design 43 is removed from the packaging box 10 together with the compartment 23, for example, by separating the compartment 23 from the packaging box 10. That is, as shown in Figure 4, the third design 43 is kept from being displayed on the volume reduction box 30 when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the fourth design 44 is provided, for example, on the second front surface 11b of one of the first part 21 and the second part 22 (specifically, the second part 22) and on the front surface 11c of the band part 24. The fourth design 44 displays, for example, the food 2 contained inside.

[0025] Of the fourth design 44, the design 44a provided on the front 11c of the band portion is removed from the packaging box 10 together with the compartment 23 by, for example, separating the compartment 23 from the packaging box 10. Of the fourth design, the design 44b provided on the second front 11b is hidden by, for example, the first front 11a of the first portion 21 when the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are combined. In other words, the fourth design 44 is kept in a state where it is not displayed on the volume-reduced box 30 when the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are combined.

[0026] The fifth design 45 and the sixth design 46 are provided on one of the pair of sides 13, 14 of the packaging box 10, on one side (second side) 13. The one side 13 is a different side from the front 11. The fifth design 45 is located in a different position from the first design 41 in the first portion 21. Specifically, the fifth design 45 is located, for example, on one of the pair of first sides 13a, 14a, on one of the first side surfaces 13a, 14a. The fifth design 45 is located, for example, on the first opening end 21a of one of the first side surfaces 13a. The fifth design 45 is in contact with, for example, one of the weakening lines 25.

[0027] The sixth symbol 46 is located in a different position from the second symbol 42 in the second portion 22. Specifically, the sixth symbol 46 is located, for example, on one of the pair of second sides 13b, 14b, on one of the second sides 13b, 14b. The sixth symbol 46 is located, for example, on one of the second sides 13b, at a position 22b that avoids the second opening end 22a. The sixth symbol 46 is located, for example, at a position a predetermined amount L away from the other weakening line 26 in the other axial direction.

[0028] The predetermined amount L is the relative insertion amount between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. In this embodiment, the predetermined amount L is the relative insertion amount required to insert the second open end 22a of the second portion 22 axially into the interior of the first portion 21 from the first open end 21a until the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are combined. The fifth figure 45 and the sixth figure 46 are joined together when the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are combined after being inserted by the predetermined amount L.

[0029] The fifth symbol 45 and the sixth symbol 46 both use semicircular symbols, for example. In the fifth symbol 45, the first semicircular symbol is displayed with its diameter portion 45a aligned with one of the weakening lines 25. In the sixth symbol 46, the second semicircular symbol is displayed symmetrically with respect to the first semicircular symbol in the axial direction. In the illustrated example, both the first and second semicircles are double circles.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46 are displayed as a combined circular pattern when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined in the volume reduction box 30. The fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46 are combined in a front view (when viewing one side 13 on which the fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46 are depicted from the front), with at least a portion of each being continuous in the axial direction. By combining the fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46 to display a circular pattern, it is indicated that the relative insertion amount between the first part 21 and the second part 22 has reached a predetermined amount L.

[0031] Here, the first symbol 41 and the fifth symbol 45 function as the first notification unit 61, and the second symbol 42 and the sixth symbol 46 function as the second notification unit 62. The first notification unit 61 is provided in the first part 21. The second notification unit 62 is provided in the second part 22. The first notification unit 61 and the second notification unit 62 notify that the relative insertion amount between the first part 21 and the second part 22 in the combined state of the first part 21 and the second part 22 has reached a predetermined amount L.

[0032] For example, the fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46, when combined with each other, indicate that the first part 21 and the second part 22 have been inserted by a predetermined amount L relative to each other. That is, the fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46 indicate that the first part 21 and the second part 22 have been combined in the volume reduction box 30. In this state, the first pattern 41 and the second pattern 42 function as the first combined pattern 51. That is, when inserting the first part 21 and the second part 22 relative to each other, the fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46 indicate that the predetermined amount L necessary for the first pattern 41 and the second pattern 42 to function as the first combined pattern 51 has been inserted. However, the function of notifying the optimal volume reduction of a predetermined amount L through the combination of the fifth symbol 45 and the sixth symbol 46 is complementary, and the function of the first combined symbol 51, resulting from the displacement of the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42, can also be the primary function of notifying the optimal volume reduction of a predetermined amount L.

[0033] In this embodiment, an example in which a design is used as the first notification section 61 and the second notification section 62 is described, but the first notification section 61 and the second notification section 62 are not limited to a design. As another example, an engaging section (not shown) may be used as either the first notification section or the second notification section. By using an engaging section as the first notification section or the second notification section, the engagement of the engaging section can indicate that the relative insertion amount between the first section 21 and the second section 22 has reached a predetermined amount L. Examples of locking sections include notches and the like.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, at least a portion of the packaging box 10 displays first information 48A and second information 48B as information 48 for combining the first part 21 and the second part 22. First information 48A is displayed on the first back surface 12a of the first part 21. First information 48A includes information explaining how to combine the first part 21 and the second part 22. Specifically, first information 48A displays, for example, "If you can't finish it, you can insert the box for storage." First information 48A is displayed on the first back surface 12a of the first part 21 so that it is visible when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined in the volume reduction box 30.

[0035] Furthermore, the second information 48B is displayed on the front surface 11c of the band portion 24. The second information 48B includes information explaining that the first combined pattern 51 is created by combining the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. Specifically, the second information 48B displays, for example, "When you insert the box, the patterns will combine!" The second information 48B is removed from the packaging box 10 along with the compartment portion 23 by, for example, separating the compartment portion 23 from the packaging box 10. In other words, the second information 48B is kept in a state where it is not displayed on the volume-reduced box 30 formed by combining the first portion 21 and the second portion 22.

[0036] Next, an example of combining the packaging box 10 with the volume reduction box 30 will be explained based on Figures 2 to 4. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when eating the food 2 contained in the packaging box 10, the starting end 24a of the band portion 24 is pinched with the fingers and the band portion 24 is pulled in the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10. By pulling the band portion 24 in the circumferential direction of the packaging box 10, the pair of weakening lines 25 and 26 are broken from the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. By breaking the pair of weakening lines 25 and 26, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are separated in the axial direction.

[0037] With the first part 21 and the second part 22 separated, the second part 22 is removed from the food 2 and the food 2 is eaten. If, for example, the food 2 cannot be eaten completely, the second open end 22a of the second part 22 is inserted into the first open end 21a of the first part 21 based on the first information 48A and second information 48B displayed on the packaging box 10.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are inserted relatively by a predetermined amount L, the fifth pattern 45 and the sixth pattern 46 are joined together to form a circular (double circle) pattern. For example, by visually observing the circular pattern, it can be confirmed that the relative insertion amount of the first part 21 and the second part 22 has reached the predetermined amount L. When the first part 21 and the second part 22 are inserted relatively by the predetermined amount L, the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined into the volume reduction box 30. In this state, the first pattern 41 and the second pattern 42 function as the first combined pattern 51. By combining the first part 21 and the second part 22 into the volume reduction box 30, leftover food 2 can be stored inside the volume reduction box 30.

[0039] In this configuration, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined, the third design 43 and the fourth design 44 are kept from being displayed on the volume reduction box 30. Furthermore, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined, the first information 48A is displayed on the first back surface 12a of the first part 21 in a visible manner on the volume reduction box 30. On the other hand, the second information 48B is removed from the packaging box 10 along with the compartment 23 by separating the compartment 23 from the packaging box 10. Therefore, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined, the second information 48B is kept from being displayed on the volume reduction box 30.

[0040] According to the packaging box 10 of the embodiment described above, with the first part 21 and the second part 22 separated from each other, the second opening end 22a of the second part 22 is inserted into the first opening end 21a of the first part 21. As a result, even though the packaging box 10 is separated into two parts 21 and 22, the user can combine these two parts 21 and 22 to use them as a volume reduction box 30. Therefore, for example, if the user cannot finish eating the food 2, they can use it in the combined volume reduction box 30 state.

[0041] When the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined, the first notification unit 61 and the second notification unit 62 notify that the relative insertion amount between the first part 21 and the second part 22 has reached a predetermined amount L. Therefore, the first notification unit 61 and the second notification unit 62 allow the user to determine the preferred insertion amount. As a result, the usability of the packaging box 10 can be improved.

[0042] Furthermore, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are assembled in the volume reduction box 30, the first pattern 41 provided on the first part 21 and the second pattern 42 provided on the second part 22 combine with each other to function as the first combined pattern 51. Therefore, for example, it is possible to motivate the user to complete the first combined pattern 51 and to motivate the user to combine the first part 21 and the second part 22 in the volume reduction box 30.

[0043] Furthermore, a band portion 24 extending circumferentially from the packaging box 10 is included in the partition portion 23. A band portion start end 24a is provided at one end of the band portion 24. Therefore, by pinching the band portion start end 24a with your fingers and pulling the band portion 24 circumferentially from the packaging box 10, the pair of weakening lines 25 and 26 can be smoothly broken. This allows the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 to be easily separated.

[0044] Furthermore, a third design 43 is provided on the band portion 24. Therefore, when the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are connected by the band portion 24, the first design 41, the second design 42, and the third design 43 can be linked together in a related manner. As a result, by linking the first design 41, the second design 42, and the third design 43 together in a related manner in the packaging box 10, the first design 41, the second design 42, and the third design 43 can function as a second linked design 52. On the other hand, with the first part 21 and the second part 22 assembled in the volume reduction box 30, the first pattern 41 of the first part 21 and the second pattern 42 of the second part 22 can be combined to function as the first combined pattern 51. This provides the user with the motivation to complete the first combined pattern 51 from the second combined pattern 52. Furthermore, for example, the change from the second combined pattern 52 to the first combined pattern 51 changes the perceived concept, making it easier for the user to grasp that the insertion amount has reached a predetermined amount L.

[0045] Furthermore, a fourth pattern 44 is provided on the second front surface 11b of the second part 22 and the front surface 11c of the band portion 24, so that the volume reduction box 30, which is a combination of the first part 21 and the second part 22, is kept from displaying the fourth pattern 44. Therefore, for example, a pattern unrelated to the first pattern 41, the second pattern 42, and the first combined pattern 51 can be provided as the fourth pattern 44 on the second part 22 and the band portion 24. This makes it possible to display information such as food products 2 that are different from the first pattern 41, the second pattern 42, and the first combined pattern 51 using the fourth pattern 44.

[0046] Furthermore, by designating the fourth figure 44 as food item 2, the user can be made to confirm that food item 2 is contained in the packaging box 10.

[0047] Furthermore, a fifth symbol 45 is provided in the first part 21 at a position different from the first symbol 41, and a sixth symbol 46 is provided in the second part 22 at a position different from the second symbol 42. In addition, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined, the fifth symbol 45 and the sixth symbol 46 are used to indicate that the relative insertion amount between the first part 21 and the second part 22 has reached a predetermined amount L. This allows, for example, the user to confirm the notification provided by the fifth symbol 45 and the sixth symbol 46, thereby combining the relative insertion amounts of the first part 21 and the second part 22 by an appropriate predetermined amount L.

[0048] Furthermore, the fifth design 45 and the sixth design 46 are each semicircular designs, and in the volume reduction box 30, which combines the first part 21 and the second part 22, the semicircular designs of the fifth design 45 and the sixth design 46 are combined to display a circular design. As a result, when the user inserts the second opening end 22a of the second part 22 into the first opening end 21a of the first part 21 to combine the first part 21 and the second part 22, the user can confirm that the insertion amount of the second part 22 has reached a predetermined amount L by looking at the combined circular design.

[0049] Furthermore, although the embodiment describes an example in which a design is used for the first notification section 61 and the second notification section 62, an engaging section may be used for the first notification section and the second notification section instead of a design. By using engaging sections for the first notification section and the second notification section, it is possible to notify that the insertion amount has reached a predetermined amount L when the engaging sections engage. As a result, when the user inserts the second open end 22a of the second section 22 into the first open end 21a of the first section 21 to combine the first section 21 and the second section 22, the user can confirm that the insertion amount of the second section 22 has reached a predetermined amount L by the engagement of the engaging sections.

[0050] Furthermore, the first symbol 41 is placed on the first front 11a and the second symbol on the second front 11b, while the fifth symbol 45 and the sixth symbol 46 are placed on one side 13 that is different from the front 11 (specifically, the first front 11a and the second front 11b). This allows the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42, and the fifth symbol 45 and the sixth symbol 46, to be positioned in a location that is easy to see.

[0051] Furthermore, by inserting the second open end 22a of the second part 22 into the first open end 21a of the first part 21, the first part 21 and the second part 22 can be combined. In addition, the first pattern 41 is provided on the first open end 21a of the first part 21, and the second pattern 42 is provided in a position that avoids the second open end 22a of the second part 22. As a result, when the first part 21 and the second part 22 are combined, and the first pattern 41 and the second pattern 42 are joined together to function as the first combined pattern 51, the first pattern 41 and the second pattern 42 can be brought closer together from a state of being separated in the axial direction and then joined. As a result, for example, visibility during joining is improved, and errors such as errors in the printing position can be more easily absorbed.

[0052] Furthermore, the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 include human figures as living organisms. By combining the first symbol 41 and the second symbol 42 to function as the first combined symbol 51, the first symbol 41, the second symbol 42, and the first combined symbol 51 can display changes in a person's situation as the actions of a living organism.

[0053] Furthermore, first information 48A and second information 48B were displayed on at least a portion of the packaging box 10 as information 48 for combining the first part 21 and the second part 22. Specifically, first information 48A was displayed on the first back surface 12a of the first part 21. Second information 48B was displayed on the front surface 11c of the band portion 24. This provides the user with an incentive to combine the first part 21 and the second part 22.

[0054] Furthermore, the first information 48A includes information explaining how to combine the first part 21 and the second part 22. This allows the user to properly combine the first part 21 and the second part 22.

[0055] Furthermore, the second piece of information 48B includes information explaining that the first combined pattern 51 is created by combining the first part 21 and the second part 22. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with initial guidance, in other words, to foresee that the patterns will be combined after the combination. This motivates the user to complete the first combined pattern 51 and to combine the first part 21 and the second part 22. As a result, it is possible to reduce operational errors and improve the experiential value of the product by encouraging new uses.

[0056] Next, Modification 1 of the packaging box 10 in the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5, Modification 2 with reference to Figure 6, and Modification 3 with reference to Figure 7. In Modification 1 and Modification 2, the same or similar components as in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0057] [Example 1] As shown in Figure 5(a), the packaging box 100 of Modification 1 is a box that includes the first design 141, the second design 142, and the third design 143, instead of the first design 41, the second design 42, and the third design 43 of the embodiment. The other components of the packaging box 100 are the same as those of the packaging box 10 of the embodiment. The first design 141, the second design 142, and the third design 143 are character designs.

[0058] Specifically, the first symbol 141 contains, for example, multiple characters. The multiple characters of the first symbol 141 are, for example, the two characters "ai". The second symbol 142 contains, for example, multiple characters. The multiple characters of the second symbol 142 are, for example, the four characters "osashisu". The third symbol 143 contains, for example, multiple characters. The multiple characters of the third symbol 143 are, for example, the two characters "ue".

[0059] In other words, the first design 141, the second design 142, and the third design 143 function as a second combined design 152 when the first part 21 and the second part 22 of the packaging box 100 are connected by the partition 23, and the designs are combined in a way that relates to each other. Specifically, the "ai" in the first design 141, the "osashisu" in the second design 142, and the "ue" in the third design 143 are combined in a way that relates to each other, functioning as the second combined design 152 and displaying "aiueo sashisu".

[0060] As shown in Figure 5(b), the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 function as a combined first combined pattern 151 in the volume reduction box 130, which is a combination of the first part 21 and the second part 22. Specifically, the character "ai" in the first pattern 141 and the character "su" in part of the second pattern 142a are combined in a related manner to function as the first combined pattern 151, displaying, for example, the characters "aisu". As described above, the packaging box 100 of the modified example 1 includes a character design in the first combined design 151. By including a character design in the first combined design 151, it is possible to indicate, for example, that the food 2 contained in the packaging box 100 or the volume reduction box 130 is ice cream by displaying the character "ice cream" in the design.

[0061] According to the packaging box 100 of the modified example 1 described above, the first combined pattern 151 includes a character pattern. As a result, by combining the first pattern 141 and the second pattern 142 to function as the first combined pattern 151, characters can be displayed using the first combined pattern 151.

[0062] [Differentiation 2] As shown in Figure 6(a), the packaging box 200 of the modified example 2 is a box that includes the first design 241 and the second design 242 instead of the first design 41 and the second design 42 of the embodiment. The other components of the packaging box 200 are the same as those of the packaging box 10 of the embodiment. The first design 241 and the second design 242 are character designs.

[0063] Specifically, the first symbol 241 includes, for example, a part of a character. The part of a character in the first symbol 241 is, for example, one side of the character "ア". The second symbol 242 includes, for example, the other part of a character. The other part of a character in the second symbol 242 is, for example, the other side of the character "ア".

[0064] In other words, the first design 241 and the second design 242 function as the second combined design 252 when the first part 21 and the second part 22 of the packaging box 200 are connected by the partition 23. Specifically, one side of "A" in the first design 241 and the other side of "A" in the second design 242 function as the second combined design 252 when separated from each other.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6(b), the first pattern 241 and the second pattern 242 function as a combined first combined pattern 251 in the volume reduction box 230, which is a combination of the first part 21 and the second part 22. Specifically, one part of the "A" in the first pattern 241 and the other part of the "A" in the second pattern 242 are combined in relation to each other to function as the first combined pattern 251, for example, to display the character "A". As described above, the packaging box 200 of the modified example includes a character design in the first combined design 251. By including a character design in the first combined design 251, it is possible to indicate, for example, that the food 2 contained in the packaging box 200 or the volume reduction box 230 is ice cream by displaying the character "ア" in the character design.

[0066] According to the modified example 2 of the packaging box 200 described above, the first combined pattern 251 includes a character pattern. As a result, by combining the first pattern 241 and the second pattern 242 to function as the first combined pattern 251, characters can be displayed using the first combined pattern 251.

[0067] [Difference 3] As shown in Figure 7(a), the packaging box 300 of the modified example 3 is a box that includes the first design 341, the second design 342, and the third design 343, instead of the first design 41, the second design 42, and the third design 43 of the embodiment. The other components of the packaging box 300 are the same as those of the packaging box 10 of the embodiment. The first design 341 and the second design 342 include a design of a living organism and a design of a tangible object other than a living organism. The third design 343 includes a design of a tangible object other than a living organism. The first design 341 and the third design 343 function as the second combined design 352.

[0068] Specifically, the first design 341 includes a design of a person, a part of the design of the umbrella the person is using, and a design of clouds located above the umbrella. The third design 343 includes the remaining part of the umbrella design and a design of a box located below the remaining part. The umbrella designs of the first design 341 and the third design 343 are continuous in the axial direction. The second combined design 352 formed by the first design 341 and the third design 343 depicts a person looking at a box under cloudy conditions. On the other hand, the second design 342 includes a design of an animal smaller than a person (a cat in the illustrated example) and a cloud design positioned above the animal. The second design 342 depicts a small animal standing still under cloudy skies.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7(b), the first pattern 341 and the second pattern 342 function as a combined first combined pattern 351 in the volume reduction box 330, which is a combination of the first part 21 and the second part 22. Specifically, the entirety of the first pattern 341 and a portion of the second pattern 342a are combined in a related manner to function as the first combined pattern 351. Specifically, a portion of the umbrella pattern included in the first pattern 341 and a portion of the cloud pattern included in the second pattern 342 are combined to form a new umbrella different from the umbrella included in the second combined pattern 352. The first combined pattern 351 depicts a person holding a small animal under an umbrella in cloudy weather.

[0070] According to the packaging box 300 related to the modified example 3 described above, the observer perceives a first concept (a person looking at the box under cloudy conditions) from the first design 341, and a second concept (a small animal standing still under cloudy conditions) from the second design 342. In the illustrated example, in the aforementioned volume reduction box 330, the combination of the first design 341 and the second design 342 results in the loss of some or all of the first and second concepts, and the manifestation of a third concept (a person holding a small animal under an umbrella in cloudy weather).

[0071] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0072] The partitioned portion 23 does not necessarily have to include the strip portion 24. The partitioned portion 23 may be formed by a single weakening line. In this case, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are connected via the weakening line. The third symbol 43 and the fourth symbol 44 are optional. The set of symbols 45 and 46, and the set of symbols 41 and 42, may be omitted from either set. Information 48 for combining Part 1 21 and Part 2 22 is not necessary. In the above embodiment, the fifth symbol 45 and the sixth symbol 46 are each represented as semicircular symbols, and these symbols combine to form a double-circle symbol. However, the symbols are not limited to circles and may also be triangles (△), squares (□), spades, clubs, diamonds, hearts, stars (★), etc. Packaging boxes 10, 100, 200, and 300 may contain contents (articles) different from the food 2. Examples of such articles include solid contents. Examples of such articles include contents that can be stored again in a reduced volume.

[0073] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in this embodiment with well-known components as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0074] (Note) The above embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0075] <1> A box according to one aspect of the present invention is a box for storing articles, the box is provided with a partition portion that divides the box into a first part and a second part along the axial direction of the box, the partition portion includes a weakening line extending in the circumferential direction of the box, the first part and the second part are separated by breaking the weakening line, the first part and the second part are combinable by inserting one of the open ends of the first part and the second part into the other open end when they are separated from each other, the first part is provided with a first notification portion, and the second part is provided with a second notification portion, the first notification portion and the second notification portion notify that the relative insertion amount between the first part and the second part when they are combinable has reached a predetermined amount.

[0076] According to the box, the first and second parts are separated from each other, and one of the opening ends of the first part and the other of the second part is inserted into the other opening end. This allows the user to combine these two parts, even though the box is separated into two parts, and use them as a reduced-volume box. For example, if the item is food, the user can use the box in a reduced-volume state if they cannot finish eating the food.

[0077] The first and second notification units notify the user when the relative insertion amount between the first and second parts, when the first and second parts are combined, reaches a predetermined amount. Therefore, the user can determine the preferred insertion amount through the first and second notification units. As a result, the usability of the box can be improved.

[0078] <2> the above <1> In the box relating to the present invention, the first notification section includes a first design provided in the first part, and the second notification section includes a second design provided in the second part. The first and second notification sections may notify that the amount of insertion has reached a predetermined amount by having the first and second designs combine with each other to function as a first combined design when the insertion amount reaches a predetermined amount.

[0079] According to the box, when the user combines the first and second parts by inserting one of the open ends of the first part and the other into the other, the insertion amount can be confirmed by the combined first combined pattern.

[0080] <3> the above <2> In the box relating to the present invention, the first design is provided in multiple locations within the first part that are different from each other, and the second design is provided in multiple locations within the second part that are different from each other, and when the insertion amount reaches a predetermined amount, the corresponding first and second designs among the multiple first and second designs may combine with each other to function as the first combined design.

[0081] According to the box, for example, by confirming the combination of multiple patterns, the user can combine the relative insertion amounts of the first and second parts to an appropriate predetermined amount.

[0082] <4> the above <3> In the box relating to the present invention, the box is a polyhedron, and one of the first and one of the second designs correspond to each other and are provided on the first face of the box, while the other first and other second designs correspond to each other and are provided on a second face different from the first face of the box.

[0083] According to the box, the insertion amount can be easily checked on both the first and second sides.

[0084] <5> A box according to one aspect of the present invention is a box for storing articles, wherein the box is provided with a partition portion that divides the box into a first portion and a second portion along the axial direction of the box, the partition portion includes a weakening line extending in the circumferential direction of the box, the first portion and the second portion are separated by breaking the weakening line, the first portion and the second portion are combined when separated from each other by inserting one of the open ends of the first portion and the open end of the second portion into the other open end, and when the first portion and the second portion are combined, a first pattern provided in the first portion and a second pattern provided in the second portion combine with each other to function as a first combined pattern.

[0085] According to the box, the first and second parts are separated from each other, and one of the opening ends of the first part and the other of the second part is inserted into the other opening end. This allows the user to combine these two parts, even though the box is separated into two parts, and use them as a reduced-volume box. For example, if the item is food, the user can use the box in a reduced-volume state if they cannot finish eating the food.

[0086] When the first and second parts are combined, the first pattern on the first part and the second pattern on the second part combine to function as a first combined pattern. Therefore, when the user combines the first and second parts by inserting one of the open ends of the first part and the other into the other, they can confirm that the insertion amount has reached a predetermined amount by looking at the combined first combined pattern. Furthermore, for example, this can provide the user with motivation to complete the first combined pattern, and also provide the user with motivation to combine the first and second parts in a reduced volume state.

[0087] <6> the above <2> from <5> In a box according to any one embodiment, the partitioned portion may include a strip extending in the circumferential direction of the box and connected to the first portion and the second portion via the weakening line.

[0088] According to the box, a band extending circumferentially around the box is included in the compartment. Therefore, by pulling the band circumferentially around the box, the weakening line can be smoothly broken. This allows the first and second parts to be easily separated.

[0089] <7> the above <6> In the box relating to this, the band portion is provided with a third design, and with the band portion connected to the first and second portions, the third design and at least one of the first and second designs may be combined with each other to function as a second combined design.

[0090] According to the box, a third design is provided on the band. Therefore, when the band is connected to the first and second parts, the first, second, and third designs can be combined in a related manner. By combining the first, second, and third designs in a related manner on the box, the first, second, and third designs can function as a second combined design. On the other hand, when the first and second parts are combined in a box with reduced volume, the first design of the first part and the second design of the second part can be combined to function as a first combined design. This can, for example, motivate the user to complete the first combined design from the second combined design.

[0091] <8> the above <2> from <4> In a box relating to any one of the embodiments, the observer perceives a first concept through the first design, the observer perceives a second concept through the second design, and after notification of the insertion amount, the combination of the first and second designs may cause some or all of the first and second concepts to be lost, thereby manifesting a third concept.

[0092] According to the packaging, the combination of patterns alters the perceived concept, making it easier for the user to understand when the amount inserted has reached a predetermined level.

[0093] <9> the above <2> from <5> In a box according to any one embodiment, the first and second parts can be combined by inserting the open end of the second part into the open end of the first part while the first and second parts are separated from each other, and the first design may be provided on the open end of the first part, while the second design may be provided at a position that avoids the open end of the second part.

[0094] According to the packaging, the first and second parts can be combined by inserting the open end of the second part into the open end of the first part. Furthermore, the first design is placed at the open end of the first part, and the second design is placed in a position that avoids the open end of the second part. This allows the first and second designs to be brought closer together from an axially separated state when combined to function as a first combined design. As a result, for example, visibility during combination is improved, and errors in printing position can be more easily absorbed.

[0095] <10> the above <2> from <5> In a box relating to any one of the above embodiments, both the first design and the second design may include a design of a living organism.

[0096] According to the box, the first and second designs include images of living creatures. By combining the first and second designs to function as a first combined design, the first design, the second design, and the first combined design can be used to represent the actions (movements) of living creatures.

[0097] <11> the above <2> from <5> In any one embodiment of the box, the first combined design may include a design of characters.

[0098] According to the box, the first combined pattern includes a character pattern. By combining the first and second patterns to function as the first combined pattern, characters can be displayed using the first combined pattern.

[0099] <12> the above <2> from <5> In any one embodiment of the box, information for combining the first part and the second part may be displayed on at least a portion of the box.

[0100] According to the packaging, information for combining the first and second parts is displayed on at least part of the packaging. This can, for example, motivate the user to combine the first and second parts.

[0101] <13> the above <12> In the box relating to the above, the information for combining may include information describing how to combine the first part and the second part.

[0102] According to the box, the assembly instructions include information explaining how to combine the first and second parts. This allows the user to properly combine the first and second parts.

[0103] <14> the above <12> In the box relating to this, the information for combining may include information explaining that the first combined pattern is produced by combining the first part and the second part.

[0104] According to the packaging, the information for combining the parts includes a description explaining that combining the first and second parts results in the first combined pattern. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with initial guidance, or in other words, to foresee that the patterns will combine after assembly. This motivates the user to complete the first combined pattern and to combine the first and second parts. As a result, it is possible to reduce operational errors and improve the experiential value of the product by encouraging new uses.

[0105] <15> the above <2> from <5> In a box according to any one of these embodiments, the first design and the second design may be combined with each other and function as the first combined design, such that at least a portion of each is continuous in the axial direction when viewed from the front.

[0106] According to the box, for example, when the first and second patterns change from a state where they are not continuous in the axial direction to a state where they are continuous, it becomes easier to recognize that, for example, the first combined pattern has been formed.

[0107] <16> the above <1> from <15> In a box according to any one of the embodiments thereof, when the first part and the second part are combined, the fourth design provided on one of the first part and the second part may be hidden by the other of the first part and the second part.

[0108] According to the box, a fourth design is provided on one of the first and second parts, and the other part of the combined first and second parts hides the fourth design. Therefore, for example, even if the first and second designs are provided, a design unrelated to the first, second, and first combined design can be provided as the fourth design on one of the first and second parts. This allows the fourth design to display information different from that of the first, second, and first combined designs.

[0109] <17> the above <16> In the box relating to the above, the fourth design may represent the above-mentioned article.

[0110] According to the box, by designating the fourth image as an item, the user can be made to confirm the item contained in the box.

[0111] <18> the above <1> from <4> In a box according to any one embodiment thereof, both the first notification section and the second notification section include an engaging section, and the first notification section and the second notification section may notify that the insertion amount has reached the predetermined amount by the engaging section of the first notification section and the engaging section of the second notification section engaging with each other.

[0112] According to the box, when the user inserts one of the open ends of the first part and the other of the second part into the other open end and combines them, the user can confirm that the insertion amount has reached a predetermined amount by the engagement of the engaging part.

[0113] <19> the above <2> from <4> In a box according to any one embodiment thereof, both the first notification section and the second notification section include an engaging section, and the first notification section and the second notification section may notify that the insertion amount has reached the predetermined amount by the engaging section of the first notification section and the engaging section of the second notification section engaging together so that the first pattern and the second pattern function as the first combined pattern.

[0114] According to the box, when the user inserts one of the open ends of the first part and the other of the second part into the other open end to combine them, the user can confirm that the insertion amount has reached a predetermined amount by the engagement of the engaging part and by visual confirmation of the first connecting pattern.

[0115] <20> A packaged article according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an article and a container for the article. <1> from <19> Includes the box described in any one of the following.

[0116] According to the packaging article, by placing the article in a box, for example, if the article is food, the user can use the box to store the leftover article by combining the first and second parts to reduce the volume of the box, for example, if they cannot finish eating the article. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1...Packaged food 2...Food 10,100,200,300...Packaging box (box) 11…Front (first side) 13... One side (second side) 21…Part 1 21a...First opening end (opening end) 22…Second part 22a…Second opening end (opening end) 23... Sectional area 24...band 25,26…weakening line 30,130,230,330…Volume reduction box 41,141,241,341…First design 42,142,242,342…Second design 43,143,343…Third design 44…4th design 45…5th symbol (1st symbol) 46…Sixth symbol (second symbol) 48… Information 48A…First Information 48B...Second piece of information 51,151,251…First combined pattern 52,152,252…Second combined pattern 61…First notification department 62…Second Notification Department L…Predetermined amount

Claims

1. A box for storing articles, The box is provided with a partition that divides the box into a first part and a second part along the axial direction of the box. The partitioned portion includes a weakening line extending in the circumferential direction of the box, The first and second parts are separated by the breaking of the weakening line, and with the first and second parts separated from each other, the first and second parts can be combined by inserting one of the open ends of the first part and the second part into the other open end. The first part is provided with a first notification section, The second part is provided with a second notification section. The first notification section includes the first design provided in the first part, The second notification section includes the second design provided in the second part, A box in which, when the first part and the second part are combined, the relative insertion amount between the first part and the second part reaches a predetermined amount, the first and second patterns combine with each other to form a first combined pattern that is visible, thereby allowing the user to understand that the relative insertion amount has reached a predetermined amount.

2. The first design is provided in multiple locations within the first part that are different from each other. The second design is provided in multiple locations within the second part that are different from each other. The box according to claim 1, wherein when the insertion amount reaches the predetermined amount, corresponding first and second patterns among the plurality of first and second patterns combine with each other to function as the first combined pattern.

3. The aforementioned box is a polyhedron, The first and second designs of the box correspond to each other and are provided on the first surface of the box. The box according to claim 2, wherein the other first design and the other second design correspond to each other and are provided on a second surface different from the first surface of the box.

4. The box according to claim 1, wherein the partitioned portion extends in the circumferential direction of the box and includes a strip portion connected to the first portion and the second portion, respectively, via the weakening line.

5. The aforementioned band portion is provided with a third design, The box according to claim 4, wherein the band portion is connected to the first portion and the second portion, and the third pattern and at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern are combined with each other to function as a second combined pattern.

6. The observer perceives a first visible appearance through the first design, and the observer perceives a second visible appearance through the second design. The box according to claim 1, wherein, after notification of the insertion amount, the combination of the first and second patterns causes some or all of the first and second visible appearances to be lost, and a third visible appearance to be revealed.

7. With the first and second parts separated from each other, the first and second parts can be combined by inserting the open end of the second part into the open end of the first part. The first design is provided at the open end of the first portion, The box according to claim 1, wherein the second design is provided at a position that avoids the open end of the second portion.

8. The box according to claim 1, wherein both the first design and the second design include a design of a living organism.

9. The box according to claim 1, wherein the first combined design includes a character design.

10. The box according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the box displays information for combining the first portion and the second portion.

11. The box according to claim 10, wherein the information for combining includes information describing a method for combining the first part and the second part.

12. The box according to claim 10, wherein the information for combining includes information explaining that the first combined pattern is produced by combining the first part and the second part.

13. The box according to claim 1, wherein the first and second patterns, in a front view, are connected to each other and function as the first combined pattern, with at least a portion of each being continuous in the axial direction.

14. The box according to claim 1, wherein, when the first part and the second part are combined, a fourth design provided on one of the first part and the second part is hidden by the other of the first part and the second part.

15. The box according to claim 14, wherein the fourth design shows the article.

16. The first notification section and the second notification section both include an engaging section. The box according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion of the first notification unit and the engaging portion of the second notification unit engage, causing the user to sense that the insertion amount has reached a predetermined amount.

17. Goods and, A packaged article comprising a box according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for containing the aforementioned article.

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