Egg packaging container

Abstract

This prevents the bottom of the main storage compartment from being crushed when open containers are stacked together. [Solution] The container body includes a main storage section 10 for storing eggs, and the bottom surface 20 of the main storage section 10 has a bottom reference surface 30, a cross rib 31 that protrudes upward from the bottom reference surface 30 and is formed in a cross shape in plan view to divide the bottom reference surface into four bottom regions, and a connecting rib 32 that is provided in the bottom region, protrudes upward from the bottom reference surface 30 and connects adjacent ribs of the cross rib 31, and comprises a first container and a second container in which the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs 32 in plan view are different from each other, and when the second container is stacked on top of the first container in the open state, the bottom reference surface 30 of the second container faces the connecting ribs 32 of the first container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for accommodating eggs such as chicken eggs and quail eggs.

Background Art

[0002] A container for packaging eggs is, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, thermoformed from a synthetic resin sheet, and includes a container body having a main body accommodating portion for accommodating eggs, and a lid body covering the main body accommodating portion. Due to the large consumption of eggs, packing into containers is performed on an automatic line to improve efficiency, and the supply of containers to the automatic line is also automated. The containers are stacked vertically in an open-lid state, accommodated in packing materials such as cardboard, and transported. Then, the containers are separated one by one from the stacked containers and supplied to the automatic line.

[0003] As described above, since it is necessary to separate containers one by one from a state where a large number of containers are stacked, the container is configured such that gaps are formed between the containers when the containers are stacked. On the other hand, in recent years, reduction of plastic materials has also been demanded for egg packaging containers, and the need to reduce the thickness of sheets has increased. However, reducing the sheet thickness causes a problem that the bottom portion of the main body accommodating portion is easily crushed when the containers are stacked.

[0004] Eggs are accommodated in a suspended state in the main body accommodating portion. That is, a predetermined lower space is secured between the egg and the bottom portion of the main body accommodating portion, and by maintaining this lower space, eggs can be distributed without being damaged. However, when the bottom portion of the main body accommodating portion is crushed, the aforementioned lower space cannot be secured, which directly leads to damage to the eggs. Therefore, crushing of the bottom portion of the main body accommodating portion is a serious problem for the container.

[0005] Crushing of the bottom of the container's storage compartment occurs when a force acts on the bottom in the direction of stacking when the containers are stacked. Specifically, a force acts on the bottom in the direction of stacking during boxing after container manufacturing and during subsequent transportation. During boxing, the stacked containers are heavy and compressed in the direction of stacking, making the bottom of the container's storage compartment more susceptible to crushing. During transportation, the stacked containers repeatedly move in the direction of stacking, causing a force to act on the bottom in the direction of stacking, making the bottom more prone to crushing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-73316 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to prevent the bottom of the main body's storage section from being crushed when containers with their lids open are stacked together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The egg packaging container according to the present invention is an egg packaging container comprising a container body and a lid made of a synthetic resin sheet, wherein the container body has a body storage section for storing eggs, and the bottom surface of the body storage section has a bottom reference surface, a cross rib that protrudes upward from the bottom reference surface and is formed in a cross shape in plan view to divide the bottom reference surface into four bottom regions, and connecting ribs provided in the bottom regions that protrude upward from the bottom reference surface and connect adjacent ribs of the cross rib, wherein the container comprises a first container and a second container in which the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs in plan view are different from each other, and when the second container is stacked on top of the first container in an open state, the bottom reference surface of the second container faces the connecting ribs of the first container.

[0009] In this configuration, when the second container is stacked on top of the first container in an open state, the bottom reference surface of the second container faces the connecting ribs of the first container. At this time, the connecting ribs of the first container may be in contact with the bottom reference surface of the second container, or there may be a gap between the connecting ribs of the first container and the bottom reference surface of the second container. In any case, the connecting ribs of the first container will be located below the bottom reference surface of the second container. When a force is applied in the stacking direction of the containers in the stacked state, the bottom surface of the main body housing of the second container will try to approach the bottom surface of the main body housing of the first container, but the connecting ribs of the first container support the bottom reference surface of the second container. That is, the connecting ribs of the first container support the bottom surface of the second container and prevent it from approaching excessively. Moreover, the connecting ribs connect adjacent ribs in the cross rib configuration. Therefore, the connecting ribs reinforce the cross ribs, and at the same time, the cross ribs also reinforce the connecting ribs, so that the connecting ribs and cross ribs of the first container work together to firmly support the bottom of the second container. Consequently, the occurrence of crushing of the bottom is effectively prevented.

[0010] Furthermore, the connecting ribs are provided in only one of the four bottom regions, and the four bottom regions are divided into one ribbed bottom region with connecting ribs and three ribless bottom regions without connecting ribs. The arrangement patterns of the ribbed and ribless bottom regions of the first and second containers in plan view are different from each other, and when the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the lid open, it is preferable that the ribless bottom region of the second container faces the ribbed bottom region of the first container. With this configuration, the connecting ribs of the ribbed bottom region of the first container support the bottom reference surface portion of the ribless bottom region of the second container. Therefore, excessive proximity of the bottom reference surface portion in the ribless bottom region of the second container is prevented, and crushing of the bottom portion can be effectively prevented.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting ribs are provided in only two of the four bottom regions, and the four bottom regions are divided into two ribbed bottom regions with connecting ribs and two ribless bottom regions without connecting ribs. The arrangement patterns of the ribbed and ribless bottom regions in plan view of the first and second containers are different from each other, and when the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the lid open, it is preferable that each ribless bottom region of the second container faces each other on each ribbed bottom region of the first container. With this configuration, the connecting ribs of the two ribbed bottom regions of the first container support the bottom reference surfaces of the two ribless bottom regions of the second container. Therefore, excessive proximity of the bottom reference surfaces in the two ribless bottom regions of the second container is prevented, and crushing of the bottom can be effectively prevented.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the side surface of the main body housing section has main body side ribs that protrude inward along the vertical direction, with the lower end of the main body side ribs reaching the outer edge of the bottom area where connecting ribs are provided, and that the connecting ribs constitute a central area within the bottom area that is close to the intersection of the cross ribs and whose outer edge is the line segment connecting the midpoints of the longitudinal directions of adjacent ribs. With this configuration, since the main body side ribs are provided on the side surface of the main body housing section, the vertical load-bearing capacity of the main body housing section is improved. In particular, since the lower end of the main body side ribs reaches the bottom area, the main body side ribs exert a bracing function against vertical forces acting on the bottom area. And since the central area of ​​the bottom area is composed of connecting ribs, crushing of the central area of ​​the bottom area can be effectively prevented by the connecting ribs. In addition, a predetermined distance can be easily secured between the lower end of the main body side ribs and the outer edge of the connecting ribs. As a result, the main body side ribs can be effectively arranged on the side surface of the main body housing section, and the size of the connecting ribs, i.e., the size of the support surface, can also be easily secured, and the support function of the connecting ribs can reliably prevent crushing of the bottom area.

[0013] In particular, the connecting ribs are preferably fan-shaped in plan view. When the connecting ribs are fan-shaped in plan view, the size of the connecting ribs can be easily ensured even when side ribs are provided on the main body, and the occurrence of crushing of the bottom surface can be effectively prevented.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting rib has a top surface consisting of a flat surface provided on the intersection side of the cross rib, and a sloped surface that descends from the outer edge of the top surface to the bottom reference surface. Preferably, the sloped surface is a curved surface that curves upward from the top surface side to the bottom reference surface side, or a sloped surface that is inclined at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the bottom reference surface. With this configuration, the top surface of the connecting rib of the first container supports the bottom surface of the second container. In addition, the condition of the eggs, such as whether or not cracks have occurred in the eggs contained in the main container, is inspected by taking a picture from the outside with a camera through the bottom surface of the main container. When taking such a picture, if the sloped surface of the connecting rib is an upward curved surface or a sloped surface in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, the sloped surface is less likely to interfere with the picture, and the condition of the eggs can be accurately inspected.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the protrusion amount of the connecting ribs is at least half the protrusion amount of the cross ribs and less than or equal to the protrusion amount of the cross ribs. If the protrusion amount of the connecting ribs is greater than the protrusion amount of the cross ribs, it becomes difficult to secure a vertical gap between the egg contained in the main body containment section and the bottom surface of the main body containment section. Also, if the protrusion amount of the connecting ribs is less than half the protrusion amount of the cross ribs, it becomes difficult to obtain sufficient support effect from the connecting ribs, and the effect of preventing the bottom surface from collapsing by the connecting ribs is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the protrusion amount of the connecting ribs is at least half the protrusion amount of the cross ribs and less than or equal to the protrusion amount of the cross ribs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, since the connecting ribs connect the cross ribs in the circumferential direction, the strength of the bottom surface can be increased, and when stacked, the connecting ribs of the first container support the bottom reference surface of the second container, effectively preventing the bottom surface from collapsing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A plan view showing an opened state of a first container among egg packaging containers according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 1. [Figure 3] An enlarged view of a main part of Figure 1. [Figure 4] An enlarged view of a main part of Figure 3. [Figure 5] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 3, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 3. [Figure 6] A plan view showing a main part of a second container among the container. [Figure 7] A plan view showing a main part of a third container among the container. [Figure 8] A plan view showing a main part of a fourth container among the container. [Figure 9] A plan view of a main part showing a stacked state of the containers. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 9. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 9. [Figure 12] A plan view showing a main part of a first container among egg packaging containers according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A plan view showing a main part of a second container among the container. [Figure 14] A plan view showing a main part of a third container among the container. [Figure 15] A plan view showing a main part of a fourth container among the container. [Figure 16] A plan view showing a main part of a first container among egg packaging containers according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A plan view showing a main part of a second container among the container. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] The following describes an egg packaging container (hereinafter simply referred to as "container") according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The container consists of four types of containers: a first container 1, a second container 2, a third container 3, and a fourth container 4, each differing in the arrangement pattern of the connecting ribs 32 in a plan view (hereinafter simply referred to as "arrangement pattern"). The first container 1 to the fourth container 4 differ only in the arrangement pattern of the connecting ribs 32. When the first container 1 to the fourth container 4 are not specifically distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "container." The number of types of containers is not limited to four; there may be two, three, or five or more types. The first container 1 will be described in detail below.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 show the first container 1 in the open state. The container comprises a container body 5 and a lid 6. The container body 5 and the lid 6 are connected to each other by a hinge portion 7. The lid 6 is rotatable relative to the container body 5 with the hinge portion 7 as the pivot point. The container body 5 and the lid 6 are each rectangular in plan view, specifically rectangular in plan view. The container body 5 and the lid 6 are connected along the long side of the rectangle. The container is of the lid-integrated type, and the container body 5 and the lid 6 are formed integrally, but they may also be constructed as separate parts.

[0020] The container body 5 and lid 6 are integrally formed from a single transparent synthetic resin sheet, allowing the eggs inside to be visible from the outside. The container is formed by so-called sheet molding. Sheet molding methods include vacuum forming, pressure forming, vacuum pressure forming, double-sided vacuum forming, and hot plate forming, and in any case, it is formed by thermoforming a synthetic resin sheet. Examples of synthetic resin sheets include sheets made from polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, styrene resins such as polystyrene, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, and stretched sheets obtained by stretching these materials. Among these, stretched sheets are particularly preferred because their transparency and strength are improved by the stretching process.

[0021] The container holds multiple eggs. The number of eggs is arbitrary, for example, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12, and it is preferable that they be arranged in two parallel rows. In this embodiment, there are 10 eggs, with 5 eggs per row, for a total of 10 eggs in two rows. The container body 5 has an open top. The container body 5 has multiple body storage sections 10 that accommodate the lower part of the eggs. The body storage sections 10 open upwards. There are as many body storage sections 10 as there are eggs to be stored, and in this embodiment, there are 10 body storage sections 10. The body storage sections 10 correspond to the shape of the lower part of the egg and are shaped to expand upwards. When the lid is closed, the lid 6 covers the top of the eggs stored in the body storage sections 10. The container body 5 and the lid 6 are each rectangular in plan view, specifically rectangular in plan view, and the container body 5 and the lid 6 are connected via a hinge section 7 along the long side of the rectangle.

[0022] The main storage compartments 10 are arranged in two rows of five compartments each, and partition walls are formed between each main storage compartment 10 to prevent collisions between the eggs stored in the compartments 10. Each partition wall consists of a vertical partition wall 11 along the longer side and a horizontal partition wall 12 along the shorter side. The total of 10 main storage compartments 10 are connected to each other vertically and horizontally by the vertical partition wall 11 and the horizontal partition wall 12. At each point where the vertical partition wall 11 and the horizontal partition wall 12 intersect, main column sections 13 are provided projecting upward.

[0023] A body side portion 14 extends upward from the opening edge of the main body housing portion 10 to the opening edge of the container body 5. A body flange portion 15 is formed around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the container body 5. The body flange portion 15 extends horizontally outward from the upper end of the body side portion 14. The body flange portion 15 consists of a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, and a hinge portion 7 is formed on one of the pair of long sides. Therefore, the hinge portion 7 extends along the direction of the long side, and the lid 6 rotates around a pivot axis along the direction of the long side. The hinge portion 7 may have various shapes, such as a semicircular, U-shaped, or V-shaped shape in cross-section, and in this embodiment, it is a curved surface that curves downward. Perforations may also be provided on the hinge portion 7 to allow the container body 5 and the lid 6 to be separated from each other.

[0024] A lid flange portion 16 is formed around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the lid 6. The lid flange portion 16 consists of a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, with a hinge portion 7 formed on one of the pair of long sides. The lid 6 has a plurality of lid storage sections 17 for accommodating the upper part of an egg. The same number of lid storage sections 17 as the main body storage section 10 are provided, and in this embodiment, there are 10.

[0025] <Details of the main storage compartment 10> Figure 3 shows a plan view of one main body housing section 10, and Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the main body housing section 10. The main body housing section 10 has a bottom surface section 20 and a main body housing side section 21 that extends upward from the periphery of the bottom surface section 20 while expanding upward. The bottom surface section 20 is octagonal in plan view. The bottom surface section 20 has a substantially horizontal bottom reference surface section 30. The bottom reference surface section 30 is a flat surface. The bottom reference surface section 30 is the part that becomes the installation area when the container is placed on the container mounting surface, and is the lowest part of the container body 5.

[0026] The bottom surface 20 has a cross-shaped rib 31 that extends in a cross shape when viewed from above. The cross-shaped rib 31 protrudes upward. That is, the cross-shaped rib 31 protrudes inward. The cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional form) of the cross-shaped rib 31 is arbitrary, but preferably semicircular. The intersection point 31a of the cross-shaped rib 31 is located at the center of the bottom surface 20. The cross-shaped rib 31 also extends to the outer edge of the bottom surface 20. Therefore, the cross-shaped rib 31 consists of a total of four bottom ribs that extend radially in all four directions from the center of the bottom surface 20 to the outer edge of the bottom surface 20. The direction of the cross-shaped rib 31 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, it is in the direction of the long side and the direction of the short side. The cross-shaped rib 31 reaches four of the sides of the octagon that constitutes the outer edge of the bottom surface 20 and is connected to the center of the sides. Furthermore, the direction of the cross rib 31 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the long side direction and the short side direction, for example, it may be inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the long side direction and the short side direction.

[0027] In this embodiment, the cross rib 31 is composed of a first bottom rib 311 extending from the center of the bottom portion 20 toward the hinge portion 7 in the short side direction, a second bottom rib 312 extending from the center of the bottom portion 20 in the first direction toward the long side direction, a third bottom rib 313 extending from the center of the bottom portion 20 toward the opposite side of the hinge portion in the short side direction, and a fourth bottom rib 314 extending from the center of the bottom portion 20 in the second direction toward the long side direction.

[0028] The bottom reference surface portion 30 is divided into four regions by the first bottom rib 311 to the fourth bottom rib 314. The regions of the bottom reference surface portion 30 that are divided are called bottom regions. The bottom region divided by the first bottom rib 311 and the second bottom rib 312 is called the first bottom region 41, the bottom region divided by the second bottom rib 312 and the third bottom rib 313 is called the second bottom region 42, the bottom region divided by the third bottom rib 313 and the fourth bottom rib 314 is called the third bottom region 43, and the bottom region divided by the fourth bottom rib 314 and the first bottom rib 311 is called the fourth bottom region 44. Specifically, the bottom surface 20 is divided into a first bottom surface region 41, a second bottom surface region 42, a third bottom surface region 43, and a fourth bottom surface region 44 in a counterclockwise direction in a plan view by the cross ribs 31. In addition to the cross ribs 31, connecting ribs 32 are also formed on the bottom surface 20, which will be described later.

[0029] The main body housing side section 21 supports the egg. Therefore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the egg 100 is housed in the main body housing section 10 in a suspended state, spaced upward from the bottom section 20. The main body housing side section 21 is provided with main body side ribs 22 that extend in the vertical direction. The main body side ribs 22 protrude inward. The main body side ribs 22 are formed along the entire vertical length of the main body housing side section 21 and support the egg. The upper end of the main body side ribs 22 reaches the opening edge of the main body housing section 10, and the lower end of the main body side ribs 22 reaches the outer edge of the bottom section 20. The arrangement and number of main body side ribs 22 are arbitrary, but it is preferable that multiple ribs be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and in this embodiment, a total of eight ribs are formed at 45-degree intervals. The main body housing side section 21 has the shape of a truncated pyramid of an octagon in plan view, corresponding to the octagonal shape of the main body bottom section 20, and is composed of a total of eight side sections corresponding to each side of the octagon. The main body side ribs 22 are provided one on each of the eight side sections, and are positioned in the center of each side section. In addition, four of the eight main body side ribs 22, which are spaced at 90-degree intervals, are connected to the cross ribs 31 on the bottom section 20, and together with the cross ribs 31, they extend in a straight line when viewed from above.

[0030] <Connecting Rib 32> Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the intersection 31a of the cross rib 31. The connecting rib 32 is provided in the bottom region. The connecting rib 32 protrudes upward, that is, it protrudes inward. The connecting rib 32 connects two adjacent bottom ribs in the circumferential direction on the cross rib 31. In detail, the connecting rib 32 connects two adjacent bottom ribs near the intersection 31a of the cross rib 31, connecting the portions of the bottom ribs that are closer to the intersection 31a of the cross rib 31. In this embodiment, the connecting rib 32 is provided in only one of the four bottom regions. Therefore, the four bottom regions are divided into one ribbed bottom region where the connecting rib 32 is provided and three ribless bottom regions where the connecting rib 32 is not provided.

[0031] In the first container 1, the connecting rib 32 is provided in the first bottom region 41. The first bottom region 41 is a ribbed bottom region, while the second bottom region 42 to the fourth bottom region 44 are ribless bottom regions. The connecting rib 32 connects the first bottom rib 311 and the second bottom rib 312 in the circumferential direction in the first bottom region 41. The connecting rib 32 constitutes the central area of ​​the first bottom region 41. The central area is the area near the intersection 31a of the cross rib 31 in the first bottom region 41. The connecting rib 32 spreads out in a fan shape from the intersection 31a of the cross rib 31 toward the outer edge of the first bottom region 41. In plan view, the shape of the connecting rib 32 is fan-shaped, and its central angle is 90 degrees. Furthermore, the outer edge 32a of the connecting rib 32 is an arc-shaped line segment connecting the middle part of the first bottom rib 311 and the middle part of the second bottom rib 312. It is also preferable that the outer edge 32a of the connecting rib 32 is spaced radially inward from the lower end of the main body side rib 22 (towards the intersection 31a of the cross rib 31). Therefore, it is preferable that a horizontal bottom reference surface portion 30 is interposed radially between the connecting rib 32 and the lower end of the main body side rib 22. By making the outer edge 32a of the connecting rib 32 arc-shaped, that is, by making the connecting rib 32 sector-shaped, it is possible to easily secure the size of the connecting rib 32 while securing the bottom reference surface portion 30, compared to, for example, the case where the outer edge 32a of the connecting rib 32 is straight, that is, the connecting rib 32 is triangular.

[0032] The connecting rib 32 has a top surface portion 33 and a slanted surface portion 34. The top surface portion 33 is the uppermost part of the connecting rib 32. The top surface portion 33 is located near the intersection point 31a of the cross rib 31 and is fan-shaped in plan view. The top surface portion 33 is a substantially horizontal flat surface. The radius of the top surface portion 33 is preferably 1 / 2 or more of the overall radius of the connecting rib 32. Furthermore, the radius of the top surface portion 33 is preferably 1.5 mm or more.

[0033] The inclined portion 34 is provided on the radially outer side of the top surface portion 33. The inclined portion 34 is formed from the outer edge of the top surface portion 33 to the bottom reference surface portion 30, and gradually descends from the outer edge of the top surface portion 33 to the bottom reference surface portion 30. The inclined portion 34 extends radially outward from the top surface portion 33, along the outer edge of the top surface portion 33, and extends in a band shape with a constant width along the circumferential direction. The width (radial dimension) of the inclined portion 34 is preferably 1 / 2 or less of the overall radius of the connecting rib 32. The width of the inclined portion 34 is set to, for example, 1 mm. The width of the inclined portion 34 is preferably smaller than the radius of the top surface portion 33. The cross-sectional shape of the sloping portion 34 when cut radially can vary, but it is preferable that the sloping portion 34 is either a curved surface that curves upward along the radial direction, or an inclined surface that slopes with an inclination angle θ (gradient) of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less relative to the bottom reference surface portion 30, as shown in Figure 5(b). If the sloping portion 34 is an upward curved surface, when inspecting eggs by photographing them from below with a camera while the eggs are contained, the sloping portion 34 is less likely to obstruct the photograph. Similarly, if the sloping portion 34 is an inclined surface, setting its inclination angle θ to 60 degrees or less will make the sloping portion 34 less likely to obstruct the photograph. If the inclination angle θ of the sloping portion 34 exceeds 60 degrees, the sloping portion 34 is more likely to appear as a shadow during photography, making accurate inspection difficult. In addition, by setting the inclination angle θ of the sloping portion 34 to 30 degrees or more, it is possible to prevent the width of the sloping portion 34 from becoming excessively wide. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sloping portion 34 from coming too close to the lower end of the main body side rib 22, and the size of the top surface portion 33 can also be easily ensured.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the amount T2 of the connecting rib 32 protruding from the bottom reference surface 30 is the height of the top surface 33 relative to the bottom reference surface 30. The amount T2 of the connecting rib 32 protruding is less than or equal to the amount T1 of the cross rib 31 protruding. That is, the amount T2 of the connecting rib 32 is set so that the top surface 33 of the connecting rib 32 protrudes above the cross rib 31. Furthermore, it is preferable that the amount T2 of the connecting rib 32 protruding is more than half of the amount T1 of the cross rib 31 protruding.

[0035] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, connecting ribs 32 are provided on the bottom surface 20 of all main body housing sections 10. In the first container 1, the connecting ribs 32 are provided on the first bottom surface region 41 of the bottom surface 20 of each main body housing section 10.

[0036] Figure 6 shows the container body 5 of the second container 2. In the second container 2, all connecting ribs 32 are provided in the third bottom region 43. Figure 7 shows the third container 3. In the third container 3, all connecting ribs 32 are provided in the second bottom region 42. Figure 8 shows the fourth container 4. In the fourth container 4, all connecting ribs 32 are provided in the fourth bottom region 44. Thus, the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs 32 differ from container 1 to container 4, and in particular, the bottom regions on which the connecting ribs 32 are provided differ from container 4 to container 1.

[0037] When stacking multiple open containers, these four types of containers, from the first container 1 to the fourth container 4, are stacked in order. Therefore, the second container 2 is stacked on top of the first container 1, the third container 3 is stacked on top of the second container 2, the fourth container 4 is stacked on top of the third container 3, and then the first container 1 is stacked again on top of the fourth container 4, and so on, being stacked sequentially. The case where the second container 2 is stacked on top of the first container 1 will be explained. Figures 9 and 10 show enlarged views of the state where the second container 2 is stacked on top of the first container 1. In Figure 9, the second container 2 is shown with a solid line, and the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1 is shown with a dashed line. The first bottom region 41 of the first container 1 is provided with a connecting rib 32, while the first bottom region 41 of the second container 2 is not provided with a connecting rib 32. In other words, the first bottom region 41 of the first container 1 is a ribbed bottom region, while the first bottom region 41 of the second container 2 is a ribbed bottom region.

[0038] When the second container 2 is placed on top of the first container 1, as shown in Figure 10, the first bottom region 41 of the second container 2, which is the ribbed bottom region, faces the first bottom region 41 of the first container 1, and the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the first bottom region 41 of the second container 2 faces the connecting ribs 32 of the first bottom region 41 of the first container 1, with a gap in between.

[0039] The vertical distance between the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1 and the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the second container 2 is narrower than the vertical distance between the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the first container 1 and the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the second container 2 by the amount of protrusion of the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1. If a downward force acts on the second container 2 or an upward force acts on the first container 1 in this state, as shown in Figure 11, the bottom portions 20 of the first container 1 and the bottom portions 20 of the second container 2 will move closer to each other, and the vertical distance between them will decrease. For example, in a stacked state where many containers are piled up, the weight of the many containers on top will narrow the distance between the containers. Also, when transporting a large number of stacked containers packed in cardboard or other packaging material, vibrations will occur in the stacking direction, which will narrow the distance between the containers.

[0040] In such a case, the vertical distance between the bottom surface 20 of the first container 1 and the bottom surface 20 of the second container 2 decreases, and at that time, the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1 comes into contact with the bottom reference surface 30 of the second container 2. That is, the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1 comes into contact with the bottom reference surface 30 of the second container 2 before the bottom reference surface 30 of the first container 1 comes into contact with the bottom reference surface 30 of the second container 2. Then, by the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1 coming into contact with the bottom reference surface 30 of the second container 2, the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1 supports the bottom reference surface 30 of the second container 2 from below. In this way, when an upward or downward force is applied to the container, the connecting rib 32 of the first container 1 contacts and supports the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the second container 2, thereby suppressing deformation of the bottom portions 20 of the first container 1 and the second container 2, and preventing the bottom portions 20 from collapsing.

[0041] The same applies when a third container 3 or a fourth container 4 is stacked on top of the first container 1; the connecting ribs 32 of the first container 1 abut against and support the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the third container 3 or the fourth container 4. Conversely, when a first container 1 is stacked on top of a second container 2, the connecting ribs 32 of the second container 2 abut against and support the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the first container 1. The same applies when a third container 3 or a fourth container 4 is stacked on top of the second container 2; the connecting ribs 32 of the second container 2 abut against and support the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the third container 3 or the fourth container 4. The same applies to the connecting ribs 32 of the third container 3 and the connecting ribs 32 of the fourth container 4, which support the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the upper container.

[0042] Thus, since the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs 32 differ for each of the first to fourth containers 1, when the first to fourth containers 4 are stacked in sequence, the connecting ribs 32 of each container function to support the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the container located above it. Therefore, crushing of the bottom portion 20, which is prone to occur in the stacked state, can be effectively prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, the bottom portion 20 is provided with a cross rib 31, and the cross rib 31 is connected to the cross rib 31 in the circumferential direction by a connecting rib 32. In other words, the connecting rib 32 reinforces the cross rib 31, and the cross rib 31 reinforces the connecting rib 32. Therefore, the bottom portion 20 is effectively reinforced by the cross rib 31 and the connecting rib 32. Moreover, when the connecting rib 32 supports the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the upper container, it can firmly support the bottom reference surface portion 30 in cooperation with the cross rib 31.

[0044] In this embodiment, connecting ribs 32 were provided in the same bottom area of ​​all 10 main body storage sections 10 in a single container. However, in a single container, the bottom areas on which the connecting ribs 32 are provided do not all have to be the same among the four bottom areas, and the ribbed bottom areas may differ for each main body storage section 10. An example is shown in Figures 12 to 15.

[0045] As shown in Figure 12, in the first container 1, connecting ribs 32 are provided in order from one end to the other of the row furthest from the hinge portion 7: first bottom region 41, third bottom region 43, first bottom region 41, third bottom region 43, and first bottom region 41. Connecting ribs 32 are also provided in order from one end to the other of the row closest to the hinge portion 7: fourth bottom region 44, second bottom region 42, fourth bottom region 44, second bottom region 42, and fourth bottom region 44.

[0046] As shown in Figure 13, in the second container 2, connecting ribs 32 are provided in order from one end to the other of the row furthest from the hinge portion 7, in the fourth bottom region 44, the second bottom region 42, the fourth bottom region 44, the second bottom region 42, and the fourth bottom region 44, and in order from one end to the other of the row closest to the hinge portion 7, connecting ribs 32 are provided in the third bottom region 43, the first bottom region 41, the third bottom region 43, the first bottom region 41, and the third bottom region 43.

[0047] As shown in Figure 14, in the third container 3, connecting ribs 32 are provided in order from one end to the other of the row furthest from the hinge portion 7: the third bottom region 43, the first bottom region 41, the third bottom region 43, the first bottom region 41, and the third bottom region 43. Connecting ribs 32 are also provided in order from one end to the other of the row closest to the hinge portion 7: the second bottom region 42, the fourth bottom region 44, the second bottom region 42, the fourth bottom region 44, and the second bottom region 42.

[0048] As shown in Figure 15, in the fourth container 4, connecting ribs 32 are provided in the second bottom region 42, the fourth bottom region 44, the second bottom region 42, the fourth bottom region 44, and the second bottom region 42 in order from one end to the other of the row furthest from the hinge portion 7, and connecting ribs 32 are provided in the first bottom region 41, the third bottom region 43, the first bottom region 41, the third bottom region 43, and the first bottom region 41 in order from one end to the other of the row closest to the hinge portion 7.

[0049] As shown in the embodiments from Figures 12 to 15, in the four adjacent main body housing sections 10, the connecting ribs 32 are provided in different bottom regions from the first bottom region 41 to the fourth bottom region 44. If the main body housing section 10 with the connecting ribs 32 in the first bottom region 41 is designated as the first main body housing section 10, the main body housing section 10 with the connecting ribs 32 in the second bottom region 42 is designated as the second main body housing section 10, the main body housing section 10 with the connecting ribs 32 in the third bottom region 43 is designated as the third main body housing section 10, and the main body housing section 10 with the connecting ribs 32 in the fourth bottom region 44 is designated as the fourth main body housing section 10, then all of the first to fourth main body housing sections 10 are present in a single container. However, it is not necessary for all of the first to fourth main body housing sections 10 to be present in a single container.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connecting rib 32 was provided in only one of the four bottom regions, but the connecting rib 32 may be provided in only two of the four bottom regions. In that case, the four bottom regions are divided into two ribbed bottom regions where the connecting rib 32 is provided and two ribless bottom regions where the connecting rib 32 is not provided.

[0051] An example is shown in Figures 16 and 17. In this example, there are two types of containers: a first container 1 and a second container 2. As shown in Figure 16, in the first container 1, connecting ribs 32 are provided in the first bottom region 41 and the third bottom region 43, while connecting ribs 32 are not provided in the second bottom region 42 and the fourth bottom region 44. In other words, the first bottom region 41 and the third bottom region 43 are ribbed bottom regions, and the second bottom region 42 and the fourth bottom region 44 are ribless bottom regions. Also, as shown in Figure 17, in the second container 2, connecting ribs 32 are provided in the second bottom region 42 and the fourth bottom region 44, while connecting ribs 32 are not provided in the first bottom region 41 and the third bottom region 43. In other words, the second bottom region 42 and the fourth bottom region 44 are ribbed bottom regions, while the first bottom region 41 and the third bottom region 43 are ribless bottom regions.

[0052] When the second container 2 is placed on top of the first container 1, the first bottom region 41 and the third bottom region 43 of the second container 2 face each other, with the first bottom region 41 and the third bottom region 43 of the first container 1 being the ribbed bottom region. When a force in the stacking direction (accumulation direction) is applied to the first container 1 and the second container 2, the connecting ribs 32 of the first bottom region 41 and the connecting ribs 32 of the third bottom region 43 of the first container 1 support the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the first bottom region 41 and the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the third bottom region 43 of the second container 2, respectively.

[0053] Furthermore, when the first container 1 is placed on top of the second container 2, the second bottom region 42 and the fourth bottom region 44 of the first container 1, which are rib-covered bottom regions, face each other. When a force acting in the stacking direction is applied to the second container 2 and the first container 1, the connecting ribs 32 of the second bottom region 42 and the connecting ribs 32 of the fourth bottom region 44 of the second container 2 support the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the second bottom region 42 and the bottom reference surface portion 30 of the fourth bottom region 44 of the first container 1, respectively.

[0054] Furthermore, even when connecting ribs 32 are provided in only two of the four bottom regions, in addition to making the two bottom regions on which the connecting ribs 32 are provided the same in all main body storage sections 10 of a single container, the two bottom regions on which the connecting ribs 32 are provided may be different for each main body storage section 10 of a single container.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the connecting ribs 32 in the first container 1 and the arrangement pattern of the connecting ribs 32 in the second container 2 were different in all of the main body housing sections 10, but they do not have to be different in all of the main body housing sections 10. For example, the arrangement pattern may be the same in one or more of the 10 main body housing sections 10 between the first container 1 and the second container 2, and it is preferable that the arrangement pattern is different in at least half of the 10 main body housing sections 10. However, it is even better if the arrangement pattern is different in all of the main body housing sections 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1 1st container 2 Second container 3 Third container 4 4th container 5. Container body 6. Lid 7. Hinge section 10 Main body storage section 11. Medial septum 12 Transverse bulkhead 13 Main column section 14 Side of the main unit 15 Main body flange section 16 Cover flange section 17 Lid storage section 20 Bottom part 21 Side section of the main unit housing (side section of the main unit housing) 22 Ribs on the side of the main body 30 Bottom reference surface section 31 Cross Ribs 31a intersection 311 First bottom rib 312 Second bottom rib 313 Third bottom rib 314 Fourth bottom rib 32 connecting ribs 32a Outer edge 33 Top part 34 Sloping section 41 1st bottom area 42 2nd bottom area 43 3rd bottom area 44 4th bottom area 100 eggs

Claims

1. An egg packaging container comprising a container body and lid made of a synthetic resin sheet, The container body has a main compartment for holding the lower part of the egg, The bottom surface of the main housing section has a bottom reference surface, a cross rib that protrudes upward from the bottom reference surface and is formed in a cross shape in plan view, dividing the bottom reference surface into four bottom regions, and connecting ribs provided in the bottom regions that protrude upward from the bottom reference surface and connect adjacent ribs of the cross rib. The vessel comprises a first container and a second container, the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs in a plan view being different from each other. When the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the lid open, the bottom reference surface of the second container faces the connecting ribs of the first container. The connecting ribs are provided in only one of the four bottom regions, and the four bottom regions are divided into one ribbed bottom region with connecting ribs and three ribless bottom regions without connecting ribs. The first and second containers have different arrangement patterns in plan view of their ribbed and non-ribbed bottom regions. An egg packaging container in which, when the lid is open, the ribbed bottom area of ​​the second container faces the ribbed bottom area of ​​the first container when the second container is stacked on top of the first container.

2. An egg packaging container comprising a container body and a lid made of a synthetic resin sheet, The container body has a main compartment for holding the lower part of the egg, The bottom surface of the main housing section has a bottom reference surface, a cross rib that protrudes upward from the bottom reference surface and is formed in a cross shape in plan view, dividing the bottom reference surface into four bottom regions, and connecting ribs provided in the bottom regions that protrude upward from the bottom reference surface and connect adjacent ribs of the cross rib. The vessel comprises a first container and a second container, the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs in a plan view being different from each other. When the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the lid open, the bottom reference surface of the second container faces the connecting ribs of the first container. The connecting ribs are provided in only two of the four bottom regions, and the four bottom regions are divided into two ribbed bottom regions with connecting ribs and two ribless bottom regions without connecting ribs. The first and second containers have different arrangement patterns in plan view of their ribbed and non-ribbed bottom regions. An egg packaging container in which, when the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the lid open, the ribless bottom regions of the second container face each other on each ribed bottom region of the first container.

3. An egg packaging container comprising a container body and a lid made of a synthetic resin sheet, The container body has a main compartment for holding the lower part of the egg, The bottom surface of the main housing section has a bottom reference surface, a cross rib that protrudes upward from the bottom reference surface and is formed in a cross shape in plan view, dividing the bottom reference surface into four bottom regions, and connecting ribs provided in the bottom regions that protrude upward from the bottom reference surface and connect adjacent ribs of the cross rib. The vessel comprises a first container and a second container, the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs in a plan view being different from each other. When the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the lid open, the bottom reference surface of the second container faces the connecting ribs of the first container. On the side of the main body housing section, a main body side rib is provided that extends inward along the vertical direction, and the lower end of the main body side rib reaches the outer edge of the bottom surface area where the connecting rib is provided. The connecting ribs form a central area within the bottom surface region that is close to the intersection of the cross ribs and whose outer edge is defined by the line segment connecting the midpoints of adjacent ribs in the longitudinal direction, in an egg packaging container.

4. The egg packaging container according to claim 3, wherein the connecting ribs are fan-shaped in plan view.

5. The egg packaging container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connecting rib has a top surface portion consisting of a flat surface provided on the intersection side of the cross rib, and an inclined portion that descends from the outer edge of the top surface portion to the bottom reference surface portion, and the inclined portion is a curved surface that curves upward from the top surface portion side to the bottom reference surface portion side, or an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle of inclination of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the bottom reference surface portion.

6. An egg packaging container comprising a container body and a lid made of a synthetic resin sheet, The container body has a main compartment for holding the lower part of the egg, The bottom surface of the main housing section has a bottom reference surface, a cross rib that protrudes upward from the bottom reference surface and is formed in a cross shape in plan view, dividing the bottom reference surface into four bottom regions, and connecting ribs provided in the bottom regions that protrude upward from the bottom reference surface and connect adjacent ribs of the cross rib. The vessel comprises a first container and a second container, the arrangement patterns of the connecting ribs in a plan view being different from each other. When the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the lid open, the bottom reference surface of the second container faces the connecting ribs of the first container. An egg packaging container in which the protrusion amount of the connecting ribs is at least half the protrusion amount of the cross ribs and less than or equal to the protrusion amount of the cross ribs.

Images