Container and engagement member

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a first inner container including a first mouth part; a first outer container including a second mouth part, and accommodating the first inner container such that the first mouth part protrudes from the second mouth part; and a first engagement member that allows the first inner container accommodated in the first outer container to engage with the first outer container. The first engagement member secures the first inner container accommodated in the first outer container at a predetermined position relative to the first outer container by allowing the first inner container, in a state in which the same has not been engaged with the first outer container, to slide in a first direction, which is the direction going toward the first mouth part.

Description

Container and engaging member

[0001] The present invention relates to a container and an engaging member.

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of environmental issues, a double container configured such that an inner container can be replaced with respect to an outer container has been used. As such a double container, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, an inner container is housed in an outer container with its mouth portion protruding from the mouth portion of the outer container, and a shoulder part is removed from the outer container, and the inner container is configured to be replaceable.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-308331

[0004] In what is described in Patent Document 1, after housing the inner container in the outer container, the inner container is assembled to the outer container by engaging a shoulder part with the outer container. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the inner container is firmly fixed to the outer container, and there is a risk that the inner container rotates within the outer container or the inner container moves up and down within the outer container and makes a rattling sound.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a container and an engaging member that can firmly fix an inner container housed in an outer container with a simple operation.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the container of the present invention includes: a first inner container having a first mouth portion; a first outer container having a second mouth portion and housing the first inner container in a form in which the first mouth portion protrudes from the second mouth portion; and a first engaging member that engages the first inner container housed in the first outer container with the first outer container. The first engaging member slides the first inner container housed in the first outer container in a first direction toward the side of the first mouth portion from a state in which it is not engaged with the first outer container and fixes it at a predetermined relative position with respect to the first outer container.

[0007] In the container configured as described above, when the first inner container is engaged with the first outer container by the first engaging member, the first inner container, which is housed in the first outer container, slides a predetermined amount toward the first opening from its unengaged state toward the first outer container. The first inner container is then fixed in a predetermined relative position relative to the first outer container. Thus, simply by engaging the first inner container with the first outer container by the first engaging member, the first inner container is housed in the first outer container and fixed in a predetermined relative position.

[0008] Alternatively, the first engaging member may be configured to hold the first opening while sliding the first inner container in the first direction.

[0009] In this configuration, even if parts of the first inner container other than the opening are soft, it does not become difficult to slide the first inner container.

[0010] Furthermore, the container of the present invention specifically comprises: the first inner container having at least one first projection projecting outward from the outer circumference of the first opening; the first outer container having a first rotational engagement portion on the outer or inner circumference of the second opening, and a first rotational locking portion on the outer or inner circumference of the second opening; the first engaging member being fitted into the second opening and preventing rotation relative to the first outer container by engaging with the first rotational locking portion, and preventing rotation relative to the first inner container by engaging with the first projection; and a shoulder cover covering the first rotational locking ring and rotationally engaging with the second opening by the first rotational engagement portion. The configuration may also include an annular spiral portion having a first lifting projection, which is provided between the first rotation-stopping ring and the shoulder cover so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the shoulder cover, and which, as the shoulder cover rotates and engages with the first outer container, enters into the opposite side of the first protrusion from the first opening, thereby sliding the first inner container in the first direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the first rotation-stopping ring may have a guide structure that guides the engagement of the first rotation-stopping ring with the first rotation-locking portion when the first rotation-stopping ring is fitted into the second opening.

[0012] In this configuration, when the first rotation-stopping ring is fitted into the second opening, the first rotation-stopping ring is more likely to engage with the first rotation-locking part.

[0013] Alternatively, the first protrusions may be provided in multiples at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first opening, and the first lifting protrusions may be provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the spiral portion in a number that is a multiple of the number of first protrusions.

[0014] In this configuration, the first inner container can be slid with a small rotation angle.

[0015] Furthermore, the first inner container may have a screw engagement portion on the outer circumference of the first opening, in the region on the opening side of the first opening relative to the first protrusion, which engages with a lid that closes the first opening.

[0016] In this configuration, the first opening can be closed with a lid.

[0017] Furthermore, the container of the present invention specifically comprises: a second inner container having a third opening; a second outer container having a fourth opening, which houses the second inner container in a manner in which the third opening protrudes from the fourth opening; and a second engaging member which engages the second inner container housed in the second outer container with the second outer container, wherein the second inner container has at least one second projection projecting outward from the outer circumference of the third opening; the second outer container has a second rotational engaging portion on the outer circumference of the fourth opening and a second rotational locking portion on the inner circumference of the fourth opening; and the second engaging member comprises: a shoulder ring which is rotationally engaged with the fourth opening by the second rotational engaging portion; and a second rotation-stopping ring which is rotatably attached to the shoulder ring and, by engaging with the second rotational locking portion, becomes unable to rotate relative to the second outer container, and by engaging with the second projection, becomes unable to rotate relative to the second inner container. The shoulder ring may be configured to include a second lifting projection that, as it rotates into the second outer container, enters into the second projection on the opposite side of the third opening, thereby fixing the second inner container so that it cannot move in the direction opposite to the third opening.

[0018] Furthermore, the engaging member of the present invention is an engaging member for engaging a first inner container having a first opening with a first outer container having a second opening, in a state where the first inner container is housed in the first outer container having a second opening with the first opening protruding from the second opening, wherein the engaging member slides the first inner container housed in the first outer container from a state where it is not engaged with the first outer container in a first direction toward the side of the first opening and fixes it at a predetermined relative position with respect to the first outer container.

[0019] Furthermore, the engaging member of the present invention may specifically have the following configuration: a first rotation-retaining ring that is fitted into the second opening and prevents rotation relative to the first outer container by engaging with a first rotation-locking portion provided in the second opening, and prevents rotation relative to the first inner container by engaging with at least one first projection projecting outward from the outer circumference of the first opening; a shoulder cover that covers the first rotation-retaining ring and is rotationally engaged with the second opening; and an annular spiral portion provided between the first rotation-retaining ring and the shoulder cover so as to be rotatably opposed to the shoulder cover, and which has a first lifting projection that enters the opposite side of the first projection from the first opening as the shoulder cover is rotationally engaged with the first outer container, thereby sliding the first inner container in the first direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the engaging member of the present invention is an engaging member for engaging a second inner container having a third opening with a second outer container having a fourth opening, in which the second inner container is housed in a state in which the third opening protrudes from the fourth opening, and comprises: a shoulder ring that is rotatably engaged with the fourth opening by a second rotatable engaging portion provided on the fourth opening; and a second rotation-stopping ring that is rotatably attached to the shoulder ring and prevents rotation with respect to the second outer container by engaging with a second rotatable locking portion provided on the fourth opening, and also prevents rotation with respect to the second inner container by engaging with at least one second projection that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the third opening, wherein the shoulder ring may be configured to include a second lifting projection that, as it is rotatably engaged with the second outer container, enters into the second projection on the side opposite to the third opening, thereby fixing the second inner container so that it cannot move in the direction opposite to the third opening.

[0021] According to the present invention, the inner container housed in the outer container can be securely fixed to the outer container with simple operation.

[0022] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing a first embodiment of the container of the present invention. Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing the container with the lid removed. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the container body shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an exploded external perspective view of the shoulder part shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the anti-rotation ring shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the helical ring shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the shoulder cover shown in Figure 4 viewed from diagonally above. Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the shoulder cover shown in Figure 4 viewed from diagonally below. Figure 6 is an external perspective view showing the engagement state between the helical ring shown in Figure 6 and the shoulder covers shown in Figures 7A and 7B viewed from diagonally below. Figure 5 is an external perspective view showing the engagement state between the anti-rotation ring shown in Figure 5 and the helical ring shown in Figure 6 viewed from diagonally above. Figure 4 is an external perspective view showing the state of engaging the shoulder part with the container body. Figure 5 is an external perspective view showing the state of engaging the shoulder part with the mouth of the outer container. Figure 6 is an external perspective view showing the state of engaging the shoulder part with the mouth of the inner container. Figure 7 is an external perspective view showing the state of engaging the shoulder part with the mouth of the inner container. Figure 8 is an external perspective view showing the state of engaging the shoulder part with the mouth of the inner container. Figure 9 is an external perspective view showing the state of engaging the shoulder part with the mouth of the outer container. Figure 10 is an external perspective view showing the state of engaging the shoulder part with the mouth of the inner container. This figure shows the state in which the shoulder part is engaged with the mouth of the inner container. is for explaining the action of the shoulder part in this embodiment. This figure is for explaining the action of the shoulder part in this embodiment. This is an external perspective view showing a second embodiment of the container of the present invention. This is an external perspective view showing the state in which the lid has been removed from the container shown in Figure 20. This figure shows the configuration of the container body shown in Figure 20. This figure shows a detailed view of the configuration near the mouth of the inner container shown in Figure 21. This figure shows a detailed view of the configuration near the mouth of the outer container shown in Figure 21. This is an exploded perspective view of the shoulder part shown in Figure 20. This is an external perspective view of the anti-rotation ring shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally above. This is an external perspective view of the anti-rotation ring shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally below. This is an external perspective view of the shoulder ring shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally above. This is an external perspective view of the shoulder ring shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally below. This is a view from below showing the engagement state between the anti-rotation ring shown in Figures 26A and 26B and the shoulder ring shown in Figures 27A and 27B.Figures 26A and 26B show the rotation-retaining ring and Figures 27A and 27B show the shoulder ring, and this is an external perspective view taken from diagonally below. This is an external perspective view showing the state in which the shoulder part is engaged with the container body. This is a diagram showing the state in which the shoulder part is engaged with the mouth of the outer container. This is a diagram showing the state in which the shoulder part is engaged with the mouth of the outer container. This is a diagram showing the state in which the shoulder part is engaged with the mouth of the outer container. This is a diagram showing the state in which the shoulder part is engaged with the mouth of the outer container. This is a diagram showing the state in which the shoulder part is engaged with the mouth of the outer container. This is a diagram showing the state in which the shoulder part is fully engaged with the mouth of the outer container. This is a diagram showing the state in which the shoulder part is fully engaged with the mouth of the outer container.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] (First Embodiment) <Overall Configuration> Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the first embodiment of the container of the present invention. Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing the container 1 shown in Figure 1 with the lid 3 removed.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment is a container 1 having a container body 2, a lid 3 which is an example of a lid, and a shoulder part 4. As shown in Figure 2, the container body 2 has an inner container 10 and an outer container 20.

[0026] In this configuration, the container 1 has an inner container 10 housed in an outer container 20, and the shoulder parts 4 are attached to and engage with the outer container 20, thereby engaging and fixing the inner container 10 to the outer container 20.

[0027] In the following description, the opening side of the mouth 12 (see Figure 3) of the inner container 10 is considered upward, and the bottom 10a (see Figure 3) of the inner container 10 and the bottom 20a (see Figure 3) of the outer container 20 are considered downward. Similarly, with respect to the shoulder part 4, when the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the container body 2, the opening side of the mouth 12 (see Figure 3) is considered upward, and the bottom 10a (see Figure 3) of the inner container 10 and the bottom 20a (see Figure 3) of the outer container 20 are considered downward.

[0028] <Configuration of Container Body 2> Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the container body 2 shown in Figure 1, and shows the state with the shoulder parts 4 removed from the one shown in Figure 2.

[0029] The inner container 10 that constitutes the container body 2 is an example of the first inner container in the present invention. The inner container 10 is made of a resin such as polypropylene and has an inner container body 11 and an opening 12.

[0030] The inner container body 11 is cylindrical in shape, with one end closed to form the bottom 10a of the inner container 10, and the opening 12 is continuous with the end opposite the bottom 10a via a shoulder portion 11a.

[0031] The opening 12 is an example of the first opening in the present invention and has a rigid structure, such as being thicker than the inner container body 11. The opening 12 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the inner container body 11, with one end of the cylinder connected to the inner container body 11 via the shoulder portion 11a, and the other end of the cylinder being open, from which the contents of the container 1, such as cosmetics, are discharged.

[0032] The mouth portion 12 has an annular projection 14 that protrudes outward on the outer circumference of the region adjacent to the shoulder portion 11a. The annular projection 14 is also provided with a bottle rib 15 that protrudes outward from the annular projection 14.

[0033] The bottle rib 15 is an example of the first protruding portion in the present invention. Multiple bottle ribs 15 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular projection 14. In this example, two bottle ribs 15 are provided, so they are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular projection 14. The shape of the bottle rib 15 may be, for example, a triangle with rounded vertices. Note that it is sufficient to provide at least one bottle rib 15 on the annular projection 14.

[0034] Furthermore, the opening portion 12 is provided with screw threads 13 on the outer circumference of the opening side of the opening portion 12 relative to the annular projection 14. The screw threads 13 are an example of a screw engagement portion in the present invention and engage with the lid 3 by screw. For this reason, a screw groove (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lid 3 that engages with the screw threads 13 by screw. The opening portion 12 is closed when the lid 3 is screw-engaged to the opening portion 12 by these screw threads 13.

[0035] The outer container 20 that constitutes the container body 2 is an example of the first outer container in the present invention. The outer container 20 is made of, for example, glass, metal, or resin, and has an outer container body 21 and a mouth portion 22.

[0036] The outer container body 21 is cylindrical in shape, with one end closed to form the bottom 20a of the outer container 20, and the mouth 22 is continuous with the end opposite the bottom 20a via a shoulder portion 21a.

[0037] The mouth portion 22 is an example of a second mouth portion in the present invention. The mouth portion 22 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the outer container body 21. One end of the cylindrical portion is continuous with the outer container body 21 via the shoulder portion 21a, and the other end of the cylindrical portion is open, through which the inner container 10 is placed in the outer container 20 or removed from the outer container 20. The mouth portion 22 has a circumferential rib 24 that protrudes outward on the outer circumference of the region adjacent to the shoulder portion 21a.

[0038] The circumferential rib 24 is provided around the entire circumference of the outer surface of the opening 22, but a rib-deficient portion 26 is provided where the circumferential rib 24 is not formed. The region between the circumferential rib 24 and the shoulder portion 21a, adjacent to the rib-deficient portion 26, becomes a rotational engagement portion 25, allowing the rotational engagement rib 45 (see Figure 7B) of the shoulder cover 40, which will be described later, to fit into it.

[0039] The rotational engagement portion 25 is an example of the first rotational engagement portion in the present invention. The rotational engagement portion 25 is provided with a convex portion 27 that curves outward from the outer circumference of the mouth portion 22, and a locking rib 28 that extends from the circumferential rib 24 to the shoulder portion 21a on the opposite side of the convex portion 27 from the rib missing portion 26.

[0040] Multiple rotational engagement portions 25 and rib-removed portions 26 configured in this way are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the opening portion 22. In this example, since two rotational engagement portions 25 and rib-removed portions 26 are provided, the rotational engagement portions 25 and rib-removed portions 26 are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the opening portion 22.

[0041] Further, on the mouth part 22, a rotation locking rib 23 is provided on the outer periphery on the opening side of the mouth part 22 with respect to the circumferential rib 24. The rotation locking rib 23 is an example of the first rotation locking part in the present invention, and extends across the circumferential rib 24 and the opened end part of the mouth part 22. A plurality of rotation locking ribs 23 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the mouth part 22. In this example, since two rotation locking ribs 23 are provided, the rotation locking ribs 23 are provided at an interval of 180° in the circumferential direction of the mouth part 22. At this time, the rotation engaging part 25 and the rib missing part 26 may be provided at an interval of 90° from the rotation locking rib 23.

[0042] <Configuration of the shoulder part 4> FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shoulder part 4 shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the shoulder part 4 shown in FIG. 1 has a rotation stopping ring 30, a spiral ring 50, and a shoulder cover 40. The shoulder part 4 is an example of the first engaging member of the present invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, each of the rotation stopping ring 30, the spiral ring 50, and the shoulder cover 40 will be described in detail.

[0045] <Rotation stopping ring 30> FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the rotation stopping ring 30 shown in FIG. 4.

[0046] The rotation stopping ring 30 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of the first rotation stopping ring in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation stopping ring 30 has an annular plate part 31, a cylindrical part 32, a holding plate 34, and an introduction plate 33.

[0047] The annular plate part 31 is annularly configured with an opening having a size through which the annular protrusion 14 of the inner container 10 can be inserted. The cylindrical part 32 is cylindrical and rises upward from the inner peripheral part of the annular plate part 31.

[0048] The holding plate 34 is configured to rise upward from a portion protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32, and a plurality of holding plates 34 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 32. In this example, since ten holding plates 34 are provided, the holding plates 34 are provided at intervals of 36° in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 32. Thus, a plurality of holding plates 34 configured to rise upward from a portion protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 32, so that a region where the holding plates 34 are not provided forms an engaging groove 35 recessed outward from the holding plates 34.

[0049] The introduction plate 33 is an example of a guide structure in the present invention. The introduction plate 33 is configured to extend downward from a portion along the outer periphery of the annular plate portion 31, and a plurality of introduction plates 33 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 31. In this example, since ten introduction plates 33 are provided, the introduction plates 33 are provided at intervals of 36° in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 31. Note that the positions of the holding plates 34 and the introduction plates 33 may be aligned. The plurality of introduction plates 33 are provided at intervals from each other, and thereby, rotation locking grooves 36 are formed between each of the plurality of introduction plates 33. The introduction plate 33 may have, for example, a pentagonal shape in which one vertex faces downward, the bottom side opposite thereto is attached to the annular plate portion 31, and two sides adjacent to the bottom side extend downward in parallel.

[0050] <Spiral Ring 50> FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the spiral ring 50 shown in FIG. 4.

[0051] The spiral ring 50 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a spiral portion in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the spiral ring 50 has a cylindrical portion 51 and a lifting convex portion 53.

[0052] A plurality of rotation locking grooves 52 are formed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 51. The rotation locking grooves 52 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51. In this example, since ten rotation locking grooves 52 are provided, the rotation locking grooves 52 are provided at intervals of 36° in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51.

[0053] The lifting projection 53 is an example of the first lifting projection in the present invention. Multiple lifting projections 53 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 51 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51. In this example, ten lifting projections 53 are provided, so they are provided at 36° intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51. Alternatively, the lifting projections 53 may be positioned between regions where the rotation locking grooves 52 are provided in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51. The lifting projection 53 is configured to protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 51 and has a holding portion 53a and an inclined portion 53b. The holding portion 53a extends in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51. The inclined portion 53b is continuous with one end of the holding portion 53a and extends downward at an angle from there.

[0054] <Shoulder Cover 40> Figure 7A is an external perspective view of the shoulder cover 40 shown in Figure 4, viewed from diagonally above. Figure 7B is an external perspective view of the shoulder cover 40 shown in Figure 4, viewed from diagonally below.

[0055] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the shoulder cover 40 in Figure 4 has cylindrical portions 41 and 43 and annular plate portions 42 and 44.

[0056] The cylindrical portion 41 has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the mouth 22 of the outer container 20 and the outer diameter of the annular plate portion 31 of the anti-rotation ring 30, and is sized to engage with the mouth 22 of the outer container 20 and the anti-rotation ring 30. The inner diameter of the annular plate portion 44 is sized to allow insertion of the opening portion of the mouth 12 of the inner container 10 above the annular projection 14. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 43 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 41, and the outer diameter of the annular plate portion 44 is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular plate portion 42. The cylindrical portion 43 is configured so that its diameter decreases towards the top. The inner diameter of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 43 is sized so that the cylindrical portion 32 of the anti-rotation ring 30 can fit inside. The inner diameter of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 43 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50, and is sized to engage with the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50.

[0057] The cylindrical portions 41, 43 and annular plate portions 42, 44 have this shape, with the outer circumference of the annular plate portion 42 continuing to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 41, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 43 continuing to the inner circumference of the annular plate portion 42, and the outer circumference of the annular plate portion 44 continuing to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 43.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7B, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 43 is provided with a rotation locking rib 47 that protrudes inward in the portion continuous with the annular plate portion 44. Multiple rotation locking ribs 47 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 43. In this example, two rotation locking ribs 47 are provided, so they are spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 43.

[0059] Furthermore, a rotational engagement rib 45 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 in a region along the end opposite to the annular plate portion 42. The rotational engagement rib 45 protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and extends in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41 for a length shorter than the width of the rib-deficient portion 26 of the outer container 20. Multiple rotational engagement ribs 45 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41. In this example, two rotational engagement ribs 45 are provided, so they are spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0060] Furthermore, a retaining rib 46 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 in a region along the end that is continuous with the annular plate portion 42. The retaining rib 46 is formed to protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 41 and extend for a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41, in a region separated from the end that is continuous with the annular plate portion 42 by the thickness of the annular plate portion 31 of the rotation-stopping ring 30. Multiple retaining ribs 46 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41. In this example, two retaining ribs 46 are provided, so the retaining ribs 46 are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41. The positions of the rotation engagement rib 45 and the retaining rib 46 may be aligned. Alternatively, the rotation locking rib 47, the rotation engagement rib 45 and the retaining rib 46 may be provided at 90° intervals.

[0061] <Engagement state between spiral ring 50 and shoulder cover 40> Figure 8 is an external perspective view from diagonally below showing the engagement state between the spiral ring 50 shown in Figure 6 and the shoulder cover 40 shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0062] The spiral ring 50 shown in Figure 6 is attached to and engages with the shoulder cover 40 shown in Figures 7A and 7B. In this case, as shown in Figure 8, the spiral ring 50 is installed inside the cylindrical portion 43 of the shoulder cover 40.

[0063] As described above, the inner diameter of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 43 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50, and is sized to engage with the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50. Therefore, the helical ring 50 can be attached to the end side of the cylindrical portion 43 of the shoulder cover 40 that is continuous with the annular plate portion 44, which is the upper end. At that time, the rotation locking rib 47 provided on the cylindrical portion 43 of the shoulder cover 40 fits into the rotation locking groove 52 of the helical ring 50, so that the helical ring 50 cannot rotate in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51 relative to the shoulder cover 40.

[0064] In this embodiment, the spiral ring 50 is configured as a separate component from the shoulder cover 40, but the spiral ring 50 may also be configured as an integral part of the shoulder cover 40.

[0065] <Engagement state between rotation-stopping ring 30 and helical ring 50> Figure 9 is an external perspective view from diagonally above showing the engagement state between the rotation-stopping ring 30 shown in Figure 5 and the helical ring 50 shown in Figure 6.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the helical ring 50 attached to the shoulder cover 40 engages with the rotation-retaining ring 30. In the engaged state, as shown in Figure 9, the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50 rests on the upper end of the cylindrical portion 32 of the rotation-retaining ring 30. At this time, the lifting projection 53 of the helical ring 50 contacts the outer surface of the retaining plate 34 of the rotation-retaining ring 30, thereby fixing the radial position of the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50 relative to the rotation-retaining ring 30.

[0067] As a result, the radial position of the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50 is fixed with respect to the rotation-stopping ring 30, but the cylindrical portion 51 is rotatable in the circumferential direction.

[0068] <Engagement state between the rotation-preventing ring 30 and the shoulder cover 40> As shown in Figure 8, the shoulder cover 40 to which the spiral ring 50 is attached is engaged with the rotation-preventing ring 30.

[0069] As described above, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 41 of the shoulder cover 40 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the annular plate portion 31 of the anti-rotation ring 30, and is sized to engage with the anti-rotation ring 30. In addition, the inner diameter of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 43 of the shoulder cover 40 is sized to allow the cylindrical portion 32 of the anti-rotation ring 30 to fit inside.

[0070] Therefore, the rotation-preventing ring 30 can be engaged with the shoulder cover 40 such that the annular plate portion 31 contacts the lower surface of the annular plate portion 42 of the shoulder cover 40, and the portion above the annular plate portion 31 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 43 of the shoulder cover 40. As described above, the cylindrical portion 43 of the shoulder cover 40 is provided with a retaining rib 46 in a region separated from the end on the side continuous with the annular plate portion 42 by the thickness of the annular plate portion 31 of the rotation-preventing ring 30. Therefore, when the rotation-preventing ring 30 is engaged with the shoulder cover 40, the annular plate portion 31 is inserted between the annular plate portion 42 of the shoulder cover 40 and the retaining rib 46, and is fixed so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 31 relative to the shoulder cover 40, but cannot move in the vertical direction.

[0071] <Engagement of the inner container 10 to the outer container 20 by the shoulder part 4> The method of engaging the inner container 10 to the outer container 20 by the shoulder part 4 configured as described above will be explained below.

[0072] Figure 10 is an external perspective view showing the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the container body 2.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, after the inner container 10 is placed inside the outer container 20, the shoulder parts 4 are engaged. When the inner container 10 is placed inside the outer container 20, the opening 12 protrudes from the opening 22 of the outer container 20. At this time, a lid may be attached to the opening 12 of the inner container 10. However, unlike the lid 3 shown in Figure 1, this lid has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annular plate portion 44 of the shoulder part 4, so that the shoulder parts 4 can be engaged with the container body 2.

[0074] Figure 11 shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 22 of the outer container 20, and illustrates the state of engagement between the shoulder part 4 and the opening 22 of the outer container 20. Note that Figure 11 is a transparent view of the shoulder cover 40.

[0075] As the shoulder part 4 is moved downward and fitted onto the outer container 20 containing the inner container 10, the rotation-retaining ring 30 is fitted into the opening 22 of the outer container 20, as shown in Figure 11. Since the rotation-retaining ring 30 is rotatable relative to the shoulder cover 40, the rotation-locking rib 23 provided on the opening 22 of the outer container 20 fits into the rotation-locking groove 36 of the rotation-retaining ring 30. Here, the rotation-retaining ring 30 is provided with a plurality of guide plates 33, and the area between the plurality of guide plates 33 is the rotation-locking groove 36. In this embodiment, the guide plate 33 has a pentagonal shape with one vertex pointing downward, the opposite base attached to the annular plate portion 31, and two sides adjacent to the base extending downward parallel. Therefore, when the rotation-stopping ring 30 is fitted into the opening 22, the rotation-stopping ring 30 rotates, and the rotation-locking rib 23 slides along the inclined edge of the introduction plate 33 and is guided into the rotation-locking groove 36, making it easier for the rotation-locking rib 23 to engage with the rotation-locking groove 36.

[0076] Figure 12 shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 12 of the inner container 10, and is a view from above of the engagement state of the rotation-preventing ring 30 with the opening 12 of the inner container 10.

[0077] On the other hand, when engaging the shoulder part 4 with the inner container 10 housed in the outer container 20, the shoulder part 4 is rotated to align the position of the bottle rib 15 of the inner container 10 with the engagement groove 35 of the rotation-stopping ring 30. Then, as shown in Figure 12, the bottle rib 15 of the inner container 10 is fitted into the engagement groove 35 of the rotation-stopping ring 30. At this point, before the rotation-stopping ring 30 is fully engaged with the inner container 10 and the outer container 20, the inner container 10 is rotatable relative to the outer container 20. Therefore, by rotating the inner container 10 or the outer container 20, the rotation-locking rib 23 can be engaged with the rotation-locking groove 36, while the bottle rib 15 is fitted into the engagement groove 35.

[0078] Figure 13A shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 12 of the inner container 10, and is a view from above of the positional relationship between the lifting projection 53 of the spiral ring 50 and the opening 12 of the inner container 10. Figure 13B shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 12 of the inner container 10, and is a view from the side of the positional relationship between the lifting projection 53 of the spiral ring 50 and the opening 12 of the inner container 10.

[0079] When the bottle rib 15 of the inner container 10 is fitted into the engagement groove 35 of the rotation-stopping ring 30, as shown in Figure 13A, the lifting projection 53 of the helical ring 50 does not come into contact with the bottle rib 15, and the bottle rib 15 is fitted into the engagement groove 35. As described above, the radial position of the cylindrical portion 51 of the helical ring 50 is fixed with respect to the rotation-stopping ring 30, but the cylindrical portion 51 is rotatable in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the bottle rib 15 of the inner container 10 is fitted into the engagement groove 35 of the rotation-stopping ring 30, the rotation-stopping ring 30 can be rotated relative to the helical ring 50 to prevent the lifting projection 53 from coming into contact with the bottle rib 15.

[0080] Furthermore, before the rotation-preventing ring 30 is fully engaged with the inner container 10 and the outer container 20, the lifting projection 53 is positioned above the bottle rib 15, as shown in Figure 13B.

[0081] Figure 14 shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 22 of the outer container 20, and illustrates the engagement state of the shoulder part 4 with the opening 22 of the outer container 20. Note that Figure 14 is a transparent view of the shoulder cover 40. Figure 15 shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 12 of the inner container 10, and is a side view of the positional relationship between the lifting projection 53 of the spiral ring 50 and the opening 12 of the inner container 10.

[0082] As the shoulder part 4 is moved further downward and fitted onto the outer container 20 containing the inner container 10, the shoulder part 4 moves in the direction of arrow A in Figure 14, as shown in Figure 14. Then, the rotation locking rib 23 provided on the mouth 22 of the outer container 20 becomes fully engaged with the rotation locking groove 36 of the rotation stopper ring 30. As a result, the rotation stopper ring 30 cannot rotate relative to the outer container 20 by engaging with the rotation locking groove 36. In addition, the rotation stopper ring 30 cannot rotate relative to the inner container 10 as the bottle rib 15 fits into the engagement groove 35 and is then sandwiched between the retaining plates 34. At this time, the rotation engagement rib 45 of the shoulder cover 40 enters below the circumferential rib 24 from the rib missing portion 26 provided on the mouth 22 of the outer container 20. Here, as described above, the shoulder cover 40 is rotatable in the circumferential direction relative to the rotation stopper ring 30. Therefore, even when the rotation locking rib 23 of the outer container 20 is engaged with the rotation locking groove 36 of the rotation locking ring 30, the shoulder cover 40 can be rotated so that the rotation engaging rib 45 enters below the circumferential rib 24 from the rib missing portion 26.

[0083] When the rotational engagement rib 45 is positioned below the circumferential rib 24 from the rib defect 26, as shown in Figure 15, the lifting projection 53 moves in the direction of arrow B in Figure 15, and the lower end of the inclined portion 53b is positioned below the bottle rib 15.

[0084] Figure 16 shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 22 of the outer container 20, and illustrates the engagement state of the shoulder part 4 with the opening 22 of the outer container 20. Note that Figure 16 is a transparent view of the shoulder cover 40.

[0085] The rotational engagement rib 45 enters below the circumferential rib 24 from the rib missing portion 26, and after the lower end of the inclined portion 53b of the lifting projection 53 is positioned below the bottle rib 15, the shoulder cover 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow C in Figure 16. Then, the rotational engagement rib 45 enters the rotational engagement portion 25. The rotational engagement rib 45 then overcomes the projection 27 provided on the rotational engagement portion 25, and its tip comes into contact with the locking rib 28, preventing the shoulder cover 40 from rotating any further in the direction of arrow C in Figure 16.

[0086] In this way, the shoulder cover 40 covers the rotation-stopping ring 30 and is rotationally engaged with the opening 22 of the outer container 20 by the rotation-engaging portion 25.

[0087] Figure 17A shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 12 of the inner container 10, and is a side view of the positional relationship between the lifting projection 53 of the spiral ring 50 and the opening 12 of the inner container 10. Figure 17B shows the state in which the shoulder part 4 is engaged with the opening 12 of the inner container 10, and is a top view of the positional relationship between the lifting projection 53 of the spiral ring 50 and the opening 12 of the inner container 10.

[0088] As described above, the spiral ring 50 is in a state where it cannot rotate in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 51 relative to the shoulder cover 40. Therefore, when the shoulder cover 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow C in Figure 16 with the lower end of the inclined portion 53b of the lifting projection 53 positioned below the bottle rib 15, the bottle rib 15 moves up the upper surface of the inclined portion 53b of the lifting projection 53, as shown in Figure 17A. Then, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the bottle rib 15 is placed on the upper surface of the holding portion 53a of the lifting projection 53. At this time, as the bottle rib 15 moves up the upper surface of the inclined portion 53b of the lifting projection 53, the lifting projection 53 moves into the opposite side of the bottle rib 15 from the mouth portion 12. As a result, the inner container 10 slides toward the mouth portion 12 side, which is an example of the first direction, relative to the outer container 20 and the shoulder part 4, while the mouth portion 12 is held by the shoulder part 4. In this embodiment, two bottle ribs 15 are provided around the annular projection 14 at 180° intervals. Additionally, ten lifting protrusions 53 are provided around the cylindrical portion 51 at 36° intervals. Thus, if multiple bottle ribs 15 are provided at equal intervals around the mouth portion 12, and the lifting protrusions 53 are provided at equal intervals around the spiral ring 50 in multiples of the number of bottle ribs 15, the inner container 10 can be slid with a small rotation angle.

[0089] Figures 18 and 19 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the shoulder part 4 in this embodiment.

[0090] In the container 1 described above, if the inner container 10 is simply placed inside the outer container 20, as shown in Figure 18, the bottom 10a of the inner container 10 will be in contact with the bottom 20a of the outer container 20. In this case, for example, the contact between the bottom 10a of the inner container 10 and the bottom 20a of the outer container 20 may cause the contents contained in the inner container 10 to leak out due to external impacts, etc. Furthermore, if the inner container 10 is made of a material that stretches over time, the contact between the bottom 10a of the inner container 10 and the bottom 20a of the outer container 20 may cause undesirable situations such as deformation of the inner container 10.

[0091] Therefore, it is conceivable that the bottom 10a of the inner container 10 would not come into contact with the bottom 20a of the outer container 20 by attaching the shoulder parts to the inner container 10 before placing the inner container 10 into the outer container 20. However, if such an operation is not performed and the shoulder parts are attached after the inner container 10 has been placed into the outer container 20, the bottom 10a of the inner container 10 would end up in contact with the bottom 20a of the outer container 20.

[0092] In this embodiment, after the inner container 10 is placed in the outer container 20, the shoulder part 4 engages the inner container 10 with the outer container 20, causing the inner container 10 to slide a predetermined amount in the direction of arrow E in Figure 19 from a state where it is not engaged with the outer container 20. The inner container 10 is then fixed in a predetermined relative position with respect to the outer container 20. At this time, the rotation-preventing ring 30 prevents rotation of the inner container 10 and the outer container 20, so the inner container 10 is fixed in a state where it cannot rotate with respect to the outer container 20. Thus, simply by engaging the inner container 10 with the outer container 20 using the shoulder part 4, the inner container 10 is placed in the outer container 20 and fixed in a predetermined relative position.

[0093] In this embodiment, the rotation locking rib 23 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth 22 of the outer container 20. However, the rotation locking rib 23 may also be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the mouth 22 of the outer container 20. In that case, when the shoulder part 4 engages with the outer container 20, the introduction plate 33 of the rotation locking ring 30 will enter the inside of the mouth 22 of the outer container 20.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotational engagement portion 25 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth portion 22 of the outer container 20. However, if the mouth portion 22 of the outer container 20 is a so-called double-core shape, where the mouth portion 22 is doubled, the rotational engagement portion 25 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the mouth portion 22 of the outer container 20.

[0095] (Second Embodiment) <Overall Configuration> Figure 20 is an external perspective view showing a second embodiment of the container of the present invention. Figure 21 is an external perspective view showing the container 101 shown in Figure 20 with the lid 103 removed.

[0096] As shown in Figure 20, this embodiment is a container 101 having a container body 102, a lid 103, and a shoulder part 104. As shown in Figure 21, the container body 102 has an inner container 110 and an outer container 120.

[0097] In the container 101 configured in this way, the inner container 110 is housed in the outer container 120, and the shoulder parts 104 are attached to and engage with the outer container 120, thereby engaging and fixing the inner container 110 to the outer container 120.

[0098] In the following explanation, the opening side of the mouth 112 (see Figure 22) of the inner container 110 is considered to be upward, and the bottom 110a (see Figure 22) of the inner container 110 and the bottom 120a (see Figure 22) of the outer container 120 are considered to be downward. Similarly, with respect to the shoulder part 104, when the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the container body 102, the opening side of the mouth 112 (see Figure 22) is considered to be upward, and the bottom 110a (see Figure 22) of the inner container 110 and the bottom 120a (see Figure 22) of the outer container 120 are considered to be downward.

[0099] <Configuration of the container body 102> Figure 22 shows the configuration of the container body 102 shown in Figure 20, and shows the state with the shoulder part 104 removed from the one shown in Figure 21. Figure 23 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration near the mouth 112 of the inner container 110 shown in Figure 21. Figure 24 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration near the mouth 122 of the outer container 120 shown in Figure 21.

[0100] The inner container 110 that constitutes the container body 102 is an example of the second inner container in the present invention. The inner container 110 is made of a resin such as polypropylene, and as shown in Figures 22 and 23, it has an inner container body 111 and an opening 112.

[0101] The inner container body 111 is cylindrical in shape, with one end closed to form the bottom 110a of the inner container 110, and the opening 112 is continuous with the end opposite the bottom 110a via a shoulder portion 111a.

[0102] The opening 112 is an example of a third opening in the present invention and has a rigid structure, such as being thicker than the inner container body 111. The opening 112 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the inner container body 111, with one end of the cylinder connected to the inner container body 111 via a shoulder portion 111a, and the other end of the cylinder being open, from which the contents of the container 101, such as cosmetics, are discharged. The shoulder portion 111a has an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the inner container body 111, and as a result has an annular hooking projection 116 that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the inner container body 111.

[0103] The mouth portion 112 has an annular projection 114 that protrudes outward on the outer circumference of the region adjacent to the shoulder portion 111a. The annular projection 114 is also provided with a bottle rib 115 that protrudes outward from the annular projection 114.

[0104] The bottle rib 115 is an example of a second protruding part in the present invention. Multiple bottle ribs 115 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular projection 114. In this example, four bottle ribs 115 are provided, so they are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular projection 114. The shape of the bottle rib 115 may be, for example, a triangle with a rounded vertex. Note that it is sufficient to provide at least one bottle rib 115 on the annular projection 114.

[0105] Furthermore, the opening portion 112 is provided with screw threads 113 on the outer circumference of the opening side of the opening portion 112 relative to the annular projection 114. The screw threads 113 engage with the lid 103. For this reason, a screw groove (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the lid 103 that engages with the screw threads 113. The opening portion 112 is closed when the lid 103 is screw-engaged to the opening portion 112 by these screw threads 113.

[0106] The outer container 120 that constitutes the container body 102 is an example of a second outer container in the present invention. The outer container 120 is made of, for example, glass, metal, or resin, and has an outer container body 121 and a mouth portion 122, as shown in Figures 22 and 24.

[0107] The outer container body 121 is cylindrical in shape, with one end closed to form the bottom 120a of the outer container 120, and the mouth 122 is continuous with the end opposite the bottom 120a via a shoulder portion 121a.

[0108] The opening 122 is an example of a fourth opening in the present invention. The opening 122 is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the outer container body 121. One end of the cylindrical opening is continuous with the outer container body 121 via a shoulder portion 121a, and the other end of the cylindrical opening is open, through which the inner container 110 is placed inside the outer container 120 or removed from the outer container 120.

[0109] A rotational engagement portion 125 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the mouth portion 122. The rotational engagement portion 125 is an example of a second rotational engagement portion in the present invention. The rotational engagement portion 125 is formed by reducing the thickness of the mouth portion 122 and has an introduction portion 125c and a retaining engagement portion 125a. The introduction portion 125c is formed from the end of the mouth portion 122 that is continuous with the shoulder portion 121a to the opposite end. The circumferential length of the introduction portion 125c of the mouth portion 122 is long enough for the engaging projection 148 of the shoulder ring 140 (see Figure 27B), which will be described later, to fit into it. The retaining engagement portion 125a extends circumferentially from the introduction portion 125c at the end of the mouth portion 122 that is continuous with the shoulder portion 121a. Near the end of the retaining engagement portion 125a opposite to the introduction portion 125c, a protrusion 125b is provided that curves outward from the outer circumference of the mouth portion 122. In addition, an introduction inclined portion 125d is provided along the end of the mouth portion 122 opposite to the shoulder portion 121a, continuous with the introduction portion 125c. The introduction inclined portion 125d is also formed by thinning the thickness of the mouth portion 122, similar to the rotational engagement portion 125. The introduction inclined portion 125d is inclined with respect to the end of the mouth portion 122 such that the length from the end of the mouth portion 122 opposite to the shoulder portion 121a is longer on the side continuous with the introduction portion 125c and gradually shortens as it moves away from the introduction portion 125c. Multiple such rotational engagement portions 125 and introduction inclined portions 125d are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the mouth portion 122. In this example, since there are two rotating engagement portions 125 and two introduction inclined portions 125d, the rotating engagement portions 125 and introduction inclined portions 125d are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the opening portion 122.

[0110] A rotation locking recess 123 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 122. The rotation locking recess 123 is an example of a second rotation locking part in the present invention. The rotation locking recess 123 is formed by reducing the thickness of the opening 122, similar to the rotation engagement part 125. The circumferential length of the opening 122 of the rotation locking recess 123 is long enough for the engagement plate 132 (see Figure 26A) of the rotation stopper ring 130, which will be described later, to fit into. In addition, an introduction inclined portion 123a is provided along the end of the opening 122 opposite to the shoulder portion 121a, and is continuous with the rotation locking recess 123. The introduction inclined portion 123a is also formed by reducing the thickness of the opening 122, similar to the rotation locking recess 123. The inclined entry portion 123a is inclined with respect to the end of the mouth portion 122 such that the length from the end of the mouth portion 122 opposite to the shoulder portion 121a is longer on the side continuous with the rotation locking recess 123 and gradually shortens as it moves away from the rotation locking recess 123. Multiple such rotation locking recess 123 and inclined entry portion 123a are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the mouth portion 122. In this example, two rotation locking recess 123 and inclined entry portion 123a are provided, so they are spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the mouth portion 122. In this case, the rotation engagement portion 125 and inclined entry portion 125d and the rotation locking recess 123 and inclined entry portion 123a may be arranged at 90° intervals. Such a configuration allows for efficient use of the wall thickness of the mouth portion 122.

[0111] Furthermore, an annular circumferential rib 124 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the mouth portion 122, projecting inward toward the inside of the mouth portion 122. The circumferential rib 124 is provided along the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the mouth portion 122, along the end on the side that is continuous with the shoulder portion 121a.

[0112] <Structure of the shoulder part 104> Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of the shoulder part 104 shown in Figure 20.

[0113] The shoulder part 104 shown in Figure 20 has a rotation-preventing ring 130 and a shoulder ring 140, as shown in Figure 25. The shoulder part 104 is an example of the second engaging member of the present invention.

[0114] The rotation-stopping ring 130 and the shoulder ring 140 will be described in detail below.

[0115] <Rotation-stopping ring 130> Figure 26A is an external perspective view of the rotation-stopping ring 130 shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally above. Figure 26B is an external perspective view of the rotation-stopping ring 130 shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally below.

[0116] The rotation-preventing ring 130 shown in Figure 25 is an example of a second rotation-preventing ring in the present invention. As shown in Figures 26A and 26B, the rotation-preventing ring 130 has an annular plate portion 131 and an engaging plate 132.

[0117] The annular plate portion 131 is configured as an annular shape with an opening that has a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the annular projection 114 of the inner container 110. On the lower surface of the annular plate portion 131, an annular engaging projection 134 with a diameter larger than the inner circumference of the annular plate portion 131 is provided projecting downward. The engaging projection 134 is provided with a projection 136 that projects inward toward the annular part of the engaging projection 134. Multiple projections 136 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 131. In this example, eight projections 136 are provided, so the projections 136 are provided at 45° intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 131. In this way, because multiple projections 136 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 131, the area between the multiple projections 136 forms an engaging groove 135 that is recessed outward from the projections 136.

[0118] The engaging plate 132 is provided hanging downward from a region along the outer circumference of the annular plate portion 131. The length of the engaging plate 132 is such that when the shoulder part 104 engages with the mouth portion 122 of the outer container 120, the engaging plate 132 can enter into the rotation locking recess 123 of the outer container 120. The width of the engaging plate 132 is such that the engaging plate 132 can move circumferentially within the engagement hole 144 (see Figure 27A) of the shoulder ring 140, which will be described later. The outer surface of the engaging plate 132 is provided with a hook projection 133 that protrudes radially outward from the annular plate portion 131.

[0119] <Shoulder Ring 140> Figure 27A is an external perspective view of the shoulder ring 140 shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally above. Figure 27B is an external perspective view of the shoulder ring 140 shown in Figure 25, viewed from diagonally below.

[0120] As shown in Figures 27A and 27B, the shoulder ring 140 has an annular plate portion 141 and a cylindrical portion 142.

[0121] The annular plate portion 141 is configured in an annular shape with an opening having the same diameter as the outer diameter of the engaging projection 134 of the anti-rotation ring 130. The annular plate portion 141 has an engaging hole 144 that penetrates through both the front and back surfaces of the annular plate portion 141. The width of the engaging hole 144 is such that the circumferential width of the annular plate portion 141 allows the engaging plate 132 of the anti-rotation ring 130 to move within the engaging hole 144 in the annular circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141. The region between the outer circumference of the annular plate portion 141 and the engaging hole 144 is a hooking plate portion 147 into which the hooking projection 133 of the anti-rotation ring 130 catches when the anti-rotation ring 130 and the shoulder ring 140 are engaged. Multiple engaging holes 144 are provided at equal intervals in the annular circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141. In this example, since there are two engagement holes 144, the engagement holes 144 are arranged at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141.

[0122] The annular plate portion 141 is provided with a lifting projection 146 that protrudes inward from its inner circumferential end. The lifting projection 146 is an example of a second lifting projection in the present invention. The lifting projection 146 is provided with an introduction plate 143 that hangs downward. The introduction plate 143 may, for example, have a triangular shape, with one vertex of the triangle pointing downward and the side opposite to that vertex attached to the introduction plate 143. Multiple lifting projections 146 and introduction plates 143 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141. In this example, eight lifting projections 146 and introduction plates 143 are provided, so the lifting projections 146 and introduction plates 143 are provided at 45° intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141. As described above, the multiple lifting protrusions 146 and introduction plates 143 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141, so that the area between the multiple lifting protrusions 146 and introduction plates 143 forms an engagement groove 145 that is recessed outward from the lifting protrusions 146 and introduction plates 143.

[0123] The cylindrical portion 142 is provided so as to surround the annular plate portion 141. The annular plate portion 141 is continuous with one end of the cylindrical portion 142. The cylindrical portion 142 is provided with an engaging projection 148 on its inner circumferential surface. The engaging projection 148 may be formed by increasing the thickness of the cylindrical portion 142. The circumferential width of the cylindrical portion 142 is such that when the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the outer container 120, the engaging projection 148 can fit into the introduction portion 125c provided in the mouth portion 122 of the outer container 120. The engaging projection 148 is provided with an engaging rib 148a on the end side opposite to the annular plate portion 141. The engaging rib 148a is provided so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 142 and protrude toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 142. The engaging rib 148a is provided with a recess 148b that is recessed from the surface of the engaging rib 148a. Multiple engaging protrusions 148 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 142. In this example, two engaging protrusions 148 are provided, so they are spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 142. In this case, depending on the formation process of the engaging protrusions 148, the engaging protrusions 148 may be offset in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 142 relative to the engaging hole 144.

[0124] <Engagement state between rotation stopper ring 130 and shoulder ring 140> Figure 28A is a view from below of the engagement state between the rotation stopper ring 130 shown in Figures 26A and 26B and the shoulder ring 140 shown in Figures 27A and 27B. Figure 28B is an external perspective view of the engagement state between the rotation stopper ring 130 shown in Figures 26A and 26B and the shoulder ring 140 shown in Figures 27A and 27B, viewed from diagonally below.

[0125] The shoulder part 104 is formed when the rotation-retaining ring 130 and the shoulder ring 140, configured as described above, engage with each other. When the rotation-retaining ring 130 and the shoulder ring 140 are engaged, as shown in Figures 28A and 28B, the engagement plate 132 of the rotation-retaining ring 130 fits into the engagement hole 144 of the shoulder ring 140. As described above, the circumferential width of the annular plate portion 141 of the engagement hole 144 is such that the engagement plate 132 of the rotation-retaining ring 130 can move in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141 within the engagement hole 144. Therefore, when the rotation-retaining ring 130 and the shoulder ring 140 are engaged, the rotation-retaining ring 130 can rotate relative to the shoulder ring 140 by the amount that the engagement plate 132 can move in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141 within the engagement hole 144.

[0126] Furthermore, when the engagement plate 132 of the rotation-preventing ring 130 enters the engagement hole 144 of the shoulder ring 140, as shown in Figure 28B, the hooking projection 133 provided on the engagement plate 132 catches on the hooking plate portion 147 of the annular plate portion 141 of the shoulder ring 140 from below. As a result, the rotation-preventing ring 130, which is engaged with the shoulder ring 140, cannot be removed upward from the shoulder ring 140.

[0127] <Engagement of the inner container 110 to the outer container 120 by the shoulder part 104> The method of engaging the inner container 110 to the outer container 120 by the shoulder part 104 configured as described above will be explained below.

[0128] First, the inner container 110 is placed inside the outer container 120.

[0129] As a result, the hooking projection 116 of the inner container 110 catches on the circumferential rib 124 of the outer container 120, preventing the inner container 110 from moving any further downward on the outer container 120. This causes the opening 112 to protrude from the opening 122 of the outer container 120.

[0130] If the bottom 110a of the inner container 110 is in contact with the bottom 120a of the outer container 120, there is a risk that the contents contained in the inner container 110 may leak out due to external impact or the like. Also, if the inner container 110 is made of a material that stretches over time, if the bottom 110a of the inner container 110 is in contact with the bottom 120a of the outer container 120, there is a risk that the inner container 110 may deform, or other undesirable situations may occur. Therefore, the length from the lower end of the hook projection 116 to the bottom 110a of the inner container 110 may be made shorter than the length from the lower surface of the circumferential rib 124 to the bottom 120a of the outer container 120. This ensures that when the inner container 110 is placed in the outer container 120, the bottom 110a of the inner container 110 does not come into contact with the bottom 120a of the outer container 120. Furthermore, to prevent the bottom 110a of the inner container 110 from contacting the bottom 120a of the outer container 120 when the inner container 110 is placed inside the outer container 120, a spring or the like may be placed on the bottom 120a of the outer container 120.

[0131] Subsequently, the shoulder parts 104 are engaged with the container body 102, in which the inner container 110 is housed within the outer container 120.

[0132] Figure 29 is an external perspective view showing the state in which the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the container body 102.

[0133] As shown in Figure 29, after the inner container 110 is placed inside the outer container 120, the shoulder parts 104 are engaged. When the inner container 110 is placed inside the outer container 120, the opening 112 protrudes from the opening 122 of the outer container 120. At this time, a lid may be attached to the opening 112 of the inner container 110. However, unlike the lid 103 shown in Figure 20, this lid has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annular plate portion 131 of the shoulder part 104, so that the shoulder parts 104 can be engaged with the container body 102.

[0134] Figure 30 shows the state in which the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the opening 122 of the outer container 120, and is a view from above of the engagement state of the shoulder ring 140 with the opening 122 of the inner container 110. Note that in Figure 30, the rotation stopper ring 130 is omitted from the illustration in order to make the engagement state between the shoulder ring 140 and the inner container 110 easier to understand.

[0135] As the shoulder part 104 is moved downward and fitted onto the outer container 120 containing the inner container 110, as shown in Figure 30, the bottle ribs 115 provided on the mouth 112 of the inner container 110 first fit into the engagement grooves 145 of the shoulder ring 140. Here, as described above, there are four bottle ribs 115 provided at 90° intervals, while as described above, there are eight engagement grooves 145 provided at 45° intervals. Therefore, all four bottle ribs 115 can fit into the engagement grooves 145.

[0136] Figure 31 shows the state in which the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the opening 122 of the outer container 120, and is a side view of the state in which the shoulder ring 140 is engaged with the opening 122 of the outer container 120.

[0137] Furthermore, when the shoulder part 104 is moved downward and fitted into the outer container 120 containing the inner container 110, the engaging projection 148 of the shoulder ring 140 enters into the introduction portion 125c of the outer container 120, as shown in Figure 31. Here, the introduction inclined portion 125d is continuous with the introduction portion 125c. The introduction inclined portion 125d is inclined with respect to the end of the mouth portion 122 such that the length from the end of the mouth portion 122 opposite to the shoulder portion 121a is longer on the side continuous with the introduction portion 125c and gradually becomes shorter as it moves away from the introduction portion 125c. Therefore, the engaging projection 148 of the shoulder ring 140 can slide along the shoulder portion 121a side end of the introduction inclined portion 125d and enter into the introduction portion 125c.

[0138] Figure 32 shows the state in which the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the opening 122 of the outer container 120, and is a side view of the engagement state of the rotation-retaining ring 130 with the opening 122 of the outer container 120. Note that in Figure 32, the shoulder ring 140 is omitted from the illustration in order to make the engagement state between the rotation-retaining ring 130 and the outer container 120 easier to understand.

[0139] As the shoulder part 104 is moved downward and fitted into the outer container 120 containing the inner container 110, the engaging plate 132 of the rotation-stopping ring 130 fits into the rotation-locking recess 123 of the outer container 120, as shown in Figure 32. Therefore, the engaging hole 144 of the shoulder ring 140 into which the engaging plate 132 fits is positioned such that the engaging plate 132 can fit into the rotation-locking recess 123 when the engaging projection 148 of the shoulder ring 140 fits into the introduction portion 125c of the outer container 120. Here, the introduction-inclined portion 123a is continuous with the rotation-locking recess 123. The introduction-inclined portion 123a is inclined with respect to the end of the mouth portion 122 such that the length from the end of the mouth portion 122 opposite to the shoulder portion 121a is longer on the side continuous with the rotation-locking recess 123 and gradually shortens as it moves away from the rotation-locking recess 123. Therefore, the engaging plate 132 of the rotation-stopping ring 130 can slide along the shoulder portion 121a side of the introduction inclined portion 123a and enter the rotation-locking recess 123. As described above, when the rotation-stopping ring 130 and the shoulder ring 140 are engaged, the rotation-stopping ring 130 is rotatable relative to the shoulder ring 140 to the extent that the engaging plate 132 can move in the circumferential direction of the annular plate portion 141 within the engagement hole 144. Therefore, even if the positions of the engaging plate 132 and the rotation-locking recess 123 are misaligned when the engaging projection 148 enters the introduction portion 125c, the rotation-stopping ring 130 rotates, allowing the engaging plate 132 to enter the rotation-locking recess 123.

[0140] In this way, the engaging plate 132 of the rotation-stopping ring 130 fits into the rotation-locking recess 123, preventing the rotation-stopping ring 130 from rotating relative to the outer container 120.

[0141] Figure 33 shows the state in which the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the mouth 122 of the outer container 120, and is a view from below of the engagement state of the rotation stopper ring 130 and the bottle rib 115.

[0142] As the shoulder part 104 is moved further downward and engaged with the mouth 122 of the outer container 120, the bottle ribs 115 of the inner container 110 will fit into the engagement grooves 135 of the anti-rotation ring 130, as shown in Figure 33. Here, as described above, there are four bottle ribs 115 spaced at 90° intervals, while as described above, there are eight engagement grooves 135 spaced at 45° intervals. Therefore, all four bottle ribs 115 can fit into the engagement grooves 135. Note that when engaging the shoulder part 104 with the mouth 122 of the outer container 120, the engagement grooves 135 of the anti-rotation ring 130 and the engagement grooves 145 of the shoulder ring 140 may not overlap. However, the anti-rotation ring 130 is rotatable relative to the shoulder ring 140. Therefore, even if the engagement groove 135 and the engagement groove 145 do not overlap, when the engagement projection 148 enters the introduction portion 125c and the engagement plate 132 enters the rotation locking recess 123, the rotation stopper ring 130 rotates relative to the shoulder ring 140, allowing the engagement groove 135 of the rotation stopper ring 130 and the engagement groove 145 of the shoulder ring 140 to overlap. As a result, the bottle rib 115 that has entered the engagement groove 145, as shown in Figure 30, can also enter the engagement groove 135.

[0143] In this way, the bottle rib 115 fits into the engagement groove 135 of the rotation-preventing ring 130, preventing the rotation-preventing ring 130 from rotating relative to the inner container 110.

[0144] Figure 34 shows the state in which the shoulder part 104 is engaged with the opening 122 of the outer container 120, and is a side view of the state in which the shoulder ring 140 is engaged with the opening 122 of the outer container 120.

[0145] As shown in Figure 34, the shoulder part 104 can be moved downward until the lower end of the cylindrical portion 142 of the shoulder ring 140 comes into contact with the shoulder portion 121a of the outer container 120.

[0146] When the shoulder part 104 has moved until the lower end of the cylindrical portion 142 of the shoulder ring 140 contacts the shoulder portion 121a of the outer container 120, the lifting projection 146 of the shoulder ring 140 will be located below the bottle rib 115.

[0147] Here, the rotation-retaining ring 130 is unable to rotate relative to the outer container 120 because the engaging plate 132 is engaged in the rotation-locking recess 123 of the outer container 120. However, as described above, the shoulder ring 140 is rotatable relative to the rotation-retaining ring 130. Therefore, the shoulder ring 140 is rotated in the direction of arrow G in Figure 34 relative to the rotation-retaining ring 130, which is unable to rotate relative to the inner container 110 and the outer container 120.

[0148] Figure 35 shows the state in which the shoulder part 104 is fully engaged with the opening 122 of the outer container 120, and is a side view of the engagement state of the shoulder ring 140 with the opening 122 of the outer container 120.

[0149] When the shoulder ring 140 is rotated in the direction of arrow G in Figure 34 with the lower end of the cylindrical portion 142 of the shoulder ring 140 in contact with the shoulder portion 121a of the outer container 120, the engaging rib 148a of the engaging projection 148 enters the retaining engaging portion 125a, as shown in Figure 35. Then, the recess 148b provided on the engaging rib 148a engages with the projection 125b provided on the retaining engaging portion 125a. For this reason, the circumferential width of the cylindrical portion 142 of the shoulder ring 140 is such that the shoulder ring 140 can rotate after the engaging projection 148 enters the introduction portion 125c with the engaging plate 132 inserted, until the recess 148b engages with the projection 125b.

[0150] Figure 36 shows the state in which the shoulder part 104 is fully engaged with the mouth 122 of the outer container 120, and is a view from above of the engagement state of the shoulder ring 140 with the mouth 122 of the inner container 110. Note that in Figure 36, the rotation stopper ring 130 is omitted from the illustration in order to make the engagement state between the shoulder ring 140 and the inner container 110 easier to understand.

[0151] Here, when the lower end of the cylindrical portion 142 of the shoulder ring 140 is in contact with the shoulder portion 121a of the outer container 120, the lifting projection 146 of the shoulder ring 140 is located below the bottle rib 115. Also, because the rotation-stopping ring 130 is in a state where it cannot rotate relative to the inner container 110 and the outer container 120, the inner container 110 is in a state where it cannot rotate relative to the outer container 120. Therefore, when the shoulder ring 140 is rotated in the direction of arrow G in Figure 34, the lifting projection 146 will enter into the opposite side of the mouth portion 112 of the bottle rib 115, as shown in Figure 36. At that time, the upper surface of the lifting projection 146 may be slightly inclined with respect to the surface of the annular plate portion 141 to make it easier for the lifting projection 146 to enter into the opposite side of the mouth portion 112 of the bottle rib 115.

[0152] As a result, the inner container 110 is held by the shoulder part 104 at the opening 112. Furthermore, the inner container 110 is prevented from rotating relative to the outer container 120 by the rotation-preventing ring 130, thereby firmly fixing the inner container 110 to the outer container 120.

[0153] Although two embodiments have been described above as examples, a configuration combining parts of these components may also be used.

[0154] In the embodiments described above, inner containers 10 and 110 were described using examples made of a resin such as polypropylene. However, inner containers 10 and 110 may also be made of resin, aluminum, or the like, with the inner container body 11 and 111 being flexible and the opening 12 and 112 being rigid, a so-called pouch spout type.

[0155] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-227822, filed on 24 December 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0156] 1, 101 Container 2, 102 Container body 3, 103 Lid 4, 104 Shoulder part 10, 110 Inner container 10a, 20a, 110a, 120a Bottom 11, 111 Inner container body 11a, 111a, 21a, 121a Shoulder part 12, 22, 112, 122 Mouth part 13, 113 Screw thread 14, 114 Annular projection 15, 115 Bottle rib 20, 120 Outer container 21, 121 Outer container body 23, 47 Rotating locking rib 24, 124 Circumferential rib 25, 125 Rotating engagement part 26 Rib missing part 27, 125b, 136 Protrusion 28 Locking rib 30, 130 Rotation stopper ring 31, 42, 44, 131, 141 Annular plate section 32, 41, 43, 51, 142 Cylindrical section 33, 143 Introduction plate 34 Holding plate 35, 135, 145 Engagement groove 36, 52 Rotation locking groove 40 Shoulder cover 45 Rotation engagement rib 46 Holding rib 50 Helical ring 53, 146 Lifting projection 53a Holding section 53b Inclined section 116, 133 Hooking projection 123 Rotation locking recess 123a, 125d Introduction inclined section 125a Holding engagement section 125c Introduction section 132 Engagement plate 134, 148 Engagement projection 140 Shoulder ring 144 Engagement hole 147 Hooking plate section 148a Engagement rib 148b Recess

Claims

1. A container comprising: a first inner container having a first opening; a first outer container having a second opening, the first outer container housing the first inner container in a manner in which the first opening protrudes from the second opening; and a first engaging member for engaging the first inner container housed in the first outer container with the first outer container, wherein the first engaging member slides the first inner container housed in the first outer container in a first direction toward the first opening side from a state in which it is not engaged with the first outer container, and fixes it at a predetermined relative position with respect to the first outer container.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging member slides the first inner container in the first direction while holding the first opening.

3. The first inner container has at least one first projection projecting outward from the outer circumference of the first opening, the first outer container has a first rotational engagement portion on the outer or inner circumference of the second opening, and a first rotational locking portion on the outer or inner circumference of the second opening, the first engagement member includes a first rotational stopper ring that is fitted into the second opening and prevents rotation relative to the first outer container by engaging with the first rotational locking portion, and prevents rotation relative to the first inner container by engaging with the first projection, and a shoulder cover that covers the first rotational stopper ring and rotationally engages with the second opening by the first rotational engagement portion, The container according to claim 2, comprising: an annular spiral portion provided between the first rotation-stopping ring and the shoulder cover so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the shoulder cover, and having a first lifting projection that, as the shoulder cover rotates and engages with the first outer container, enters into the opposite side of the first protrusion from the first opening, thereby sliding the first inner container in the first direction.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein the first rotation-stopping ring has a guide structure that guides the engagement of the first rotation-stopping ring with the first rotation-locking portion when the first rotation-stopping ring is fitted into the second opening.

5. The container according to claim 3, wherein the first protrusions are provided in multiples at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first opening, and the first lifting protrusions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the spiral portion in a number that is a multiple of the number of first protrusions.

6. The container according to claim 3, wherein the first inner container has a screw engagement portion on the outer circumference of the first mouth, in the region on the opening side of the first mouth with respect to the first protrusion, which engages with a lid that closes the first mouth with a screw.

7. A second inner container having a third opening; a second outer container having a fourth opening, which houses the second inner container in a manner in which the third opening protrudes from the fourth opening; and a second engaging member for engaging the second inner container housed in the second outer container with the second outer container, wherein the second inner container has at least one second projection projecting outward from the outer circumference of the third opening; the second outer container has a second rotational engaging portion on the outer circumference of the fourth opening and a second rotational locking portion on the inner circumference of the fourth opening; the second engaging member has a shoulder ring that is rotationally engaged with the fourth opening by the second rotational engaging portion; and a second rotation-stopping ring that is rotatably attached to the shoulder ring and, by engaging with the second rotational locking portion, prevents rotation relative to the second outer container, and by engaging with the second projection, prevents rotation relative to the second inner container. A container wherein the shoulder ring has a second lifting projection that, when rotated and engaged with the second outer container, enters into the second projection on the opposite side of the third opening, thereby fixing the second inner container so that it cannot move in the direction opposite to the third opening.

8. An engaging member for engaging a first inner container having a first opening with a first outer container having a second opening, wherein the first inner container is housed in the first outer container having a second opening with the first opening protruding from the second opening, the engaging member slides the first inner container housed in the first outer container from a state where it is not engaged with the first outer container in a first direction toward the side of the first opening and fixes it at a predetermined relative position with respect to the first outer container.

9. The engaging member according to claim 8, comprising: a first rotation-retaining ring that is fitted into the second opening and prevents rotation relative to the first outer container by engaging with a first rotation-locking portion provided on the second opening, and prevents rotation relative to the first inner container by engaging with at least one first projection projecting outward from the outer circumference of the first opening; a shoulder cover that covers the first rotation-retaining ring and is rotationally engaged with the second opening; and an annular spiral portion provided between the first rotation-retaining ring and the shoulder cover so as to be rotatably opposed to the shoulder cover, and having a first lifting projection that, as the shoulder cover is rotationally engaged with the first outer container, moves into the opposite side of the first projection from the first opening, thereby sliding the first inner container in the first direction.

10. An engaging member for engaging a second inner container having a third opening with a second outer container having a fourth opening, wherein the second inner container is housed in the second outer container having a fourth opening with the third opening protruding from the fourth opening, the engaging member comprising: a shoulder ring that is rotatably engaged with the fourth opening by a second rotatable engaging portion provided on the fourth opening; and a second anti-rotation ring that is rotatably attached to the shoulder ring and prevents rotation relative to the second outer container by engaging with a second rotatable locking portion provided on the fourth opening, and also prevents rotation relative to the second inner container by engaging with at least one second projection protruding outward from the outer circumference of the third opening, wherein the shoulder ring has a second lifting projection that, as it is rotatably engaged with the second outer container, enters into the second projection on the opposite side of the third opening, thereby fixing the second inner container so that it cannot move in the direction opposite to the third opening.

Images