JP7584745B2 - Beverage containers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a beverage container capable of carrying a filled beverage.

Generally, paper or resin containers are widely used as containers for storing beverages such as coffee, tea, juice, etc. These containers are inexpensive and easy to carry, and it is possible to place a partially consumed beverage in a cup holder in a car or an entertainment facility.

JP2008-150101 Patent Publication 2013-039976

When a user drinks a strong-tasting beverage such as coffee as a luxury item, they may feel thirsty after drinking the coffee, and many users have the habit of drinking a less strong-tasting beverage such as water after drinking a strong beverage. However, in order to do so, they have no choice but to purchase two products, such as coffee and water. In this case, there is a problem in that if the user places the partially finished beverage in a cup holder in a car or a movie theater or other entertainment facility, it takes up two cup holders.

For such users, a technology to provide an inexpensive container that can be filled with two types of beverages has been disclosed in Patent Document 1. However, there is a problem that the container cannot stand on its own, and therefore it is not possible to place a partially consumed beverage in a cup holder. Also, the beverage container shown in Patent Document 2 can stand on its own, but the container is reused repeatedly, and is not inexpensive.

In order to solve the above problems, the beverage container of the present invention is a beverage container including a plurality of child containers each extending in a predetermined direction from one side, capable of storing a beverage therein, and each having a mouth portion to which a stopper can be attached at its upper portion, and an outer packaging material for maintaining a state in which the plurality of child containers are joined together,
the child container has an engagement surface, which is a part of a contact surface that comes into contact with an adjacent child container and is made up of a concave surface and a convex surface;
A beverage container is provided in which, when the multiple child containers are combined, an orthogonal cross section perpendicular to the predetermined direction forms a circle.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, a plurality of beverages can be easily carried, and a plurality of partially consumed beverages can be stored in a single cup holder in a vehicle or facility.

The present invention provides an inexpensive container for storing and carrying multiple beverages.

1A is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a three-dimensional view of a child container before being combined. 5A is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a three-dimensional view of a child container before being combined. 10A is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a three-dimensional view of a child container before being combined. 13A is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a three-dimensional view of a child container before being combined. 5A is a plan view of a beverage container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 5A. 6A is a plan view of a beverage container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 13A is a plan view of a beverage container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 13A. 13A is a plan view of a beverage container according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 13A. 13A is a plan view of a beverage container according to a modified example of the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 13A. 13A is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container according to a modified example of the ninth embodiment.

First embodiment

1 shows a beverage container according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a three-dimensional view of a sub-container 2 before being combined.

In this embodiment, the beverage container 1 extends in a predetermined direction, is formed by blow molding a resin such as PET, and includes two child containers 2 capable of storing liquid. After the beverage 21 is poured into the child containers 2, a plug 11 is attached to an upper mouth portion 30 of the child containers 2. In this embodiment, the child containers 2 are formed so that when the two child containers 2 are combined, the orthogonal cross section becomes circular. Note that, in reality, the orthogonal cross section of the child container 2 has rounded corners due to manufacturing constraints, so that the combination of the two child containers does not strictly result in a circular shape, but in the present invention, it is simply called a circle, including other embodiments.

The child container 2 has an engagement surface 15 consisting of a concave surface and a convex surface on a part of a contact surface 14. Since the bottom 6 of the child container 2 has a convex shape, the child container 2 can stand independently more stably than a semicircular shape.

Furthermore, a portion of the mouth 30, the body 5 and the bottom 6 of the two child containers 2 are covered with an outer packaging material 9. This prevents the two child containers 2 from being spaced apart in the radial direction. The lower portion of the child container 2 has an uneven surface and the upper portion is flat, which, together with the effect of the outer packaging material 9, limits relative movement in the vertical direction. In other words, the child container 2 does not rattle in either the radial or vertical directions. As a result, the two child containers 2 are formed as a single unit, making them easy to carry.

In this embodiment, two drinks can be placed simultaneously in one drink holder in a car, an entertainment facility, etc., so there is no need to worry about where to place the two drinks that are half-finished. Furthermore, since each drink can be separated, it is convenient to hold one drink to your mouth and drink directly from it without having to lift the other drink.

Furthermore, since each process of manufacturing, beverage filling, packaging, and distribution will not change significantly from the current system, there will be no need for major changes to the beverage manufacturing company's factory equipment.

Furthermore, the outer wrapper 9 may have a break guide line 16 as shown in Figure 1. By breaking along the break guide line 16, the drinker can easily separate the two sub-containers 2.

Second embodiment

Fig. 2 shows a beverage container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2(a) is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2(b) is a three-dimensional view of a child container 2 before assembly. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the beverage container 1A includes a child container 2 and an outer packaging material 9, and the child container 2 includes a mating uneven portion 18 for preventing separation. This allows the child container 2 to be mated with the adjacent child container 2, and a single beverage container can be simply provided. In this embodiment, the mating uneven portion 18 is provided integrally with the engagement surface 15 (concave and convex surfaces), but it may be provided on a flat surface of the contact surface 14 other than the engagement surface 15.

Third embodiment

A beverage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3(b) is a three-dimensional view of a sub-container 2 before being combined.
In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. In this embodiment, the beverage container 1B includes the two child containers 2 and the outer packaging material 9.

In this embodiment, the child container 2 has a groove 17 in the body 5, and the outer packaging material 9 is provided in the groove 17. Since the outer packaging material 9 is located in the groove 17, which is one step inward in the radial direction, the outer packaging material 9 is prevented from being unintentionally broken during packing, unpacking, and transportation.

According to the present invention, similar to the first embodiment, the containers can be easily carried as a single unit, and the child containers 2 can be stably held in the cup holder without rattling vertically or radially.

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 4 shows a beverage container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4(a) is a three-dimensional view of a beverage container 1C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4(b) is a three-dimensional view of a child container 2 before assembly. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the beverage container 1C comprises a first outer packaging material 9 and a second outer packaging material 9A.
The first outer packaging material 9 can integrally form the two child containers 2. The first outer packaging material 9 and the two child containers 2 are covered by the second outer packaging material 9A. The second outer packaging material 9A has the breaking guide line 16 and can be easily broken. After the second outer packaging material 9A is broken, one of the child containers 2 can be removed by sliding one of the child containers 2 upwards without removing the other child container 2, and one type of beverage can be held in the mouth and drunk. In addition, since the first outer packaging material 9 can continue to be used even after the second packaging material 9A is broken, it is relatively easy to carry the partially drunk beverage.

Fifth embodiment

Next, a beverage container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5(a) is a plan view of a beverage container 1D according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of Fig. 5(a).

In this embodiment, the beverage container 1D includes a storage container 3 having an upper portion 4A, a body portion 5A, and a bottom portion 6A that are integrally formed.
After pouring the beverage 21 into the upper portion 4A of the storage container 3, the lid 12 is attached to the upper portion 4A, and the beverage container is sealed. The flat surface of the upper portion 4A of this embodiment has a first flat surface 23 provided along the outer periphery of the storage container, and a second flat surface 24 obtained along a radius passing through two points on the first flat surface 23 and the center of the storage container. In this embodiment, the second flat surface 24 is provided along a diameter passing through the center of the storage container. Both the first flat surface 23 and the second flat surface 24 have a width W of a predetermined width or more over the entire circumference, so that adhesion is ensured. The value of the predetermined width is 1.5 to 4 mm, and more preferably 2 to 3 mm. The outside of the storage container 3 is covered with the outer packaging material 9. This makes it possible to prevent fingers from being pinched in the gap of the storage container 3. This makes it possible to provide the beverage container 1D at a low cost.

Also, a straw insertion instruction section 7 for each beverage may be marked on the lid 12. The center distance L2 between the two straws 8 may be a predetermined distance or more. The predetermined distance is 30 to 70 mm, and more preferably 40 to 60 mm.

Sixth embodiment

Next, a beverage container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(a) is a plan view of a beverage container 1E according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 6(a). In this embodiment, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the beverage container 1E includes a storage body 10 and an upper lid 13 in addition to the storage container 3 and the lid 12. The storage body 10 stores the storage container 3. The upper lid 13 can simultaneously sandwich both the flange portion of the upper part 4A of the storage container 3 and the flange portion of the upper part 4B of the storage body 10, and the bottom part 6A of the storage container 3 is stored in the bottom part 6B of the storage body 10 without any gaps. This makes it possible to suppress the storage container 3 from moving relative to the storage body 10, i.e., rattling, when carrying the beverage container 1E.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the straw insertion instruction portion 7 may be provided so that the center-to-center distance L2 of the two straws 8 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance.

Seventh embodiment

Next, a beverage container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) shows a plan view of the beverage container 1F, and Fig. 7(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the beverage container taken along line X-X. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The storage body 10 may be shaped to store only the bottom of the storage container 3. Furthermore, the outer packaging material 9 may be used to wrap the storage container 3 and the storage body 10. This allows the storage container 3 to be firmly held by the storage body 10, so that the storage container 3 is prevented from moving relative to the storage body 10, i.e., from rattling, while the beverage container 1F is being carried by a beverage consumer.

Eighth embodiment

Next, a beverage container according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8(a) shows a plan view of the beverage container 1G according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of Fig. 8(a). In this embodiment, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The storage body 10 has an upwardly protruding protrusion near the center of the bottom 6B. This prevents the storage container 3 from moving relative to the storage body 10, i.e., from rattling, while the beverage consumer is carrying the beverage container 1G, and the storage container 3 is firmly held by the storage body 10. The effect of preventing the storage container 3 from shaking or vibrating is higher than that of the sixth embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the other embodiments, the straw insertion instruction portion 7 may be determined so that the two straws 8 are spaced apart from each other by at least the predetermined distance.

Modification of the eighth embodiment

Next, another example of a beverage container according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9(a) shows a plan view of the beverage container 1H according to the embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in Fig. 9(a). In this embodiment, the same components as those in the fifth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

The storage body 10 has a convex portion on the circumference of the body 5B that faces the center so as to abut against the separation surface 19 of the storage container 3. This prevents the storage container 3 from moving relative to the storage body 10, i.e., from rattling, while the beverage container 1H is being carried by a beverage consumer, and the storage container 3 is firmly held by the storage body 10. The effect of preventing the storage container 3 from shaking or vibrating is higher than that of the sixth embodiment.

Ninth embodiment

Fig. 10 shows a beverage container 11 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. As with the other embodiments, this embodiment also includes a plurality of child containers 2. In this embodiment, when two child containers are combined, the orthogonal cross section is formed to be circular. Unlike the first to eighth embodiments, in this embodiment, the material of the container is mainly paper with a waterproof coating. The shape of the orthogonal cross section may be divided into two shapes of different sizes.

10(a) will be described. The secondary container 2 includes an upper portion 4, a body portion 5, and a bottom portion 6, and is made of waterproof paper in this embodiment. After the liquid storage portion 22 is formed, a beverage 21 is poured into the secondary container 2. Then, the upper portion 4 is sealed. In this manner, the beverage 21 is sealed in the secondary container 2.

As shown in Fig. 10(a) , the two child containers 2 may be bonded to each other at their contact surfaces 14. The child containers 2 may be bonded together after beverage is poured into them. Alternatively, the child containers 2 may be bonded together first, beverage may be poured into the container 11, and then the top may be sealed.

The upper portion 4 is provided with a straw insertion indicator 7 for inserting a straw. The drinker inserts a straw 8 using the insertion indicator 7 as a guide. In this embodiment, the straw insertion portion of the upper portion 4 is made of a different material or thickness, but the entire surface of the upper portion 4 may be made of a uniform material and thickness, for example, an aluminum film.

In addition, after the two child containers 2 are integrally formed, the center distance L2 between the two straws may be greater than or equal to the predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is 30 to 70 mm, and more preferably 40 to 60 mm.

With this configuration, the two containers remain integrated, and even if one of the straws 8 is inserted and the drinker holds the straw 8 in his/her mouth to suck the beverage from it, the drinker can avoid his/her face, especially his/her nose, coming into contact with the other straw 8 (the one not being held in his/her mouth).

The container of this embodiment allows two beverages to be placed in one drink holder in a car, entertainment facility, etc., so there is no need to worry about where to put two partially consumed beverages.

In addition, in this embodiment, either beverage can be aspirated without separating the child container 2, which saves time and effort.

Furthermore, since the manufacturing, beverage filling, packaging, and distribution processes will not change significantly from the current system, there will be no need for major changes to the beverage manufacturing company's factory equipment.

Modification of the ninth embodiment

A plurality of child containers 2 may be bound by the outer packaging material 9 and formed as a single unit, as shown in Fig. 10(b). Only the body of the child container 2 may be covered, or both the top and bottom may be covered. The advantages described in the ninth embodiment are also obtained in the modified example. In this embodiment, the outer packaging material 9 does not need to be separated to separate the child containers 2, so there is no need to worry about the separated outer packaging material becoming litter and scattering.

Other embodiments

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned first to ninth embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape of the axial cross section of the liquid storage section 2 may be a shape that divides a circle into a plurality of parts, and may be divided into two shapes of different sizes. Furthermore, the shape of the axial cross section may be a shape that divides an approximate circle into thirds or fourths, or may be a shape that divides a circle into thirds or fourths without being limited to equal parts.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I Beverage container 2 Child container 3 Storage container 4 Child container upper part 4A Storage container upper part 4B Storage body upper part 5 Body part 5A Storage container body part 5B Storage body part 6 Bottom part 6A Storage container bottom part 6B Storage body bottom part 7 Straw insertion instruction part 8 Straw 9 Outer packaging material, first outer packaging material 9A Second outer packaging material 10 Storage body 11 Plug 12 Lid 13 Top lid 14 Contact surface 15 Engagement surface 16 Fracture guide line 17 Groove part 18 Fitting uneven part 19 Separation surface 21 Beverage 22 Storage part 23 First flat surface 24 Second flat surface 30 Mouth part

Claims (3)

A pair of child containers each extending in a predetermined direction, capable of storing a beverage therein, and having a mouth portion on an upper portion to which a stopper can be attached;
an outer packaging material for maintaining the pair of child containers in a joined state;
A beverage container comprising:
the child container has an engagement portion consisting of a recess and a protrusion on a lower portion of a contact surface that comes into contact with an adjacent child container,
The bottom surface of the child container is flat,
the recess and the protrusion both extend to a bottom of the child container,
the pair of child containers are joined by arranging top surfaces of the concave portion and the convex portion of one child container to face top surfaces of the convex portion and the concave portion of the other child container,
the recess and the protrusion of the one child container and the protrusion and the recess of the other child container are formed so as to be connectable from a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction,
A beverage container in which, when the pair of child containers are combined, an orthogonal cross section perpendicular to the specified direction forms a circle. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the outer packaging material is provided with a break lead wire, the break lead wire extending along the contact surface. 3. The beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the body of the sub-container has a radially recessed groove.

Images