JP7591597B2 - Item storage container - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item storage container.

Conventionally, there are capsule-type article storage containers that store articles inside the capsule and are sold by vending machines. For example, in Patent Document 1, the capsule includes a first storage section, a second storage section, a first hinge section, a hinge-type fastener, and a first locking section that can lock the fastener. The hinge-type fastener includes a protrusion that protrudes outward along the outer surface of the other of the first storage section or the second storage section when the fastener is locked to the first locking section. The other of the first storage section or the second storage section is disclosed to have a structure that includes a second locking section that accommodates the protrusion and elastically restricts the fastener from displacing in a direction away from the first locking section when the fastener is locked to the first locking section.

JP 2018-150055 A

Patent Document 1 provides a storage container that can be prevented from opening unintentionally during transportation or mixing, and can be easily opened when removing the stored product. However, the current situation is that no consideration is given to the material and operability of the outer shell of the storage container.

The present invention aims to provide an item storage container that is easy to handle.

An item storage container according to one aspect of the present invention is an item storage container that includes a main body portion having a spherical shape, and the main body portion has a plurality of holes arranged radially on its inner and outer surfaces.

The present invention provides an item storage container that is easy to handle.

1 is a side view showing one embodiment of an item-containing container according to the present invention in an item-containing state. 2 is a plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the top side. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an outer shell portion of the container shown in FIG. 1 . 10A to 10C are side views showing the assembly and disassembly operations of the outer shell portion of the container.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of an item storage container of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing one embodiment of an article storage container in an article storage state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the container 1 has a spherical body 10 (spherical capsule) consisting of a pair of shells, a first shell 11 and a second shell 12. The outer surfaces 10s of the hemispherical first shell 11 and second shell 12 are provided with a plurality of holes 20 penetrating the shells (connecting the outer surface 10s to the inner surface 10i). The first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are combined so that their respective hemispherical ends 18 are in contact with each other, and the inner surface 10i (see FIG. 3) forms a spherical storage space SP (see FIG. 3) capable of storing an item 50. The first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are connected and fixed by a connecting portion 13, which will be described later.

The object 50 stored in the storage space SP of the main body 10 has a number of holes 20, so that a portion of the object 50 can be seen through the holes 20. This allows the general shape of the object 50 to be seen. In addition, the outer surface 10s of the main body 10 is covered with, for example, a transparent wrapping film 60, if necessary.

The first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 that make up the main body 10 are made of, for example, synthetic resin and have appropriate rigidity, and are configured to be rollable and easy to roll when in a roughly spherical shape containing the item 50. This allows the item storage container 1 to be supplied and sold from an item supply device.

Here, the synthetic resin material of the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 is, for example, a material of the main body 10 that contains, in descending order of blend ratio, polypropylene, calcium carbonate, and hydrous magnesium silicate. The blend ratio of polypropylene is between 45 and 55%, the blend ratio of calcium carbonate is between 42 and 52%, and the blend ratio of hydrous magnesium silicate (talc) is between 1 and 5%, and more preferably, the blend ratio of polypropylene is 49%, the blend ratio of calcium carbonate is 48%, and the blend ratio of hydrous magnesium silicate is 3%.

In this way, compared to a main body 10 made only of polypropylene, the inclusion of calcium carbonate allows for control of impact resistance and weather resistance. Furthermore, the inclusion of calcium carbonate, which is abundant in nature, allows the first outer shell 11 and second outer shell 12 to be environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the first outer shell 11 and second outer shell 12 contain hydrated magnesium silicate, which effectively disperses calcium carbonate in polypropylene. As a result, the first outer shell 11 and second outer shell 12 make it easier to stabilize the mechanical performance of the shells.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the container 1 shown in Figure 1 when viewed from the top. Note that the structure of the container 1 when viewed from the bottom is the same as that shown in Figure 2, so it is omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple holes 20 are arranged radially from the top 11t of the first outer shell 11 (top 12t of the second outer shell 12) toward the end 18. The holes 20 are also arranged on an imaginary line L that curves and extends in a predetermined direction from the top 11t toward the end 18. No hole 20 is formed in the top 11t of the first outer shell 11 (top 12t of the second outer shell 12). No hole 20 is formed in the end 18 of the first outer shell 11 or the end 18 of the second outer shell 12 (see FIG. 1).

The shape of the holes 20 includes a first type of holes 21 that are arranged on a line L and have the same shape as a whole, for example, a square (polygonal) shape, and a second type of holes 22 that are the same shape as a whole, for example, a round shape. The first type of holes 21 are arranged in groups of three on the virtual line L, and the second group 2G (upper left side in the figure) is located at a position facing the first group 1G on the lower right side in the figure, with the apex 11t as the center. The second type of holes 22 are also arranged in the same way as the first type of holes 21, with the first group 1G (lower right side in the figure) and the second group 2G (upper left side in the figure) located at a position facing the apex 11t as the center. In this way, groups of the same hole shape are arranged radially around the apex 11t.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the main body 10 in FIG. 2, two rows of the first type of holes 21 and one row of the second type of holes 22 form a group of three rows in the circumferential direction (four groups in this embodiment).

Regarding the size of the holes 20, for example, the holes 20 formed near the apex 11t are configured to be smaller in size than those formed near the end 18. Furthermore, the size of the holes 20 is formed to gradually increase from the apex 11t side toward the end 18 side.
In this manner, the holes 20 themselves may be arranged in various groups, and the holes 20 may be sized to form patterns or designs.

In addition, the first area where the holes 20 are formed is smaller than the second area where the holes 20 are not formed, relative to the total area of the outer surface 10s of the main body 10. This makes it easier to maintain the rigidity of the main body 10 as a whole.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the outer shell of the container 1. As shown in FIG.
3, the article storage container 1 can be disassembled into a first outer shell part 11 and a second outer shell part 12. One or more articles 50 are stored in the storage space SP. The size of the hole 20 is smaller than the size of the article 50.

The connecting parts 13 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ends 18 of both outer shell parts 11, 12. The structure of the connecting parts 13 is such that, for example, an engagement opening 14 that opens in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the ends 18 engages with an engagement protrusion 15 that is inserted into the engagement opening 14, allowing for detachment. In other words, the engagement is performed by hooking the tip hook 15a on the protruding tip side of the engagement protrusion 15 onto the opening engagement edge 14a of the engagement opening 14.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the assembly and disassembly of the outer shell of the container 1. FIG.
When assembling the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12, a pushing operation is performed so as to insert the engagement protrusion 15 into the engagement opening 14 described above. When disassembling, a pulling operation is performed so as to separate the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12. This pushing and pulling operation causes the opening engagement edge 14a and the tip hook 15a to deform (especially the engagement protrusion 15 is greatly deformed), making it easy to attach and detach. In addition, the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12 are configured with the same structure of the connecting part 13, that is, as the same thing. Therefore, when combining the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12, it is only necessary to combine the connecting part 13 in a direction that allows them to be connected.

In addition, when attaching or detaching the first outer shell part 11 and the second outer shell part 12, a part of the fingertip of the hand 80 can be hooked onto the hole 20. This allows a firm force to be applied to both outer shell parts 11, 12.

As described above, the article storage container 1 of this embodiment has multiple holes 20 arranged radially in the main body 10, which allows for less molding material for the main body 10. Also, the multiple holes 20 arranged radially in the main body 10 makes it easier to see inside the main body 10. Also, the multiple holes 20 are formed to a size that prevents the articles 50 stored in the main body 10 from passing through, so the container can function as a container.

In addition, in the present embodiment of the item storage container 1, the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 constituting the main body 10 do not have holes 20 formed at their tops 11t, 12t, so that the moldability when molding the two outer shells 11, 12 can be improved and the strength of the main body 10 can be maintained.

In the present embodiment of the container 1, no holes 20 are formed in the ends 18 of the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12, making it easy to maintain the strength of the connecting portion between the two outer shells 11, 12. In addition, the size of the holes 20 formed in the small outer circumferential region near the apexes 11t, 12t of the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 is smaller than the size of the holes 20 formed in the large outer circumferential region near the ends 18, making it possible to make the area ratio of the holes 20 uniform, and making it easy to average the strength of the main body 10.

In the item storage container 1 of this embodiment, the holes 20 are arranged radially from the tops 11t and 12t, and the size of the holes 20 is gradually changed, so that an aesthetically pleasing pattern can be enjoyed. In addition, the overall shape of each group made up of multiple holes 20 is the same (round or polygonal), so that the patterned hole pattern can be enjoyed.

In addition, in this embodiment of the container 1, the holes 20 are formed at a distance from the end 18, making it easier to maintain the rigidity of the connecting portion 13.

In this embodiment of the container 1, the holes 20 are not provided at or near the tops 11t, 12t, which makes it easier to maintain the rigidity of the hemispherical shape of the first and second outer shells 11, 12.

In the present embodiment of the container 1 for storing items, the first outer shell 11 and the second outer shell 12 have the same structure, so only one type of mold shape is required for molding, and the container can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, the outer shells have the same shape, so they can be easily assembled in any combination regardless of the assembly direction. In addition, the outer shells have many holes 20 formed in them, so that fingers can be hooked into these holes 20, making it easy to attach and detach the outer shells.

In this embodiment of the container 1, the area of the non-holes is larger than the area of the holes 20, making it easier to ensure the strength of the main body 10.

According to the item storage container 1 of this embodiment, since the main body 10 contains calcium carbonate, it is possible to control the impact resistance and weather resistance compared to the main body 10 made of only polypropylene. Furthermore, since the item storage container 1 contains calcium carbonate, which is abundant in nature, it is possible to provide an environmentally friendly item storage container 1.
Furthermore, the container 1 contains hydrated magnesium silicate, which effectively disperses calcium carbonate in polypropylene. As a result, the container 1 can more effectively control the impact resistance and weather resistance. Furthermore, the container 1 is effectively dispersed with calcium carbonate, which improves dyeability and provides container 1 with excellent color development and little color unevenness.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in the above embodiment, the virtual lines on the radial lines are curved, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be linear in plan view.
In addition, although the first type of holes 21 are rectangular, they may be other polygonal shapes such as triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal, and although the second type of holes 22 are circular, they may be other round shapes. Also, third, fourth, etc. types of holes 20 having other shapes may be provided.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the size of the hole 20 is configured to gradually increase from the apex 11t side toward the end 18 side, but this is not limited to the above. The hole 20 may be configured to be larger on the apex 11t side than on the end 18 side, and further, the hole 20 may be configured to gradually decrease in size from the apex 11t side toward the end 18 side.

As explained above, this specification includes the following:

(1)
An article storage container,
a body portion having a spherical shape;
The main body has a plurality of holes arranged radially on the inner surface and the outer surface.
Item storage container.

(2)
The container according to (1),
The hole communicates from the inner surface to the outer surface of the main body.
Item storage container.

(3)
The container according to (1) or (2),
The main body portion includes a first outer shell portion and a second outer shell portion connectable to the first outer shell portion,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion do not have the hole formed at their tops.
Item storage container.

(4)
The container according to (3),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion do not have the holes formed at their ends.
Item storage container.

(5)
The container according to (4),
the holes formed near the top are smaller in size than those formed near the ends;
Item storage container.

(6)
The container according to (5),
The plurality of holes are formed so that their sizes gradually increase from the top side to the end side.
Item storage container.

(7)
The container according to (4),
the holes formed near the top are larger in size than those formed near the ends;
Item storage container.

(8)
The container according to (7),
The plurality of holes are formed so that their sizes gradually decrease from the top side to the end side.
Item storage container.

(9)
An article storage container according to any one of (3) to (8),
The plurality of holes are formed in a straight or non-straight line from the top side to the end side.
Item storage container.

(10)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (9),
The main body is configured to be capable of storing an article therein, and is configured to be capable of visually confirming the article through the plurality of holes.
Item storage container.

(11)
The container according to (10),
The plurality of holes are formed to a size such that the article and parts of the article housed in the main body cannot pass through.
Item storage container.

(12)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (11),
The plurality of holes are arranged in a predetermined pattern.
Item storage container.

(13)
An article storage container according to any one of (3) to (9),
the plurality of holes includes at least a first group of holes and a second group of holes;
the first group of holes and the second group of holes are formed at positions opposite to each other with the top portion as a center;
Item storage container.

(14)
The container for storing articles according to (13),
the first group of holes and the second group of holes have the same overall shape;
Item storage container.

(15)
An article storage container according to (13) or (14),
the first group of holes and the second group of holes each include a first type of multiple holes and a second type of multiple holes;
The first type of holes and the second type of holes have different shapes.
Item storage container.

(16)
The container according to (15),
The first type of holes are polygonal and the second type of holes are round.
Item storage container.

(17)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (16),
The main body portion includes a first outer shell portion and a second outer shell portion connectable to the first outer shell portion,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured as the same type.
Item storage container.

(18)
The container for storing articles according to (17),
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured to be detachable from each other.
Item storage container.

(19)
(18) An article storage container according to (18),
The plurality of holes are configured to allow fingers to be engaged when attaching or detaching the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion.
Item storage container.

(20)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (19),
The main body has an outer surface, and a second area in which the holes are not formed is larger than a first area in which the holes are formed.
Item storage container.

(21)
An article storage container according to any one of (1) to (20),
The main body is composed of polypropylene, calcium carbonate, and hydrous magnesium silicate in order of the blending ratio.
Item storage container.

(22)
(21) An article storage container according to (21),
The polypropylene content is between 45 and 55%.
The calcium carbonate content is between 42 and 52%.
The blending ratio of hydrous magnesium silicate is between 1 and 5%.
Item storage container.

1 Item storage container 10 Main body 10s Outer surface 11 First outer shell 11t, 12t Top 12 Second outer shell 13 Connection 20 Hole 21 First type of holes 22 Second type of holes 50 Item 60 Wrapping film 1G First group 2G Second group L Virtual line SP Storage space

Claims (21)

An article storage container,
a body portion having a spherical shape;
The main body includes a first outer shell portion and a second outer shell portion connectable to the first outer shell portion, and a plurality of holes are arranged radially and non-linearly curved on the inner surface and the outer surface except for the end portion.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 1,
The hole communicates from the inner surface to the outer surface of the body portion.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 2,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion have no holes formed at their tops.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 3 ,
the holes formed near the top are smaller in size than those formed near the ends;
Item storage container. The container according to claim 4,
The plurality of holes are formed so that their sizes gradually increase from the top side to the end side.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 3 ,
the holes formed near the top are larger in size than those formed near the ends;
Item storage container. The container according to claim 6,
The plurality of holes are formed so that their sizes gradually decrease from the top side to the end side.
Item storage container. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The main body is configured to be capable of storing an article therein, and is configured to be capable of visually confirming the article through the plurality of holes.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 8,
The plurality of holes are formed to a size such that the article and parts of the article housed in the main body cannot pass through.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 1,
The plurality of holes form a predetermined pattern.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 3 ,
the plurality of holes includes at least a first group of holes and a second group of holes;
The first group of holes and the second group of holes are formed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the top portion.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 11,
the first group of holes and the second group of holes have the same overall shape;
Item storage container. The container according to claim 11,
the first group of holes and the second group of holes each include a first type of multiple holes and a second type of multiple holes,
The first type of holes and the second type of holes have different shapes.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 13,
The first type of holes are polygonal in shape, and the second type of holes are circular in shape.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 1,
The main body portion includes a first outer shell portion and a second outer shell portion connectable to the first outer shell portion,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured as the same type.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 15,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are provided with a plurality of engagement openings and engagement protrusions as connecting portions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of each end portion, and are configured to be detachable from each other.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 16,
The first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion are configured to be connectable in a plurality of orientations by inserting the engagement protrusion into the engagement opening.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 17,
The plurality of holes are configured to allow fingers to be engaged when attaching or detaching the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 1,
The main body has a first area on the outer surface where the holes are formed, and a second area on the outer surface where the holes are not formed is larger than a first area on the outer surface where the holes are formed.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 1,
The main body is composed of polypropylene, calcium carbonate, and hydrous magnesium silicate in order of their blend ratios.
Item storage container. The container according to claim 20,
The polypropylene content is between 45 and 55%.
The calcium carbonate content is between 42 and 52%.
The blending ratio of hydrous magnesium silicate is between 1 and 5%.
Item storage container.

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