JP2014034419A - Food container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily and certainly hold an outer peripheral portion of a container by one hand, even if an outer diameter of the container becomes comparatively large.SOLUTION: On an outer peripheral portion of a side portion 10SW, two kinds of vertical ribs 10rai and 10rbi formed at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction and having different shapes, and lateral ribs 10B, 10C, and 10D intersecting the vertical ribs 10rai and 10rbi and extending over the whole periphery in the circumferential direction are formed so as to be bulged. The vertical rib 10rai has notch portions 12 to which fingers can be hooked at two places at a predetermined interval.

Description

  The present invention relates to a food container.

  Instant food and other hot food containers have a structure with excellent thermal insulation. As such a container, for example, as shown in Patent Documents 1 to 4, there are those in which a plurality of vertical ribs are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the side portion of the container. These vertical ribs are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the side portion of the container.

  Moreover, as also shown in Patent Document 5, the longitudinal grooves and the flat plate portions formed between adjacent longitudinal grooves are alternately provided on the outer peripheral portion of the container at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. Has been proposed. Moreover, in the container, the vertically long heat insulation space is formed between the side wall and flat plate part of the container.

  In addition, in instant food and other hot food containers, depending on the type of food, for example, when the content is instant noodles, it may be desired to increase the content of the conventional container.

JP 2001-322618 A JP 2002-019760 A JP 2002-193235 A JP 2006-001569 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-070978

If the outer diameter of the container becomes larger than the outer diameter of the conventional container by increasing the inner volume in comparison with the inner volume of the conventional container according to the above-mentioned demand, the container can be used with one hand depending on the size of the hand. May be difficult to hold. In such a case, there is a possibility that the container that is in a relatively hot state slides down from the hand.
In view of the above problems, the present invention is a food container, and even when the outer diameter of the container is relatively large, the outer periphery of the container is easily and reliably held with one hand. An object of the present invention is to provide a food container that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a food container according to the present invention includes an accommodating portion having an open end for accommodating contents, a cylindrical side portion forming the accommodating portion, and an accommodating portion facing the open end. A bottom portion that integrally forms the other end of the side portion with the side portion, and the outer peripheral portion of the side portion is provided with a plurality of vertical ribs along the circumferential direction. It is characterized by having.

  According to the food container of the present invention, the outer peripheral portion of the side portion has vertical ribs formed in at least one location where notches on which fingers are hung are formed at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction. Even when the diameter is relatively large, the outer periphery of the container can be easily and reliably held with one hand.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the container for foodstuffs which concerns on this invention. It is a front view including the fragmentary sectional view in the example shown by FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which two containers are stacked on each other in the example shown in FIG. 1. (A) is a front view in the example shown by FIG. 1, (B) is a development view which shows the state which expand | deployed the vertical rib. (A) is a front view which shows another example of the container for foodstuffs which concerns on this invention, (B) is an expanded view which shows the state which expand | deployed the vertical rib. (A) is a front view which shows another example of the container for foodstuffs which concerns on this invention, (B) is an expanded view which shows the state which expand | deployed the vertical rib. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the container in the example shown by FIG. 1 was hold | gripped with one hand.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of an example of a food container according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, the container 10 is integrally formed of, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other heat resistant resins.

The container 10 is formed into a shape that is an inverted version of the truncated cone. As shown in FIG. 2, the container 10 has an accommodating portion 10 </ b> A in which predetermined food, for example, dried noodle FN or the like is placed. The accommodating portion 10A has an open end portion 10E at the upper end. The diameter of the open end 10E is preferably in the range of 70 mm to 150 mm. There exists an advantage that the capacity | capacitance of foodstuffs, such as soup, can fully be ensured that a diameter is 70 mm or more. When the diameter is 150 mm or less, there is an advantage that the container according to the present invention can be held with one hand.
For example, the dried noodle FN is accommodated up to a position at a predetermined distance La from the open end 10E in the accommodating portion 10A. A flange portion 10TW to which a seal member (not shown) is affixed is formed on the periphery of the opening end portion 10E in an annular shape.

10 A of accommodating parts are enclosed and formed by cylindrical side part 10SW which has thickness of 0.2 mm-0.5 mm, and lower part 10BW which connects the lower end of side part 10SW. When the thickness of the side portion 10SW is 0.2 mm or more, there is an advantage that the flow of the resin can be improved in the molding of the container. When the thickness of the side portion 10SW is 0.5 mm or less, there is an advantage that the weight of the container can be reduced.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lower portion 10BW is formed in a convex shape that protrudes into the accommodating portion 10A. The height from the lower end surface of the lower portion 10BW to the opening end portion 10E is preferably in the range of 60 mm to 150 mm. There exists an advantage that the capacity | capacitance of foodstuffs, such as soup, can fully be ensured that height is 60 mm or more. If the height is 150 mm or less, there is an advantage that the container can be held with one hand because it does not become too heavy even if food enters the container according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, two types of vertical ribs 10 rai and 10 rbi (i = 1 to n, n are positive integers) and the vertical ribs 10 rai and 10 rbi intersect the circumference of the side portion 10 SW. The lateral ribs 10B, 10C, 10D extending over the entire circumference in the direction are formed so as to rise. The vertical ribs 10 rai and 10 rbi are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction and have different shapes. The lateral ribs 10B, 10C, and 10D that serve to reinforce the side portion 10SW are stepped portions that project outward at a predetermined interval, as shown in FIG. The lateral rib 10B is formed, for example, at a predetermined distance Lb from the opening end portion 10E. The position of the horizontal rib 10B is a measure of the amount of hot water required for the dry noodle FN, for example.

  Each of the vertical ribs 10 rai and 10 rbi extends from the vicinity of the flange portion 10 TW to the lower portion 10 BW along the Z coordinate axis in the orthogonal coordinates shown in FIG. 2, that is, the axial direction of the container 10. The X coordinate axis in the orthogonal coordinates is set parallel to the lower end surface of the lower part 10BW. The three vertical ribs 10rai and the three vertical ribs 10rbi are alternately formed. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the longitudinal ribs 10rbi are respectively formed on both sides of the longitudinal ribs 10rai that are formed in succession. The total number of the longitudinal ribs 10rai and 10rbi is preferably in the range of 18 to 72. When the total number of the longitudinal ribs 10 rai and 10 rbi is 18 or more, there are advantages that a large number of groups of notches can be formed on the entire circumference of the container, and that the resin can be favorably flowed during the molding of the container. When the total number of the longitudinal ribs 10 rai and 10 rbi is 72 or less, there is an advantage that the resin material can be saved.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the three vertical ribs 10rai has a thin plate shape having the same predetermined thickness and extends in the axial direction. Further, the three vertical ribs 10rbi have the shape of a thin plate having the same predetermined thickness and extend in the axial direction. The vertical rib 10 rai and the vertical rib 10 rbi preferably have a thickness in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm. When the thickness is 0.4 mm or more, there is an advantage that the flow of the resin can be improved in the molding of the container. When the thickness is 1.0 mm or less, there is an advantage that the resin material can be saved.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vertical rib 10 rai protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 10 </ b> SW by a predetermined height ta. Similarly, the vertical rib 10rbi protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 10SW by a predetermined height ta. The height ta of the vertical rib 10 rai and the vertical rib 10 rbi is preferably in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm. When the height ta is 2 mm or more, there is an advantage that heat insulation of the container can be ensured even if the food in the container is hot. When the height ta is 5 mm or less, there is an advantage that the resin material can be saved.

  The vertical rib 10 rai has a predetermined taper angle α with respect to the Z coordinate axis. Similarly, the vertical rib 10rbi has a predetermined taper angle α with respect to the Z coordinate axis. The taper angle α between the vertical rib 10 rai and the vertical rib 10 rbi is preferably in the range of 4 ° to 12 °. When the taper angle α is 4 ° or more, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to stack empty containers. When the taper angle α is 12 ° or less, there is an advantage that the diameter of the opening end of the container can be prevented from becoming too large and the container can be held with one hand.

  The vertical rib 10 rai has notches 12 where fingers can be hung at two places with a predetermined interval. The notch 12 is shaped to have a curved surface that allows a part of a finger to be applied. In the cutout portion 12, the maximum depth portion is formed so as to be offset toward the opening end portion 10E. The maximum depth Dp of the notch 12 is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. When the maximum depth Dp is in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm, there is an advantage that the container can be firmly held by placing the belly of the finger on the portion of the maximum depth.

  The length Lc along the axial direction in the notch 12 is preferably in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm. When the length Lc is 20 mm or more, there is an advantage that even a large finger can fit the belly of the finger to the notch. When the length Lc is 40 mm or less, there is an advantage that it is easy to find the belly of the finger at the maximum depth portion of the notch.

  The curved surface of the notch 12 preferably has a curvature radius Ra of 30 mm or less. When the curvature radius Ra is 30 mm or less, the belly of the finger is strongly applied to the step on the opening end side of the maximum depth portion, so that the container can be reliably gripped without sliding down. There is. Note that the cutout 12 does not have to be formed with such a curved surface. For example, a notch having a corner may be used.

  The notch 12 preferably has a wall thickness tb of 1 mm or more. When the wall thickness tb is 1 mm or more, there is an advantage that heat insulation of the container can be ensured even if the food in the container is hot.

  The angle β formed with respect to the Z coordinate axis on the curved surface of the notch 12 is preferably 0.5 ° or less. When the angle β is 0.5 ° or less, there is an advantage that it is easy to release the molded container from the mold.

  In addition, the vertical rib 10rbi does not have a notch compared with the vertical rib 10rai.

  When another container 10 ′ having the same configuration as the container 10 having such a configuration is stacked as shown in FIG. 3, the lower end portion of the lower part 10 ′ BW of the container 10 ′ is a horizontal rib of the container 10. It shall be in contact with the inner periphery of 10D. At that time, between the vertical rib 10'rai of the container 10 'and the peripheral edge of the opening end 10E of the container 10, the vertical rib 10'rai of the container 10' and the inner peripheral part corresponding to the horizontal rib 10B of the container 10 Between the vertical rib 10'rai of the container 10 'and the inner peripheral part corresponding to the horizontal rib 10C of the container 10, the inner peripheral part corresponding to the vertical rib 10'rai of the container 10' and the horizontal rib 10D of the container 10 Gaps Ge, Gc, Gb, and Ga are formed respectively. Thereby, the inner peripheral part of the container 10 is not damaged, and the container 10 ′ can be easily detached from the container 10.

  Accordingly, in such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, when the container 10 is held by the notch 12 by the thumb TF of one hand and another finger, the thumb TF and the other finger are notched by the vertical rib 10 rai. By being hung on the part 12 (enlarged and shown in the A part), the container 10 can be securely gripped without sliding down. Of the cutouts 12 of the vertical ribs 10rai on which the thumb TF and other fingers are hung, the cutouts 12 that are present on the most palm side are adjacent to the vertical ribs 10rbi. This vertical rib 10rbi has no notch. As a result, a step corresponding to the depth of the notch 12 is formed between the adjacent vertical rib 10rai and the vertical rib 10rbi. Since the step is strongly applied to the belly of the finger, the container 10 can be reliably gripped without sliding in the lateral direction. Further, the portion of the notch 12 of the vertical rib 10 rai having the maximum depth Dp is formed to be offset toward the opening end 10 </ b> E side of the container 10. As a result, a step corresponding to the maximum depth Dp is formed on the opening end 10E side of the portion having the maximum depth Dp. Since the step is strongly applied to the belly of the finger, the container 10 can be reliably gripped without sliding down.

5A and 5B show another example of the food container according to the present invention.
In the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the side portion 10SW of the container 10 is assumed to have two types of vertical ribs 10rai and 10rbi, which are shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this example, the side portion 20SW of the container 20 has three types of vertical ribs 20rai, 20rbi, and 20rci.

  In FIG. 5 (A), the container 20 is formed into the shape which turned the truncated cone shape upside down by the same material as the material of the container 10. Moreover, the container 20 is also formed in the same size as the container 10 and has an accommodating portion into which predetermined food can be put.

Three kinds of vertical ribs 20rai, 20rbi, and 20rci (i = 1 to n, n are positive integers) are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the side portion 20SW. The vertical ribs 20rai, 20rbi, and 20rci are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction and have different shapes.
Each of the vertical ribs 20 rai, 20 rbi, and 20 rci extends from the vicinity of the flange portion 20 TW to the lower portion 20 BW along the axial direction of the container 20. Two identical vertical ribs 20 rai and one vertical rib 20 rci and three identical vertical ribs 10 rbi are alternately formed.
Each of the three vertical ribs 20rbi has the shape of a thin plate having the same predetermined thickness and extends in the axial direction. The vertical rib 20rbi has a predetermined taper angle with respect to the axis, and does not have a notch as described later.

  The two vertical ribs 20rai have the shape of a thin plate having the same predetermined thickness (preferably within a range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm) and extend in the axial direction. The vertical rib 20 rai protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 20 </ b> SW to a predetermined height (preferably within a range of 2 mm to 5 mm). The vertical rib 20 rai has a predetermined taper angle with respect to the axial direction. The taper angle is preferably in the range of 4 ° to 12 °. The vertical rib 20 rai has notches 22DA at two locations with a predetermined interval. The notch 22DA has a curved surface enough to allow a part of a finger to be applied. The maximum depth Dp of the notch 22DA is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. The length along the axial direction in the notch 22DA is preferably in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.

One vertical rib 20rci formed between the two vertical ribs 20rai has a thin plate shape having a predetermined thickness (preferably within a range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm) and has an axis. Extending in the direction. The vertical rib 20rci protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 20SW to a predetermined height (preferably within a range of 2 mm to 5 mm). The vertical rib 20rci has a predetermined taper angle with respect to the axial direction. The taper angle is preferably in the range of 4 ° to 12 °. The vertical rib 20rci has notches 22DB at two locations with a predetermined interval. The notch 22DB has a shape with a curved surface enough for a finger to hang. The maximum depth Dp of the notch 22DB is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. The maximum depth of the notch 22DB is set to a value larger than the maximum depth of the notch 22DA. The length along the axial direction in the cutout portion 22DB is preferably in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.
In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the shape and dimensions, and the preferred range of dimensions, except that the maximum depth of the notch 22DB is set to a value greater than the maximum depth of the notch 22DA. Is the same as the example shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B).

  Even in such a configuration, the same operational effects as the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are obtained. In addition, since the maximum depth of the notch 22DB is set to a value larger than the maximum depth of the notch 22DA, the finger pad can be fitted to the portion of the maximum depth of the notch, and the container slides down. There is an effect that it can be grasped reliably.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show still another example of a food container according to the present invention.
In the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, one of the two types of vertical ribs 10 rai and 10 rbi in the side portion 10 </ b> SW of the container 10 has two notches 12. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, two types of vertical ribs 30 rai and 30 rbi are respectively provided in the side portion 30 </ b> SW of the container 30 at one place.

  In FIG. 6 (A), the container 30 is formed into the shape which turned the truncated cone shape upside down by the same material as the material of the container 10. Moreover, the container 30 is also formed in the same size as the container 10 and has an accommodating part into which predetermined food can be put.

  The outer periphery of the side portion 30SW has two types of longitudinal ribs 30rai and 30rbi (where i = 1 to n and n are positive integers), the longitudinal ribs 30rai and 30rbi, and the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. It is formed so that three horizontal ribs extending over it may protrude. The vertical ribs 30rai and 30rbi are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction and have different shapes.

  Each of the vertical ribs 30rai and 30rbi extends from the vicinity of the flange portion 30TW to the lower portion 30BW along the axial direction of the container 30. Three identical vertical ribs 30rai and three identical vertical ribs 30rbi are alternately formed.

  The three vertical ribs 30rai have a thin plate shape having the same predetermined thickness (preferably within a range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm) and extend in the axial direction. The vertical ribs 30rai protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 30SW to a predetermined height (preferably within a range of 2 mm to 5 mm). The vertical rib 30rai has a predetermined taper angle with respect to the axial direction. The taper angle is preferably in the range of 4 ° to 12 °. Each vertical rib 30rai has a notch 32A at a position corresponding to the space between the two upper horizontal ribs. The cutout portion 32A has a curved surface enough to allow a part of a finger to be applied. The maximum depth Dp of the notch 32A is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. The length along the axial direction in the notch 32A is preferably in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.

  The three vertical ribs 30rbi have the shape of a thin plate having the same predetermined thickness (preferably within a range of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm) and extend in the axial direction. The vertical rib 30rbi protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the side portion 30SW to a predetermined height (preferably within a range of 2 mm to 5 mm). The vertical rib 30rbi has a predetermined taper angle with respect to the axial direction. The taper angle is preferably in the range of 4 ° to 12 °. Each vertical rib 30rbi has a notch 32B at a position corresponding to two lower horizontal ribs, unlike the vertical rib 30rai. The notch 32B has a curved surface enough to be covered by a part of the finger. The maximum depth Dp of the notch 32B is preferably in the range of 1 mm to 4 mm. The length along the axial direction in the notch 32B is preferably in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, three longitudinal ribs 30rai and three longitudinal ribs 30rbi are alternately formed, and the longitudinal rib 30rai has a notch 32A at an upper position. The vertical rib 30rbi has the same shape and dimensions as the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B except that the longitudinal rib 30rbi has a notch 32B at the lower position.

  Even in such a configuration, the same operational effects as the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are obtained. Further, the three vertical ribs 30rai and the three vertical ribs 30rbi are alternately formed. The vertical rib 30rai has the notch 32A at the upper position, and the vertical rib 30rbi has the notch 32B at the lower position. Therefore, there is an effect that the degree of freedom of selection of the cutout portion group that touches the belly of the finger in the lateral direction of the container is increased, and that it is easy to hold when holding the container with both hands.

In the above-described example, the description has been given of the case where three longitudinal rib cutouts are continued in the horizontal direction, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
It is preferable that the number of the notch parts which continue in a horizontal direction exists in the range of 2-6. When the number of notches that are continuous in the lateral direction is two or more, there is an advantage that even a large finger can fit the belly of the finger to the notches. When the number of notches that are continuous in the horizontal direction is six or less, there is an advantage that a large number of groups of notches that are continuous in the horizontal direction can be formed all around the container. In addition, when the group of the notch part continuous in a horizontal direction is formed in multiple numbers over the perimeter of a container, the number of each notch part is not restrained mutually.

In the above-described example, the description has been given of the case where three portions having no notch portion adjacent to the notch portion group continue in the horizontal direction, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
It is preferable that the number of portions not having a notch continuous in the lateral direction is one or more. If the number of parts not having a continuous notch in the lateral direction is one or more, a step corresponding to the depth of the notch is formed between the part having no notch and the notch adjacent to the notch. In addition, since the step is strongly applied to the belly of the finger, there is an advantage that the container can be reliably gripped without sliding in the lateral direction. In addition, when the group of the part which does not have a notch part continuous in a horizontal direction is formed in multiple numbers over the perimeter of a container, the number of each part which does not have a notch part is not restrained mutually.

In the above-described example, the description has been given of the case where the group of the notch portions has two stages in the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
The group of notches existing in the axial direction is preferably one or more steps. If the group of notch portions present in the axial direction is one or more stages, there is an advantage that the container can be reliably gripped without slipping down because the belly of the finger is hung on the notch portion. When a plurality of groups of notches existing in the axial direction are formed in a plurality of stages, the number of each notch is not restricted to each other, and the number of parts having no notch is not restricted to each other. Absent. In addition, when a plurality of groups of cutout portions existing in the axial direction are formed, the positions of the groups of cutout portions are not restricted to each other, and the positions of the group of portions having no cutout portions are also restricted to each other. Is not to be done.

  In addition, you may provide a notch continuously in a horizontal direction over the perimeter of a container. When the cutouts are provided continuously across the entire circumference of the container, the step formed on the opening end side of the maximum depth part is strongly applied to the belly of the finger, so that the container is moved downward. There is an advantage that it can be securely gripped without sliding down, and the finger pad can be applied anywhere along the entire circumference of the container.

Moreover, the outer peripheral part of the containers 10, 20, and 30 may be covered with a shrink film, a heat insulation sheet, etc. Printing can be performed on the surface of a shrink film, a heat insulating sheet or the like.
In addition, the containers 10, 20, and 30 can be used for instant foods such as ramen and soup, and other hot food containers.

10, 20, 30 Container 10SW, 20SW, 30SW Side 10rai, 20rai, 30rai, 30rbi Vertical rib 10B, 10C, 10D Horizontal rib 12 Notch 22DA, 22DB, 32A, 32B Notch

Claims (4)

An accommodating portion having an open end for accommodating contents; a cylindrical side portion forming the accommodating portion; and a bottom portion integrally forming the other end of the accommodating portion facing the open end with the side portion; With
The food container according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the side portion has longitudinal ribs formed at least at one location where a notch to be hung by a finger is formed at a plurality of locations along the circumferential direction.   The said vertical rib has the said notch part in two places with predetermined spacing, The food container of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The food container according to claim 2, wherein the adjacent vertical ribs have cutout portions having different depths.   2. The food container according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent vertical ribs have cutout portions having the same shape at different positions.

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