【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、カレー等の半液状食材を鍋等から迅速簡便に移し替え及び１食分ずつの小分けができ、そのまま電子レンジで解凍できる小分け冷凍保存容器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の冷凍保存容器は、通称タッパと呼ばれる底が浅い小容器、底の深い大容器または、袋状のフリーザーバック（登録商標）等があり、その他、大容器に複数の小容器を取り出し自在に格納し食材を冷凍保存できる特許文献１の食品検査用の保管容器があり、また、底部に押出し孔を設けた容器を複数一体化させる蓋を上下に設けた特許文献２の冷凍庫用容器がある。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
登録実用新案公報第３０３８４７８号
【特許文献２】
公開特許公報特開２００１−１４１３５６号
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このような従来の冷凍容器では、通称タッパと呼ばれる小容量の容器の場合、少量しか入らない分、容器をたくさん用意して１つ１つ小分けして入れなければならない手間が面倒であり、台上に容器を並べて鍋等から移そうにも容器間の隙間に半液状食材を垂らし汚してしまう等不便であった。また、冷凍庫にバラバラの容器が嵩張る等の問題も生じる。そこで大容量の容器にまとめて冷凍保存した場合、食材が凍結して大きな１つの氷塊となり、適量食べようとする際、凍結した食材を叩き割るか、大容量の容器全体を電子レンジで解凍する他なく、手間と時間がかかり、一食分ずつ取り分けて解凍調理することが非常に困難で不便であった。このように通称タッパと呼ばれる従来の容器では、カレー等の半液状食材を冷凍保存するには、不便であり、冷凍保存や作り置きをする気持ちにもなれないのが現状であった。
【０００５】
また、フリーザーバック（登録商標）では、半液状食材を鍋等から移す際、開口部の開き具合が安定しないので半液状食材を入れにくく、たくさん小分けを必要とし、また電子レンジで加熱調理の際、フリーザーバックが溶解する虞があるため、食器に移し替えを必要とする等の不便がある。
【０００６】
特許文献１の検査用食品の保管容器は、検査用食材サンプルを少量保存するためのものであり、大容量で家庭用に作成しても鍋から半液状食材の移し替えを容易にする補助手段がなく、容器間の間隙に半液状食材が零れしまうので、一つ一つの容器に気を遣いながら小分けして移し替えする他なく不便である。
【０００７】
特許文献２の冷凍庫用容器については、底部に食材を押し出すための開口部を有する凹状容器を複数個底蓋に収納、上蓋で密封し、主に米飯、肉類、総菜等の固形食材を対象とする冷凍保存容器であり、半液状食材を鍋等から流し移すことを容易にする補助手段がなく、容器間の間隙に半液状食材が零れしまわないよう一つ一つの容器に気を遣いながら移し替え作業を要し、また、食材を直接収納する容器底部に開口部を設けられていることから、カレー等の半液状食材を収納することができない。
【０００８】
本発明は、シチューやカレー等の半液状食材を冷凍保存する際、零れないよう気を遣いながら一つ一つ容器に小分けする等の手間と煩わしさを軽減し、カレー等の半液状食材を鍋からお玉でいっぺんに流し込む様に小分けでき、冷凍後、小容器を分離することで一食分ずつ取り分けでき、食器に移し替えること無くそのまま、電子レンジで解凍調理できる冷凍保存容器を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、本発明は、大容器内に小容器を複数個格納し、各小容器間の間隙を着脱自在に被嵌して各小容器内に食材を漏斗様に流し移し易くするための分配補助カバーを設け、大容器上面及び小容器上面を閉塞する蓋部を設けることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
この小分け冷凍保存容器において、大容器内に小容器を複数個格納し、各小容器間の間隙を被嵌して各小容器内に食材を漏斗様に流し移し易くするための分配補助カバーを設けることにより、あたかも仕切りのある大容器の如く一体化され、並んだ容器間に零すことなく液状食材をまとめて流し移すことが容易となる。その後は、そのまま大容器ごと冷凍保存し、喫食の際、適宜小容器を取り外しそのまま電子レンジで一食分ずつ解凍調理できる等、大量でも迅速簡便に小分け保存及解凍調理を行うことができる。一連の保存から解凍調理まで手間を軽減する。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は、本発明による小分け冷凍保存容器の全体構成を示す斜視図であり、図２（Ａ）は、大容器の平面図であり、図２（Ｂ）は、大容器の断面図であり、図３（Ａ）は、蓋部の平面図であり、図３（Ｂ）は、大容器に格納された小容器及び蓋部の断面図であり、図４（Ａ）は、小容器開口部に嵌合する段差を設けた蓋部の平面図であり、図４（Ｂ）は、蓋部に各小容器開口部と嵌合する段差を設けた蓋部の断面図であり、図５（Ａ）は、分配補助カバーの平面図であり、図５（Ｂ）は、大容器内に格納した小容器上部に被嵌する分配補助カバーの断面図であり、図６（Ａ）は、分配補助カバーの被嵌部下面の下向十字凹状溝を示す部分底面図であり、図６（Ｂ）は、分配補助カバーの被嵌部を小容器側壁上端に嵌合した状況を示す部分断面斜視図であり、図７（Ａ）は、小容器間の指入れ隙間Ａを広く設ける場合の下向十字凹状溝を広く設けた分配補助カバーの部分底面図であり、図７（Ｂ）は、下向十字凹状溝を広く設けた分配補助カバーを小容器開口部に被嵌した状況を示す部分断面斜視図であり、図８（Ａ）は、分配補助カバーの外周縁部を外側上方へ延長した分配補助カバーの平面図であり、図８（Ｂ）は、分配補助カバーの外周縁部を外側上方へ延長した分配補助カバーの断面図であり、図９（Ａ）は、折畳み外周縁部を設けた分配補助カバーの部分断面斜視図であり、図９（Ｂ）は、ヒートシール加工により接合した折畳み外周縁部の断面図であり、図１０は、分配補助カバーを取り付け、カレー等の半液状食材を冷凍保存容器に流し移す状況を示す斜視図であり、図１１（Ａ）は、押出し孔から指で小容器を取り出す状況を示す部分断面斜視図であり、図１１（Ｂ）は、小容器間の指入れ隙間に指を入れ把持部を掴み小容器を取り出す状況を示す斜視図である。
【００１２】
下記の実施例は一例であり、何ら限定されるものでは無いことを前置き、以下本発明の冷凍保存容器の実施例を添付の図面を参照しながら説明する。本形態の小分け冷凍保存容器は、図１に示すとおり、大容器２内に複数個格納された各小容器１の側壁上端及び各小容器間の間隙を着脱自在に被嵌する分配補助カバー３を設け、大容器上面及び小容器上面を閉塞する蓋部４を設けたものである。
【００１３】
本実施例において、大容器２は、直接食材を収容する小容器１を６個整然と格納し一体化させ、蓋部４で大容器２及び小容器１を密封するものであり、分配補助カバー３は、半液状食材等を外部に零さぬようまとめて各小容器１内に流し移すための補助具であり、それ以外では取り外しておくことができる。
【００１４】
本発明の容器及び蓋の材質としては、電子レンジのマイクロ波を透過し、冷凍、加熱に耐性を有するポリエチレン樹脂、ポリプロピレン樹脂、ポリガーボネート樹脂、ポリエチレンテレフタレート樹脂、耐熱ガラス、陶器、セラミック等の素材を選択できる。
【００１５】
小容器１は、図１に示すとおり、上面に開口部１１を有し側壁１２と底板部１３から成る中空の四角柱、八角柱または、長方体、円筒形等の形状で小容器隅１４及び小容器隅１５並びに小容器隅１６を面取り加工等により丸みをもたせ、大容器２内に引っ掛かることなく詰め入れ易い形状に形成する。
【００１６】
小容器１は、上面開口で中空の四角柱または、八角柱、長方体、円筒形等の形状に形成し、小容器１個当たり２００ｃｃから３５０ｃｃ程度の一食分の量が確保される容積が望ましい。
【００１７】
小容器隅１４及び小容器隅１５並びに小容器隅１６の内側は、丸みをもたせ、液状食材が残留しにくい形状に形成する。
【００１８】
小容器１を単体で冷凍保存する際は、上面の開口部１１にラップ（登録商標）で包むか、気密性を保持するため小容器開口部１１に個々の蓋を設けることもできる。
【００１９】
各小容器隅１６外側上部には、弧を描くように面取りした把持部１７を設けると共に、該把持部１７即ち小容器１６が四対密集して生じる指入れ隙間Ａを設けることにより、図１１（Ｂ）に示すとおり指で小容器１を掴み取り出し易い形状にする。
【００２０】
前記把持部１７は、各小容器隅１６外側上部を面取りした弧状面とすることに限らず、八角柱等の一平面を把持部１７とする他、指がフィットする窪みを設けてもよい。
【００２１】
各小容器１の高さは、大容器開口部２４の高さ以下に設定すると、格納する小容器１が大容器２内に埋没した状態で取り出しにくくなることから、図１、図３（Ｂ）に示すように大容器開口部２４から小容器１の上部、把持部１７が突出するよう設け、図１１（Ｂ）で示すよう上方から指で取り出し易い形状に形成する。
【００２２】
小容器１は、凍結により取り出しが困難になることを防ぐため小容器側壁１２及び底板部１３に間隙を保持する突部または段差を複数設けることもできる。
【００２３】
前記大容器２は、図１、図２（Ａ）、図２（Ｂ）、図３（Ｂ）に示すとおり、底板部２１及び側壁２２並びに上面開口部２４からなる中空の長方体等の形状をなし、小容器１が整然と６個等格納できる形状に形成する。
【００２４】
大容器２の開口部２４の高さは、図１、図１１（Ｂ）に示すとおり小容器開口部１１より低くし、小容器１上部の把持部１７が大容器開口部２４から突出し上方から指で小容器１を掴み取り出し易い形状に形成する。
【００２５】
大容器２には、小容器の取り出し補助手段として図１１（Ａ）に示すとおり、底板部２１及び側壁２２に跨るＬ字状の押出し孔２３を小容器１載置面に設け、指を入れて小容器１を押し出し取り出せるよう形成することもできる。
【００２６】
前記押出し孔２３の形状は、Ｌ字状孔に限らず底板部２１に丸孔等の形状を形成してもよく、数や箇所も小容器載置箇所や全体の構成から適宜調整することができる。
【００２７】
大容器２の底板部２１内側には、図２（Ａ）、図２（Ｂ）に示すとおり、支持突状部２５及び載置面突部２６により、大容器２内に小容器１が側面下面共に一定の間隙をもって安定して載置されるよう形成し、もって氷結により取り外しが困難になることを防ぐことができる。
【００２８】
前記支持突状部２５は、小容器隅１５の形状に合わせた突条の形状、または、小容器隅１４に合わせた突状または段差等の形状に形成し、前記載置面突部２６は、小容器１載置面に丸、四角等の突状の形状を形成することができる。
【００２９】
大容器２の側壁上周縁には、図２（Ａ）、図２（Ｂ）、図３（Ｂ）に示すとおり蓋部４の蓋嵌合部４１と嵌合するための断面がΩ状等の形状が連続して成る嵌合縁２７を設け、また収容物の重量の負荷によって大容器２が変形、破損しないよう強度を補う形状に形成する。
【００３０】
前記嵌合縁２７は、必ずしも断面がΩ状等の形状に限らず、蓋部４と嵌合する断面がＬ字状、下向コ状等の縁でもよい。
【００３１】
前記嵌合縁２７は、取手にもなり得るものであり、把持した際の良好な重心、バランスを考慮し大容器２の上方に設けることが望ましい。
【００３２】
大容器２の下面には、図２（Ｂ）に示すとおり大容器２が凍結により貼り付き冷凍庫内から取り出せなくなることを防止するための突状脚部２８または段差を複数設ける。
【００３３】
前記分配補助カバー３は、図１、図５（Ａ）、図５（Ｂ）に示すとおり、長辺方向に１本、短辺方向に２本の骨組みが交差する被嵌部３１及び注入孔３２並びに外周縁部３３等によって構成され着脱自在で各小容器１間の間隙を閉塞し小容器１外へ零さず半液状食材を小容器１内に流し移し易くするための補助具である。
【００３４】
前記分配補助カバーの材質は、硬いプラスチックの他、ＥＶＡ樹脂、ポリエチレン樹脂、ビニール、ゴム等の柔軟な素材も選択できる。
【００３５】
前記被嵌部３１は、図５（Ａ）、図５（Ｂ）、図６（Ａ）、図６（Ｂ）に示すとおり大容器２内に整然と載置された各小容器１の側壁上端同士Ｂ及び各小容器隅１６が四対密集する部分Ｃを被嵌するよう長辺方向に１本、短辺方向に２本の骨組みが交差する形状に形成する。
【００３６】
前記各小容器１の側壁上端同士Ｂを被嵌する部分の形状については、図５（Ｂ）、図６（Ｂ）に示すとおり、断面が略逆Ｖ字状で下方へ末広がる逆Ｖ字傾斜縁３５の下部に下向凹状溝３４設けた形状を連続して形成する。
【００３７】
前記各小容器隅１６が四対密集する部分Ｃを被嵌する部分の形状については、図５（Ｂ）、図６（Ａ）、図６（Ｂ）に示すとおり逆Ｖ字傾斜縁３５が略十字に交差する形状に加え、被嵌すべき各小容器隅１６が四対密集する部分Ｃの面積及び形状に合わせ被嵌なし得る形状に調整した下向十字凹状溝３６を下面に設ける。
【００３８】
前記被嵌部３１は、図６（Ｂ）下面の下向凹状溝３４により複数隣接した小容器１の側壁上端同士Ｂを嵌合して各小容器１間の間隙を閉塞することができ、断面が略逆Ｖ字状の形状であることにより、半液状食材を注ぎ入れる際、半液状食材が残留または小容器外に零す等無く小容器１内に注ぎ入れ易い形状に形成する。逆Ｖ字傾斜縁３５が略十字に交差する形状部分についても同様、小容器隅１６が四対密集する部分Ｃの間隙を閉塞し、且つ半液状食材が残留または小容器外に零す等無く小容器１内に注ぎ入れ易い形状に形成する。
【００３９】
前記被嵌部３１は、断面が略逆Ｖ字状等に限らず、小容器１間の間隙を被嵌可能な断面が逆Ｕ字状等の形状または、下向コ字状等の形状でもよい。
【００４０】
小容器隅１６が四対密集して成る指入れ隙間Ａを大きく設ける場合は、被嵌すべき面積が増える分、同所を被嵌するための下向十字凹状溝３６を図７（Ａ）に示すとおり幅を広く設け、それに伴い略十字に交差する被嵌部３１上部の形状も、図７（Ｂ）に示すとおり幅広めの半球面状等の形状に形成する。但し半球面状等の形状に限定するものでは無く、上部が平面、四角推等の形状も選択することができる。
【００４１】
逆Ｖ字傾斜縁３５は、図６（Ｂ）に示すとおり各小容器開口部１１の形状に合わせ漏斗状に連続し、各注入孔３２の周囲または周囲の一部を形成する。
【００４２】
前記逆Ｖ字傾斜縁３５の下端は、半液状食材を流し移す際、半液状食材が表面張力等により被嵌部３１内側へ流入し汚してしまわないよう小容器１側壁から適当な間隙を設けることが望ましい。
【００４３】
前記外周縁部３３は、図５（Ａ）、図５（Ｂ）の断面図に示すとおり、下部から外側上方へ傾斜する傾斜縁３７により分配補助カバー３の外周を形成すると共に各注入孔３２の周囲の一部を形成しており、外周縁部３３外側には、小容器側壁上端と水平な面で係り止めする係止部３８を設け、半液状食材を外側に零さず、注入孔３２から各小容器１に注ぎ入れ易い形状に形成する。
【００４４】
前記外周縁部３３は、傾斜縁３７限らず、下向きコ字状等の形状でもよい。
【００４５】
注入孔３２は、図５（Ａ），図５（Ｂ）図６（Ｂ）に示すとおり被嵌部３１の逆Ｖ字傾斜縁３５及び外周縁部３３の傾斜縁３７が連続して漏斗状の注入孔３２を形成し、分配補助カバー３に複数形成された該注入孔３２が、大容器２内に整然と格納された各小容器開口部１１内側にそれぞれフィットするよう形成する。
【００４６】
分配補助カバー３は、図１０に示すとおり、シチューやカレー等の半液状食材を鍋等から各小容器１に流し移し易く、まとめて分配し易くするための補助具であり、小容器開口部１１に脱着自在に形成する。
【００４７】
分配補助カバー３は、図８（Ａ）、図８（Ｂ）に示すとおり外周縁部３３を外側上方へ末広がりに延長した形状に形成することができる。
【００４８】
前記外周縁部３３上部には、図９（Ａ）に示すとおり折り畳んで収納できるよう柔軟な薄いフィルム状の折畳み外周縁部３９を外側上方に末広がるよう形成することができ、柔軟な同一素材で外周縁部３３と一体成形して形成するか、または、図９（Ｂ）に示すとおり、折り畳めるよう折り目３９ａを設けたポリプロピレン樹脂、ビニール等の柔軟な素材によるフィルムを外周縁部３３にヒートシール加工、ラミネート加工等により接合して形成することもできる。
【００４９】
分配補助カバー３の外周縁部３１には、持ち易いよう取手や柄を設けることもできる。
【００５０】
収容する食材については、カレー等の半液状食材に限らず、固形等の食材等も収容保存することができる。
【００５１】
前記蓋部４は、図１、図３（Ａ）、図３（Ｂ）に示すとおり、大容器２の嵌合縁２７に嵌合するための蓋嵌合部４１を設けた小容器１及び大容器２双方の開口部を閉塞する蓋である。
【００５２】
蓋嵌合部４１は、断面が略Ω状等の形状が連続して形成された大容器２の嵌合縁２７に嵌合させるため図３（Ｂ）に示すとおり断面が略下向馬蹄状等の形状を蓋部４外周下部に連続して形成する。
【００５３】
前記蓋嵌合部４１は、必ずしも断面が下向馬蹄状等の形状に限らず、大容器２の嵌合縁２７と嵌合する断面が下向コ状等の形状でもよい。
【００５４】
前記蓋部４は、各小容器１の更なる気密性を高めるために図４（Ａ）、図４（Ｂ）に示すとおり蓋部４上面に複数下方に迫り出す球面状等の立体的な段差を設け、各小容器開口部１１を嵌合閉塞する形状に形成することもできる。
【００５５】
小分け冷凍保存容器は、冷凍保存する際、各小容器開口部１１上にラップ（登録商標）を被せ前記蓋部４にて施蓋することにより、より気密性をもって冷凍保存することができる。
【００５６】
【発明の効果】
請求項１によれば、本発明は、大容器内に複数の小容器を格納しその上部に分配補助カバーを被せることにより、内側に格子状の仕切りがある大容器同然となることから小分け作業を何度もすることなく、カレー等の半液状食材をまとめていっぺんに流し移して分配することができ、喫食の際は、１食分の小容器を取り出し、食器に移し替えることなくそのまま電子レンジで解凍調理することができる。このように冷凍保存から解凍調理までの一連の手間を軽減する小分け冷凍保存容器を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明による小分け冷凍保存容器の全体構成を示す斜視図である。
【図２】（Ａ）は、大容器の平面図であり、（Ｂ）は、大容器の断面図である。
【図３】（Ａ）は、蓋部の平面図であり、（Ｂ）は、大容器に格納された小容器及び蓋部の断面図である。
【図４】（Ａ）は、小容器開口部に嵌合する段差を設けた蓋部の平面図であり、（Ｂ）は、蓋部に各小容器開口部と嵌合する段差を設けた場合の蓋部の断面図である。
【図５】（Ａ）は、分配補助カバー平面図であり、（Ｂ）は、小容器を格納した大容器及び分配補助カバーの断面図である。
【図６】（Ａ）は、分配補助カバーの被嵌部下面の下向十字凹状溝を示す部分底面図であり、（Ｂ）は、分配補助カバーの被嵌部を小容器側壁上端に嵌合した状況を示す部分断面斜視図である。
【図７】（Ａ）は、下向十字凹状溝を広く設けた場合の分配補助カバーの部分底面図であり、（Ｂ）は、下向十字凹状溝を広く設けた場合の分配補助カバーを小容器開口部に被嵌した状況を示す部分断面斜視図である。
【図８】（Ａ）は、分配補助カバーの外周縁部を外側上方へ延長した分配補助カバーの平面図であり、（Ｂ）は、分配補助カバーの外周縁部を外側上方へ延長した分配補助カバーの断面図である。
【図９】（Ａ）は、折畳み外周縁部を設けた分配補助カバーの部分断面斜視図であり、図９（Ｂ）は、ヒートシール加工により接合した折畳み外周縁部の断面図である。
【図１０】分配補助カバーを取り付け、カレー等の半液状食材を冷凍保存容器に流し移す状況を示す斜視図である。
【図１１】（Ａ）は、押出し孔から指で小容器を取り出す状況を示す部分断面斜視図であり、（Ｂ）は、小容器間の指入れ隙間に指を入れ把持部を掴み小容器を取り出す状況を示す斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１小容器、１１小容器開口部、１２小容器側壁、１３小容器底板部、１４小容器隅、１５小容器隅、１６小容器隅、１７把持部、２大容器、２１大容器底板部、２２大容器側壁、２３押出し孔、２４大容器開口部、２５支持突状部、２６載置面突部、２７嵌合縁、２８突状脚部、３分配補助カバー、３１被嵌部、３２注入孔、３３外周縁部、３４下向凹状溝、３５逆Ｖ字傾斜縁、３６下向十字凹状溝、３７傾斜縁、３８係止部、３９折畳み外周縁部、３９ａ折り目、４蓋部、４１蓋嵌合部、Ａ指入れ隙間、Ｂ隣接した小容器１の側壁上端同士、Ｃ小容器隅１６が四対密集する部分[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a divided frozen storage container that can quickly and simply transfer semi-liquid ingredients such as curry from a pot or the like, and can divide a portion for each meal, and can thaw in a microwave oven as it is.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventional cryopreservation containers include a small container with a shallow bottom, a so-called tapper, a large container with a deep bottom, and a bag-shaped freezer bag (registered trademark). In addition, a plurality of small containers can be freely taken out of the large container. There is a storage container for food inspection of Patent Literature 1 that can store and freeze food ingredients, and there is a freezer container of Patent Literature 2 that has upper and lower lids that integrate a plurality of containers provided with extrusion holes at the bottom. .
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Registered Utility Model Publication No. 3038478 [Patent Document 2]
Published Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-141356
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional freezing container, in the case of a small-capacity container commonly called a tapper, since only a small amount can be contained, it is troublesome to prepare a large number of containers and divide them one by one, and it is troublesome. It was inconvenient to arrange containers on the top and transfer them from a pot or the like, as the semi-liquid food material would drip in the gaps between the containers and become soiled. In addition, there arises a problem that the containers are bulky in the freezer. Therefore, if the food is frozen and stored in a large-capacity container, the food freezes to form a large ice block, and when trying to eat an appropriate amount, the frozen food is cracked or the entire large-capacity container is thawed in a microwave. In addition, it was troublesome and time-consuming, and it was very difficult and inconvenient to separately thaw and cook one meal at a time. As described above, in a conventional container commonly called a tapper, it is inconvenient to freeze and store a semi-liquid food material such as curry or the like, and at present, it is not possible to store the frozen food or store it in a frozen state.
[0005]
In addition, in the case of freezer bag (registered trademark), when transferring semi-liquid ingredients from a pot etc., the opening state of the opening is not stable, so it is difficult to put the semi-liquid ingredients, it is necessary to divide a lot, and when cooking with a microwave oven In addition, since the freezer bag may be dissolved, there is an inconvenience that the freezer bag needs to be transferred to tableware.
[0006]
The storage container for food for inspection of Patent Document 1 is for storing a small amount of food sample for inspection, and is an auxiliary means for facilitating the transfer of semi-liquid food from a pot even when prepared for home use in a large capacity. Since the semi-liquid food material spills into the gap between the containers, it is inconvenient to subdivide and transfer while paying attention to each container.
[0007]
Regarding the freezer container of Patent Literature 2, a plurality of concave containers having openings for extruding ingredients at the bottom are housed in the bottom lid, sealed with the top lid, and mainly intended for solid food materials such as cooked rice, meats, side dishes and the like. It is a frozen storage container that does not have auxiliary means to make it easy to transfer semi-liquid ingredients from a pot etc., and transfers each semi-liquid ingredient while paying attention to each container so that the semi-liquid ingredients do not spill into the gap between the containers. A replacement operation is required, and since an opening is provided at the bottom of the container for directly storing foods, semi-liquid foods such as curry cannot be stored.
[0008]
The present invention reduces the hassle and inconvenience of subdividing individual semi-liquid ingredients such as curry and the like when preserving semi-liquid ingredients such as stew and curry, and taking care not to spill, semi-liquid ingredients such as curry etc. The purpose is to provide a frozen storage container that can be subdivided so that it can be poured all at once with a ladle from a pan, separated by small containers after freezing, and can be separated by one serving, and can be thawed and cooked in a microwave without changing to tableware. And
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention stores a plurality of small containers in a large container, detachably fits the gap between the small containers, and allows the food to flow into each small container in a funnel-like manner. And a lid for closing the upper surface of the large container and the upper surface of the small container.
[0010]
In this subdivided frozen storage container, a plurality of small containers are stored in a large container, and a distribution auxiliary cover for facilitating the transfer of foodstuff into each small container in a funnel-like manner by fitting a gap between the small containers is provided. By providing them, it becomes easy to integrate the liquid foods as if they were integrated like a large container with partitions, and it is easy to flow the liquid foods together without spilling. Thereafter, the large container can be frozen and stored as it is, and at the time of eating, the small container can be properly removed and the food can be thawed and cooked one by one in a microwave oven. Reduce effort from a series of storage to thawing cooking.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of a divided frozen storage container according to the present invention, FIG. 2 (A) is a plan view of a large container, and FIG. 2 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the large container. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the lid, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the small container and the lid stored in the large container, and FIG. FIG. 4 (B) is a plan view of a lid portion provided with a step which fits into the portion, and FIG. 4 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the lid portion provided with a step which fits with each small container opening in the lid portion. 5A is a plan view of the distribution auxiliary cover, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the distribution auxiliary cover fitted on the upper portion of the small container stored in the large container, and FIG. FIG. 6B is a partial bottom view showing the downward cross-shaped concave groove on the lower surface of the fitting portion of the distribution auxiliary cover, and FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the fitting portion of the distribution auxiliary cover is fitted to the upper end of the small container side wall. FIG. 7A is a partial bottom view of the distribution auxiliary cover provided with a wide downward cross concave groove in the case where the finger insertion gap A between the small containers is provided widely, and FIG. FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which the distribution auxiliary cover provided with the downward cross-shaped concave groove is widely fitted in the small container opening, and FIG. FIG. 8 (B) is a plan view of the extended distribution auxiliary cover, FIG. 8 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the distribution auxiliary cover in which the outer peripheral edge of the distribution auxiliary cover is extended outward and upward, and FIG. FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a distribution auxiliary cover provided with a portion, FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a fold outer peripheral edge joined by heat sealing, and FIG. It is a perspective view showing a situation in which the semi-liquid food material is transferred to a frozen storage container, 11 (A) is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a situation in which a small container is taken out from the extrusion hole with a finger, and FIG. It is a perspective view showing the situation of taking out.
[0012]
The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and embodiments of the cryopreservation container of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the subdivided frozen storage container of the present embodiment has a distribution auxiliary cover 3 that detachably covers the upper end of the side wall of each of the small containers 1 stored in the large container 2 and the gap between the small containers. And a lid 4 for closing the upper surfaces of the large container and the small container.
[0013]
In the present embodiment, the large container 2 is one in which six small containers 1 for directly accommodating foodstuffs are stored neatly and integrated, and the lid 4 seals the large container 2 and the small container 1 together. Is an auxiliary tool for collecting semi-liquid ingredients and the like into the small containers 1 so as not to be spilled outside, and can be removed in other cases.
[0014]
Examples of the material of the container and the lid of the present invention include polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polycarbonate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, heat-resistant glass, ceramics, ceramics, etc., which transmit microwaves in a microwave oven and have resistance to freezing and heating. You can select the material.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the small container 1 has an opening 11 on the upper surface and a hollow rectangular or octagonal prism formed of a side wall 12 and a bottom plate 13, or a rectangular or cylindrical shape having a small container corner 14. The small container corners 15 and the small container corners 16 are rounded by chamfering or the like, so that the small container corners 15 and the small container corners 16 are easily caught in the large container 2 without being caught.
[0016]
The small container 1 is formed in the shape of a hollow square pillar or an octagonal prism, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, or the like with an opening on the upper surface, and has a volume enough to secure a serving of about 200 cc to 350 cc per small container. desirable.
[0017]
The inside of the small container corner 14, the small container corner 15, and the small container corner 16 are rounded and formed in a shape in which the liquid food material hardly remains.
[0018]
When the small container 1 is stored frozen by itself, it can be wrapped in a wrap (registered trademark) in the opening 11 on the upper surface, or an individual lid can be provided in the small container opening 11 to maintain airtightness.
[0019]
By providing gripping portions 17 chamfered so as to draw an arc at the upper portion outside each corner 16 of the small container, and by providing finger insertion gaps A formed by four pairs of the gripping portions 17, that is, the small containers 16, FIG. As shown in (B), the small container 1 is shaped so that it can be easily grasped and taken out with a finger.
[0020]
The grip portion 17 is not limited to an arc-shaped surface with a chamfered upper portion outside each corner 16 of the small container, but may be a flat surface such as an octagonal prism as the grip portion 17, or may be provided with a depression to which a finger fits.
[0021]
If the height of each small container 1 is set to be equal to or less than the height of the large container opening 24, it becomes difficult to take out the small container 1 to be stored in a state where it is buried in the large container 2; 11), the upper portion of the small container 1 and the holding portion 17 are provided so as to protrude from the large container opening 24, and are formed in a shape that can be easily taken out from above by a finger as shown in FIG.
[0022]
The small container 1 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions or steps to keep a gap between the small container side wall 12 and the bottom plate portion 13 in order to prevent the removal from becoming difficult due to freezing.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (A), FIG. 2 (B), and FIG. 3 (B), the large container 2 is a hollow rectangular body or the like having a bottom plate 21, a side wall 22, and a top opening 24. It is formed into a shape that can store six small containers 1 in an orderly manner.
[0024]
The height of the opening 24 of the large container 2 is set lower than the small container opening 11 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 (B), and the holding portion 17 on the upper portion of the small container 1 projects from the large container opening 24 and from above. The small container 1 is formed in a shape that is easy to grasp and take out with a finger.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 11A, the large container 2 is provided with an L-shaped extrusion hole 23 extending over the bottom plate portion 21 and the side wall 22 on the mounting surface of the small container 1 as shown in FIG. It can also be formed so that the small container 1 can be pushed out and taken out.
[0026]
The shape of the extrusion hole 23 is not limited to the L-shaped hole, and a shape such as a round hole may be formed in the bottom plate portion 21, and the number and locations may be appropriately adjusted depending on the placement location of the small container and the entire configuration. it can.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the small container 1 is placed inside the large container 2 by the supporting projection 25 and the mounting surface projection 26 inside the bottom plate 21 of the large container 2. The lower surface is formed so as to be stably mounted with a certain gap, thereby preventing the removal from being difficult due to icing.
[0028]
The support projection 25 is formed in a shape of a ridge corresponding to the shape of the corner 15 of the small container, or in a shape of a protrusion or a step corresponding to the corner 14 of the small container. A protruding shape such as a circle or a square can be formed on the mounting surface of the small container 1.
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 2 (A), 2 (B), and 3 (B), a cross-section for fitting with the lid fitting portion 41 of the lid portion 4 is formed on the upper peripheral edge of the side wall of the large container 2, for example. Are formed continuously, and the large container 2 is formed in a shape that complements the strength so that the large container 2 is not deformed or damaged by the load of the weight of the contents.
[0030]
The cross-section of the fitting edge 27 is not limited to a shape such as an Ω shape, and may be an edge such as an L-shape or a downward U-shape for fitting with the lid portion 4.
[0031]
The fitting edge 27 can also serve as a handle, and is preferably provided above the large container 2 in consideration of a good center of gravity and balance when gripped.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of projecting legs 28 or steps are provided on the lower surface of the large container 2 to prevent the large container 2 from sticking due to freezing and being unable to be taken out of the freezer.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 (A), and FIG. 5 (B), the distribution assisting cover 3 has a fitting part 31 and an injection hole where one skeleton intersects in the long side direction and two skeletons intersect in the short side direction. 32 and an outer peripheral portion 33 and the like, which is a detachable tool for detachably closing the gap between the small containers 1 and flowing the semi-liquid foodstuff into the small container 1 without spilling out of the small container 1. .
[0034]
As the material of the distribution assisting cover, besides hard plastics, flexible materials such as EVA resin, polyethylene resin, vinyl, and rubber can be selected.
[0035]
As shown in FIGS. 5 (A), 5 (B), 6 (A), and 6 (B), the fitted portion 31 is located at the upper end of the side wall of each small container 1 placed neatly in the large container 2. One frame in the long side direction and two frames in the short side direction intersect so as to cover the part C where the corners B and the corners 16 of each small container are densely packed.
[0036]
As shown in FIGS. 5 (B) and 6 (B), the shape of the portion where the upper end B of the side wall of each of the small containers 1 is fitted is an inverted V-shape having a substantially inverted V-shaped cross section and diverging downward. The shape in which the downward concave groove 34 is provided below the inclined edge 35 is continuously formed.
[0037]
As for the shape of the portion where the small container corners 16 are fitted with the portion C where the four pairs are densely packed, as shown in FIGS. 5 (B), 6 (A) and 6 (B), the inverted V-shaped inclined edge 35 is formed. In addition to the shape crossing the substantially cross, a downward cross recessed groove 36 is provided on the lower surface, which is adjusted to a shape that can be fitted according to the area and shape of the portion C where the small container corners 16 to be fitted are four-dense.
[0038]
The fitted portion 31 can close the gap between the small containers 1 by fitting the upper ends B of the side walls of the plurality of adjacent small containers 1 by the downward concave grooves 34 on the lower surface in FIG. When the semi-liquid food material is poured, the semi-liquid food material is formed into a shape that is easy to pour into the small container 1 without remaining or spilling out of the small container when the semi-liquid food material is poured. Similarly, the small container corner 16 closes the gap of the portion C where the four small pairs are densely packed, and the semi-liquid food material does not remain or zero outside the small container. It is formed into a shape that can be easily poured into the small container 1.
[0039]
The cross section of the fitting portion 31 is not limited to a substantially inverted V-shape or the like, and a cross section capable of fitting the gap between the small containers 1 is a shape such as an inverted U-shape or a shape such as a downward U-shape. Good.
[0040]
In the case of providing a large finger insertion gap A formed by four pairs of small container corners 16 densely, the downward cross-shaped concave groove 36 for fitting the same place is provided as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, the upper portion of the fitting portion 31 which crosses substantially in a cross shape is formed in a wider semi-spherical shape as shown in FIG. However, the shape is not limited to a hemispherical shape or the like, and a shape such as a flat upper surface or a square shape can be selected.
[0041]
The inverted V-shaped inclined edge 35 is continuous in a funnel shape according to the shape of each small container opening 11 as shown in FIG. 6B, and forms the periphery or a part of the periphery of each injection hole 32.
[0042]
The lower end of the inverted V-shaped inclined edge 35 is provided with an appropriate gap from the side wall of the small container 1 so that the semi-liquid food does not flow into the inside of the fitted portion 31 due to surface tension or the like when transferring the semi-liquid food. It is desirable.
[0043]
As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the outer peripheral edge 33 forms the outer periphery of the distribution assisting cover 3 by an inclined edge 37 which is inclined upward from the lower portion to the outside, and each injection hole 32 is formed. The outer peripheral edge 33 is provided with a locking portion 38 on the outer side thereof, which is engaged with the upper end of the small container side wall in a horizontal plane. From 32, it is formed into a shape that can be easily poured into each small container 1.
[0044]
The outer peripheral edge 33 is not limited to the inclined edge 37 and may have a downward U-shape or the like.
[0045]
As shown in FIGS. 5 (A), 5 (B), and 6 (B), the injection hole 32 has a funnel shape in which the inverted V-shaped inclined edge 35 of the fitted portion 31 and the inclined edge 37 of the outer peripheral edge 33 are continuous. Is formed so that the plurality of injection holes 32 formed in the distribution assisting cover 3 fit inside the small container openings 11 which are stored neatly in the large container 2.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 10, the distribution assisting cover 3 is an auxiliary tool for facilitating the transfer of semi-liquid ingredients such as stews and curries from a pot or the like to each small container 1 and distributing them collectively. 11 so as to be detachable.
[0047]
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the distribution assisting cover 3 can be formed in a shape in which the outer peripheral edge 33 is extended outward and upward.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 9 (A), a flexible thin film-shaped folded outer peripheral portion 39 can be formed on the upper portion of the outer peripheral portion 33 so as to be splayed upward and outward, so that the same flexible material can be used. 9B, or a film made of a flexible material, such as polypropylene resin or vinyl, provided with a fold 39a so as to be foldable as shown in FIG. It can also be formed by joining by sealing, lamination, or the like.
[0049]
A handle or handle may be provided on the outer peripheral edge 31 of the distribution assisting cover 3 so as to be easily held.
[0050]
Foodstuffs to be stored are not limited to semi-liquid foodstuffs such as curries, and foodstuffs such as solids can be stored and stored.
[0051]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3A and 3B, the lid 4 is provided with a small container 1 provided with a lid fitting portion 41 for fitting to the fitting edge 27 of the large container 2. A lid for closing both openings of the large container 2.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 3B, the lid fitting portion 41 has a substantially downward horseshoe-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 3 (B) in order to fit the fitting edge 27 of the large container 2 having a continuously formed substantially Ω-shaped cross section. Such a shape is continuously formed on the lower part of the outer periphery of the lid 4.
[0053]
The cross section of the lid fitting portion 41 is not limited to a downward horseshoe shape or the like, but may be a downward U shape or the like for fitting the fitting edge 27 of the large container 2.
[0054]
As shown in FIGS. 4 (A) and 4 (B), the lid 4 has a three-dimensional shape such as a spherical shape projecting downward on the upper surface of the lid 4 in order to further increase the airtightness of each small container 1. A step may be provided so that each of the small container openings 11 is fitted and closed.
[0055]
The subdivided cryopreservation container can be cryopreserved with more airtightness by storing a wrap (registered trademark) on each small container opening 11 and covering with the lid portion 4 at the time of cryopreservation.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the subdividing work is performed by storing a plurality of small containers in a large container and covering the upper part of the container with a distribution auxiliary cover, so that the large container has a grid-like partition inside. Without having to repeat the process, semi-liquid ingredients such as curry can be put together and transferred and distributed.At the time of eating, take out a small container for one meal and use the microwave as it is without transferring it to tableware Thaw can be cooked. As described above, it is possible to provide a subdivided frozen storage container that reduces a series of steps from frozen storage to thawing cooking.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an entire configuration of a divided frozen storage container according to the present invention.
2A is a plan view of a large container, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the large container.
FIG. 3A is a plan view of a lid, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a small container and a lid stored in a large container.
FIG. 4A is a plan view of a lid provided with a step fitting into the small container opening, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a step fitted with each small container opening in the lid. It is sectional drawing of the cover part in a case.
FIG. 5A is a plan view of a distribution auxiliary cover, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a large container storing small containers and a distribution auxiliary cover.
6A is a partial bottom view showing a downward cross-shaped concave groove on the lower surface of the fitting portion of the distribution auxiliary cover, and FIG. 6B is a diagram in which the fitting portion of the distribution auxiliary cover is fitted to the upper end of the small container side wall. It is a fragmentary perspective view showing the combined situation.
FIG. 7A is a partial bottom view of the distribution auxiliary cover when the downward cross concave groove is provided widely, and FIG. 7B is a partial auxiliary cover when the downward cross concave groove is widely provided. It is a partial sectional perspective view showing the situation where it was fitted in the small container opening.
FIG. 8A is a plan view of a distribution auxiliary cover in which an outer peripheral edge of the distribution auxiliary cover is extended outwardly upward, and FIG. 8B is a distribution diagram in which an outer peripheral edge of the distribution auxiliary cover is extended outwardly upward. It is sectional drawing of an auxiliary cover.
9 (A) is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a distribution auxiliary cover provided with a folding outer peripheral edge, and FIG. 9 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the folding outer peripheral edge joined by heat sealing.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a situation in which a distribution auxiliary cover is attached and a semi-liquid food material such as curry is poured into a frozen storage container.
FIG. 11A is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a situation in which a small container is taken out from an extrusion hole with a finger, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the situation which takes out.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 small container, 11 small container opening, 12 small container side wall, 13 small container bottom plate, 14 small container corner, 15 small container corner, 16 small container corner, 17 grip, 2 large container, 21 large container bottom plate, 22 large container side wall, 23 extrusion hole, 24 large container opening, 25 support projection, 26 mounting surface projection, 27 fitting edge, 28 projection leg, 3 distribution auxiliary cover, 31 fitting portion, 32 Injection hole, 33 outer peripheral edge, 34 downward concave groove, 35 inverted V-shaped inclined edge, 36 downward cross concave groove, 37 inclined edge, 38 locking portion, 39 folding outer peripheral edge, 39a fold, 4 lid, 41 A part where the lid fitting portion, the A finger insertion gap, the upper ends of the side walls of the small container 1 adjacent to each other, and the four corners of the small container corner 16 are closely packed.
