JP2010202282A - Fermented soybean container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide fermented soybean (natto) container having a rectangular outer shape, capable of utilizing a supporting means of a fermented soybean production line without change, facilitating mixing of fermented soybeans therein, capable of maintaining a cover-closed state without the need of heat sealing, and facilitating re-closing of the cover after once it is opened. <P>SOLUTION: The container is composed of a container body 1 and a cover body 5. In the container body 1, a housing recessed part 2 is formed with a flange part 4 which is rectangular in a planar view. The cover body 5 is provided continuously from the container body 1 via a hinge part 6. A side wall 20 of the housing recessed part 2 is composed of an upper side wall 21, a stepped part 22, and a lower side wall 23 extending to a bottom part 24 forming a circular shape in a planar view. The lower side wall 23 is formed so as to be tapered. A projecting part 8 fitted with the inside of an opening part at a position corresponding to the opening part 3 is provided in the cover body 5. At the part near the corner part of the flange parts 4 and 7 of the container body 1 and the cover body 5, there are provided an engaging recessed part 9a and an engaging projecting part 9b which are fitted with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a natto container used from the production of natto to retail sales.

  Conventionally, as a natto container for retailing and selling natto, a container formed of a synthetic resin foam sheet such as a polystyrene resin, in which a container body and a lid are integrally connected, is usually used. Used from the natto production stage.

  In the production of natto, in the natto production line dedicated to the natto manufacturer, the natto bacteria are stored in the container body of the natto container together with the steamed soy beans, so that they remain partially open or do not impair air permeability. It is carried into a fermentation room whose temperature is adjusted in a closed state where the container body and the lid are joined by heat sealing, and predetermined fermentation and aging are performed. A seasoning storage bag containing seasoning materials such as soy sauce and eggplant is put on a protective resin film on soybean or natto in the container before fermentation and ripening. It is accommodated on the film, or after the aging, it is accommodated on the resin film in the container as described above.

  Then, after aging, the lid is closed on the container body, and a plurality of (mainly two or three) natto containers are stacked and wrapped with a tape-like film. It is transported to a retail store in a state of being packed in a cardboard box and sold side by side at the retail store. In general, since it is necessary to take air into the container during the fermentation and aging, and also during transportation, a ventilation means is provided so as to maintain air permeability even in the closed state. In each household, the heat-sealed tape-like film is peeled off, the lid is further peeled off, the resin film is removed, and a seasoning material such as soy sauce or eggplant is stirred and eaten. At this time, the natto container is used as a stirring container.

  As the natto container used as described above, a polystyrene-based resin foam sheet is often used because it is relatively inexpensive. When trimming after molding, punching waste is stored in the storage part, etc. In order to prevent this, the outer shape is generally rectangular due to cutting with a heater wire for fusing with nichrome wire and the efficiency of removal from the sheet. The storage recess of the main body is also usually a flat square corresponding to the outer shape.

  However, if the storage recess of the container body is a flat square, even when the corners are rounded, the chopstick tip hits the side wall when stirring with a seasoning such as soy sauce sauce or eggplant as a condiment It is difficult to stir and takes a long time to achieve a good texture, and the side wall may be damaged by the tip of the chopsticks. Therefore, it is desirable to form the storage recess in a flat circular shape. However, if the flat shape including the outer shape of the container body is flat, a plurality of natto containers are stacked and packed together with a tape-like film. It becomes difficult to do. Further, in the existing natto production line, the support member such as a bucket for fixing the container has a rectangular shape. Therefore, when the outer shape of the natto container is changed, a large change such as a line change is required.

  In the natto container, in order to keep the lid in the closed state, the lid and the flange part of the container main body are only partially heat sealed. Once the heat seal is removed and the lid is opened, the lid is closed again. Natto odor inside the container body after use, resulting in problems such as bad odor generated from trash etc., and seasoning materials such as sticky tape film and soy sauce sauce after use Remnants such as storage bags cannot be put in a container and discarded in a batch. Even in the closed state, a gap is generated between the flange portions of the container body and the lid, and air easily enters excessively, which may adversely affect the natto inside.

  In recent years, in the natto container described above, the lid is attached to the container body in a stable state, prevents excessive air from entering after aging, and the flange portion around the opening during line movement or product transportation It has been proposed that the lid is provided with a protruding rib that protrudes toward the lower surface side that fits inside the opening of the container main body, and also serves as a buffer and a reinforcement for an impact applied to the container (Patent Document 1). ).

  However, in the case of this proposal, there is a problem that stirring when eating natto is not easy because the storage recess has a flat square shape. Further, when only the opening and the protruding rib are fitted, the lid is easily opened, the closed state cannot be stably maintained, and heat sealing is still necessary.

JP 2008-265780 A

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the outer shape is square and the support means of the natto production line can be used as it is, and the internal natto can be easily stirred. The present invention provides a natto container that can be closed without necessity and can be easily closed again after being opened once, and further provides a natto container having a good stirring effect.

  The present invention that solves the above-described problems includes a container main body in which a storage concave portion for storing natto is formed leaving a flat rectangular flange around the opening, and the container main body is connected to the container main body via a hinge portion. A natto container comprising a lid body, wherein the side wall of the storage recess of the container body has an upper side wall extending continuously downward from the opening, and a height position close to the opening from the upper side wall. It consists of a step part formed by bending inward and a lower side wall extending downward from the step part and reaching a bottom part having a flat circular shape, and the lower side wall forms a taper and continues to the bottom part. The lid is formed with a protrusion that fits inside the opening when the cover is closed at a position corresponding to the opening of the housing recess.

  In the natto container, the shape of the opening in the storage recess of the container body is such that the half on the hinge part side is square, the half on the opposite side of the hinge part is semicircular, and the convexity of the lid The portion has a shape corresponding to the opening, and has a flat rectangular flange portion outside the convex portion of the lid, and the outer flange portion of the semicircular portion and the convex portion outside the lid body An engagement concave portion and an engagement convex portion that are fitted to each other when the lid is closed may be provided at the flange portion. As a result, the lid can be closed with good sealing performance without using a heat seal, and the closed state after being opened once can be well maintained.

  In the natto container, the lower side wall of the storage recess has an upper end continuous with the step portion corresponding to the shape of the opening, and corresponds to a flat circular bottom from the upper end toward the lower end. It may be formed so as to gradually change in shape. Thereby, a volume can be expanded rather than the case where a lower side wall makes a planar circular taper shape, and the depth of a storage recessed part can be made shallow and a required amount of natto can be accommodated.

  In the natto container, the shape of the opening of the storage recess of the container body is circular, and at the flange portion outside the opening and the flange portion outside the protrusion of the lid, An engagement concave portion and an engagement convex portion that are fitted to each other when the lid is closed can be provided.

  In the natto container, the engaging recess and the engaging convex portion are provided at a location near the corner portion of the flange portion of the container body and at a location near the corner portion of the flange portion of the lid corresponding thereto. Can be.

  The engaging recess is provided so as to be convex on the lower surface side, leaving the outer portion of the flange portion in the vicinity of at least two corner portions of the flange portion of the container body, and in the vicinity of two adjacent corner portions. It is preferable that the outer side surfaces of the both engaging recesses are arranged so as to be positioned on a straight line parallel to the outline of the flange portion. In this case, the engaging recess can be formed continuously with the opening of the storage recess, and the engaging protrusion can be formed continuously with the protrusion of the lid.

  The said natto container WHEREIN: The lower side wall of the said storage recessed part shall make the wave shape which the convex line and the concave line of the up-down direction continued in the circumferential direction alternately, and shall be continuing to the said bottom part. As a result, the strength of the side wall of the storage recess is increased and the shape retention is improved, and the effect of stirring natto is increased. If a large number of spherical convex surfaces are formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the storage recess, the effect of stirring is further enhanced.

  In the natto container, the convex portion of the lid that fits into the opening of the storage concave portion when the lid is closed can be formed in a rib shape, thereby improving the shape retention of the lid. .

  The natto container is preferably one in which the container body and the lid are integrally formed and connected by vacuum forming from a synthetic resin foam sheet.

  According to the natto container of the present invention, since the lower side wall of the storage recess of the container body is tapered and is continuous with the bottom of the flat circular shape, stirring when eating natto is easy, and the outer shape Since the flange portion has a planar square shape, support means such as a square bucket of an existing natto production line can be used as it is. Moreover, since the convex part which fits inside this opening part at the time of a lid | cover is provided in the position corresponding to the opening part of a storage recessed part, the excessive air penetration | invasion from an opening part can be prevented. Can be closed.

  In addition, the shape of the opening of the storage recess of the container body is formed in the corner of the container body and the flange portion of the lid because the half opposite to the hinge is semicircular or the whole is circular. By utilizing the space, it is possible to provide the engaging concave portion and the engaging convex portion that are fitted to each other when the lid is closed without impairing the handling by the supporting means such as the bucket. As a result, the lid can be closed with good sealing performance as described above without using a heat seal, and the closed state after being opened once can be well maintained. There will be no problems such as the generation of bad odor due to release to the outside. Moreover, the debris after use, such as a seasoning material storage bag, is packed in a container, and can be thrown away collectively, and a disposal process is also easy. Moreover, the engagement recesses and the engagement projections can be provided, leaving a square flange portion for using the support means of the natto production line, and no major changes such as line changes are required. .

  Furthermore, as in the present invention, the lower side wall of the storage recess having a taper shape is continuous with the bottom portion in a wave shape in which vertical ridges and ridges are alternately continuous in the circumferential direction. Thus, natto can be easily stirred and stirred well, and natto with a good texture can be easily obtained.

It is a perspective view of the open state of the natto container concerning this invention. It is a top view of a natto container same as the above. It is sectional drawing of a natto container same as the above. It is a perspective view of the closed state of a natto container same as the above. It is sectional drawing of a natto container same as the above. It is sectional drawing of the coupling | bond part of the container main body and cover body of a natto container same as the above. It is a top view of the other Example of this invention. It is a perspective view of the open lid state of further another example of the present invention. It is a top view of a natto container same as the above. It is sectional drawing of a natto container same as the above.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples shown in the drawings.

  The natto container A of this embodiment is a container mainly formed of a synthetic resin material, and as a basic configuration, has a cross-sectional concave shape that opens on the upper surface, and a storage recess for storing natto B as the contents 2 is a container body 1 formed by leaving a flat rectangular flange 4 around the opening 3, and a lid body that is connected to one end of the container body 1 via a hinge 6 so as to be opened and closed. 5 and so on. Usually, the flange part 4 of the said container main body 1 is utilized as a receiving part by the support member, arm member, etc. for a transfer in a natto production line. The hinge portion 6 is formed so that it can be bent by 180 ° by two parallel V-shaped grooves as shown in the figure, for example.

  In the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the container body 1 has a shape of the opening 3 of the storage recess 2, the half on the hinge 6 side is square, and the opposite side of the hinge 6. The half of is a semicircle. Reference numeral 31 denotes a rectangular portion of the opening 3, and 32 denotes a semicircular portion. A side wall 20 of the storage recess 2 is formed by an upper side wall 21 extending downward from the opening 3, and a step formed by bending inward from the upper side wall 21 at a height position close to the opening 3. And a lower side wall 23 extending downward from the stepped portion 22 and continuing to a bottom 24 having a substantially circular shape. The lower side wall 23 forms a tapered shape having a smaller diameter toward the lower side. It continues to the circular bottom 24.

  In the case of this first embodiment, the lower side wall 23 has a planar circular taper shape from the upper end portion continuing to the step portion 22 to the lower end portion continuing to the bottom portion 24. The lower side wall 23 has a wave shape in which the vertical ridges 23a and the concave ridges 23b are alternately curved in the circumferential direction on the entire inner surface, and the ridges 23a and 23b are Each of them is curved and continues to the bottom 24. Thereby, the accommodation recessed part 2 can be reinforced and shape-retaining property can be improved, and also the stirring effect of the stored natto can be heightened so that it may mention later. Note that the steamed soybean and natto (not shown) of the contents are stored in the lower portion of the storage recess 2 by the lower side wall 23.

  The waveform of the ridges 23a and the ridges 23b of the lower side wall 23 may have a triangular wave shape with a narumi in the bent portion. Those having a smooth curved surface are preferred. Further, the amplitude in the inner and outer directions of the waveform by the ridges 23a and the recesses 23b and the pitch of the waves in the circumferential direction can be appropriately set in consideration of the stirring effect, but usually the amplitude by the ridges 23a and the recesses 23b. Is 2 to 6 mm, preferably 3 to 4 mm, and the pitch is about 5 to 10 mm. Of course, implementation outside the above range is also possible.

  In addition, the lower side wall 23 forms the waveform by the ridges 23a and the ridges 23b with substantially the same amplitude over the entire length from the end 22 to the bottom 24 as shown in the figure. It can also be implemented by forming a wave shape with little or no wave shape and a large amplitude in the inner and outer directions toward the bottom.

  Further, the lid 5 has a flat rectangular flange portion 7 corresponding to the flange portion 4 of the container main body on the outer peripheral portion, and is in a closed state at a position corresponding to the opening portion 3 of the storage recess 2. A protruding portion 8 is formed so as to protrude from the lower surface side (inner surface side) and fit inside the opening 3. In the case of the figure, the convex portion 8 has a rib shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 3 and is formed in a ring shape in which the half portion on the hinge portion 6 side is square and the half portion on the opposite side of the hinge portion 6 is semicircular. However, the entire inner part that fits into the opening 3 may be a convex part that bulges to the lower surface side in the closed state.

  The convex portion 8 is fitted to the upper side wall 21 of the container main body 1 in the closed state in which the lid 5 is attached to the container main body 1. In this state, the protruding end portion (the lower end when the lid is closed) is fitted. Part) is provided so as to be close to the stepped part 22 with a slight gap, or to contact elastically. There are cases where the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 8 is closely fitted to the lower side wall 21 and where the convex portion 8 is fitted with a slight gap S that allows ventilation as shown in the figure.

  When the convex portion 8 is elastically closely fitted to the lower side wall 21, in order to take in air necessary for fermentation and aging of natto B stored in the storage concave portion 2 in the closed state, for example, Ventilation pores (not shown) such as needle holes that have air permeability but can suppress the intrusion of dust and the like are provided at required portions inward from the rib-shaped convex portion 8. When the gap S is provided between the convex portion 8 and the lower side wall 21, no ventilation pores are necessary.

  Then, the outer flange portion 4 of the semicircular portion 32 of the opening 3 of the container body 1 and the portion of the flange portion 7 of the lid 5 corresponding to this, preferably the planar square as shown in the figure. Engagement concave portions 9a and engagement convex portions 9b that are fitted to each other when the lid is closed are provided at locations in the vicinity of the corner portions of both flange portions 4 and 7, respectively. The engaging concave portion 9a and the engaging convex portion 9b are provided so as to be able to maintain a closed state by fitting using the elastic force of the material.

  The engaging concave portion 9a and the engaging convex portion 9b can be provided at arbitrary locations on the flange portions 4 and 7. However, in practice, as shown in the figure, half of the opening 3 and the convex portion 8 are provided. By utilizing the space of the corner portions of the flange portions 4 and 7 generated by making the portions semicircular, in the vicinity of the two corner portions adjacent to the hinge portions 6 on both flange portions 4 and 7, It is preferable that the required widths on the outer sides of the flange portions 4 and 7 are left behind.

  In particular, as shown in the figure, the engaging recess 9a is protruded on the lower surface side of the flange portion 4 with the outer side portion of the flange portion 4 remaining in the vicinity of the two corner portions of the flange portion 4 of the container body 1. And the outer side surfaces 9a1 and 9a1 of the two engaging recesses 9a and 9a in the vicinity of the two corners are parallel to the outline of the side of the flange 4 opposite to the hinge 6 In other words, it is preferable that the straight lines connecting the outer surfaces 9a1 and 9a1 are arranged so as to be parallel to the outline of the flange portion 4 so as to be positioned on the straight line. Thereby, as shown by a chain line in FIG. 5, the parallel support members 40, 40 of the support means such as a rectangular bucket used in the existing natto production line are connected to the outer side surfaces of the engagement recesses 9a, 9a. 9a1 and 9a1 and the outer side 21a of the upper side wall 21 on the rectangular portion 31 side can be brought into contact with each other to receive the outer side portion of the flange portion 4 while maintaining a predetermined posture. That is, it is possible to support the natto container A of the present invention with good stability by using a conventional support means such as a square bucket as it is.

  In addition, the outer surface by the upper side wall 21 on the semicircular portion 32 side of the opening 3 is provided so as not to protrude outward from the line connecting the outer surfaces 9a1 and 9a1. Further, the outer side surfaces 9a1 and 9a1 of the engaging recesses 9a and 9a and the outer side surface of the upper side wall 21 on the rectangular portion 31 side are also parallel to the outline of the flange portion 4 orthogonal to the hinge portion 6. It is preferable to arrange them on a straight line.

  FIG. 7 shows a second configuration in which the basic configuration is the same as described above, and the opening 3 of the storage recess 2 in the container body 1 and the corresponding projection 8 on the lid 5 side form a circle. Example of the present invention is shown. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. For example, as in the first embodiment, the lower side wall 23 is continuous with the bottom 24 in a wave shape in which the convex portions 23a and the concave strips 23b in the vertical direction are alternately continued in the circumferential direction.

  Also in the case of the second embodiment, an engagement concave portion 9a and an engagement convex portion 9b that are fitted to each other when the lid is closed are provided at corresponding portions of the flange portions 4 and 7 of the container body 1 and the lid body 5. I can leave. In particular, the engagement concave portion 9a and the engagement convex portion 9b utilize the space of the corner portions of the outer peripheral flange portions 4 and 7 generated by making the opening 3 and the convex portion 8 circular. As described above, the planar square flange portions 4 and 7 are provided at portions in the vicinity of the corner portions, leaving the required widths on the outer sides of the flange portions 4 and 7, respectively.

  Also in this embodiment, the engaging recess 9a protrudes on the lower surface side of the flange 4 while leaving the outer portion of the flange 4 in the vicinity of each corner of the flange 4 of the container body 1. And the outer side surfaces 9a1 and 9a1 of the engaging recesses 9a and 9a at least in the vicinity of the opposite sides, preferably in the vicinity of the corners adjacent to each other as shown in the figure, are the outlines of the sides of the flange 4 In other words, the straight lines connecting the outer faces 9a1 and 9a1 are arranged so as to be parallel to the outlines of the respective sides of the flange portion 4 so as to be positioned on the parallel straight lines, and the parallel support of the support means such as the rectangular bucket By the member, it is possible to receive the outer side portion of the flange portion 4 in a state in which it is brought into contact with the outer side surfaces 9a1 and 9a1 of the engaging concave portions 9a and 9a on the opposite sides and held in a predetermined posture. Is provided. Thereby, the said natto container A can be stably supported using the support means, such as the conventional square bucket, as it is.

  8 to 10 show a third embodiment in which the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the shape of the storage recess 2 in the container body 1 is changed. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the case of the third embodiment, the shape of the opening 3 of the storage recess 2 in the container body 1 is such that the hinge 6 side is square and the half opposite to the hinge 6 is semicircular. Although it is the same as an example, the lower side wall 23 of the storage recess 2 has an upper end continuous to the step 22 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 3, and is flat from the upper end toward the lower end. It is formed so as to gradually change into a shape corresponding to the circular bottom 24. That is, the step 22 connected to the upper side wall 21 of the storage recess 2 extends inward to the same extent over the entire circumference, and the lower side wall 23 continuous from the step 22 corresponds to the bottom 24 on the lower end side. It is circular. In particular, in the case of the figure, in order not to hinder the natto agitation operation with chopsticks, the rounded corner (R) of the rectangular portion 31 on the hinge portion 6 side of the opening 3 is increased and the lower side wall 23 is It is formed like this. As a result, the volume of the storage recess 2, particularly the volume of the lower side wall 23, can be expanded, and the storage recess 2 can be made shallow to store a required amount of natto. The lower side wall 23 is the same as that of the first embodiment in that the convex portions 23a and the concave strips 23b in the vertical direction are continuous in the circumferential direction and are continuous with the bottom portion 24. .

  The bottom 24 is formed with a large number of convex surfaces 25 slightly raised in a spherical shape on the inner surface (the surface on the side of the storage recess), and considering the stirring effect, for example, a diameter of several mm and a height of 0.5 to A large number of spherical convex surfaces 25 of about 2 mm are formed so that the stirring effect of the stored natto can be enhanced.

  Further, in the case of the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, corresponding portions of the flange portions 4 and 7 of the container body 1 and the lid 5, for example, the semicircular portion 32 side of the opening 3. An engagement recess 19a and an engagement protrusion 19b that can be fitted to each other when the lid is closed can be provided at locations near the corners of the flange portions 4 and 7. In the case of the figure, the engagement recess 19 a is formed continuously with the opening 3 of the storage recess 2, and the engagement protrusion 19 b is formed continuously with the protrusion 8 of the lid 5. Yes. Also in this embodiment, the engaging concave portion 19a and the engaging convex portion 19b are formed leaving the required width on the outer side of the flange portions 4 and 7. In particular, the outer surfaces of the engagement recesses 19a, 19a are formed so as to be positioned on a straight line parallel to the outline of each side of the flange portion 4, and the parallel support member of the support means such as a square bucket The outer side portions of the flange portion 4 can be supported by being brought into contact with the outer surfaces of the engaging recesses 19a, 19a.

  Examples of the constituent material of the natto container A include styrene-modified polyolefin resins, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, styrene-ethylene copolymers, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers, and other polystyrene series. Various synthetic resin sheets such as a resin, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate can be used. In particular, from the viewpoint of heat insulation and cooling effect during use, the above-mentioned synthetic resin foam sheet, among them, a polystyrene resin foam sheet and a polypropylene resin foam sheet, which are relatively rigid and have good shape retention, are preferred. The container body 1 and the lid body 5 are integrally molded from the foamed sheet via the hinge portion 6 by thermoforming processing means such as vacuum forming.

  The foaming ratio and thickness of the foamed sheet vary depending on the material, but in the case of a polystyrene resin foamed sheet, the foaming ratio is 3 to 25 times and the thickness is 0.5 to 5.0 mm.

  In the natto container A described above, steamed soybeans and natto bacteria are stored in the storage recess 2 of the container body 1 in the natto production line, and a protective resin film (not shown) is further placed thereon, soy sauce and eggplant. A seasoning material storage bag (not shown) is stored. Thus, the lid 5 is attached to the container body 1 as shown in FIGS.

  In the case of the natto container A of the present invention, in order to attach the lid 5 to the container main body 1, the lid 5 is bent by the hinge portion 6 and protrudes toward the lower surface of the lid 5 in the closed state. The portion 8 is fitted inside the opening 3 of the housing recess 2 of the container body 1, and the engagement recess 9 a and the engagement protrusion 9 b of the container body 1 and the flange portions 4 and 7 of the lid 5 are fitted. (FIG. 6). Therefore, even if both flange parts 4 and 7 are not joined by a heat seal means as in the prior art, the cover can be kept closed. Of course, if necessary, the portions of the flange portions 4 and 7 can be spot-heat sealed and joined.

  Then, in the closed state, the natto container A is placed in a temperature-controlled fermentation chamber for fermentation and aging. At this time, since the convex portion 8 is fitted in the opening 3, excessive air intrusion from the opening 3 can be prevented. In addition, after fermenting and aging in an open lid state, the lid 5 can be covered by placing a resin film and a seasoning material storage bag on natto. In any case, in the natto production line, due to the support means such as a square bucket, the outer side portion remaining outside the engaging portion formed by the engaging concave portions 9a and the engaging convex portions 9b of the flange portions 4 and 7 is used. In particular, the container body 1 can be handled in a state in which the support means is brought into contact with the outer surface 9a1 of the engaging recess 9a that is convex on the lower surface of the flange portion 4 of the container body 1 and is stably supported.

  And the fermentation and the natto container A are singly or stacked in several pieces, wrapped with a tape-like film, stored in a cardboard box, and transported to a retail store. , Sold side by side at retail stores.

  When eating natto, the lid 5 is opened, the resin film is removed, and seasoning materials such as soy sauce and eggplant are stirred and eaten. At this time, since the lower side wall 23 of the storage recess 2 of the container body 1 has a flat circular shape at least on the bottom 24 side, it is easy to stir the natto when eating natto. There is no risk of damage.

  Further, since the cover 5 is provided with a convex portion 8 that fits inside the opening 3 at a position corresponding to the opening 3 of the storage recess 2, excess air from the opening 3 is provided. The lid can be closed to prevent intrusion. In particular, since the shape of the opening 3 of the storage recess 2 of the container body 1 is semicircular on the opposite side to the hinge 6 or circularly on the whole, the container body and the flange portion of the lid body By utilizing the space generated in the corner portion, it is possible to provide the engagement concave portion 9a and the engagement convex portion 9b that are fitted to each other when the lid is closed, and thus, as described above, without using a heat seal. Can be covered and can be kept well after being opened again. As a result, the odor of natto inside the container body does not come out after use, and no bad smell is generated from the trash can. The debris after use, such as a storage bag, can be discarded in a lump by filling it in a container and closing it. In addition, by leaving the rectangular flange portion for using the support means of the natto production line and providing the engagement concave portion 9a and the engagement convex portion 9b, a large change such as a line change is not required. .

  Further, in the natto container A of the present invention, as illustrated in the above-described embodiments, the lower side wall 23 of the storage recess 2 that is tapered and continues to the flat circular bottom 24 is formed on the inner surface side so as to project upward and downward. When the strips 23a and the concave strips 23b have a continuous wave shape alternately in the circumferential direction, the natto can be stirred easily and effectively, and a natto with a good texture can be easily obtained.

  That is, in the operation of stirring the natto inside with the chopsticks, if the chopsticks are moved circularly along the lower side wall 23, the chopsticks move circularly while vibrating horizontally along the wave shape of the lower side wall 23. For example, when the amplitude of the waveform of the lower side wall 23 is 4 mm, the circular motion is generated while vibrating with an amplitude of about 4 mm. In addition, natto that tries to co-rotate with the circular movement of the chopsticks is caught by the ridges 23a of the lower side wall 23, so that co-rotation hardly occurs and a more complicated movement is added to the natto. As a result, the agitation effect is enhanced, and compared to the case of using a conventional container, the natto has better bubbling, the natto mucus bubbles are finer, and a natto with a creamy and mild texture can be easily obtained. Become.

  Regarding the stirring effect, the diameter of the opening of the storage recess is 80 mm, the depth is 28 mm, the amplitude of the waveform of the lower side wall of the storage recess is 4 mm, and the number of ridges is 18 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. A natto container, a container with a flat rectangular storage recess with an opening of 80 mm and a depth of 28 mm, and a large rounded corner (R). About the conventional square container which has a 1 mm protruding item | line, and a flat circular paper cup, 40g of natto was put, respectively, When the stirring effect was compared, the result as Table 1 was obtained.

The stirring operation was a circular motion with chopsticks, and the level of turbulence was compared as the stirring effect for each number of times. The numerical values in Table 1 indicate the foaming level index in Table 2.

  As described above, the container of the embodiment of the present invention can obtain natto with a creamy and good texture with a smaller number of stirring times compared to a square container and a paper cup.

  A ... Natto container, B ... Natto, 1 ... Container body, 2 ... Storage recess, 20 ... Side wall, 21 ... Upper side wall, 21a ... Outer side surface, 22 ... Step part, 23 ... Lower side wall, 24 ... Bottom part, 3 ... Opening , 31 ... square part, 32 ... semicircular part, 4 ... flange part, 5 ... lid, 6 ... hinge part, 7 ... flange part, 8 ... convex part, 9a, 9b; 19a, 19b ... engaging convex part , 9a1 ... outer side surface.

Claims (11)

A natto container comprising a container body in which a storage recess for storing natto is formed leaving a flat rectangular flange around the opening, and a lid body connected to the container body via a hinge part. There,
A side wall of the storage recess of the container body, the upper side wall continuously extending downward from the opening, and a step formed by bending inward from the upper side wall at a height position close to the opening; The lower side wall extends downward from the step portion and reaches a bottom portion having a flat circular shape. The lower side wall is tapered and continues to the bottom portion. The natto container is characterized in that a convex portion that fits inside the opening when the lid is closed is formed at the corresponding position.   The shape of the opening in the storage recess of the container body is such that the half on the hinge part side is square, the half on the opposite side of the hinge part is semicircular, and the convex part of the lid is the opening. It has a corresponding shape, and has a flat rectangular flange portion outside the convex portion of the lid, and the flange portion outside the semicircular portion and the flange portion outside the convex portion of the lid, The natto container according to claim 1, wherein an engagement concave portion and an engagement convex portion that are fitted to each other when the lid is closed are provided.   The lower side wall of the storage recess has an upper end continuous with the stepped portion corresponding to the shape of the opening, and gradually changes from the upper end toward the lower end to a shape corresponding to a flat circular bottom. The natto container according to claim 2, wherein the natto container is formed.   The shape of the opening of the storage concave portion of the container body is circular, and the outer flange portion of the opening and the flange portion outside the convex portion of the lid are fitted to each other when the lid is closed. The natto container according to claim 1, wherein an engaging concave portion and an engaging convex portion are provided.   The engagement concave portion and the engagement convex portion are provided at a location in the vicinity of the corner portion in the flange portion of the container body and a location in the vicinity of the corner portion in the flange portion of the lid corresponding to the flange portion. 5. A natto container according to any one of 4 above.   The engaging recess is provided so as to protrude on the lower surface side while leaving the outer side of the flange portion in the vicinity of at least two corner portions of the flange portion of the container body. The natto container according to claim 5, wherein the outer surfaces of both engaging recesses are arranged so as to be positioned on a straight line parallel to the outer shape line of the flange portion.   The natto container according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the engagement recess is formed continuously with the opening of the storage recess, and the engagement protrusion is formed continuously with the protrusion of the lid.   The natto according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a lower side wall of the storage recess has a wave shape in which vertical and vertical ridges and recesses are alternately continued in the circumferential direction, and is continuous with the bottom. container.   The natto container according to claim 8, wherein a large number of spherical convex surfaces are formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the storage recess.   The natto container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the convex portion of the lid body fitted into the opening portion of the storage concave portion at the time of closing has a rib shape.   The natto container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the container main body and the lid are integrally formed and continuously provided by vacuum forming from a synthetic resin foam sheet.

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