US20070045310A1 - Storage container - Google Patents
Storage container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070045310A1 US20070045310A1 US11/466,840 US46684006A US2007045310A1 US 20070045310 A1 US20070045310 A1 US 20070045310A1 US 46684006 A US46684006 A US 46684006A US 2007045310 A1 US2007045310 A1 US 2007045310A1
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- Prior art keywords
- protrusion
- storage container
- storage
- fitted
- recess
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/10—Devices to locate articles in containers
- B65D25/107—Grooves, ribs, or the like, situated on opposed walls and between which the articles are located
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/023—Closed containers provided with local cooperating elements in the top and bottom surfaces, e.g. projection and recess
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a storage container which is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other.
- This storage casing can store only one tape cartridge, and therefore when a large number of tape cartridge are collectively sold, it is necessary to store the tape cartridges one by one in the respective storage casings for packing before shipment from the factory. This causes unnecessary costs. Further, when a plurality of tape cartridges are carried, it is necessary to accommodate them in the respective storage casings for storage in a larger storage box or the like. This is troublesome. To solve the above problems, recently, a storage container capable of storing a plurality of tape cartridges therein is used when the tape cartridges are sold or carried.
- the storage container is formed to have a shape of a tray, for example, and is configured such that a box-shaped body capable of storing a plurality of tape cartridges can be formed by butting respective openings of a pair of the storage containers against each other, and causing fitting portions thereof to be fitted to each other.
- the shapes of the fitting portions are asymmetric or locations where the fitting portions are arranged are asymmetric. Therefore, generally, the fitting portions of the storage containers cannot be fitted to each other unless they are butted against each other in a predetermined direction. This requires an operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers when butting them against each other, whereby it is difficult to enhance the efficiency of the storage operation.
- the present invention has been made in view of these problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a storage container capable of enhancing the efficiency of a storage operation.
- a storage container includes an opening and a bottom, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein: the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in the state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other; and the first fitting portions and the second fitting portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to a central portion of the bottoms.
- the first fitting portions capable of being fitted to each other in the state in which the edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottoms, whereby the first fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom thereof with respect to the other storage container from a position where the first fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other. Therefore, when one storage container is placed over the other storage container to connect them to each other, it is possible to dispense with an operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation.
- the second fitting portions capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms of the storage containers are butted against each other are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottoms, whereby the second fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom thereof with respect to the other storage container from a position where the second fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other. Therefore, when one storage container is stacked on the bottom of the other storage container, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the stacking operation.
- a storage container includes an opening and a bottom, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein: the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in the state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other; the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that the first fitting portions can also be fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about a central portion of the bottom with respect to the other of the storage containers from a position where the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each
- the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that they car also be fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom with respect to the other of the storage containers from a position where the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other, whereby when one storage container is placed over the other storage container to thereby connect them to each other, the first fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other before and after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom. Therefore, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation.
- the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that they can also be fitted to each other even after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom with respect to the other storage container from a position where the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other, whereby when one storage container is stacked on the bottom of the other storage container, the second fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other before and after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom. Therefore, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage container, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the stacking operation.
- a storage container includes an opening and a bottom each formed to have a generally rectangular shape, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein: the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other; the first fitting portions each comprise a first protrusion/recess portion and a second protrusion/recess portion formed in one pair of opposed ones of four edges of the generally rectangular opening, respectively, and a third protrusion/recess portion and a fourth pro
- the first fitting portions each comprise the first protrusion/recess portion, the second protrusion/recess portion, the third protrusion/recess portion, and the fourth protrusion/recess portion.
- the first protrusion/recess portion and the second protrusion/recess portion are configured to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time capable of being fitted to each other
- the third protrusion/recess portion and the fourth protrusion/recess portion are configured to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time capable of being fitted to each other, whereby even after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom thereof with respect to the other storage container from a position where the protrusion/recess portions of the pair of storage containers can be fitted to each other, it is possible to reliably fit protrusion/recess portions to each other.
- the second fitting portions each comprise the fifth protrusion/recess portion, the sixth protrusion/recess portion, the seventh protrusion/recess portion, and the eighth protrusion/recess portion.
- the fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion of one storage container can be fitted to both the fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion of the other storage container.
- the storage container may include handles formed by bending parts of the edges such that the handles each have a three-dimensional shape.
- this storage container unlike handles formed by forming holes in the edges, it is possible to suppress formations of burrs or the like on the handles. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the user from being hurt by burrs when he/she seizes the handles.
- the storage container may include partitions for use in storing a plurality of tape cartridges as the to-be-stored bodies in a state where the plurality of tape cartridges are separated from each other. According to this storage container, even if the storage container storing the tape cartridges is vibrated during transfer thereof, it is possible to reliably prevent the tape cartridges from being rubbed together within the storage container and damaged thereby. Further, the tape cartridges are stored in storage spaces partitioned by the partitions, whereby even if the tape cartridges are not stored in all the storage spaces, that is, even if one or some of the storage spaces is or are empty, it is possible to reliably prevent the rattling of the tape cartridges.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage container, as viewed from an opening side of the storage container;
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the storage container, as viewed from the opening side of the storage container;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage container, as viewed from an outer surface side of a bottom of the storage container;
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of the storage container, as viewed from the cuter surface side of the bottom of the storage container;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 2 storage container, taken on line A-A of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of the storage container in a state where the storage container has tape cartridges stored therein;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a storage box.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of storage boxes in a state in which one storage box is placed on another.
- the storage container 1 is an example of the storage container according to the present invention.
- the storage container 1 is comprised of a bottom 2 formed to have a generally rectangular shape, and four walls 3 a , 3 b , Bc, and 3 d erected on the respective edges of the bottom 2 (each of which is hereinafter also simply referred to as “the wall 3 ” when it is not required to make a distinction between the four walls), with a generally rectangular opening 10 a , and has the shape of a tray as a whole.
- the storage container 1 is manufactured by injection molding by using PET (polyethylene terephthalate), for example. Further, as shown in FIG.
- the storage container 1 is configured such that a pair of storage containers 1 can form a storage box (box-shaped body in the present invention) 100 which is capable of storing tape cartridges 200 (see FIG. 5 as well) as to-be-stored bodies in the present invention, in a state in which edges (flange portions 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , and 4 d , described hereinafter) of the respective openings 11 a of the pair of storage containers 1 are butted against each other.
- the tape cartridge 200 is a single-reel type tape cartridge having a single tape reel, and is formed to have a generally square shape in plan view, by way of example.
- the storage container 1 includes the four flange portions 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , and 4 d (corresponding to the edges in the present invention, each of which is hereinafter also simply referred to as “the flange portion 4 ” when it is not required to make a distinction between the four flange portions) formed such that they surround the opening 10 a .
- the flange portions 4 a and 1 b are formed with protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b , respectively.
- the flange portions 4 c and 4 d are formed with protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d , respectively.
- the flange portions 4 c and 4 d are formed with handles 5 and 5 , respectively, which are formed to have a three-dimensional shape by bending parts of the flange portions 4 c and 4 d toward the bottom 2 .
- protrusion/recess portions 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , and 11 d form a first fitting portion in the present invention.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b correspond to a first protrusion/recess portion and a second protrusion/recess portion in the present invention, respectively.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b are each formed with three recesses 21 having a rectangular shape in plan view, and three cylindrical protrusions 22 capable of being fitted in the recesses 21 . In this case, as shown in FIG.
- the recesses 21 and the protrusions 22 of the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b are arranged such that they are point-symmetric with respect to a central point O (central portion in the present invention) of the bottom 2 , and that, as shown in FIG. 7 , each recess 21 (or each protrusion 22 ) of one storage container 1 and each protrusion 22 (or each recess 21 ) of the other storage container 1 are fitted to each other in the state in which the respective flange portions 4 of the pair of storage containers 1 are butted against each other.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b are formed such that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central point O, and at the same time that either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b and either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b of the other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d correspond to a third protrusion/recess portion and a fourth protrusion/recess portion, respectively.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d are each formed with two recesses 21 and two protrusions 22 , by way of example. In this case, as shown in FIG.
- the recesses 21 and the protrusions 22 of the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d are arranged such that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central point O of the bottom 2 , and that each recess 21 (or each protrusion 22 ) of one storage container 1 and each protrusion 22 (or each recess 21 ) of the other storage container 1 are fitted to each other in the state in which the flange portions 4 of the pair of storage containers 1 are butted against each other.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d are formed such that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central point O, and at the same time that either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d and either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d of the other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other.
- protrusion/recess portions 12 a , 12 b , 12 c , and 12 d are formed in respective areas located at an upper left-hand portion, a lower right-hand portion, an upper right-hand portion, and a lower left-hand portion, of the bottom 2 , as viewed in plan view from an outer surface 2 a side.
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 a , 12 b , 12 c , and 12 d form a second fitting portion in the present invention.
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 a and 12 b correspond to a fifth protrusion/recess portion and a sixth protrusion/recess portion in the present invention, respectively.
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 a and 12 b each include a protrusion 31 generally rectangular in plan view and protruding outward from the outer surface 2 a of the bottom 2 . In this case, as shown in FIG.
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 a and 12 b are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central point O of the bottom 2 .
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 c and 12 d correspond to a seventh protrusion/recess portion and an eighth protrusion/recess portion in the present invention, respectively.
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 c and 12 d each include a protrusion 32 in the form of a frame generally rectangular in plan view, and protruding outward from the outer surface 2 a of the bottom 2 , for example. In this case, as shown in FIG.
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 c and 12 d are formed such that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central point O of the bottom 2 , and at the same time that as shown in FIG. 8 , when the outer surfaces 2 a of the respective bottoms 2 of the pair of storage containers 1 are butted against each other, the protrusion/recess portions 12 c and 12 d of one storage container 1 can be fitted to both the protrusion/recess portions 12 a and 12 b of the other storage container 1 .
- a rib 6 is formed on an inner surface 2 b of the bottom 2 .
- the rib 6 is formed with twenty-two partitions 7 a .
- twenty-two partitions 7 b are formed on the inner surface 2 b of the bottom 2 .
- eleven partitions 7 c are formed on each of walls 3 a and 3 b .
- the partitions 7 a , 7 b , and 7 c have the function of separating a plurality of (twenty, in this case) tape cartridges 200 from each other for storage in the storage container 1 .
- the storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “the storage container 1 A) is placed with the opening 10 a facing upward. Then, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 , one of the tape cartridges 200 is accommodated e.g., in a storage space 20 located at a lower left-hand corner of the storage container 1 A, partitioned by the partitions 7 a , 7 b , and 7 c of the storage container 1 A. Subsequently, the other tape cartridges 200 are sequentially accommodated in respective storage spaces 20 (see FIG. 6 ) partitioned by associated ones of the partitions 7 a , 7 b , and 7 c.
- the storage container 1 A having stored the tape cartridges 200 in all (twenty, in this case) the storage spaces 20 , respectively, as shown in FIG. 6 is placed over another storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “the storage container 1 B”) with its opening 10 a facing downward, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the storage container 1 B also referred to as “the storage container 1 B”
- each flange portion 4 of the storage container 1 A and a corresponding one of the flange portions 4 of the storage container 1 B are butted against each ether, whereby the protrusion/recess portions of the storage containers 1 A and 1 B are fitted to each other.
- the tape cartridges 200 are stored in the storage spaces 20 partitioned by the partitions 7 a , 7 h , and 7 c , and hence even it the tape cartridges 200 are not stored in all the storage spaces 20 , that is, even if some of the storage spaces 20 are empty, the rattling of the tape cartridges 200 is reliably prevented.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b are formed such that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central point O of the bottom 2 , and at the same time that either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b and either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 a and 11 b of the other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d are formed such that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central point O, and at the same time that either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d and either of the protrusion/recess portions 11 c and 11 d of the other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other.
- the protrusion/recess portions 11 can also be fitted to each other even after the storage container 1 B is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to the storage container 1 A from a position where the protrusion/recess portions 11 of the storage containers 1 A and 1 B can be fitted to each other. This makes it possible to dispense with an operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage container 1 B when the storage container 1 B is connected to (placed over) the storage container 1 A, whereby it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation.
- the tape cartridges 200 are stored in a new storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “the storage container 1 C”), and another new storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “the storage container 1 D”) is placed over the storage container 1 C to connect the storage containers 1 C and 1 D to each other via the respective protrusion/recess portions 11 .
- a second storage box 100 (hereinafter also referred to as “the storage box 100 B”) having she tape cartridges 200 stored therein is formed.
- the handles 5 of the storage containers 1 C and 1 D of the storage box 100 B are seized to stack the storage box 100 B on the storage box 100 A, as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the outer surface 2 a of the bottom 2 of the storage container 1 B as a component of the storage box 100 A and the outer surface 2 a of the bottom 2 of the storage container 1 C as a component of the storage box 100 B are butted against each other, whereby the protrusion/recess portions 12 of the storage containers 1 B and 1 C are fitted to each other.
- the protrusion/recess portions 12 a and 12 b are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central point O of the bottom 2 . Furthermore, the protrusion/recess portions 12 c and 12 d are formed such that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central point O, and at the same time that the protrusion/recess portions 12 c and 12 d can be fitted to both the protrusion/recess portions 12 a and 12 b of the other storage container 1 .
- the partitions 7 a , 7 b , and 7 c for separating the plurality of tape cartridges 200 from each other for storage in the storage container 1 are provided, whereby even if the storage container 1 (storage box 100 ) storing the tape cartridges 200 is vibrated during transfer thereof, it is possible to reliably prevent the tape cartridges 200 from being rubbed together and damaged within the storage container 1 .
- the tape cartridges 200 are stored in the storage spaces 20 partitioned by the partitions 7 a , 7 b , and 7 c , whereby even if the tape cartridges 200 are not stored in all the storage spaces 20 , that is, even if some of the storage spaces 20 are empty, it is possible to reliably prevent the rattling of the tape cartridges 200 .
- each protrusion/recess portion 11 is comprised of two or three recesses 21 rectangular in plan view and two or three cylindrical protrusions 22 , this is not limitative, but the number and the shape of the recesses 21 and those of the protrusions 22 can be defined as desired.
- the first fitting portion in the present invention is formed by the protrusion/recess portions 11 a , 11 b , 11 c , and 11 d formed in the flange portions 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , and 4 d , respectively
- the second fitting portion in the present invention is formed by the protrusion/recess portions 12 a , 12 b , 12 c , and 12 d formed in the four areas of the bottom 2
- the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion can be formed as desired insofar as the respective first fitting portions of the pair of storage containers 1 are also fitted to each other even after one storage container 1 is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to the other storage container 1 from a position where the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers 1 can be fitted to each other, and the respective second fitting portions of the pair of storage containers 1 are also fitted to each other even after one
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Stackable Containers (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A storage container capable of enhancing the efficiency of a storage operation. A storage container includes an opening and a bottom, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole. The storage container is configured such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which flange portions of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other. The flange portions are formed with protrusion/recess portions capable of being fitted to each other in the above state. The bottoms are formed with protrusion/recess portions capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms of the storage containers are butted against each other.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a storage container which is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- As a storage container for storing a tape cartridge, there has been known a storage casing for a tape cartridge disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No.2002-104568. This storage casing is comprised of a body and a lid, which are integrally formed with each other, and configured to be capable of storing a single tape cartridge having a generally square shape.
- From the study of the above-described storage casing, the present inventors found out the following problem. This storage casing can store only one tape cartridge, and therefore when a large number of tape cartridge are collectively sold, it is necessary to store the tape cartridges one by one in the respective storage casings for packing before shipment from the factory. This causes unnecessary costs. Further, when a plurality of tape cartridges are carried, it is necessary to accommodate them in the respective storage casings for storage in a larger storage box or the like. This is troublesome. To solve the above problems, recently, a storage container capable of storing a plurality of tape cartridges therein is used when the tape cartridges are sold or carried. In this case, the storage container is formed to have a shape of a tray, for example, and is configured such that a box-shaped body capable of storing a plurality of tape cartridges can be formed by butting respective openings of a pair of the storage containers against each other, and causing fitting portions thereof to be fitted to each other. In the conventional storage containers of this kind, however, the shapes of the fitting portions are asymmetric or locations where the fitting portions are arranged are asymmetric. Therefore, generally, the fitting portions of the storage containers cannot be fitted to each other unless they are butted against each other in a predetermined direction. This requires an operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers when butting them against each other, whereby it is difficult to enhance the efficiency of the storage operation.
- The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a storage container capable of enhancing the efficiency of a storage operation.
- To attain the above object, a storage container according to the present invention includes an opening and a bottom, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein: the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in the state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other; and the first fitting portions and the second fitting portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to a central portion of the bottoms.
- According to this storage container, the first fitting portions capable of being fitted to each other in the state in which the edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottoms, whereby the first fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom thereof with respect to the other storage container from a position where the first fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other. Therefore, when one storage container is placed over the other storage container to connect them to each other, it is possible to dispense with an operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation. Further, the second fitting portions capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms of the storage containers are butted against each other are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottoms, whereby the second fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom thereof with respect to the other storage container from a position where the second fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other. Therefore, when one storage container is stacked on the bottom of the other storage container, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the stacking operation.
- Also, a storage container according to the present invention includes an opening and a bottom, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein: the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in the state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other; the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that the first fitting portions can also be fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about a central portion of the bottom with respect to the other of the storage containers from a position where the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other; and the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that the second fitting portions can also be fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about a central portion of the bottom with respect to the other of the storage containers from a position where the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other.
- According to this storage container, the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that they car also be fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom with respect to the other of the storage containers from a position where the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other, whereby when one storage container is placed over the other storage container to thereby connect them to each other, the first fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other before and after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom. Therefore, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage containers, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation. Further, the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that they can also be fitted to each other even after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom with respect to the other storage container from a position where the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other, whereby when one storage container is stacked on the bottom of the other storage container, the second fitting portions can be reliably fitted to each other before and after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom. Therefore, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage container, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the stacking operation.
- Also, a storage container according to the present invention includes an opening and a bottom each formed to have a generally rectangular shape, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein: the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other; the first fitting portions each comprise a first protrusion/recess portion and a second protrusion/recess portion formed in one pair of opposed ones of four edges of the generally rectangular opening, respectively, and a third protrusion/recess portion and a fourth protrusion/recess portion formed in the other pair of opposed ones of the four edges; the first protrusion/recess portions and the second protrusion/recess portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to a central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that either of the two protrusion/recess portions and either of the two protrusion/recess portions of another storage container can be fitted to each other; the third protrusion/recess portions and the fourth protrusion/recess portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that either of the two protrusion/recess portions and either of the two protrusion/recess portions of the other storage container can be fitted to each other; the second fitting portions each comprise a fifth protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at an upper left-hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view, a sixth protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at a lower right-hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view, a seventh protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at an upper right-hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view, and an eighth protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at a lower left hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view; the fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom; and the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion can be fitted to both the fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion of another storage container.
- According to this storage container, the first fitting portions each comprise the first protrusion/recess portion, the second protrusion/recess portion, the third protrusion/recess portion, and the fourth protrusion/recess portion. The first protrusion/recess portion and the second protrusion/recess portion are configured to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time capable of being fitted to each other, and the third protrusion/recess portion and the fourth protrusion/recess portion are configured to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time capable of being fitted to each other, whereby even after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom thereof with respect to the other storage container from a position where the protrusion/recess portions of the pair of storage containers can be fitted to each other, it is possible to reliably fit protrusion/recess portions to each other. Therefore, when one storage container is placed over the other storage container to thereby connect then to each other, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage container, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation. Further, the second fitting portions each comprise the fifth protrusion/recess portion, the sixth protrusion/recess portion, the seventh protrusion/recess portion, and the eighth protrusion/recess portion. The fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion of one storage container can be fitted to both the fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion of the other storage container. This makes it possible, even after one storage container is rotated a half turn about the central portion of the bottom thereof with respect to the other storage container from a position where the protrusion/recess portions of the pair of storage containers can be fitted to each other, to reliably fit the protrusion/recess portions to each other. Therefore, when one storage container is stacked on the bottom of the other storage container, it is possible to dispense with the operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage container, whereby it is possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the stacking operation.
- In the this case, the storage container may include handles formed by bending parts of the edges such that the handles each have a three-dimensional shape. According to this storage container, unlike handles formed by forming holes in the edges, it is possible to suppress formations of burrs or the like on the handles. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the user from being hurt by burrs when he/she seizes the handles.
- Further, the storage container may include partitions for use in storing a plurality of tape cartridges as the to-be-stored bodies in a state where the plurality of tape cartridges are separated from each other. According to this storage container, even if the storage container storing the tape cartridges is vibrated during transfer thereof, it is possible to reliably prevent the tape cartridges from being rubbed together within the storage container and damaged thereby. Further, the tape cartridges are stored in storage spaces partitioned by the partitions, whereby even if the tape cartridges are not stored in all the storage spaces, that is, even if one or some of the storage spaces is or are empty, it is possible to reliably prevent the rattling of the tape cartridges.
- It should be noted that the present disclosure relates to the subject matter included in Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-247237 filed Aug. 29, 2005, and it is apparent that all the disclosures therein are incorporated herein by reference.
- These and other objects and features of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage container, as viewed from an opening side of the storage container; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the storage container, as viewed from the opening side of the storage container; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage container, as viewed from an outer surface side of a bottom of the storage container; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the storage container, as viewed from the cuter surface side of the bottom of the storage container; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of theFIG. 2 storage container, taken on line A-A ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the storage container in a state where the storage container has tape cartridges stored therein; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a storage box; and -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of storage boxes in a state in which one storage box is placed on another. - Hereinafter, the best mode of a storage container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- First, a description will be given of the construction of the
storage container 1 with reference to the accompanying drawings. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thestorage container 1 is an example of the storage container according to the present invention. Thestorage container 1 is comprised of abottom 2 formed to have a generally rectangular shape, and fourwalls wall 3” when it is not required to make a distinction between the four walls), with a generallyrectangular opening 10 a, and has the shape of a tray as a whole. In this case, thestorage container 1 is manufactured by injection molding by using PET (polyethylene terephthalate), for example. Further, as shown inFIG. 7 , thestorage container 1 is configured such that a pair ofstorage containers 1 can form a storage box (box-shaped body in the present invention) 100 which is capable of storing tape cartridges 200 (seeFIG. 5 as well) as to-be-stored bodies in the present invention, in a state in which edges (flange portions respective openings 11 a of the pair ofstorage containers 1 are butted against each other. In this case, thetape cartridge 200 is a single-reel type tape cartridge having a single tape reel, and is formed to have a generally square shape in plan view, by way of example. - Further, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thestorage container 1 includes the fourflange portions flange portion 4” when it is not required to make a distinction between the four flange portions) formed such that they surround theopening 10 a. In this case, theflange portions 4 a and 1 b (a pair of edges opposite to each other in the present invention) are formed with protrusion/recess portions flange portions recess portions flange portions handles flange portions bottom 2. It should be noted that the protrusion/recess portions - Here, the protrusion/
recess portions FIG. 1 , the protrusion/recess portions recesses 21 having a rectangular shape in plan view, and threecylindrical protrusions 22 capable of being fitted in therecesses 21. In this case, as shown inFIG. 1 , therecesses 21 and theprotrusions 22 of the protrusion/recess portions bottom 2, and that, as shown inFIG. 7 , each recess 21 (or each protrusion 22) of onestorage container 1 and each protrusion 22 (or each recess 21) of theother storage container 1 are fitted to each other in the state in which therespective flange portions 4 of the pair ofstorage containers 1 are butted against each other. That is, the protrusion/recess portions recess portions recess portions other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other. - Further, the protrusion/
recess portions FIG. 1 , the protrusion/recess portions recesses 21 and twoprotrusions 22, by way of example. In this case, as shown inFIG. 1 , therecesses 21 and theprotrusions 22 of the protrusion/recess portions bottom 2, and that each recess 21 (or each protrusion 22) of onestorage container 1 and each protrusion 22 (or each recess 21) of theother storage container 1 are fitted to each other in the state in which theflange portions 4 of the pair ofstorage containers 1 are butted against each other. That is, the protrusion/recess portions recess portions recess portions other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other. - Further, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , protrusion/recess portions bottom 2, as viewed in plan view from anouter surface 2 a side. It should be noted that the protrusion/recess portions recess portions FIGS. 3 and 4 , the protrusion/recess portions protrusion 31 generally rectangular in plan view and protruding outward from theouter surface 2 a of thebottom 2. In this case, as shown inFIG. 4 , the protrusion/recess portions bottom 2. The protrusion/recess portions FIG. 3 , the protrusion/recess portions protrusion 32 in the form of a frame generally rectangular in plan view, and protruding outward from theouter surface 2 a of thebottom 2, for example. In this case, as shown inFIG. 4 , the protrusion/recess portions bottom 2, and at the same time that as shown inFIG. 8 , when theouter surfaces 2 a of therespective bottoms 2 of the pair ofstorage containers 1 are butted against each other, the protrusion/recess portions storage container 1 can be fitted to both the protrusion/recess portions other storage container 1. - Further, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , arib 6 is formed on aninner surface 2 b of thebottom 2. Therib 6 is formed with twenty-twopartitions 7 a. Further, as shown inFIG. 2 , twenty-twopartitions 7 b are formed on theinner surface 2 b of thebottom 2. Furthermore, elevenpartitions 7 c are formed on each ofwalls FIG. 6 , thepartitions tape cartridges 200 from each other for storage in thestorage container 1. - Next, a method of using the
storage container 1 will be described with reference to drawings. - First, as shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 , and 5, the storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “thestorage container 1A) is placed with the opening 10 a facing upward. Then, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 5 , one of thetape cartridges 200 is accommodated e.g., in astorage space 20 located at a lower left-hand corner of thestorage container 1A, partitioned by thepartitions storage container 1A. Subsequently, theother tape cartridges 200 are sequentially accommodated in respective storage spaces 20 (seeFIG. 6 ) partitioned by associated ones of thepartitions - After that, the
storage container 1A having stored thetape cartridges 200 in all (twenty, in this case) thestorage spaces 20, respectively, as shown inFIG. 6 , is placed over another storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “thestorage container 1B”) with itsopening 10 a facing downward, as shown inFIG. 7 . In doing this, eachflange portion 4 of thestorage container 1A and a corresponding one of theflange portions 4 of thestorage container 1B are butted against each ether, whereby the protrusion/recess portions of thestorage containers storage containers storage box 100A”) is formed by thestorage containers tape cartridges 200 are stored in a state separated from each other by thepartitions storage box 100 is vibrated during transfer thereof, thetape cartridges 200 are reliably prevented from being rubbed together and damaged within thestorage box 100. Further, thetape cartridges 200 are stored in thestorage spaces 20 partitioned by thepartitions tape cartridges 200 are not stored in all thestorage spaces 20, that is, even if some of thestorage spaces 20 are empty, the rattling of thetape cartridges 200 is reliably prevented. - Further, in the
storage container 1, the protrusion/recess portions bottom 2, and at the same time that either of the protrusion/recess portions recess portions other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other. Furthermore, the protrusion/recess portions recess portions recess portions other storage container 1 can be fitted to each other. As a result, the protrusion/recess portions 11 can also be fitted to each other even after thestorage container 1B is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to thestorage container 1A from a position where the protrusion/recess portions 11 of thestorage containers storage container 1B when thestorage container 1B is connected to (placed over) thestorage container 1A, whereby it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation. - Then, similarly to the above, the
tape cartridges 200 are stored in a new storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “thestorage container 1C”), and another new storage container 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “thestorage container 1D”) is placed over thestorage container 1C to connect thestorage containers storage box 100B”) having she tapecartridges 200 stored therein is formed. Subsequently, thehandles 5 of thestorage containers storage box 100B are seized to stack thestorage box 100B on thestorage box 100A, as shown inFIG. 8 . In this case, theouter surface 2 a of thebottom 2 of thestorage container 1B as a component of thestorage box 100A and theouter surface 2 a of thebottom 2 of thestorage container 1C as a component of thestorage box 100B are butted against each other, whereby the protrusion/recess portions 12 of thestorage containers storage boxes storage boxes 10A and 100B. In this case, thehandles 5 of thestorage containers flange portions flange portions handles 5 are suppressed. As a result, in thestorage containers 1, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from being hurt by burrs when he/she seizes thehandles 5. - Further, in the
storage container 1, the protrusion/recess portions bottom 2. Furthermore, the protrusion/recess portions recess portions recess portions other storage container 1. As a result, the protrusion/recess portions 12 can also be fitted to each other even after thestorage container 1C is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to thestorage container 1B from a position where the protrusion/recess portions 12 of thestorage containers storage container 1C when thestorage box 100B is stacked on thestorage box 100A, whereby it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the stacking operation. - Thereafter, the above-described operations are repeatedly carried out for storing the
tape cartridges 200 in the storage container 1 (storage box 100). - As described above, according to the
storage container 1, the protrusion/recess portions bottom 2, and at the same time that they can be fitted to each other, and the protrusion/recess portions storage containers 1 can also be reliably fitted to each other even after onestorage container 1 is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to theother storage container 1 from a position where the protrusion/recess portions 11 can be fitted to each other. As a result, when thestorage container 1 is placed over theother storage container 1 for connection, it is possible to dispense with an operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of thestorage container 1, thereby making it possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the connecting operation. - Further, the protrusion/
recess portions recess portions recess portions other storage container 1. Accordingly, the protrusion/recess portions 12 of the pair ofstorage containers 1 can also be reliably fitted to each other even after onestorage container 1 is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to theother storage container 1 from a position where the protrusion/recess portions 12 can be fitted to each other. As a result, when the storage container 1 (storage box 100) is stacked or the other storage container 1 (the other storage box 100), it is possible to dispense with an operation for checking lateral and vertical orientations of the storage container 1 (storage box 100), thereby making it possible to sufficiently enhance the efficiency of the stacking operation. - Further, according to the
storage container 1, thehandles 5 are formed to have a three-dimensional shape by bending parts of theflange portions flange portions handles 5. This makes it possible to reliably prevent the user from being hurt by burrs when he/she seizes thehandles 5. - Further, according to the
storage container 1, thepartitions tape cartridges 200 from each other for storage in thestorage container 1 are provided, whereby even if the storage container 1 (storage box 100) storing thetape cartridges 200 is vibrated during transfer thereof, it is possible to reliably prevent thetape cartridges 200 from being rubbed together and damaged within thestorage container 1. Further, thetape cartridges 200 are stored in thestorage spaces 20 partitioned by thepartitions tape cartridges 200 are not stored in all thestorage spaces 20, that is, even if some of thestorage spaces 20 are empty, it is possible to reliably prevent the rattling of thetape cartridges 200. - It should be noted that the present invention is by no means limited to the above-described configuration. For example, although in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the example in which each protrusion/recess portion 11 is comprised of two or three
recesses 21 rectangular in plan view and two or threecylindrical protrusions 22, this is not limitative, but the number and the shape of therecesses 21 and those of theprotrusions 22 can be defined as desired. Further, although in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the example in which the protrusion/recess portions protrusion 31 generally rectangular in plan view, and the protrusion/recess portions protrusion 32 in the form of a frame generally rectangular in plan view, this is not limitative, but the shapes of theprotrusions tape cartridges 200, this is not limitative, but the number of thetape cartridges 200 capable of being stored in thestorage container 1 can be defined as desired. Further, the present invention can be applied to thestorage container 1 for storing tape cartridges other than thetape cartridges 200, various recording media, and small articles. - Further, although in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the example in which the first fitting portion in the present invention is formed by the protrusion/recess portions 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, and 11 d formed in the flange portions 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d, respectively, and the second fitting portion in the present invention is formed by the protrusion/recess portions 12 a, 12 b, 12 c, and 12 d formed in the four areas of the bottom 2, this is not limitative, but the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion can be formed as desired insofar as the respective first fitting portions of the pair of storage containers 1 are also fitted to each other even after one storage container 1 is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to the other storage container 1 from a position where the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers 1 can be fitted to each other, and the respective second fitting portions of the pair of storage containers 1 are also fitted to each other even after one storage container 1 is rotated a half turn about the central point O with respect to the other storage container 1 from a position where the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers 1 can be fitted to each other, that is, insofar as the first fitting portions and the second fitting portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central point O. In this case, the shapes of the opening 10 a and the bottom 2 are not necessarily required to be rectangular or generally rectangular, but they can be formed to have desired shapes.
Claims (9)
1. A storage container that includes an opening and a bottom, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein:
the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in the state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other; and
the first fitting portions and the second fitting portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to a central portion of the bottoms.
2. A storage container that includes an opening and a bottom, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein:
the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other;
the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that the first fitting portions can also be fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about a central portion of the bottom with respect to the other of the storage containers from a position where the respective first fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other; and
the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers are formed such that the second fitting portions can also be fitted to each other even after one of the storage containers is rotated a half turn about a central portion of the bottom with respect to the other of the storage containers from a position where the respective second fitting portions of the storage containers can be fitted to each other.
3. A storage container that includes an opening and a bottom each formed to have a generally rectangular shape, and is formed to have a shape of a tray as a whole, such that a pair of the storage containers are capable of forming a box-shaped body capable of storing to-be-stored bodies in a state in which edges of the respective openings of the storage containers are butted against each other, wherein:
the respective edges of the openings of the storage containers have respective first fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which the edges are butted against each other, and the respective bottoms of the storage containers have respective second fitting portions formed therewith which are capable of being fitted to each other in a state in which outer surfaces of the respective bottoms are butted against each other;
the first fitting portions each comprise a first protrusion/recess portion and a second protrusion/recess portion formed in one pair of opposed ones of four edges of the generally rectangular opening, respectively, and a third protrusion/recess portion and a fourth protrusion/recess portion formed in the other pair of opposed ones of the four edges;
the first protrusion/recess portions and the second protrusion/recess portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to a central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that either of the two protrusion/recess portions and either of the two protrusion/recess portions of another storage container can be fitted to each other;
the third protrusion/recess portions and the fourth protrusion/recess portions are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that either of the two protrusion/recess portions and either of the two protrusion/recess portions of the other storage container can be fitted to each other;
the second fitting portions each comprise a fifth protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at an upper left-hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view, a sixth protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at a lower right-hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view, a seventh protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at an upper right hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view, and an eighth protrusion/recess portion formed in an area located at a lower left-hand portion of the bottom as viewed in plan view;
the fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom; and
the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion are formed to be point-symmetric with respect to the central portion of the bottom, and at the same time such that the seventh protrusion/recess portion and the eighth protrusion/recess portion can be fitted to both the fifth protrusion/recess portion and the sixth protrusion/recess portion of another storage container.
4. A storage container according to claim 1 , including handles formed by bending parts of the edges such that the handles each have a three-dimensional shape.
5. A storage container according to claim 2 , including handles formed by bending parts of the edges such that the handles each have a three-dimensional shape.
6. A storage container according to claim 3 , including handles formed by bending parts of the edges such that the handles each have a three-dimensional shape.
7. A storage container according to claim 1 , including partitions for use in storing a plurality of tape cartridges as the to-be-stored bodies in a state where the plurality of the tape cartridges are separated from each other.
8. A storage container according to claim 2 , including partitions for use in storing a plurality of tape cartridges as the to-be-stored bodies in a state where the plurality of the tape cartridges are separated from each other.
9. A storage container according to claim 3 , including partitions for use in storing a plurality of tape cartridges as the to-be-stored bodies in a state where the plurality of the tape cartridges are separated from each other.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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JP2005/247237 | 2005-08-29 | ||
JP2005247237A JP2007062742A (en) | 2005-08-29 | 2005-08-29 | Housing container |
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US20070045310A1 true US20070045310A1 (en) | 2007-03-01 |
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US11/466,840 Abandoned US20070045310A1 (en) | 2005-08-29 | 2006-08-24 | Storage container |
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AU2009222632B2 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2014-08-14 | Dormer, Kevin | A core tray |
CN114261609A (en) * | 2021-12-16 | 2022-04-01 | 镇江西门子母线有限公司 | Rotatory material car of bus connector copper bar |
WO2022250713A1 (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2022-12-01 | Citadel Casing Ltd | Interlocking case inserts |
US11884456B2 (en) | 2020-09-25 | 2024-01-30 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Tool storage system |
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JP2009078821A (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-04-16 | Fujifilm Corp | Cartridge storing case |
JP6999052B2 (en) * | 2021-01-14 | 2022-01-18 | マクセル株式会社 | Mobile devices and video display methods |
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Cited By (8)
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US20120152943A1 (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2012-06-21 | Nalge Nunc International Corporation | Flexible container handling system |
US8905255B2 (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2014-12-09 | Nalge Nunc International Corporation | Flexible container handling system |
AU2009222632B2 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2014-08-14 | Dormer, Kevin | A core tray |
US20110226644A1 (en) * | 2010-03-18 | 2011-09-22 | Yasuo Inugai | Cartridge packaging material and cartridge packaging structure |
US8800773B2 (en) | 2010-03-18 | 2014-08-12 | Hitachi Maxell, Ltd. | Cartridge packaging material and cartridge packaging structure |
US11884456B2 (en) | 2020-09-25 | 2024-01-30 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Tool storage system |
WO2022250713A1 (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2022-12-01 | Citadel Casing Ltd | Interlocking case inserts |
CN114261609A (en) * | 2021-12-16 | 2022-04-01 | 镇江西门子母线有限公司 | Rotatory material car of bus connector copper bar |
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