Article Housing Box

This is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2024/020454 filed Jun. 5, 2024. The contents of the application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to an article housing box that houses an article.

A conventional article housing box is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. The article housing box disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a box-shaped body composed of a bottom face part, side face parts and a top face part, and houses a plurality of articles (pieces of tissue paper) in a stacked state. The top face part is provided with an outlet forming portion in which an outlet for taking out the articles is to be formed. A wave-shaped perforation is formed in the outlet forming portion along a center line that bisects the top face part in the transverse direction thereof.

In the article housing box described above, by making a cut along the perforation, followed by folding parts on both sides of the cut (folding pieces) obliquely upward, a gap that serves as the outlet can be formed between the folding pieces. However, as the folding angle of the folding pieces increases, the gap (outlet) between the folding pieces becomes wider. If the outlet is too wide, there is a problem that dust becomes more likely to enter the body through the outlet.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and it is an object thereof to provide an article housing box in which dust can be restrained from entering a body through an outlet.

An article housing box according to the present invention is an article housing box that houses an article, and includes: a box-shaped body that has a main surface that is provided with an outlet forming portion composed of an area surrounded by a closed curve, wherein the outlet forming portion includes: a plurality of folding pieces that generate an outlet for the article in the outlet forming portion by being folded obliquely upward from the main surface; and a plurality of creases for folding each of the folding pieces, and wherein each of the creases is formed along the curve.

This article housing box is provided with the plurality of folding pieces that are folded obliquely upward from the main surface. Folding the plurality of folding pieces generates the outlet for the article in the outlet forming portion. At this time, the plurality of folding pieces are folded along the plurality of creases, and each of the creases is formed along the curve. That is, each crease is curved. In this case, unlike when folded along a straight crease, each folding piece folded along the curved crease experiences a force that tries to return the folding piece to its original state. For this reason, the folding angle of each folding piece can be prevented from becoming too large.

According to the present invention, it is possible to implement an article housing box in which dust can be restrained from entering a body through an outlet.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and a redundant description will be omitted.

andare, respectively, a perspective view and a plane view showing a first embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention. An article housing boxis an article housing box that houses an article, and includes a body. Examples of the article include sanitary paper (tissue paper, toilet paper, paper towels, kitchen paper, etc.), gloves, and masks. In the present embodiment, a plurality of the articles are housed in a state of being stacked in the article housing box(body).

The bodyhas a box shape. Specifically, the bodyhas a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The bodyhas a main surface. The main surfaceis a surface that is provided with an outlet forming portionin which an outlet for the articles is to be formed. The main surfacehas a rectangular shape in a plane view. In the present embodiment, the main surfaceis identical with the top surface of the body. However, the article housing boxmay be used with the main surfacefacing upwards, or with the main surfacefacing sideways.

The outlet forming portionis composed of an area surrounded by a closed curve. That is, the curveconstitutes the periphery of the outlet forming portion. It is preferable that the entirety of the curvebulges outward. In the present embodiment, the curvedraws a circle. The diameter of the circle drawn by the curveis, for example, between 3 cm and 10 cm inclusive. The outlet forming portionhas a plurality of folding pieces, a plurality of creases, and cut lines. In the descriptions below, “plurality of folding pieces” refers to all of the folding piecesprovided in the outlet forming portion. The same shall apply to “plurality of creases”.

The plurality of folding piecesgenerate the outlet in the outlet forming portionby being folded obliquely upward from the main surface. The plurality of folding piecesare provided over the entirety of the area surrounded by the curvein a state of being unfolded. That is, the plurality of folding piecesare provided without gaps between them.andshow the state in which the folding piecesare unfolded. The number of the folding piecesis preferably between 4 and 10 inclusive, and more preferably between 6 and 8 inclusive. In the present embodiment, the number of the folding piecesis 8.

The plurality of creasesare creases for folding each folding piece. That is, the folding piecesare folded along the creases. Each creaseis formed along the curve. Each creasecoincides with a circular arc that is a part of the curve. Therefore, each creaseis curved so as to bulge outward from the folding piece. The plurality of creasesare formed along the entirety of the curve. Therefore, adjacent creasesare continuous with each other. The plurality of creaseshave mutually equal lengths. As used herein, the length of each creaseis defined as the length of the curve (circular arc) drawn by the crease. In the present embodiment, the length of each creaseis one-eighth of the length (circumference) of the curve. The number of the creasesis equal to the number of the folding pieces.

is a plane view showing each folding piece. The plurality of folding pieceshave mutually congruent shapes. In the present embodiment, each folding piecehas a sector shape. A rear end partof the folding piececoincides with the crease. The rear end partis a part of the periphery of the folding piece, the part being not cut off from the main surfaceeven after the folding pieceis folded. In the present embodiment, a front end partof the folding piececorresponds to the apex of the sector. The front end partsof the plurality of folding piecesgather at one point (the center of the circle drawn by the curve) in the state in which the folding piecesare unfolded (see).

is a plane view showing each crease. The plurality of creaseshave mutually equal curve ratios. As used herein, the curve ratio is a numerical value that reflects the degree of a curve, and is defined as the value obtained by dividing a length d1 by a length d2. The length d1 is equal to the length of the short side of the minimum rectangle R1 that can include the entirety of the crease. The length d2 is equal to the length of the long side of the rectangle R1.

In a case where each folding pieceis a sector obtained by dividing a circle into m equal parts, the curve ratio of each creaseis expressed as (1−cos α)/(2 sin α). As used herein, α is equal to half of the central angle of the sector, and is expressed as 360°/(2m). In the present embodiment, m=8, and the curve ratio of each creaseis 10%. When m=4, m=6, and m=10, the curve ratio of each creaseis 21%, 13%, and 8%, respectively. From this, the curve ratio of each creaseis preferably between 8% and 21% inclusive, and more preferably between 10% and 13% inclusive.

Returning toand, the cut linesare formed along side end partsof each folding piece. The side end partsare parts of the periphery of the folding pieceother than the rear end partor the front end part. Each cut lineis straight, and connects the center of the circle drawn by the curveand the end of each crease. The cut linesare perforations.

It is preferable that the bodyis configured to be refilled with the articles. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by making the main surfaceor another surface openable. The bodyhas flexibility. As a material of the body, for example, paper such as cardboard can be used.

is a perspective view showing the article housing boxwhen in use. Also,is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of an end face along line VI-VI in. In, the articleis not shown. To use the article housing box, first, cuts are made in the outlet forming portionalong the cut lines. Next, each folding pieceis folded obliquely upward along each crease. Thus, an outletis formed in the portion surrounded by the plurality of folding pieces. The articlecan be taken out from the bodyby pulling the articlethat has passed through the outlet. Note that the outletis not provided with a plastic film in the article housing box, unlike a general tissue paper housing box.

The effects of the article housing boxwill be described. The article housing boxis provided with the plurality of folding piecesthat are folded obliquely upward from the main surface. Folding the plurality of folding piecesgenerates the outletfor the articlein the outlet forming portion. At this time, the plurality of folding piecesare folded along the plurality of creases, and each creaseis formed along the curve. That is, each creaseis curved. In this case, unlike when folded along a straight crease, each folding piecefolded along the curved crease (crease) experiences a force (return force) that tries to return the folding pieceto its original state (unfolded state). For this reason, the folding angle of each folding piececan be prevented from becoming too large. Accordingly, the article housing boxin which dust can be restrained from entering the bodythrough the outletis implemented.

By applying the return force to the folding piecesin this way, the articlecan be sandwiched between the plurality of folding piecesand stably held. Thus, the articlepulled out through the outletbecomes less likely to fall into the body. This is advantageous for smoothly taking out the plurality of articlesconsecutively from the article housing box.

The mechanism by which the curved creaserestricts the folding angle of the folding piecewill be described in detail. Naturally, if the bodyis rigid (not flexible), the folding piececannot be folded along a curve. In this regard, in the article housing box, the bodyis flexible, so that even though the creaseis curved, the bending of the bodyallows the folding pieceto be folded to a certain angle. At this time, the return force acts on the folding piecedue to the restoring force of the body. Thus, the folding angle of the folding pieceis restricted.

The outlet forming portionis composed of the area surrounded by the closed curve. For this reason, no matter where the creaseis formed on the periphery of the outlet forming portion, the return force can be applied to the folding piecefolded along the crease. Thus, the articlecan be sandwiched by the plurality of folding piecesfrom multiple directions to be held.

The entirety of the curvebulges outward. In this case, it becomes easier to fold the plurality of folding pieces, compared to a case where there are both an outwardly bulging part and an inwardly bulging part.

The plurality of folding pieceshave mutually congruent shapes. In this case, it is possible to apply an equal force from each folding pieceto the article. Thus, it becomes easier to smoothly take out the articlefrom the body.

The curvedraws a circle. This contributes to enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the outlet forming portionand eventually the article housing box. Moreover, there is also an advantage that it is easy to design the plurality of folding pieceswith mutually congruent shapes.

Reducing the number of the plurality of folding piecesis advantageous for strengthening the return force acting on each folding piece. From this viewpoint, the number of the folding piecesis preferably 10 or less, and more preferably 8 or less. From the same viewpoint, the curve ratio of each creaseis preferably 8% or more, and more preferably 10% or more. On the other hand, if the number of the folding piecesis too small, the return force becomes excessively strong, and it may become difficult to take out the articlefrom the body. From this viewpoint, the number of the folding piecesis preferably 4 or more, and more preferably 6 or more. From the same viewpoint, the curve ratio of each creaseis preferably 21% or less, and more preferably 13% or less.

The plurality of creasesare formed along the entirety of the curve. In this case, adjacent folding piecescome into contact with each other. This is advantageous for preventing dust from entering the bodythrough the outlet.

The plurality of creaseshave mutually equal lengths. Thus, the plurality of folding piecescan be arranged in a well-balanced manner.

The plurality of creaseshave mutually equal curve ratios. In this case, the return force acting on each folding pieceis uniform. Thus, it becomes easier to smoothly take out the articlefrom the body.

The plurality of folding piecesare provided over the entirety of the area surrounded by the curvein the state of being unfolded. Disposing the plurality of folding pieceswithout gaps in this way is more advantageous for preventing dust from entering the bodythrough the outlet.

Each folding piecehas a sector shape. In this case, it becomes easier to dispose the plurality of folding piecesover the entirety of the above-described area.

The outlet forming portionhas the straight cut linesformed along the side endsof each folding piece. In the case where the cut linesare straight in this way, it is possible to easily carry out the work of cutting along the cut lines.

In the case where the bodyis made of paper, the outer surface of the body can be used as a canvas for drawing. Moreover, if line drawings are printed on the outer surface of the bodyin advance, users can enjoy coloring. That is, line drawing for coloring may be printed on the outer surface of the body. For this reason, the article housing boxis also suitable as a children's toy.

In the case where the bodyis configured to be refilled with the articles, the bodycan be used repeatedly by being refilled with new articleseven after the articlesare used up, which is economical. This also leads to reducing waste (the bodythat is no longer needed), and therefore contributes to reducing the environmental load.

In the article housing box, the outletis not provided with a plastic film. This also leads to reducing waste (plastic that is no longer needed), and therefore contributes to reducing the environmental load.

is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention.andare, respectively, a plane view and a rear view showing the article housing box in. Also,andare side views showing the article housing box in. An article housing boxis an article housing box that houses an article, and includes the body. In the present embodiment, the article is a roll of sanitary paper. Examples of the sanitary paperinclude tissue paper, toilet paper, paper towels, and kitchen paper. As used herein, the roll of sanitary paperrefers to a strip of sanitary paperwound around an axis parallel to its transverse direction. A cylindrical core may be provided in the center part of the sanitary paper, or such a core may not be provided.

The bodyhas the main surface, a side surface, and a side surface. The main surfaceis provided with the outlet forming portion. The constitution of the outlet forming portionis as described in the first embodiment. The side surfaceand the side surfaceare a pair of side surfaces perpendicular to the central axis of the sanitary paper. As used herein, the central axis of the sanitary paperrefers to an imaginary axis that corresponds to the central axis of a column or cylinder when the roll of sanitary paperis viewed as the column or cylinder.

In the present embodiment, the bodyfurther includes a cutting blade, an insertion portion, and an insertion portion. The cutting bladeis a portion for cutting the sanitary paperpulled out through the outlet. The cutting bladeis provided at a position apart from the outlet forming portion. Specifically, the cutting bladeis provided at the periphery of the main surface. The cutting bladeis formed integrally with a side surfaceof the body(see). The side surfaceis a side surface orthogonal to the side surfacesand the side surface. The cutting bladeprotrudes above the main surface(seeand).

The insertion portionis a portion that is inserted into the gap in the center part of the sanitary paper. The insertion portionis provided in the side surfaceof the bodyas shown in. The outer shape of the insertion portionis polygonal. The outer shape of the insertion portionis preferably a regular n-sided polygon (n is an integer of 5 or more). In the present embodiment, an example where n=8 is shown. The insertion portionhas cut lines. The cut linesare composed of a plurality of line segments connecting the center of the insertion portionto each vertex thereof. The cut linesare perforations. After cutting the side surfacealong the cut lines, tongue pieces (triangular parts with the bases at each side of the polygon) are folded toward the inside of the bodyalong the periphery (each side of the polygon) of the insertion portion, so that the insertion portion(the plurality of tongue pieces) can be inserted into the center part of the sanitary paper. In this way, the insertion portionis composed of a part of the side surface.

The insertion portionis a portion that is inserted into the gap in the center part of the sanitary paper. The insertion portionis provided in the side surfaceof the bodyas shown in. The outer shape of the insertion portionis polygonal. The outer shape of the insertion portionis preferably a regular n-sided polygon, similarly with the outer shape of the insertion portion. The insertion portionhas cut lines. The cut linesare composed of a plurality of line segments connecting the center of the insertion portionto each vertex thereof. The cut linesare perforations. After cutting the side surfacealong the cut lines, tongue pieces are folded toward the inside of the bodyalong the periphery of the insertion portion, so that the insertion portioncan be inserted into the center part of the sanitary paper. In this way, the insertion portionis composed of a part of the side surface. Note that the insertion portionand the insertion portionare disposed at positions completely overlapping with each other when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the side surfaceand the side surface. The entirety of the bodyincluding the cutting blade, the insertion portionand the insertion portionis made of the same material. Other constitutions of the article housing boxare similar to the article housing box.

Referring toto, an example of a method for using the article housing boxwill be described.is a perspective view showing the article housing boxwhen in use. Also,is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of an end face along line XIII-XIII in. In, the sanitary paperis not shown. To use the article housing box, first, cuts are made in the outlet forming portionalong the cut lines. Next, each folding pieceis folded obliquely upward along each crease. Thus, the outletis formed in the portion surrounded by the plurality of folding pieces. Furthermore, cuts are made in the side surfacealong the cut linesof the insertion portion, and cuts are made in the side surfacealong the cut linesof the insertion portion. After that, the insertion portionand the insertion portionare folded toward the inside of the bodyto be inserted into the center part of the sanitary paper.

Next, as shown in, the sanitary paperis pulled out from the bodyby pulling one end of the sanitary paper. Then, as shown in, the pulled-out sanitary paperis cut by being pressed against the tip of the cutting blade. Thus, a cut piece of the sanitary paperwith a desired length can be obtained.

Referring toand, an example of a method for manufacturing the article housing boxwill be described. First, a sheetof sufficient size is prepared, and the sheetis cut into the shape shown in. In this example, the sheetconsists of a single piece of cardboard. The cut sheetincludes a partthat will become the main surface, a partthat will become the bottom surface (the surface opposite to the main surface) of the body, a partthat will become the side surface, a partthat will become the side surface, a partthat will become the side surface, and a partthat will become the remaining side surface (side surfaces other than the side surfaces,,) of the body. The outlet forming portionis formed in the part. Inserting partsare connected to three sides of the part. The insertion portionis formed in the part. Glue partsare connected to two sides of the part. The insertion portionis formed in the part. Glue partsare connected to two sides of the part. The cutting bladeis connected to the part. Note thatshows the inner surface (the inner surface of the body) of each part,,,,,

Next, the sheetis folded into a valley shape along a fold Fto a fold F. The fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand the part. The fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand each inserting part. The fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand the part. The fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand each glue part. The fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand the part. The fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand each glue part. The fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand the part. Also, the fold Fis located at the boundary between the partand the part

Then, the glue partsare glued to the inner surfaces of the partand the part, and the glue partsare glued to the inner surfaces of the partand the part. After that, as shown in, the inserting partsare inserted into the space surrounded by the part, the part, the part, the partand the partso that the inserting partsoverlap with the inner surfaces of the part, the partand the part. Accordingly, the article housing box(the body) shown intois obtained. In this example, the bodyis obtained from the single sheetin this way. Note that the inserting partsmay or may not be glued to the inner surface of each part,,. In the former case, it is necessary to dispose the sanitary paperin the above-described space prior to gluing. In the latter case, the bodyhaving the openable main surfaceis obtained.

The effects of the article housing boxwill be described. The article housing boxis provided with the plurality of folding piecesthat are folded obliquely upward from the main surface. Folding the plurality of folding piecesgenerates the outletfor the sanitary paperin the outlet forming portion. At this time, the plurality of folding piecesare folded along the plurality of creases, and each creaseis formed along the curve. That is, each creaseis curved. In this case, unlike when folded along a straight crease, each folding piecefolded along the curved crease (crease) experiences the return force. For this reason, the folding angle of each folding piececan be prevented from becoming too large. Accordingly, the article housing boxin which dust can be restrained from entering the bodythrough the outletis implemented.

The bodyhas the cutting blade. Thus, it becomes easier to neatly cut the sanitary paperpulled out from the body, compared to a case where the sanitary paperis cut by hand.