ARTICLE HOUSING BOX

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2024/005747 filed Feb. 19, 2024. The contents of the application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an article housing box in which a plurality of articles are housed in a state of being stacked.

BACKGROUND ART

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. An outlet for taking out the articles is formed in the top face part. A plate-shaped inner bottom is provided between the bottom face part and the articles. This article housing box is configured such that the bottom thereof can be elevated by lifting the inner bottom from the bottom face part to a predetermined height.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 2008-213864 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

According to the article housing box described above, elevating the bottom when the remaining amount of the articles becomes small can make the articles easier to take out through the outlet. Moreover, since the inner bottom is in surface contact with the articles, the articles can be stably supported from below. However, providing a member (inner bottom) for elevating the bottom separately from the body causes an increase in the manufacturing cost of the article housing box.

Solution to Problem

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 articles can be stably supported when the bottom is elevated without a member for elevating the bottom being provided separately from a body.

An article housing box according to the present invention is an article housing box in which a plurality of articles are housed in a state of being stacked, and includes: a box-shaped body that is composed of a bottom face part, first to fourth side face parts, and a top face part, wherein the body includes: a first cut line that is formed from the bottom face part to the first side face part; a second cut line that is formed in the second side face part facing the first side face part; a tongue piece portion that becomes a tongue piece connected to a middle part of the first side face part in a state in which a cut is made in the body along the first cut line; and a slit portion that becomes a slit into which the tongue piece can be inserted in a state in which a cut is made in the body along the second cut line, the slit being located in a middle part of the second side face part.

In this article housing box, the body is provided with the tongue piece portion and the slit portion. The tongue piece that is connected to the middle part of the first side face part is obtained from the tongue piece portion. Moreover, the slit that is located in the middle part of the second side face part and into which the tongue piece can be inserted is obtained from the slit portion. By inserting the tongue piece into the slit, the tongue piece can be bridged from the middle part of the first side face part to the middle part of the second side face part. For this reason, when the remaining amount of the articles becomes small, the bottom of the article housing box can be elevated while making the tongue piece in surface contact with the articles by inserting the tongue piece into the slit so that the articles are placed on the tongue piece.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to implement an article housing box in which articles can be stably supported when the bottom is elevated without a member for elevating the bottom being provided separately from a body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the first embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the first embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a body 10 after deformation.

FIG. 5 is a plane view showing the body 10 after deformation.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the body 10 after deformation.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of an end face along line VII-VII in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side view for illustrating an example in which the body 10 is provided with a scented area 12.

FIG. 9 is a plane view showing a second embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plane view showing a holding portion 130.

FIG. 11 is a plane view showing a holding portion 140.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an article housing box 2 when in use.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of an end face along line A-A in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a plane view for illustrating a modified example of the holding portion 130.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for illustrating an effect of the article housing box 2 according to a modified example.

FIG. 16 is a plane view for illustrating another modified example of the holding portion 130.

FIG. 17 is a plane view for illustrating another modified example of the holding portion 130.

FIG. 18 is a plane view for illustrating a modified example of a perforation 120.

FIG. 19 is a plane view for illustrating a modified example of a perforation 122 and a perforation 124.

FIG. 20 is a plane view showing a third embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a plane view showing a holding portion 230.

FIG. 22 is a plane view showing a holding portion 240.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an article housing box 3 when in use.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of an end face along line B-B in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for illustrating an effect of the article housing box 3.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for illustrating the effect of the article housing box 3.

FIG. 27 is a plane view for illustrating a modified example of the holding portion 240.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for illustrating an effect of the article housing box 3 according to a modified example.

FIG. 29 is a plane view for illustrating a modified example of a perforation 220.

FIG. 30 is a plane view for illustrating another modified example of the perforation 220.

FIG. 31 is a plane view for illustrating another modified example of the perforation 220.

FIG. 32 is a plane view for illustrating another modified example of the perforation 220.

FIG. 33 is a plane view for illustrating a modified example of perforations 251, 252.

FIG. 34 is an end view showing a fourth embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a plane view showing an outer member 310.

FIG. 36 is a plane view showing an inner member 320.

FIG. 37 is an end view for illustrating a situation in which tissue paper 90 is pulled out from an article housing box 4.

FIG. 38 is a plane view showing a folding portion 322 according to a modified example.

FIG. 39 is a plane view showing the folding portion 322 according to another modified example.

FIG. 40 is a plane view showing the folding portion 322 according to another modified example.

FIG. 41 is a plane view showing the folding portion 322 according to another modified example.

FIG. 42 is a plane view for illustrating a function of a concave part 360 in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a plane view showing the folding portion 322 according to another modified example.

FIG. 44 is a plane view for illustrating a modified example of a tongue piece 72.

FIG. 45 is a side view for illustrating a modified example of a cut line 60.

FIG. 46 is a side view for illustrating a modified example of a slit portion 80.

FIG. 47 is a side view for illustrating a modified example of a fold line 33.

FIG. 48 is a side view for illustrating another modified example of the cut line 60.

FIG. 49 is a side view for illustrating another modified example of the cut line 60.

FIG. 50 is a side view for illustrating another modified example of the cut line 60.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views showing a first embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention. Also, FIG. 3 is a side view showing the first embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention. An article housing box 1 is an article housing box in which a plurality of articles are housed in a state of being stacked, and includes a body 10. Examples of the articles include tissue paper, paper towels, kitchen paper, gloves, and masks. In the present embodiment, the articles are pieces of tissue paper.

The body 10 has a box shape, and is composed of a bottom face part 20, a side face part 32 (first side face part), a side face part 34 (second side face part), a side face part 36 (third side face part), a side face part 38 (fourth side face part), and a top face part 40. The body 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views seen, respectively, from the top face part 40 side and the bottom face part 20 side. Also, FIG. 3 is a side view seen from the side face part 34 side. The side face part 32 and the side face part 34 face each other. The side face part 36 and the side face part 38 also face each other. The widths of the side face part 32 and the side face part 34 are larger than the widths of the side face part 36 and the side face part 38. The body 10 is configured to be capable of being deformed into a bottom-up state. As a material of the body 10, for example, paper such as cardboard, or plastic can be used.

The body 10 includes a cut line 50 (first cut line), a cut line 60 (second cut line), a tongue piece portion 70, and a slit portion 80. The cut line 50 is formed from the bottom face part 20 to the side face part 32. The cut line 50 is formed along a single continuous line. The cut line 50 is a perforation. The cut line 50 is composed of a bottom face cut part 51 (first bottom face cut part), a bottom face cut part 52 (second bottom face cut part), a bottom face cut part 53 (third bottom face cut part), a side face cut part 54 (first side face cut part), and a side face cut part 55 (second side face cut part). The bottom face cut parts 51 to 53 are formed in the bottom face part 20. The side face cut part 54 and the side face cut part 55 are formed in the side face part 32. The bottom face cut part 51, the bottom face cut part 52, the side face cut part 54, and the side face cut part 55 are each straight. In the present embodiment, the bottom face cut part 53 is also straight.

The bottom face cut part 51 and the bottom face cut part 52 extend from the side face part 32 toward the side face part 34. The bottom face cut part 51 and the bottom face cut part 52 extend perpendicularly to the side face part 32. The bottom face cut part 53 connects the bottom face cut part 51 and the bottom face cut part 52. Specifically, the bottom face cut part 53 connects one end of the bottom face cut part 51 and one end of the bottom face cut part 52. The one end of the bottom face cut part 51 and the one end of the bottom face cut part 52 are located in a middle part of the bottom face part 20. As used herein, the middle part of the bottom face part 20 refers to the part of the bottom face part 20 other than the edges (boundaries with each side face part 32, 34, 36, 38). The bottom face cut part 53 extends in parallel with the side face part 32.

The side face cut part 54 and the side face cut part 55 are continuous, respectively, with the bottom face cut part 51 and the bottom face cut part 52. That is, one end of the side face cut part 54 and one end of the side face cut part 55 are connected, respectively, to the other end of the bottom face cut part 51 and the other end of the bottom face cut part 52. The side face cut part 54 and the side face cut part 55 extend in the height direction of the body 10 (vertical direction in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). The other ends of the side face cut part 54 and the side face cut part 55 are located in a middle part of the side face part 32. As used herein, the middle part of the side face part 32 refers to the part of the side face part 32 other than the edges (boundary with the bottom face part 20, boundaries with each side face part 36, 38, and boundary with the top face part 40).

The cut line 60 is formed in the side face part 34. The cut line 60 is formed along a single continuous line. The cut line 60 is a perforation. The cut line 60 includes a vertical cut part 61 (first vertical cut part), a vertical cut part 62 (second vertical cut part), and a horizontal cut part 63. The cut line 60 is composed only of the vertical cut part 61, the vertical cut part 62 and the horizontal cut part 63. The vertical cut part 61, the vertical cut part 62, and the horizontal cut part 63 are each straight. The vertical cut part 61 and the vertical cut part 62 extend in the height direction of the body 10. The horizontal cut part 63 connects one end of the vertical cut part 61 and one end of the vertical cut part 62. The one end of the vertical cut part 61 and the one end of the vertical cut part 62 are located in a middle part of the side face part 34. The other end of the vertical cut part 61 and the other end of the vertical cut part 62 are also located in the middle part of the side face part 34. As used herein, the middle part of the side face part 34 refers to the part of the side face part 34 other than the edges (boundary with the bottom face part 20, boundaries with each side face part 36, 38, and boundary with the top face part 40). The horizontal cut part 63 extends in parallel with the bottom face part 20.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are, respectively, a perspective view, a plane view and a side view showing the body 10 after deformation. FIG. 4 is a perspective view seen from the bottom face part 20 side. FIG. 6 is a side view seen from the side face part 32 side. Also, FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of an end face along line VII-VII in FIG. 5.

The tongue piece portion 70 is a portion that becomes a tongue piece 72 connected to the middle part of the side face part 32 in a state in which a cut is made in the body 10 (the bottom face part 20 and the side face part 32) along the cut line 50. The tongue piece 72 is constituted by a single plate that is composed of a part of the bottom face part 20 and a part of the side face part 32. In the present embodiment, the shape of the tongue piece 72 is a rectangle. The side face part 32 is provided with a fold line 33 for folding the tongue piece 72 toward the side face part 34. The fold line 33 is provided in a position overlapping with the slit portion 80 described later in a side view. The fold line 33 connects the other end of the side face cut part 54 and the other end of the side face cut part 55. The fold line 33 is parallel with the bottom face part 20. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 33 so that the tongue piece 72 can be easily folded along the fold line 33. However, the fold line 33 may be composed only of a line printed on the side face part 32 for informing users of the position of the fold.

The length of the tongue piece 72 is preferably 1.1 times or more, and more preferably 1.2 times or more of the distance d0 (see FIG. 2) from the side face part 32 to the side face part 34. Moreover, the length of the tongue piece 72 is larger than the distance d0 by preferably 1 cm or more, and more preferably 2 cm or more. As used herein, the length of the tongue piece 72 is the maximum size of the tongue piece 72 in the direction perpendicular to the side face part 32 when the tongue piece 72 is spread out on a plane parallel with the bottom face part 20. In the present embodiment, the length of the tongue piece 72 is equal to the sum of the length d1 of each bottom face cut part 51, 52 and the length d2 of each side face cut part 54, 55. The width w1 of the tongue piece 72 is preferably half or more, and more preferably three quarters or more of the width w0 of the side face part 32. As used herein, the width w1 is the maximum size of the tongue piece 72 in the direction perpendicular to the side face part 36 and the side face part 38.

The slit portion 80 is a portion that becomes a slit 82 into which the tongue piece 72 can be inserted in a state in which a cut is made in the body 10 (the side face part 34) along the cut line 60, the slit 82 being located in the middle part of the side face part 34. The slit 82 is a horizontally elongated opening that extends in parallel with the bottom face part 20. The tongue piece 72 is configured to be parallel with the bottom face part 20 in the state of being inserted into the slit 82. The side face part 34 is provided with a fold line 35 for folding a part 80a surrounded by the cut line 60 (the vertical cut part 61, the vertical cut part 62 and the horizontal cut part 63) to the outside of the body 10. The fold line 35 connects the other end of the vertical cut part 61 and the other end of the vertical cut part 62. The fold line 35 is parallel with the bottom face part 20. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 35 so that the part 80a can be easily folded along the fold line 35. However, the fold line 35 may be composed only of a line printed on the side face part 34 for informing users of the position of the fold.

With respect to the height direction of the body 10, the distance h1 (see FIG. 3) from the bottom face part 20 to the slit portion 80 is preferably half or more of the height h0 of the body 10. Similarly, with respect to the height direction of the body 10, the distance from the bottom face part 20 to the fold line 33 (equal to the length d2 of each side face cut part 54, 55) is also preferably half or more of the height h0.

The top face part 40 is provided with an outlet forming portion 42. The outlet forming portion 42 is a portion in which an outlet for the articles is formed. The outlet forming portion 42 has a perforation formed along a single annular line. The outlet is formed in the outlet forming portion 42 by cutting the top face part 40 along the perforation and then cutting off the part surrounded by the perforation. A plastic film 46 is provided at the outlet, as in a general tissue paper housing box (see FIG. 5). The plastic film 46 has a cut that allows the articles to pass therethrough.

Next, an example of a method for deforming the body 10 will be described. First, the body 10 is cut along the cut line 60. After that, the slit portion 80 is turned into the slit 82 by folding the part 80a surrounded by the cut line 60 outward along the fold line 35. Then, the tongue piece portion 70 is turned into the tongue piece 72 by cutting the body 10 along the cut line 50. Next, the tongue piece 72 is inserted into the slit 82 while being folded toward the side face part 34 along the fold line 33. Thus, the body 10 can be deformed so as to be in the state in which the tongue piece 72 is inserted into the slit 82 (see FIG. 4 to FIG. 7). In the deformed body 10, tissue paper 90 is placed on the tongue piece 72 as shown in FIG. 7. By elevating the bottom of the article housing box 1 (the body 10) in this way to bring the tissue paper 90 closer to the top face part 40, the tissue paper 90 can be smoothly taken out through an outlet 44 even when the remaining amount of the tissue paper 90 is small. At this time, the distance from the tongue piece 72 to the top face part 40 is preferably between 3 cm and 6 cm inclusive. Note that the tissue paper 90 is not shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

A letter or a design is printed on a protruding part 72a (see FIG. 5) of the tongue piece 72. The protruding part 72a is a part that protrudes from the slit 82 to the outside of the body 10. The letter or the design is printed on the upper surface (the surface on the top face part 40 side) of the protruding part 72a. In FIG. 5, as an example, the string of “ABC” is printed on the upper surface of the protruding part 72a. The upper surface corresponds to a part of the inner surface of the bottom face part 20 in the body 10 before deformation. That is, by printing in advance a letter or a design on the part, it is possible to implement the protruding part 72a in which the letter or the design is printed on the upper surface thereof. An advertising slogan such as company PR text or advertisement may be printed on the protruding part 72a. Examples of the contents of the company PR include an introduction to the company's efforts to address environmental issues.

Moreover, a letter or a design is also printed on a specific part 34a of the inner surface of the side face part 34. The specific part 34a is a part that overlaps with the tongue piece portion 70 (the part of the tongue piece portion 70 present in the side face part 32) in a side view. In FIG. 6, as an example, the string of “XYZ” is printed on the specific part 34a. However, the string is not shown in FIG. 4. An advertising slogan may be printed on the specific part 34a.

Note that a lower part 10a of the inner surface of the body 10 may be provided with a scented area 12 as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. The lower part 10a is a part that is present below the tongue piece 72 in the state of being inserted into the slit 82. The lower part 10a is composed of a part of the inner surface of the bottom face part 20, and a part of the inner surface of each side face part 32, 34, 36, 38. In FIG. 8, the scented area 12 is provided in the specific part 34a that is a part of the lower part 10a. A perfume adheres to the scented area 12. The scented area 12 can be implemented, for example, by printing a perfume on the lower part 10a. A peelable sticker 14 is attached to the scented area 12. As used herein, peelable means that the sticker 14 can be easily peeled off from the scented area 12 without damaging the lower part 10a or the scented area 12. The sticker 14 prevents the perfume in the scented area 12 from diffusing.

Effects of the article housing box 1 will be described. In the article housing box 1, the body 10 is provided with the tongue piece portion 70 and the slit portion 80. The tongue piece 72 that is connected to the middle part of the side face part 32 is obtained from the tongue piece portion 70. Moreover, the slit 82 that is located in the middle part of the side face part 34 and into which the tongue piece 72 can be inserted is obtained from the slit portion 80. By inserting the tongue piece 72 into the slit 82, the tongue piece 72 can be bridged from the middle part of the side face part 32 to the middle part of the side face part 34. For this reason, when the remaining amount of the articles becomes small, the bottom of the article housing box 1 can be elevated while making the tongue piece 72 in surface contact with the articles by inserting the tongue piece 72 into the slit 82 so that the articles are placed on the tongue piece 72. Accordingly, the article housing box 1 is implemented in which articles can be stably supported when the bottom is elevated without a member for elevating the bottom being provided separately from the body 10.

Incidentally, in article housing boxes, housing as many articles as possible is advantageous for keeping the product price per article down. However, in order to increase the number of articles that can be housed in one article housing box, the height of a body must be increased. Usually, when the height of the body is increased, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to take out the articles when the remaining amount is small. In this regard, according to the article housing box 1 in which the bottom thereof can be elevated, it is easy to take out the articles even when the remaining amount is small, and therefore the above-described problem caused by increasing the height of the body 10 can be solved. In addition, by increasing the height of the body 10, a large space can be secured for printing a letter or a design. Furthermore, since the used body 10 becomes garbage, housing a large number of articles in one body 10 also leads to a reduction in garbage.

The tongue piece 72 is in the state of being connected to the side face part 32 without being cut off from the body 10. In this case, because a part of the tongue piece 72 is fixed to the side face part 32, it is possible to make a situation less likely to occur in which the tongue piece 72 accidentally comes out of the slit 82.

The tongue piece 72 is configured to be parallel with the bottom face part 20 in the state of being inserted into the slit 82. This also contributes to stably supporting the articles in the article housing box 1 after the bottom-up.

Enlarging the distance h1 from the bottom face part 20 to the slit portion 80 in the height direction of the body 10 is advantageous for enhancing the effect of the bottom-up in the article housing box 1. From this viewpoint, the distance h1 is preferably half or more of the height h0 of the body 10. On the other hand, if the distance h1 is too large, the amount of articles that can be housed in the article housing box 1 after deformation will be extremely reduced. From this viewpoint, the distance h1 is preferably four-fifths or less of the height h0.

The side face part 32 is provided with the fold line 33. Thus, the tongue piece 72 becomes easier to neatly fold at a predetermined position.

The fold line 33 is provided in a position overlapping with the slit portion 80 in a side view. Thus, the tongue piece 72 in the state of being inserted into the slit 82 becomes easier to arrange in parallel with the bottom face part 20.

Enlarging the length of the tongue piece 72 is advantageous for preventing the tongue piece 72 from accidentally coming out of the slit 82. From this viewpoint, the length of the tongue piece 72 is preferably 1.1 times or more, and more preferably 1.2 times or more of the distance d0 from the side face part 32 to the side face part 34. From the same viewpoint, the length of the tongue piece 72 is larger than the distance d0 by preferably 1 cm or more, and more preferably 2 cm or more. On the other hand, the length of the tongue piece 72 is too large, it may become difficult to secure the tongue piece portion 70 in the body 10 before deformation. From this viewpoint, the length of the tongue piece 72 is preferably 1.5 times or less of the distance d0. From the same viewpoint, the difference between the length of the tongue piece 72 and the distance d0 is preferably 5 cm or less.

The cut line 50 is composed of the bottom face cut part 51 to the bottom face cut part 53, the side face cut part 54, and the side face cut part 55. Thus, the cut line 50 for forming the tongue piece 72 can be implemented with simple constitution.

The bottom face cut part 51, the bottom face cut part 52, the side face cut part 54, and the side face cut part 55 are each straight. Thus, it is possible to easily carry out the work of cutting along each bottom face cut part 51, 52, and each side face cut part 54, 55.

The bottom face cut part 51 and the bottom face cut part 52 extend perpendicularly to the side face part 32. In this case, the length of each bottom face cut part 51, 52 can be minimized. This also makes it easier to carry out the work of cutting along each bottom face cut part 51, 52.

The side face cut part 54 and the side face cut part 55 extend in the height direction of the body 10. In this case, the length of each side face cut part 54, 55 can be minimized. This also makes it easier to carry out the work of cutting along each side face cut part 54, 55.

The bottom face cut part 53 is straight. Thus, it is possible to easily carry out the work of cutting along the bottom face cut part 53.

The bottom face cut part 53 extends in parallel with the side face part 32. Thus, the size of the tongue piece 72 can be constant with respect to the direction perpendicular to the side face part 32.

Enlarging the width w1 of the tongue piece 72 is advantageous for stably supporting the articles in the article housing box 1 after the bottom-up, because the tongue piece 72 comes into contact with a wide area of the articles. Moreover, by enlarging the width w1, waste generated from the articles (e.g. paper powder generated from tissue paper) is less likely to fall outside the body 10, and the articles are less likely to come into contact with the outside air, making it more hygienic. From this viewpoint, the width w1 is preferably half or more, and more preferably three quarters or more of the width w0 of the side face part 32. On the other hand, if the width w1 is too large, it may become difficult to secure the tongue piece portion 70 in the body 10 before deformation. From this viewpoint, the width w1 is preferably nine-tenths or less of the width w0.

The widths of the side face part 32 and the side face part 34 are larger than the widths of the side face part 36 and the side face part 38. Providing the tongue piece portion 70 and the slit portion 80 in a pair of side face parts (the side face part 32 and the side face part 34) having a relatively large width in this way makes it easier to increase the width w1 of the tongue piece 72 while securing a sufficient length of the tongue piece 72.

The cut line 60 includes the vertical cut part 61, the vertical cut part 62, and the horizontal cut part 63. Thus, the cut line 60 for forming the slit 82 can be implemented with simple constitution.

The vertical cut part 61, the vertical cut part 62, and the horizontal cut part 63 are each straight. Thus, it is possible to easily carry out the work of cutting along each vertical cut part 61, 62, and the horizontal cut part 63.

The cut line 60 is composed only of the vertical cut part 61, the vertical cut part 62, and the horizontal cut part 63. In this case, because the part 80a surrounded by the cut line 60 is not cut off from the body 10, it becomes possible to make the part 80a in contact with the protruding part 72a of the tongue piece 72. Thus, it is possible to make the situation even less likely to occur in which the tongue piece 72 accidentally comes out of the slit 82.

A letter or a design is printed on the protruding part 72a of the tongue piece 72. By printing a letter or a design on the protruding part 72a, which is visible from the outside of the body 10 after deformation in this way, the aesthetic appearance of the body 10 after deformation can be enhanced.

The letter or the design is printed on the upper surface of the protruding part 72a. By printing on the upper surface, which is easily visible, the letter or the design can be made to stand out.

In the case where an advertising slogan is printed on the protruding part 72a, the protruding part 72a can be used as an advertising space. If advertisers are recruited, it is possible to earn advertising revenue. If such revenue is used to cover the manufacturing costs of the article housing box 1, the product price of the article housing box 1 can be reduced.

A letter or a design is printed on the specific part 34a of the inner surface of the side face part 34. By printing a letter or a design on the specific part 34a, which is visible from the outside of the body 10 after deformation in this way, the aesthetic appearance of the body 10 after deformation can be enhanced.

In the case where an advertising slogan is printed on the specific part 34a, the specific part 34a can be used as an advertising space. If advertisers are recruited, it is possible to earn advertising revenue. If such revenue is used to cover the manufacturing costs of the article housing box 1, the product price of the article housing box 1 can be reduced.

In the case where the lower part 10a of the inner surface of the body 10 is provided with the scented area 12, it is possible to disperse a fragrance around the body 10 after deformation. That is, by peeling off the sticker 14 after the body 10 is deformed, the perfume in the scented area 12 can be diffused around the body 10. In addition, since the sticker 14 is attached to the scented area 12, users can select whether or not to disperse a fragrance around the body 10 by whether or not to peel off the sticker 14.

In the case where the scented area 12 is provided in the specific part 34a of the inner surface of the side face part 34, it is possible to easily carry out the work of peeling off the sticker 14, because the specific part 34a is an easily accessible part of the lower part 10a.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 is a plane view showing a second embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention. An article housing box 2 is an article housing box in which a plurality of articles are housed in a state of being stacked, and includes the body 10. In the present embodiment, the constitution of the outlet forming portion 42 is different from the first embodiment. The other constitution of the body 10 is as described in the first embodiment. The outlet forming portion 42 is a rectangular region surrounded by a long side 112a (first long side), a long side 112b (second long side), a short side 114a (first short side), and a short side 114b (second short side) in the top face part 40.

The outlet forming portion 42 includes a perforation 120 (first main cut line), a perforation 122 (second main cut line), and a perforation 124 (third main cut line). The perforation 120 has a wave shape, and extends in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 9) of the outlet forming portion 42. The perforation 120 is formed along a single continuous wavy line. In the present embodiment, this wavy line is composed of a polyline and a curved line. Specifically, the parts near both ends (one end 120a and the other end 120b) of the perforation 120 are composed of curved lines, and the remaining part is composed of a polyline. Each curved line bulges toward the long side 112a. The both ends of each curved line are present on the long side 112b. One end of each line segment constituting the polyline is also present on the long side 112b. The perforation 120 is symmetrical with respect to a center line that bisects the outlet forming portion 42 in the longitudinal direction.

With respect to the transverse direction (vertical direction in FIG. 9) of the outlet forming portion 42, the distance d11 (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 described later) from a top part 120c of the perforation 120 to the long side 112b is half or less of the distance d12 (see FIG. 10) from the top part 120c to the long side 112a. The top part 120c is a part of the perforation 120 that is closest to the long side 112a. In the present embodiment, the tip of a convex part 142a described later corresponds to the top part 120c. When the length of the short side 114a (equal to the length of the short side 114b) is taken as 1, the distance d11 is preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 inclusive.

With respect to the longitudinal direction of the outlet forming portion 42, the distance d13 (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) from one end 120a to the other end 120b of the perforation 120 is smaller than the length of the long side 112a (equal to the length of the long side 112b). The distance d13 is preferably between 40% and 60% inclusive of the length of the long side 112a.

The perforation 122 intersects with one end 120a of the perforation 120 and connects the long side 112a and the long side 112b of the outlet forming portion 42. In the present embodiment, one end 120a of the perforation 120 is present on the long side 112b. Therefore, the perforation 122 intersects with one end 120a of the perforation 120 at an end 122b on the long side 112b side. The perforation 122 is straight. The perforation 122 is formed along an oblique straight line. The distance from an end 122a of the perforation 122 on the long side 112a side to the short side 114a is smaller than the distance from an end 122b of the perforation 122 to the short side 114a.

The perforation 124 intersects with the other end 120b of the perforation 120 and connects the long side 112a and the long side 112b of the outlet forming portion 42. In the present embodiment, the other end 120b of the perforation 120 is present on the long side 112b. Therefore, the perforation 124 intersects with the other end 120b of the perforation 120 at an end 124b on the long side 112b side. The perforation 124 is straight. The perforation 124 is formed along an oblique straight line. The distance from an end 124a of the perforation 124 on the long side 112a side to the short side 114b is smaller than the distance from the end 124b of the perforation 124 to the short side 114b.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are plane views showing, respectively, a holding portion 130 and a holding portion 140. The holding portion 130 (first holding portion) is the portion of the outlet forming portion 42 surrounded by the perforations 120, 122, 124 and the long side 112a. The holding portion 140 (second holding portion) is the portion of the outlet forming portion 42 surrounded by the perforations 120, 122, 124 and the long side 112b (including the portion surrounded only by the perforation 120 and the long side 112b).

As shown in FIG. 10, a facing side 130a of the holding portion 130 has a plurality of convex parts 132. The facing side 130a is the side of the holding portion 130 that faces the holding portion 140. The facing side 130a coincides with the cut edge when the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforation 120. The plurality of convex parts 132 include an angular convex part that is a convex part having an angular tip. In the present embodiment, all convex parts 132 of the facing side 130a are angular convex parts. Each convex part 132 of the facing side 130a reaches the long side 112b.

As shown in FIG. 11, a facing side 140a of the holding portion 140 has a plurality of convex parts 142. The facing side 140a is the side of the holding portion 140 that faces the holding portion 130. The facing side 140a coincides with the cut edge when the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforation 120. The plurality of convex parts 142 include a rounded convex part that is a convex part having a rounded tip, in addition to the angular convex part. With respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42, convex parts 142a which are located at the extreme ends in the facing side 140a protrude more than convex parts 142b which are located other than at the extreme ends in the facing side 140a. That is, the tips of the convex parts 142a are located closer to the long side 112a than the tips of the convex parts 142b. In the present embodiment, the convex parts 142a are rounded convex parts, and the convex parts 142b are angular convex parts.

The long side 112a is provided with a fold line 170 (valley fold line) for folding the holding portion 130 along the long side 112a. The fold line 170 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 122a of the perforation 122 and the end 124a of the perforation 124. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 170 so that the holding portion 130 can be easily folded along the fold line 170. However, the fold line 170 may be composed only of a line printed on the top face part 40 for informing users of the position of the fold.

On the other hand, the long side 112b is not provided with a fold line for folding the holding portion 140 along the long side 112b. That is, in the present embodiment, the article housing box 2 is used in a state in which the holding portion 140 is not folded.

Furthermore, the outlet forming portion 42 includes a perforation 151 (first secondary cut line), a perforation 152 (second secondary cut line), a perforation 153 (third secondary cut line), and a perforation 154 (fourth secondary cut line). The perforation 151 connects the end 122a of the perforation 122 and the long side 112b. The perforation 151 is straight. The perforation 151 is formed along an oblique straight line. The distance from an end 151a of the perforation 151 on the long side 112a side to the short side 114a is larger than the distance from an end 151b of the perforation 151 on the long side 112b side to the short side 114a. An auxiliary portion 161 (first auxiliary portion) that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 122, the perforation 151 and the long side 112b has a triangle shape.

The perforation 152 connects the end 124a of the perforation 124 and the long side 112b. The perforation 152 is straight. The perforation 152 is formed along an oblique straight line. The distance from an end 152a of the perforation 152 on the long side 112a side to the short side 114b is larger than the distance from an end 152b of the perforation 152 on the long side 112b side to the short side 114b. An auxiliary portion 162 (second auxiliary portion) that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 124, the perforation 152 and the long side 112b has a triangle shape.

The long side 112b is provided with a fold line 171 (valley fold line) for folding the auxiliary portion 161 along the long side 112b. The fold line 171 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 122b of the perforation 122 and the end 151b of the perforation 151. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 171 so that the auxiliary portion 161 can be easily folded along the fold line 171.

The long side 112b is provided with a fold line 172 (valley fold line) for folding the auxiliary portion 162 along the long side 112b. The fold line 172 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 124b of the perforation 124 and the end 152b of the perforation 152. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 172 so that the auxiliary portion 162 can be easily folded along the fold line 172.

The perforation 153 connects the end 151b of the perforation 151 and the long side 112a. The perforation 153 is straight. The perforation 153 is formed along an oblique straight line. The distance from an end 153a of the perforation 153 on the long side 112a side to the short side 114a is smaller than the distance from an end 153b of the perforation 153 on the long side 112b side to the short side 114a. In the present embodiment, the end 153a is present on the short side 114a. Therefore, the distance from the end 153a to the short side 114a is 0. An auxiliary portion 163 (third auxiliary portion) that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 151, the perforation 153 and the long side 112a has a triangle shape.

The perforation 154 connects the end 152b of the perforation 152 and the long side 112a. The perforation 154 is straight. The perforation 154 is formed along an oblique straight line. The distance from an end 154a of the perforation 154 on the long side 112a side to the short side 114b is smaller than the distance from an end 154b of the perforation 154 on the long side 112b side to the short side 114b. In the present embodiment, the end 154a is present on the short side 114b. Therefore, the distance from the end 154a to the short side 114b is 0. An auxiliary portion 164 (fourth auxiliary portion) that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 152, the perforation 154 and the long side 112a has a triangle shape.

The long side 112a is provided with a fold line 173 (valley fold line) for folding the auxiliary portion 163 along the long side 112a. The fold line 173 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 151a of the perforation 151 and the end 153a of the perforation 153. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 173 so that the auxiliary portion 163 can be easily folded along the fold line 173.

The long side 112a is provided with a fold line 174 (valley fold line) for folding the auxiliary portion 164 along the long side 112a. The fold line 174 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 152a of the perforation 152 and the end 154a of the perforation 154. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 174 so that the auxiliary portion 164 can be easily folded along the fold line 174.

A perforation 155 (cut line) is formed on the short side 114a. The perforation 155 is provided over the entirety of the short side 114a. An auxiliary portion 165 that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 153, the perforation 155 and the long side 112b has a right triangle shape.

A perforation 156 (cut line) is formed on the short side 114b. The perforation 156 is provided over the entirety of the short side 114b. An auxiliary portion 166 that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 154, the perforation 156 and the long side 112b has a right triangle shape.

The long side 112b is provided with a fold line 175 (valley fold line) for folding the auxiliary portion 165 along the long side 112b. The fold line 175 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 153b of the perforation 153 and an end of the perforation 155 on the long side 112b side. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 175 so that the auxiliary portion 165 can be easily folded along the fold line 175.

The long side 112b is provided with a fold line 176 (valley fold line) for folding the auxiliary portion 166 along the long side 112b. The fold line 176 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 154b of the perforation 154 and an end of the perforation 156 on the long side 112b side. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 176 so that the auxiliary portion 166 can be easily folded along the fold line 176.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the article housing box 2 when in use. Also, FIG. 13 is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of the end face along line A-A in FIG. 12. The articles are not shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. To use the article housing box 2, first, the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforation 120, the perforation 122 and the perforation 124. After that, the holding portion 130 is folded obliquely upward along the fold line 170. Thus, a gap S11 that serves as an outlet is formed between the holding portion 130 and the holding portion 140. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforations 151 to 156. After that, the auxiliary portions 161 to 166 are folded obliquely upward, respectively, along the fold lines 171 to 176. Thus, the article housing box 2 shown in FIG. 12 is obtained.

Effects of the article housing box 2 will be described. In the article housing box 2, the perforation 120, the perforation 122, and the perforation 124 are provided. Thus, the holding portion 130 that is the portion surrounded by the perforations 120, 122, 124 and the long side 112a, and the holding portion 140 that is the portion surrounded by the perforations 120, 122, 124 and the long side 112b are present in the outlet forming portion 42. By folding the holding portion 130 obliquely upward after cutting along the perforations 120, 122, 124, the gap S11 that serves as an outlet can be formed between the holding portion 130 and the holding portion 140. At this time, since the perforation 120 has a wave shape, concave and convex are generated in the facing sides 130a, 140a of the holding portions 130, 140. Thus, it is possible to strengthen the holding force of the holding portions 130, 140 on the articles.

Moreover, the distance d11 from the top part 120c of the perforation 120 to the long side 112b is half or less of the distance d12 from the top part 120c to the long side 112a. By making the perforation 120 closer to the long side 112b in this way, the length of the holding portion 130 becomes significantly larger than the length of the holding portion 140 with respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42. In this case, as can be seen from FIG. 13, it becomes easier to widely secure the gap S11 between the holding portion 130 and the holding portion 140 after folding in the height direction of the body 10 (vertical direction in FIG. 13). If the gap S11 is wide in the height direction, the articles can be smoothly taken out through the gap S11 by pulling up the articles obliquely as shown by the arrow A11 in the FIG. 13. Accordingly, the article housing box 2 is implemented that can simultaneously strengthen the holding force on the articles and facilitate taking out the articles.

From the viewpoint of making the perforation 120 closer to the long side 112b in this way, when the length of the short side 114a is taken as 1, the distance d11 is preferably 0.3 or less with respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42. On the other hand, if the distance d11 is too small, it becomes difficult to form sufficiently large convex parts 142. From this viewpoint, the distance d11 is preferably 0.1 or more.

The facing side 130a of the holding portion 130 has the plurality of convex parts 132. Thus, the holding force of the holding portion 130 on the articles can be strengthened, compared to a case where only one convex part 132 is provided.

The plurality of convex parts 132 include an angular convex part. In this case, the holding force of the holding portion 130 can be strengthened, compared to a case where all convex parts 132 are rounded convex parts.

Each convex part 132 of the facing side 130a reaches the long side 112b. Making the perforation 120 closer to the long side 112b as much as possible in this way is particularly advantageous for widely securing the gap S11 in the height direction of the body 10.

The facing side 140a of the holding portion 140 has the plurality of convex parts 142. Thus, the holding force of the holding portion 140 on the articles can be strengthened, compared to a case where only one convex part 142 is provided.

The plurality of convex parts 142 include an angular convex part. In this case, the holding force of the holding portion 140 can be strengthened, compared to a case where all convex parts 142 are rounded convex parts.

The plurality of convex parts 142 include a rounded convex part. In this case, the articles become easier to smoothly take out, because the articles are less likely to get caught on the convex parts 142 when being taken out, compared to a case where all convex parts 142 are angular convex parts.

The convex parts 142a located at the extreme ends in the facing side 140a protrude more than the convex parts 142b located other than at the extreme ends. By making the convex parts 142a that are rounded convex parts protrude, the articles become less likely to get caught on the convex parts 142b that are angular convex parts, when being taken out. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the risk of users (especially children) touching the convex parts 142b that are angular convex parts, and getting injured.

The long side 112a is provided with the fold line 170. Thus, the holding portion 130 becomes easier to fold at a predetermined position (the fold line 170).

With respect to the longitudinal direction of the outlet forming portion 42, the distance d13 from one end 120a to the other end 120b of the perforation 120 is smaller than the length of the long side 112a. Thus, the width of the outlet can be made smaller than the width of the outlet forming portion 42 (the length of the long side 112a). In the case where the width of the outlet is reduced in this way, the articles pulled out through the outlet are more likely to wrinkle. Then, the articles spread in the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42, and therefore both the facing side 130a of the holding portion 130 and the facing side 140a of the holding portion 140 are more likely to come into contact with the articles. For this reason, it is advantageous for strengthening the holding force of the holding portion 130 and the holding portion 140.

From the viewpoint of reducing the width of the outlet, the distance d13 is preferably 60% or less of the length of the long side 112a. On the other hand, if the width of the outlet is too small, the articles become difficult to take out. From this viewpoint, the distance d13 is preferably 40% or more of the length of the long side 112a.

The outlet forming portion 42 includes the perforation 151, and the perforation 152. Thus, the auxiliary portion 161 and the auxiliary portion 162 can be made in the state of being folded obliquely upward. These auxiliary portion 161 and auxiliary portion 162 can restrict the articles pulled out through the outlet from spreading out on both sides of the outlet.

The long side 112b is provided with the fold line 171 and the fold line 172. Thus, the auxiliary portion 161 and the auxiliary portion 162 become easier to fold at predetermined positions (respectively, the fold line 171 and the fold line 172).

The outlet forming portion 42 includes the perforation 153, and the perforation 154. Thus, the auxiliary portion 163 and the auxiliary portion 164 can be made in the state of being folded obliquely upward. These auxiliary portion 163 and auxiliary portion 164 can restrict the articles pulled out through the outlet from spreading out on both sides of the outlet.

The long side 112a is provided with the fold line 173 and the fold line 174. Thus, the auxiliary portion 163 and the auxiliary portion 164 become easier to fold at predetermined positions (respectively, the fold line 173 and the fold line 174). Other effects of the article housing box 2 are similar to the article housing box 1.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which all convex parts 132 of the facing side 130a in the holding portion 130 are angular convex parts. However, the plurality of convex parts 132 of the facing side 130a may include a rounded convex part. In that case, all convex parts 132 may be rounded convex parts, or some of the convex parts 132 may be rounded convex parts and the remaining convex parts 132 may be angular convex parts.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which tips of all convex parts 132 of the facing side 130a are aligned. However, as shown in FIG. 14, with respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42, the convex parts 132 (convex parts 132a) located at the extreme ends in the facing side 130a may protrude more than the convex parts 132 (convex parts 132b) located other than at the extreme ends.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which some of the convex parts 142 (convex parts 142a) are rounded convex parts and the remaining convex parts 142 (convex parts 142b) are angular convex parts, out of the plurality of convex parts 142 of the facing side 140a in the holding portion 140. However, all convex parts 142 of the facing side 140a may be rounded convex parts, or may be angular convex parts.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the long side 112b is not provided with a fold line for folding the holding portion 140 along the long side 112b. However, the long side 112b may be provided with the fold line. In that case, the article housing box 2 is used in a state in which both the holding portion 130 and the holding portion 140 are folded. As described above, since the perforation 120 is closer to the long side 112b, as shown in FIG. 15, even if the holding portion 130 and the holding portion 140 are folded by the same angle, the facing side 130a is located at a higher point than the facing side 140a. Therefore, the gap S11 between the holding portion 130 and the holding portion 140 can be secured widely in the height direction of the body 10. Note that FIG. 15 shows the same end face as FIG. 13.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which each convex part 132 of the facing side 130a in the holding portion 130 reaches the long side 112b. However, only some of the convex parts 132, out of the plurality of convex parts 132 of the facing side 130a, may reach the long side 112b as shown in FIG. 16, or all convex parts 132 may be apart from the long side 112b as shown in FIG. 17.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the distance d13 from one end 120a to the other end 120b of the perforation 120 is smaller than the length of the long side 112a. However, as shown in FIG. 18, the distance d13 may be equal to the length of the long side 112a. That is, the perforation 120 may be formed over the entirety of the outlet forming portion 42 in the longitudinal direction of the outlet forming portion 42. In that case, the perforations 151 to 156, the auxiliary portions 161 to 166, or the fold lines 171 to 176 are not provided. In FIG. 18, the perforation 122 and the perforation 124 are formed, respectively, on the short side 114a and the short side 114b.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the perforations 122, 124 are straight. However, as shown in FIG. 19, the perforation 122 may be curved so as to bulge toward the perforation 151. Similarly, the perforation 124 may be curved so as to bulge toward the perforation 152. In FIG. 19, the distance from the end 122a of the perforation 122 to the short side 114a is equal to the distance from the end 122b of the perforation 122 to the short side 114a. Also, the distance from the end 124a of the perforation 124 to the short side 114b is equal to the distance from the end 124b of the perforation 124 to the short side 114b. In the case where the perforations 122, 124 are curved in this way, because the auxiliary portions 161, 162 interfere with the holding portion 130 when the holding portion 130 is folded upward, the folding angle of the holding portion 130 can be prevented from becoming too large.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 20 is a plane view showing a third embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention. An article housing box 3 is an article housing box in which a plurality of articles are housed in a state of being stacked, and includes the body 10. In the present embodiment, the constitution of the outlet forming portion 42 is different from the first and second embodiments. The other constitution of the body 10 is as described in the first embodiment. The outlet forming portion 42 is a rectangular region surrounded by a long side 212a (first long side), a long side 212b (second long side), a short side 214a (first short side), and a short side 214b (second short side) in the top face part 40.

The outlet forming portion 42 includes a perforation 220 (first main cut line), a perforation 222 (second main cut line), and a perforation 224 (third main cut line). The perforation 220 extends in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 20) of the outlet forming portion 42. The perforation 220 has a wave shape, and is formed along a single continuous wavy line. This wavy line is composed of a straight line and a curved line. Specifically, the parts near both ends (an end 220a and an end 220b) of the perforation 220 are composed of straight lines, and the remaining part is composed of curved lines. Each curved line bulges toward the long side 212a. The perforation 220 is symmetrical with respect to a center line that bisects the outlet forming portion 42 in the longitudinal direction.

With respect to the transverse direction (vertical direction in FIG. 20) of the outlet forming portion 42, the distance d21 (see FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 described later) from a top part 220c of the perforation 220 to the long side 212b is half or less of the distance d22 (see FIG. 21) from the top part 220c to the long side 212a. The top part 220c is a part of the perforation 220 that is closest to the long side 212a. In the present embodiment, the tip of a convex part 242 described later corresponds to the top part 220c. When the length of the short side 214a (equal to the length of the short side 214b) is taken as 1, the distance d21 is preferably between 0.1 and 0.3 inclusive.

With respect to the longitudinal direction of the outlet forming portion 42, the distance d23 (see FIG. 21 and FIG. 22) from the end 220a to the end 220b of the perforation 220 is smaller than the length of the long side 212a (equal to the length of the long side 212b). The distance d23 is preferably between 40% and 60% inclusive of the length of the long side 212a.

The perforation 222 intersects with the end 220a (first end) of the perforation 220 on the short side 214a side, and connects the long side 212a and the long side 212b of the outlet forming portion 42. An end 222a (first end) of the perforation 222 on the long side 212a side is present on the long side 212a. Also, an end 222b (second end) of the perforation 222 on the long side 212b side is present on the long side 212b. In the present embodiment, the end 220a of the perforation 220 is present on the long side 212b. Therefore, the perforation 222 intersects with the end 220a of the perforation 220 at the end 222b.

The perforation 222 is curved so as to bulge toward the short side 214a. It is preferable that the perforation 222 has a circular arc shape. An outermost part 222c of the perforation 222 that is a part closest to the short side 214a is present between the end 220a of the perforation 220 and the long side 212a. Therefore, the outermost part 222c does not coincide with the end 220a, and is not present on the long side 212a. The distance from the end 222a of the perforation 222 to the short side 214a is not less than the distance from the end 222b of the perforation 222 to the short side 214a. That is, the former distance may be equal to or larger than the latter distance.

The perforation 224 intersects with the end 220b (second end) of the perforation 220 on the short side 214b side, and connects the long side 212a and the long side 212b of the outlet forming portion 42. An end 224a (first end) of the perforation 224 on the long side 212a side is present on the long side 212a. Also, an end 224b (second end) of the perforation 224 on the long side 212b side is present on the long side 212b. In the present embodiment, the end 220b of the perforation 220 is present on the long side 212b. Therefore, the perforation 224 intersects with the end 220b of the perforation 220 at the end 224b.

The perforation 224 is curved so as to bulge toward the short side 214b. It is preferable that the perforation 224 has a circular arc shape. An outermost part 224c of the perforation 224 that is a part closest to the short side 214b is present between the end 220b of the perforation 220 and the long side 212a. Therefore, the outermost part 224c does not coincide with the end 220b, and is not present on the long side 212a. The distance from the end 224a of the perforation 224 to the short side 214b is not less than the distance from the end 224b of the perforation 224 to the short side 214b. That is, the former distance may be equal to or larger than the latter distance.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are plane views showing, respectively, a holding portion 230 and a holding portion 240. The holding portion 230 (first holding portion) is the portion of the outlet forming portion 42 surrounded by the perforations 220, 222, 224 and the long side 212a. The holding portion 240 (second holding portion) is the portion of the outlet forming portion 42 surrounded by the perforations 220, 222, 224 and the long side 212b (including the portion surrounded only by the perforation 220 and the long side 212b).

As shown in FIG. 21, a facing side 230a of the holding portion 230 has a plurality of convex parts 232. The facing side 230a is the side of the holding portion 230 that faces the holding portion 240. The facing side 230a coincides with the cut edge when the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforation 220. The plurality of convex parts 232 include an angular convex part that is a convex part having an angular tip. In the present embodiment, all convex parts 232 of the facing side 230a are angular convex parts. With respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42, convex parts 232a which are located at the extreme ends in the facing side 230a protrude more than convex parts 232b which are located other than at the extreme ends in the facing side 230a. That is, the tips of the convex parts 232a are located closer to the long side 212b than the tips of the convex parts 232b. The convex parts 232a reach the long side 212b.

As shown in FIG. 22, a facing side 240a of the holding portion 240 has a plurality of convex parts 242. The facing side 240a is the side of the holding portion 240 that faces the holding portion 230. The facing side 240a coincides with the cut edge when the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforation 220. The plurality of convex parts 242 include a rounded convex part that is a convex part having a rounded tip. In the present embodiment, all convex parts 242 of the facing side 240a are rounded convex parts.

Returning to FIG. 20, the long side 212a is provided with a fold line 270 (valley fold line) for folding the holding portion 230 along the long side 212a. The fold line 270 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 222a of the perforation 222 and the end 224a of the perforation 224. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 270 so that the holding portion 230 can be easily folded along the fold line 270. However, the fold line 270 may be composed only of a line printed on the top face part 40 for informing users of the position of the fold.

On the other hand, the long side 212b is not provided with a fold line for folding the holding portion 240 along the long side 212b. That is, in the present embodiment, the article housing box 3 is used in a state in which the holding portion 240 is not folded.

Furthermore, the outlet forming portion 42 includes a perforation 251 (first secondary cut line), and a perforation 252 (second secondary cut line). The perforation 251 connects the end 222a of the perforation 222 and the long side 212b. In the present embodiment, the perforation 251 is composed of first and second parts. The first part of the perforation 251 is a straight part that extends from an end 251a of the perforation 251 on the long side 212a side to a middle part 251c of the perforation 251 along the long side 212a. The middle part 251c is present on the long side 212a. The distance from the middle part 251c to the short side 214a is smaller than the distance from the end 251a to the short side 214a.

The second part of the perforation 251 is a curved part that extends from the middle part 251c to an end 251b of the perforation 251 on the long side 212b side. Note that the second part may be straight. The distance from the end 251b to the short side 214a is smaller than the distance from the middle part 251c to the short side 214a. In the present embodiment, the end 251b is present on the short side 214a. Therefore, the distance from the end 251b to the short side 214a is 0.

The long side 212b is provided with a fold line 271 (valley fold line) for folding an auxiliary portion 261 (first auxiliary portion) that is the portion surrounded by the the perforation 222, the perforation 251 and the long side 212b along the long side 212b. The fold line 271 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 222b of the perforation 222 and the end 251b of the perforation 251. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 271 so that the auxiliary portion 261 can be easily folded along the fold line 271.

The perforation 252 connects the end 224a of the perforation 224 and the long side 212b. In the present embodiment, the perforation 252 is composed of first and second parts. The first part of the perforation 252 is a straight part that extends from an end 252a of the perforation 252 on the long side 212a side to a middle part 252c of the perforation 252 along the long side 212a. The middle part 252c is present on the long side 212a. The distance from the middle part 252c to the short side 214b is smaller than the distance from the end 252a to the short side 214b.

The second part of the perforation 252 is a curved part that extends from the middle part 252c to an end 252b of the perforation 252 on the long side 212b side. Note that the second part may be straight. The distance from the end 252b to the short side 214b is smaller than the distance from the middle part 252c to the short side 214b. In the present embodiment, the end 252b is present on the short side 214b. Therefore, the distance from the end 252b to the short side 214b is 0.

The long side 212b is provided with a fold line 272 (valley fold line) for folding an auxiliary portion 262 (second auxiliary portion) that is the portion surrounded by the the perforation 224, the perforation 252 and the long side 212b along the long side 212b. The fold line 272 is provided on a line segment connecting the end 224b of the perforation 224 and the end 252b of the perforation 252. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 272 so that the auxiliary portion 262 can be easily folded along the fold line 272.

A perforation 253 (cut line) is formed on the short side 214a. The perforation 253 is provided over the entirety of the short side 214a. The long side 212a is provided with a fold line 273 (valley fold line) for folding an auxiliary portion 263 that is the portion surrounded by the the perforation 251, the perforation 253 and the long side 212a along the long side 212a. The fold line 273 is provided on a line segment connecting the middle part 251c of the perforation 251 and an end of the perforation 253 on the long side 212a side. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 273 so that the auxiliary portion 263 can be easily folded along the fold line 273.

A perforation 254 (cut line) is formed on the short side 214b. The perforation 254 is provided over the entirety of the short side 214b. The long side 212a is provided with a fold line 274 (valley fold line) for folding an auxiliary portion 264 that is the portion surrounded by the the perforation 252, the perforation 254 and the long side 212a along the long side 212a. The fold line 274 is provided on a line segment connecting the middle part 252c of the perforation 252 and an end of the perforation 254 on the long side 212a side. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 274 so that the auxiliary portion 264 can be easily folded along the fold line 274.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the article housing box 3 when in use. Also, FIG. 24 is a diagram for illustrating the constitution of the end face along line B-B in FIG. 23. The articles are not shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24. To use the article housing box 3, first, the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforation 220, the perforation 222, the perforation 224, the perforation 251, and the perforation 252. Next, the auxiliary portion 261 and the auxiliary portion 262 are folded obliquely upward, respectively, along the fold line 271 and the fold line 272. After that, the holding portion 230 is folded obliquely upward along the fold line 270. Thus, a gap S21 that serves as an outlet is formed between the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 240. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the outlet forming portion 42 is cut along the perforation 253 and perforation 254. After that, the auxiliary portion 263 and the auxiliary portion 264 are folded obliquely upward, respectively, along the fold line 273 and the fold line 274. Thus, the article housing box 3 shown in FIG. 23 is obtained.

Effects of the article housing box 3 will be described. In the article housing box 3, the perforation 220, the perforation 222, the perforation 224, and perforation 251 are provided. Thus, the holding portion 230 that is the portion surrounded by the perforations 220, 222, 224 and the long side 212a, the holding portion 240 that is the portion surrounded by the perforations 220, 222, 224 and the long side 212b, and the auxiliary portion 261 that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 222, the perforation 251 and the long side 212b are present in the outlet forming portion 42. By folding the holding portion 230 obliquely upward after folding the auxiliary portion 261 obliquely upward in a state in which cuts are made along the perforations 220, 222, 224, 251, the gap S21 that serves as an outlet can be formed between the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 240. At this time, since the the perforation 222 is curved so as to bulge toward the short side 214a, the auxiliary portion 261 interferes with the holding portion 230 when the holding portion 230 is folded upward. For this reason, the folding angle of the holding portion 230 can be prevented from becoming too large. Accordingly, the article housing box 3 is implemented that can restrain a decrease in the holding force on the articles.

Referring to FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the mechanism by which the auxiliary portion 261 restricts the movement of the holding portion 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 25, the part of the holding portion 230 that coincides with the outermost part 222c of the perforation 222 is defined as a part 230c, and the part of the auxiliary portion 261 that coincides with the outermost part 222c of the perforation 222 is defined as a part 261c in a state before the holding portion 230 and the auxiliary portion 261 are folded. Naturally, the part 230c and the part 261c coincide with each other. In addition, the distance from the part 230c (part 261c) to the short side 214a is defined as a distance d24.

As shown in FIG. 26, when the holding portion 230 and the auxiliary portion 261 are folded, the part 230c of the holding portion 230 moves toward the long side 212a, and the part 261c of the auxiliary portion 261 moves toward the long side 212b in a plane view. At this time, in a plane view, the part of the facing side (the side facing the holding portion 230) of the auxiliary portion 261 where the distance to the long side 212a is equal to the distance from the part 230c to the long side 212a is defined as a part 261d. The distance from the part 261d of the auxiliary portion 261 to the short side 214a is larger than the distance d24 in a plane view. Therefore, a part of the auxiliary portion 261 (the part shown by diagonal lines in FIG. 26) overlaps the holding portion 230 in a plan view. By the interference of the auxiliary portion 261 in this way, the movement of the holding portion 230 is restricted, and it is possible to prevent the folding angle of the holding portion 230 from becoming too large.

The outermost part 222c of the perforation 222 is present between the end 220a of the perforation 220 and the long side 212a. This makes it easier to appropriately adjust the folding angle of the holding portion 230, compared to a case where the outermost part 222c is present on the end 220a or the long side 212a.

The distance from the end 222a of the perforation 222 to the short side 214a is not less than the distance from the end 222b of the perforation 222 to the short side 214a. In this case, the change in the distance from the perforation 222 to the short side 214a becomes abrupt in the section between the outermost part 222c and the end 222a. This makes it easier for the auxiliary portion 261 to interfere with the holding portion 230. For this reason, this configuration is suitable for the case where it is desired to maintain the folding angle of the holding portion 230 relatively small.

In the case where the perforation 222 has a circular arc shape, the curvature of the perforation 222 is constant, which makes it easy to form the perforation 222 and the cut. This also contributes to enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the outlet forming portion 42 and eventually the article housing box 3.

The long side 212a is provided with the fold line 270. Thus, the holding portion 230 becomes easier to fold at a predetermined position (the fold line 270).

The long side 212b is provided with the fold line 271. Thus, the auxiliary portion 261 becomes easier to fold at a predetermined position (the fold line 271).

The perforation 252 is provided in addition to the perforation 251. Thus, the auxiliary portion 262 that is the portion surrounded by the perforation 224, the perforation 252 and the long side 212b is present in the outlet forming portion 42. Moreover, since the the perforation 224 is curved so as to bulge toward the short side 214b, not only the auxiliary portion 261 but also the auxiliary portion 262 interferes with the holding portion 230 when the holding portion 230 is folded upward. Thus, because the auxiliary portion 261 and the auxiliary portion 262 interfere with both sides of the holding section 230, the folding angle of the holding portion 230 can be more reliably prevented from becoming too large. In addition, the auxiliary portion 261 and the auxiliary portion 262 can also prevent the articles pulled out through the outlet from spreading out on both sides of the outlet. However, it is not essential to provide the perforation 252 and the auxiliary portion 262.

The outermost part 224c of the perforation 224 is present between the end 220b of the perforation 220 and the long side 212a. This makes it easier to appropriately adjust the folding angle of the holding portion 230, compared to a case where the outermost part 224c is present on the end 220b or the long side 212a.

The distance from the end 224a of the perforation 224 to the short side 214b is not less than the distance from the end 224b of the perforation 224 to the short side 214b. In this case, the change in the distance from the perforation 224 to the short side 214b becomes abrupt in the section between the outermost part 224c and the end 224a. This makes it easier for the auxiliary portion 262 to interfere with the holding portion 230. For this reason, this configuration is suitable for the case where it is desired to maintain the folding angle of the holding portion 230 relatively small.

In the case where the perforation 224 has a circular arc shape, the curvature of the perforation 224 is constant, which makes it easy to form the perforation 224 and the cut. This also contributes to enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the outlet forming portion 42 and eventually the article housing box 3.

The long side 212b is provided with the fold line 272. Thus, the auxiliary portion 262 becomes easier to fold at a predetermined position (the fold line 272).

The perforation 220 has a wave shape. For this reason, concave and convex are generated in the facing sides 230a, 240a of the holding portions 230, 240. Thus, it is possible to strengthen the holding force of the holding portions 230, 240 on the articles.

Incidentally, in the case where the facing sides 230a, 240a of the holding portions 230, 240 have concave and convex in this way, the convex parts may catch on the articles, making it difficult to smoothly take out the articles. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the distance d21 from the top part 220c of the perforation 220 to the long side 212b is half or less of the distance d22 from the top part 220c to the long side 212a. By making the perforation 220 closer to the long side 212b in this way, the length of the holding portion 230 becomes significantly larger than the length of the holding portion 240 with respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42. In this case, as can be seen from FIG. 24, it becomes easier to widely secure the gap S21 between the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 240 after folding in the height direction of the body 10 (vertical direction in FIG. 24). If the gap S21 is wide in the height direction, the articles can be smoothly taken out through the gap S21 by pulling up the articles obliquely as shown by the arrow A21 in the FIG. 24.

From the viewpoint of making the perforation 220 closer to the long side 212b in this way, when the length of the short side 214a is taken as 1, the distance d21 is preferably 0.3 or less with respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42. On the other hand, if the distance d21 is too small, it becomes difficult to form sufficiently large convex parts 242. From this viewpoint, the distance d21 is preferably 0.1 or more.

The facing side 230a of the holding portion 230 has the plurality of convex parts 232. Thus, the holding force of the holding portion 230 on the articles can be strengthened, compared to a case where only one convex part 232 is provided.

The plurality of convex parts 232 include an angular convex part. In this case, the holding force of the holding portion 230 can be strengthened, compared to a case where all convex parts 232 are rounded convex parts.

The facing side 240a of the holding portion 240 has the plurality of convex parts 242. Thus, the holding force of the holding portion 240 on the articles can be strengthened, compared to a case where only one convex part 242 is provided.

The plurality of convex parts 242 include a rounded convex part. In this case, the articles become easier to smoothly take out, because the articles are less likely to get caught on the convex parts 242 when being taken out, compared to a case where all convex parts 242 are angular convex parts. In the present embodiment, all convex parts 242 of the facing side 240a are rounded convex parts, which is particularly advantageous in terms of ease of taking out the articles.

With respect to the longitudinal direction of the outlet forming portion 42, the distance d23 from the end 220a to the end 220b of the perforation 220 is smaller than the length of the long side 212a. Thus, the width of the outlet can be made smaller than the width of the outlet forming portion 42 (the length of the long side 212a). In the case where the width of the outlet is reduced in this way, the articles pulled out through the outlet are more likely to wrinkle. Then, the articles spread in the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42, and therefore both the facing side 230a of the holding portion 230 and the facing side 240a of the holding portion 240 are more likely to come into contact with the articles. For this reason, it is advantageous for strengthening the holding force of the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 240.

From the viewpoint of reducing the width of the outlet, the distance d23 is preferably 60% or less of the length of the long side 212a. On the other hand, if the width of the outlet is too small, the articles become difficult to take out. From this viewpoint, the distance d23 is preferably 40% or more of the length of the long side 212a.

The outlet forming portion 42 includes the perforation 253 and the perforation 254. Thus, the auxiliary portion 263 and the auxiliary portion 264 can be made in the state of being folded obliquely upward. These auxiliary portion 263 and auxiliary portion 264 can restrict the articles pulled out through the outlet from spreading out on both sides of the outlet. However, it is not essential to provide the perforations 253, 254, and the auxiliary portions 263, 264. Other effects of the article housing box 3 are similar to the article housing box 1.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which all convex parts 232 of the facing side 230a in the holding portion 230 are angular convex parts. However, the plurality of convex parts 232 of the facing side 230a may include a rounded convex part. In that case, all convex parts 232 may be rounded convex parts, or some of the convex parts 232 may be rounded convex parts and the remaining convex parts 232 may be angular convex parts.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which all convex parts 242 of the facing side 240a in the holding portion 240 are rounded convex parts. However, the plurality of convex parts 242 of the facing side 240a may include an angular convex part. In that case, all convex parts 242 may be angular convex parts, or some of the convex parts 242 may be angular convex parts and the remaining convex parts 242 may be rounded convex parts.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which tips of all convex parts 242 of the facing side 240a are aligned. However, as shown in FIG. 27, with respect to the transverse direction of the outlet forming portion 42, the convex parts 242 (convex parts 242a) located at the extreme ends in the facing side 240a may protrude more than the convex parts 242 (convex parts 242b) located other than at the extreme ends. By making the convex parts 242a that are rounded convex parts protrude, the articles become less likely to get caught on the convex parts 242b when being taken out in a case where the convex parts 242b are angular convex parts. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the risk of users (especially children) touching the convex parts 242b that are angular convex parts, and getting injured.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the long side 212b is not provided with a fold line for folding the holding portion 240 along the long side 212b. However, the long side 212b may be provided with the fold line. In that case, the article housing box 3 is used in a state in which both the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 240 are folded. As described above, since the perforation 220 is closer to the long side 212b, as shown in FIG. 28, even if the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 240 are folded by the same angle, the facing side 230a is located at a higher point than the facing side 240a. Therefore, the gap S21 between the holding portion 230 and the holding portion 240 can be secured widely in the height direction of the body 10. Note that FIG. 28 shows the same end face as FIG. 24.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the distance from the end 222a of the perforation 222 to the short side 214a is not less than the distance from the end 222b to the short side 214a. However, the distance from the end 222a to the short side 214a may be smaller than the distance from the end 222b to the short side 214a. In this case, the change in the distance from the perforation 222 to the short side 214a becomes gradual in the section between the outermost part 222c and the end 222a. This makes it more difficult for the auxiliary portion 261 to interfere with the holding portion 230. For this reason, this configuration is suitable for the case where it is desired to maintain the folding angle of the holding portion 230 relatively large.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the distance from the end 224a of the perforation 224 to the short side 214b is not less than the distance from the end 224b to the short side 214b. However, the distance from the end 224a to the short side 214b may be smaller than the distance from the end 224b to the short side 214b. In this case, the change in the distance from the perforation 224 to the short side 214b becomes gradual in the section between the outermost part 224c and the end 224a. This makes it more difficult for the auxiliary portion 262 to interfere with the holding portion 230. For this reason, this configuration is suitable for the case where it is desired to maintain the folding angle of the holding portion 230 relatively large.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the ends 220a, 220b of the perforation 220 are present on the long side 212b. However, the ends 220a, 220b may be present between the long side 212a and the long side 212b as shown in FIG. 29.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the perforation 220 is arranged closer to the long side 212b. However the perforation 220 may be arranged so as to overlap a center line L21 that bisects the outlet forming portion 42 in the transverse direction as shown in FIG. 30.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which each facing side 230a, 240a has a large number (six or more) of convex parts 232, 242. However, each facing side 230a, 240a may have a small number (less than six) of convex parts 232, 242 as shown in FIG. 31. In FIG. 31, three convex parts 232 and two convex parts 242 are provided.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the perforation 220 has a wave shape. However, the perforation 220 may be straight as shown in FIG. 32.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the end 251b of the perforation 251 is present on the short side 214a. However, the end 251b may be apart from the short side 214a as shown in FIG. 33. In FIG. 33, the end 252b of the perforation 252 is also apart from the short side 214b. In this case, the tip of each auxiliary portion 263, 264 can be made not to be sharp.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 34 is an end view showing a fourth embodiment of an article housing box according to the present invention. An article housing box 4 is an article housing box in which a plurality of articles are housed in a state of being stacked, and includes the body 10. In the present embodiment, the constitution of the top face part 40 is different from the first to third embodiments. The other constitution of the body 10 is as described in the first embodiment.

The top face part 40 includes an outer member 310, and an inner member 320. Each of the outer member 310 and the inner member 320 is made of a single cardboard. The inner member 320 is provided so as to overlap with the back surface of the outer member 310, and constitutes the top face part 40 together with the outer member 310. In this way, the top face part 40 has double structure composed of the outer member 310 and the inner member 320.

FIG. 35 is a plane view showing the outer member 310. The outer member 310 has a folding portion 312 (first folding portion). The folding portion 312 generates an opening 314 (see FIG. 34) that serves as an outlet in the outer member 310 by being folded upward from the top face part 40. The folding portion 312 and the opening 314 have the mutually same shape and size. Note that FIG. 35 shows a state before the folding portion 312 is folded.

When the direction perpendicular to the side face part 36 and the side face part 38 is defined as the horizontal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 35), the folding portion 312 has a horizontally elongated shape. In the present embodiment, the folding portion 312 has a rectangular shape. The length d31 of the folding portion 312 in the horizontal direction is preferably between 60% and 80% inclusive of the length d32 of the top face part 40 in the horizontal direction. The length d33 of the folding portion 312 in the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 35) is, for example, between 7 mm and 15 mm inclusive.

A perforation 332, a perforation 334 and a perforation 336 are formed in the outer member 310 as cut lines. Also, a fold line 338 (valley fold line) is formed in the outer member 310. The portion surrounded by these perforations 332, 334, 336 and the fold line 338 is the folding portion 312. The perforation 332 and the fold line 338 are formed along a straight line extending in the horizontal direction. The perforation 334 and the perforation 336 are formed along a straight line extending in the vertical direction. The perforation 334 connects one end of the perforation 332 and one end of the fold line 338. The perforation 336 connects the other end of the perforation 332 and the other end of the fold line 338.

By cutting the outer member 310 along the perforations 332, 334, 336, the folding portion 312 becomes capable of being folded upward from the top face part 40 along the fold line 338. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 338 so that the folding portion 312 can be easily folded along the fold line 338. However, the fold line 338 may be composed only of a line printed on the outer member 310 for informing users of the position of the fold.

FIG. 36 is a plane view showing the inner member 320. The inner member 320 has a folding portion 322 (second folding portion). The folding portion 322 generates an opening 324 (second opening) that overlaps with the opening 314 in the inner member 320 by being folded upward from the top face part 40. The folding portion 322 and the opening 324 have the mutually same shape and size. Moreover, the folding portion 322 passes through the opening 314 to face the folding portion 312 by being folded upward from the top face part 40. As used herein, the folding portion 322 facing the folding portion 312 means that the back surface of the folding portion 322 faces the back surface of the folding portion 312. Note that FIG. 36 shows a state before the folding portion 322 is folded.

The folding portion 322 has a horizontally elongated shape. In the present embodiment, the folding portion 322 has a rectangular shape. The length d34 of the folding portion 322 in the horizontal direction is equal to the length d31 of the folding portion 312 in the horizontal direction. The length d35 of the folding portion 322 in the vertical direction is larger than the length d33 of the folding portion 312 in the vertical direction. The difference between the lengths of the folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322 in the vertical direction (d35-d33) is preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm inclusive. The length d35 of the folding portion 322 in the vertical direction is, for example, between 12 mm and 25 mm inclusive.

A perforation 342, a perforation 344 and a perforation 346 are formed in the inner member 320 as cut lines. Also, a fold line 348 (valley fold line) is formed in the inner member 320. The portion surrounded by these perforations 342, 344, 346 and the fold line 348 is the folding portion 322. The perforation 342 and the fold line 348 are formed along a straight line extending in the horizontal direction. The perforation 344 and the perforation 346 are formed along a straight line extending in the vertical direction. The perforation 344 connects one end of the perforation 342 and one end of the fold line 348. The perforation 346 connects the other end of the perforation 342 and the other end of the fold line 348.

In a state in which the outer member 310 and the inner member 320 overlap with each other, the perforation 342 is located outside the fold line 338 (lower side in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) in a plane view. In the same state, the perforation 344, the perforation 346 and the fold line 348 approximately coincide, respectively, with the perforation 334, the perforation 336 and the perforation 332 in a plane view. However, the fold line 348 may be located outside the perforation 332 (upper side in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36) in a plane view. In that case, the fold of the folding portion 322 is present outside the opening 314 in a plane view after the folding portions 312, 322 are folded.

By cutting the inner member 320 along the perforations 342, 344, 346, the folding portion 322 becomes capable of being folded upward from the top face part 40 along the fold line 348. It is preferable that a crease is formed in advance on the fold line 348 so that the folding portion 322 can be easily folded along the fold line 348.

Returning to FIG. 34, the article housing box 4 is used in a state in which the folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322 are folded upward. In the present embodiment, the folding portion 312 is folded obliquely upward toward the folding portion 322, and the folding portion 322 is folded obliquely upward toward the folding portion 312. That is, when the article housing box 4 is used, the folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322 are in the state of being folded obliquely upward. It is preferable that the folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322 come in contact with each other in the state of being folded obliquely upward (and a state in which the articles do not intervene between the folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322). The height h32 (see FIG. 34) of a tip side 322a that is the side constituting the tip of the folding portion 322 from the top face part 40 is larger than the height h31 of a tip side 312a that is the side constituting the tip of the folding portion 312 from the top face part 40. As shown in FIG. 37, by pulling an end of the article (tissue paper 90) through the outlet (opening 314), the articles can be taken out from the article housing box 4.

Effects of the article housing box 4 will be described. In the article housing box 4, the surface in which an outlet is formed (the top face part 40) is composed of the outer member 310 and the inner member 320. The outer member 310 and the inner member 320 are provided, respectively, with the folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322 that are folded upward from the top face part 40. The folding portion 312 generates the opening 314 that serves as the outlet in the outer member 310 by being folded. The folding portion 322 passes through the opening 314 to face the folding portion 312 by being folded. For this reason, the folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322 that have been folded face each other above the outlet (opening 314). This makes dust less likely to enter the article housing box 4 through the outlet, compared to a case where such folding portions are not provided. Accordingly, the article housing box 4 is implemented that has structure in which dust is unlikely to enter the inside thereof.

Moreover, since the folded folding portions 312, 322 face each other above the outlet, there is also an advantage that the articles pulled out through the outlet are held by the folding portions 312, 322, and therefore are unlikely to fall into the article housing box 4.

When the article housing box 4 is used, the folding portion 312 is in the state of being folded obliquely upward from the top face part 40. In this case, in a plane view, namely when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the top face part 40, the folded folding portion 312 overlaps with a part of the outlet. For this reason, dust is even less likely to enter, compared to a case where the folding portion 312 is folded vertically upward from the top face part 40.

In the case where the folding portion 312 comes in contact with the folding portion 322 in the state of being folded obliquely upward from the top face part 40, dust is even less likely to enter, because the path through which dust enters is narrower than a case where the folding portion 312 is apart from the folding portion 322. This is also advantageous for enhancing the holding force of the folding portion 312 on the articles.

The folding portion 312 and the opening 314 have the same shape and size. In this case, because the outer member 310 can be made of a single sheet of paper with no cutouts, the outer member 310 becomes easier to form.

When the article housing box 4 is used, the folding portion 322 is in the state of being folded obliquely upward from the top face part 40. In this case, in a plane view, the folded folding portion 322 overlaps with at least a part of the outlet. For this reason, dust is even less likely to enter, compared to a case where the folding portion 322 is folded vertically upward from the top face part 40.

In the case where the folding portion 322 comes in contact with the folding portion 312 in the state of being folded obliquely upward from the top face part 40, dust is even less likely to enter, because the path through which dust enters is narrower than a case where the folding portion 322 is apart from the folding portion 312. This is also advantageous for enhancing the holding force of the folding portion 322 on the articles.

The top face part 40 has the double structure composed of the outer member 310 and the inner member 320. Thus, the strength of the top face part 40 can be enhanced. Moreover, in this case, the sum of the length d33 of the folding portion 312 and the length d35 of the folding portion 322 in the vertical direction can be made larger than the length of the opening 314 (equal to the length d33 of the folding portion 312). This is advantageous for preventing dust from entering.

The folding portion 312 and the folding portion 322 have a horizontally elongated shape. In this case, because the shape of the outlet is also horizontally elongated, the articles become easier to take out.

If the length d31 of the folding portion 312 in the horizontal direction is too large, the distance from the outlet to the end of the top face part 40 in the horizontal direction becomes small, and the strength of the top face part 40 may be insufficient. From this viewpoint, the length d31 is preferably 80% or less of the length d32 of the top face part 40 in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, if the length d31 is too small, the length of the outlet in the horizontal direction also becomes small, and the articles may be difficult to take out. From this viewpoint, the length d31 is preferably 60% or more of the length d32.

The length d34 of the folding portion 322 in the horizontal direction is equal to the length d31 of the folding portion 312 in the horizontal direction. In this case, the folding portion 322 extends over the entirety of the outlet with respect to the horizontal direction, which is advantageous for preventing dust from entering. However, the length d34 may be slightly smaller than the length d31 (for example, by about 0.1 mm to 3 mm). This makes it easier for the folding portion 322 to pass through the opening 314.

In the case where the fold of the folding portion 322 is present outside the opening 314 in a plane view, the edge of the opening 314 interferes with the folding portion 322 when the folding portion 322 is folded. For this reason, the folding angle of the folding portion 322 can be prevented from becoming too large. This makes it easier to maintain the state in which the folding portion 322 is folded obliquely upward. From this viewpoint, the distance between the fold line 348 and the perforation 332 in a plane view in the state before the folding portions 312, 322 are folded is preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

The folding portion 322 generates the opening 324 that overlaps with the opening 314 in the inner member 320 by being folded upward from the top face part 40. In this case, the inner member 320 covers the back surface of the outer member 310 so as to surround the entire periphery of the outlet, which is advantageous for enhancing the strength of the top face part 40. Other effects of the article housing box 4 are similar to the article housing box 1.

In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the tip side 322a of the folding portion 322 is straight. However, the tip side 322a may have a plurality of convex parts 350 as shown in FIG. 38. In FIG. 38, the plurality of convex parts 350 of the tip side 322a include an angular convex part that is a convex part having an angular tip, and a rounded convex part that is a convex part having a rounded tip. Convex parts 350a which are located at the extreme ends in the tip side 322a protrude more than convex parts 350b which are located other than at the extreme ends in the tip side 322a. The convex parts 350a are rounded convex parts, and the convex parts 350b are angular convex parts. Note that in a case where the size of the folding portion 322 in the vertical direction is not constant as in this example, the length d35 of the folding portion 322 in the vertical direction shall be defined as the maximum value of the size.

In this example, the tip side 322a is provided with the plurality of convex parts 350 in this way. Thus, the holding force of the folding portion 322 on the articles can be enhanced. The convex parts 350a located at the extreme ends in the tip side 322a protrude more than the convex parts 350b located other than at the extreme ends. By making the convex parts 350a that are rounded convex parts protrude, it is possible to reduce the risk of users (especially children) touching the convex parts 350b that are angular convex parts, and getting injured.

However, it is not essential to make the convex parts 350a protrude more than the convex parts 350b. That is, the tips of all convex parts 350 of the tip side 322a may be aligned. Moreover, all convex parts 350 of the tip side 322a may be angular convex parts as shown in FIG. 39, or may be rounded convex parts as shown in FIG. 40.

In the present embodiment, the tip side 322a may have a concave part 360 as shown in FIG. 41. In FIG. 41, the concave part 360 is configured such that the articles can be picked up through the concave part 360. That is, the concave part 360 has a size enough to pick up the part (shaded part) of the article (tissue paper 90) that overlaps with the concave part 360 with two fingers (usually the thumb and index finger) as shown in FIG. 42. In this example, the concave part 360 has a semicircular shape. Moreover, the concave part 360 is provided in the middle of the tip side 322a. Note that the convex parts 350 described above (angular convex parts and/or rounded convex parts) may be provided in the region of the tip side 322a in which the concave part 360 is not provided as shown in FIG. 43.

In this example, the tip side 322a is provided with the concave part 360 in this way. This makes it easier to pick up an end of the article when pulling out the articles. The concave part 360 is provided in the middle of the tip side 322a. Thus, because it is possible to pick up a part of the article that is near the middle through the concave part 360, the articles can be pulled out in a balanced manner.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made. In the above-described embodiments, an example is given in which the shape of the tongue piece 72 is rectangular. However, the tongue piece 72 may have a tapered shape as shown, for example, in FIG. 44. In that case, the tongue piece 72 becomes easier to insert into the slit 82.

In the above-described embodiments, an example is given in which the horizontal cut part 63 of the cut line 60 is straight. However, the horizontal cut part 63 may have a wave shape as shown, for example, in FIG. 45. In that case, because the tongue piece 72 inserted into the slit 82 can be sandwiched from above and below by convex parts, it is possible to make a situation even less likely to occur in which the tongue piece 72 accidentally comes out of the slit 82.

In the above-described embodiments, the body 10 may include a plurality of the slit portions 80 as shown, for example, in FIG. 46. The plurality of slit portions 80 are provided at different positions in the height direction of the body 10. In this example, the side face part 32 is provided with a plurality of the fold lines 33 as shown in FIG. 47. The plurality of fold lines 33 are provided at different positions in the height direction of the body 10. Each fold line 33 is provided at a position overlapping with each slit portion 80 in a side view. That is, the fold line 33 provided at the upper side in the side face part 32 overlaps with the slit portion 80 provided at the upper side in the side face part 34, and the fold line 33 provided at the lower side in the side face part 32 overlaps with the slit portion 80 provided at the lower side in the side face part 34. It is preferable that the tongue piece 72 is folded along the upper fold line 33 when the tongue piece 72 is inserted into the upper slit 82, and the tongue piece 72 is folded along the lower fold line 33 when the tongue piece 72 is inserted into the lower slit 82. The side face cut part 54 and the side face cut part 55 pass through the ends of the lower fold line 33 to extend to the ends of the upper fold line 33.

In the case where the plurality of slit portions 80 are provided in this way, the height (the distance from the bottom face part 20) of the tongue piece 72 can be adjusted by which slit 82 the tongue piece 72 is inserted into. Thus, it becomes possible to select the degree of bottom-up depending on the remaining amount of the articles. Moreover, by providing the plurality of fold lines 33, the tongue piece 72 becomes easier to arrange in parallel with the bottom face part 20 regardless of which slit 82 the tongue piece 72 is inserted into.

In the above-described embodiments, an example is given in which the cut line 60 is located below the fold line 35. However, the cut line 60 may be located above the fold line 35 as shown, for example, in FIG. 48.

In the above-described embodiments, an example is given in which the cut line 60 is formed along a single non-annular line. However, the cut line 60 may be formed along a single annular line as shown, for example, in FIG. 49. In that case, the part 80a surrounded by the cut line 60 is cut off from the side face part 34, and the slit 82 having the same shape and size as the part 80a is obtained.

In the above-described embodiments, an example is given in which the cut line 60 is formed along a plurality of line segments. However, the cut line 60 may be formed along a single line segment as shown, for example, in FIG. 50. In FIG. 50, the entirety of the cut line 60 is straight.

In the above-described embodiments, an example is given in which the cut line 50 and the cut line 60 are perforations. That is, the cut lines 50, 60 are configured so that the cuts are made along the cut lines 50, 60 only when force is applied to both sides of each cut line 50, 60. However, a cut may be made in advance along each cut line 50, 60.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 1 Article Housing Box
  • 2 Article Housing Box
  • 3 Article Housing Box
  • 4 Article Housing Box
  • 10 Body
  • 10a Lower Part
  • 12 Scented Area
  • 14 Sticker
  • 20 Bottom Face Part
  • 32 Side Face Part (First Side Face Part)
  • 33 Fold Line
  • 34 Side Face Part (Second Side Face Part)
  • 34a Specific Part
  • 35 Fold Line
  • 36 Side Face Part (Third Side Face Part)
  • 38 Side Face Part (Fourth Side Face Part)
  • 40 Top Face Part
  • 42 Outlet Forming Portion
  • 44 Outlet
  • 46 Plastic Film
  • 50 Cut Line (First Cut Line)
  • 51 Bottom Face Cut Part (First Bottom Face Cut Part)
  • 52 Bottom Face Cut Part (Second Bottom Face Cut Part)
  • 53 Bottom Face Cut Part (Third Bottom Face Cut Part)
  • 54 Side Face Cut Part (First Side Face Cut Part)
  • 55 Side Face Cut Part (Second Side Face Cut Part)
  • 60 Cut Line (Second Cut Line)
  • 61 Vertical Cut Part (First Vertical Cut Part)
  • 62 Vertical Cut Part (Second Vertical Cut Part)
  • 63 Horizontal Cut Part
  • 70 Tongue Piece Portion
  • 72 Tongue Piece
  • 72a Protruding Part
  • 80 Slit Portion
  • 82 Slit
  • 90 Tissue Paper
  • 112a Long Side (Fist Long Side)
  • 112b Long Side (Second Long Side)
  • 114a Short Side (Fist Short Side)
  • 114b Short Side (Second Short Side)
  • 120 Perforation (First Main Cut Line)
  • 122 Perforation (Second Main Cut Line)
  • 124 Perforation (Third Main Cut Line)
  • 130 Holding Portion (First Holding Portion)
  • 130a Facing Side
  • 132 Convex Part
  • 140 Holding Portion (Second Holding Portion)
  • 140a Facing Side
  • 142 Convex Part
  • 151 Perforation (First Secondary Cut Line)
  • 152 Perforation (Second Secondary Cut Line)
  • 153 Perforation (Third Secondary Cut Line)
  • 154 Perforation (Fourth Secondary Cut Line)
  • 155 Perforation
  • 156 Perforation
  • 161 Auxiliary Portion (First Auxiliary Portion)
  • 162 Auxiliary Portion (Second Auxiliary Portion)
  • 163 Auxiliary Portion (Third Auxiliary Portion)
  • 164 Auxiliary Portion (Fourth Auxiliary Portion)
  • 165 Auxiliary Portion
  • 166 Auxiliary Portion
  • 170 Fold Line
  • 171 Fold Line
  • 172 Fold Line
  • 173 Fold Line
  • 174 Fold Line
  • 175 Fold Line
  • 176 Fold Line
  • 212a Long Side (Fist Long Side)
  • 212b Long Side (Second Long Side)
  • 214a Short Side (Fist Short Side)
  • 214b Short Side (Second Short Side)
  • 220 Perforation (First Main Cut Line)
  • 222 Perforation (Second Main Cut Line)
  • 224 Perforation (Third Main Cut Line)
  • 230 Holding Portion (First Holding Portion)
  • 230a Facing Side
  • 232 Convex Part
  • 240 Holding Portion (Second Holding Portion)
  • 240a Facing Side
  • 242 Convex Part
  • 251 Perforation (First Secondary Cut Line)
  • 252 Perforation (Second Secondary Cut Line)
  • 253 Perforation
  • 254 Perforation
  • 261 Auxiliary Portion (First Auxiliary Portion)
  • 262 Auxiliary Portion (Second Auxiliary Portion)
  • 263 Auxiliary Portion
  • 264 Auxiliary Portion
  • 270 Fold Line
  • 271 Fold Line
  • 272 Fold Line
  • 273 Fold Line
  • 274 Fold Line
  • 310 Outer Member
  • 312 Folding Portion (First Folding Portion)
  • 312a Tip Side
  • 314 Opening (First Opening)
  • 320 Inner Member
  • 322 Folding Portion (Second Folding Portion)
  • 322a Tip Side
  • 324 Opening (Second Opening)
  • 332 Perforation
  • 334 Perforation
  • 336 Perforation
  • 338 Fold Line
  • 342 Perforation
  • 344 Perforation
  • 346 Perforation
  • 348 Fold Line
  • 350 Convex Part
  • 360 Concave Part