DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF THE INVENTION: MOISTURE-PROOF CONTAINER
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to moisture-proof containers having desiccant
provided therein.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Test pieces (detection sensor chips) used for analyzing blood or urine easily
deteriorate due to moisture (water), resulting in deterioration of detection capability. Therefore,
containers having desiccant provided therein are used for storing such test pieces. For example,
a moisture-proof container in which a case that is formed into a cup shape, that contains
desiccant therein, and that has an opening sealed with a dustproof sheet is secured to the bottom
portion of the container has been suggested (Patent Literature 1). A drawback of such a
moisture-proof container is that the dustproof sheet is broken due to contact with the test piece,
and the desiccant that spills through the broken portion may pollute the test pieces.
CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE
[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-274576
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0004] An object of the present invention is to make available a moisture-proof container
that is excellent in moisture-proof effect, and enables remarkable reduction of pollution of
contained objects (test pieces) due to desiccant.
SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS
[0005] The inventor of the present invention has completed the present invention and has
found that the above-mentioned problem can be overcome by the moisture-proof container
having the following features.
[0006] Namely, the present invention is directed to
[1]: a moisture-proof container including: a container body; a lid for
hermetically closing the container body so as to be openable and closable; and a desiccant
storage case that has a tubular shape and that is put on a bottom portion of the container body, in

which
the desiccant storage case includes: an inner case having an opening at one end; a
desiccant stored in the inner case; and a moisture transmission dustproof sheet for sealing the
opening of the inner case,
the inner case has, at an outer circumferential wall thereof, a groove connecting
between an open end and a bottom portion,
the container body includes a base on an inner wall of a bottom plate, and
the desiccant storage case is put in the container body such that the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet abuts the base, and a gap is formed between the bottom plate of the
container body, and the moisture transmission dustproof sheet.
[0007] Preferably, the moisture-proof container described in [1] further includes a
projection that is positioned between a plane including an outer surface of the bottom portion of
the inner case and an opening of the container body, and that projects from an inner
circumferential wall of the container body, such that the desiccant storage case is prevented from
moving toward the opening of the container body.
[0008] The present invention is further directed to a method for producing the moisture-
proof container described in [1], and the method including the steps of:
filling the inner case with the desiccant by using a filling nozzle,
producing the desiccant storage case by sealing, with the moisture transmission
dustproof sheet, the opening of the inner case that contains the desiccant; and
putting the desiccant storage case in the container body such that the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet faces the bottom portion of the container body.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The moisture-proof container according to the present invention is excellent in
moisture-proof effect and can remarkably reduce pollution of a contained object due to a
desiccant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a moisture-proof container according to
a first embodiment.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the moisture-proof container in an opened state according to the
first embodiment.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture-proof container according to the first
embodiment.

[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary moisture-proof container
according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of an inner case.
[FIG 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary inner case.
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary inner case.
[FIG. 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a moisture-proof container production method.
[FIG 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a moisture-proof container production method.
[FIG. 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a moisture-proof container production method.
[FIG 11] FIG 11 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary moisture-proof container
according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of still another exemplary moisture-proof container
according to the first embodiment.
[FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a top view of a moisture-proof container in an opened state according to a
second embodiment.
[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a closed state according to the second
embodiment.
[FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of an inner case according to the second embodiment.
[FIG 16] FIG. 16 is a top view of the inner case according to the second embodiment.
[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the inner case according to the second
embodiment.
[FIG 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a container body in an opened state according to
the second embodiment.
[FIG. 19] FIG. 19 illustrates a moisture absorbing capability of moisture-proof containers
according to sample 1 and 2 of the second embodiment.
[FIG. 20] FIG. 20 illustrates moisture absorbing capability depending on the number of slits.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0011] (First embodiment)
FIG 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary moisture-proof container according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the moisture-proof
container, shown in FIG 1, in an opened state, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a
line III-III shown in FIG. 2.
[0012] The moisture-proof container of the present invention is formed of, for example, a
resin (for example, polypropylene) having a moisture-proof property. A container body 1 has a
tubular shape, and has one end sealed with a bottom plate 13, and the other end opened.

Examples of the tubular shape may include a cylindrical shape and prismatic shapes (such as a
quadrangular-prism-shape, and a hexagonal-prism-shape).
[0013] When, like the moisture-proof container shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the container
body 1 and a lid 2 are connected to each other via a hinge 23 to be integrally formed, the
moisture-proof container can be efficiently produced as an integrally formed resin product.
However, the container body 1 and the lid 2 may be separable from each other as shown in FIG.
4.
[0014] A method for sealing an opening of the container body 1 so as to be openable and
closable is not limited to any specific one. For example, the container body 1 and the lid 2 are
each formed as a separate component, and the lid 2 may be screwed onto the opening of the
container body 1, thereby sealing the opening so as to be openable and closable.
[0015] The container body 1 has bases 11 provided in a circumferential portion of the top
surface of the bottom plate 13. The bases 11 support a desiccant storage case 3 described below,
and function to assuredly provide a gap 6 between the desiccant storage case 3 and the bottom
plate 13. Therefore, an occupancy of the bases 11 on the bottom plate 13 is preferably small.
In FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, an exemplary state in which the bases 11 are positioned along an inner
circumferential wall of the container body 1 is shown. However, the positions of the bases 11
are not limited to any specific positions, and may be any positions at which the bases 11 can
stably support the desiccant storage case 3. The number of the bases 11 and the shape of each
base 11 are not limited to any specific ones when the desiccant storage case 3 can be stably
supported. For example, a rib that radially extends from the center of the bottom plate 13
toward the inner circumferential wall of the container body 1 may be formed as the bases 11.
[0016] [Desiccant storage case]
The moisture-proof container according to the first embodiment of the present
invention has the desiccant storage case 3 that is put on the bottom portion of the container body
1.
[0017] The desiccant storage case 3 includes an inner case 30, a desiccant 5 contained in
the inner case 30, and a moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 for sealing the opening of the
inner case 30.
[0018] The inner case 30 has a tubular shape, and has one end sealed with a bottom plate,
and the other end opened. The outer circumferential shape and the size of the inner case 30 are
determined such that the inner case 30 can be put into the container body 1, and the outer
diameter of the inner case 30 matches the inner diameter of the container body 1. However,
this may not be applied to a portion in which grooves 31 described below are formed.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of an example of the inner case 30. FIG. 6 is a cross-

sectional view of the inner case 30 shown in FIG. 5 as taken along a VI-VI direction.
[0020] The grooves 31 connecting between an open end and a bottom portion of the inner
case 30 are formed on the outer circumferential wall of the inner case 30. Further, the outer
circumferential wall of the inner case 30 has slits 32 formed such that the outer diameter of the
slits matches the inner diameter of the container body 1. In FIG. 5, the number of the grooves
31 formed in the inner case 30 is five. However, the number of the grooves 31 may be one, and
the number thereof is not limited to any specific number. The grooves 31 each of which forms
a straight line connecting between the open end and the bottom portion by a minimal distance are
shown. However, the shape of each groove 31 is not limited to any specific one, and may be
any shape that connects from the open end to the bottom portion in a continuous manner.
[0021] A depth a and a width b of each groove 31 are determined as necessary in
consideration of the drying capability of the moisture-proof container described below. The
number of the grooves 31 is also determined as necessary in consideration of the drying
capability of the moisture-proof container.
[0022] The bottom plate of the inner case 30 may be planar as shown in FIG 6. Further,
the bottom plate of the inner case 30 may be recessed such that the center portion thereof is
recessed inwardly as shown in FIG. 7. The action and effect obtained by using the bottom plate
shown in FIG. 7 will be described below.
[0023] The desiccant 5 is not limited to any specific desiccant, and may be any well-
known or conventionally used desiccant which does not pollute or erode an contained object.
Specific examples of the desiccant include chemical desiccants such as calcium oxide, calcium
chloride, aluminum oxide, and iron powders, and physical desiccants such as aluminum oxide,
zeolites, molecular sieves, and silica gel.
[0024] By selecting a type of the desiccant, a humidity in the moisture-proof container
can be adjusted. When a zeolite and/or molecular sieve are used, a humidity in the moisture-
proof container can become less than or equal to 5%. When calcium oxide, calcium chloride,
or the like is used, a humidity in the moisture-proof container can become about 5 to 10 %.
When silica gel or aluminum oxide is used, the humidity in the moisture-proof container can
become about 10% in many cases.
[0025] In the present invention, in light of preventing aggregation of the desiccant due to
moisture absorption, and generation of dust due to friction and the like, a physical desiccant is
preferably used. Among them, a molecular sieve can be preferably used in particular because
the humidity in the moisture-proof container can be maintained low, and a drying efficiency is
unlikely to be changed and water is unlikely to be released back if temperature changes.
[0026] As the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4, any sheet that has a moisture

transmission property and a dustproof property, and that has a uniform strength, can be used.
Specific examples of the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 include non-woven fabrics
formed of resins such as a polyethylene and a polypropylene, microporous films, and
microporous sheets. Examples of such a sheet, which is commercially available, include a
product of US DuPont; "Tyvek (registered trademark)", a product of Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.;
"Cell-pore", a product of Tokuyama Soda Co., Ltd.; "NF SHEET", and a product of NITTO
DENKO CORPORATION; "NITOFLON (registered trademark)".
[0027] The desiccant 5 is put and stored in the inner case 30, and the opening of the inner
case 30 is sealed with the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4, to produce the desiccant
storage case 3.
[0028] When the desiccant 5 is put and stored in the inner case 30, for example, use of a
filling nozzle as shown in FIG. 8 enables a storage operation to be efficiently performed.
[0029] After the desiccant 5 is stored, the opening of the inner case 30 is sealed with the
moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4. The moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 is cut in
advance so as to have a shape and a size that matches the opening of the inner case 30. The
moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 having been cut can be aligned with the opening of the
inner case 30 by utilizing a suction arm using air suction.
[0030] A method for sealing the opening of the inner case 30 with the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet 4 is not limited to any specific one. Examples of the method
include a welding using an ultrasonic wave. As shown in FIG. 9, the moisture transmission
dustproof sheet can be heated and welded by using an ultrasonic horn while the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet is being held by using the suction arm. An area in which the
moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 is welded onto the opening of the inner case 30 is
preferably reduced to the extent that an adhesion therebetween does not become poor. A great
area for the welding may cause crinkles or warping to be generated in the moisture transmission
dustproof sheet 4 when the inner case 30 is put into the container body 1, which is unfavorable.
[0031] The desiccant storage case 3 having been obtained as described above is put into
the container body 1. As shown in FIG. 10, the desiccant storage case 3 is put such that the
moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 faces the bottom plate 13 of the container body 1. In
other words, the opening of the inner case 30 is set so as to face the bottom plate 13 of the
container body 1, and the bottom of the inner case 30 is set so as to face the opening side of the
container body 1. The desiccant storage case 3 is put such that the moisture transmission
dustproof sheet 4 abuts the bases 11 provided on the inner wall of the bottom plate 13 of the
container body 1.
[0032] Positions at which the bases 11 are provided and the sizes of the bases 11 are

appropriately adjusted, and immediately after the ultrasonic welding process step as shown in
FIG. 9 is performed, the desiccant storage case 3 is put into the container body 1, and the welding
between the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 of the desiccant storage case 3 and the bases
11 of the container body 1 can be performed.
[0033] After the desiccant storage case 3 is stored in the container body 1, the opening of
the container body 1 is hermetically closed by the lid 2, so that a dry state in the container body 1
is enabled, thereby completing the moisture-proof container of the present invention.
[0034] In the moisture-proof container according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 that functions as a path through which
moisture (water) in the moisture-proof container reaches the desiccant 5 is provided so as to face
the bottom plate 13 of the container body 1. However, the bases 11 are provided on the inner
wall of the bottom plate 13, so that the gap 6 is formed between the bottom plate 13 and the
moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4. Further, the grooves 31 are formed on the outer
circumferential wall of the inner case 30. Therefore, the moisture (water) in the moisture-proof
container passes through a space between the grooves 31 and the inner circumferential wall of
the container body 1, to move into the gap 6. The moisture (water) having moved into the gap
6 is transmitted through the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4, and adsorbed by the
desiccant 5.
[0035] On the other hand, the inner case 30 contacts with the contained object on the
bottom portion of the inner case 30. The bottom portion is tough as compared to the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet 4, and a possibility that dust of the inner case 30 is generated due to
the contact with the contained object (test piece) is extremely low. Further, a concern that
injury or the like occurs in the desiccant storage case 3, and the desiccant 5 and dust thereof spill
externally from the desiccant storage case 3 due to the injury, is remarkably reduced. Namely,
the moisture-proof container according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a
moisture-proof container excellent in that a concern that a contained object is polluted due to
dust generated by the moisture-proof container itself being broken, the desiccant 5, and dust
thereof, is remarkably reduced.
[0036] As described above, the moisture-proof container according to the first
embodiment of the present invention has a stable drying capability while restricts the contained
object from being polluted due to the desiccant 5.
[0037] Although the drying capability of the moisture-proof container can be adjusted by
selection of types of the desiccant 5 as described above, the drying capability can be also
adjusted by selection of a depth a and a width b of each groove 31, and the number of the
grooves 31. Further, the drying capability can be adjusted by selection of a height h of each

base 11, and an area of a surface on which contact with the moisture transmission dustproof
sheet 4 occurs.
[0038] When the depth a and the width b of each groove 31 are increased, and the number
of the grooves 31 is increased, a great amount of moisture (water) can be absorbed in a short
time period, so that the moisture-proof container can become excellent in that an effect can be
immediately obtained. However, the drying capability of the desiccant 5 becomes diminished
in a short time period, and the lifespan of the moisture-proof container is shortened.
[0039] Increase of the height h of each base 11 leads to increase of a space of the gap 6,
so that the moisture-proof container can become excellent in that an effect can be immediately
obtained.
[0040] When an area of a surface on which the bases 11 contact with the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet 4 is increased, an area in which moisture (water) is transmitted is
reduced, so that the drying is gradually performed. Therefore, while the moisture-proof
container is poor in that an effect cannot be immediately obtained, the lifespan thereof is
increased.
[0041] Further, the moisture-proof container according to the first embodiment of the
present invention preferably has projections 12 on the inner circumferential wall of the container
body 1. The projections 12 are positioned between the opening of the container body 1 and a
plane including the outer surface of the bottom portion of the inner case. The projections 12
function so as to prevent the desiccant storage case 3 put on the bottom portion of the container
body 1 from moving toward the opening of the container body 1.
[0042] The shape and the size of each projection 12 are not limited to any specific ones.
However, the shape and the size thereof are selected so as not to prevent the desiccant storage
case 3 from being put in the bottom portion of the container body 1.
[0043] The number of the projections 12 may be one or greater than one.
[0044] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary case in which the inner case 30 shown in FIG. 7 is
used for the moisture-proof container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In order to increase an amount of the desiccant, a capacity of the desiccant storage case 3 may be
increased. However, there is a problem that, in a case where the height of the container body 1
is not sufficient, if the height of the desiccant storage case 3 is merely increased, a storage space
for the contained object (such as test pieces) cannot be assuredly obtained. When the moisture-
proof container is structured as shown in FIG. 11, the capacity of the desiccant storage case 3 can
be increased without changing the length of the container body 1, so that an amount of the
desiccant 5 to be contained can be increased, and the contained objects (such as test pieces)
having a uniform length can be stored. Further, the bottom plate of the inner case 30 shown in

FIG. 11 includes a tapered shape, and an inner diameter is gradually reduced from a
circumferential portion. Therefore, even when the contained object is put onto the
circumferential edge portion of the bottom plate, the contained object is guided into the recessed
center portion, so that closing of the lid is not prevented. Therefore, the tapered shape enables
the contained object to be stably stored. However, in a case where it is unnecessary to consider
that the contained object is to be stably stored, at least a portion of the bottom plate may be
stepped to adjust the capacity of the desiccant storage case 3.
[0045] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary case in which the inner case 30 having such a shape
that the bottom plate of the inner case 30 is recessed at the center of the bottom plate is adopted,
similarly to the moisture-proof container shown in FIG. 11, and the capacity of the desiccant
storage case 3 is reduced. An amount of the desiccant 5 to be stored can be adjusted by the
height of the inner case 30 and a degree of the recess being adjusted, so that the drying capability
and the lifespan of the moisture-proof container can be set as desired.
[0046] (Second embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a top view of a moisture-proof container in an opened state according to
a second embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the moisture-proof container in a
closed state according to the second embodiment. The same components as used for the
moisture-proof container of the first embodiment are denoted by the same corresponding
reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is not given. The present embodiment is
different from the first embodiment in that the projection 12 is provided on the entire
circumference of the inner wall of the container body 10, and a portion of a corner of the bottom
portion of an inner case 30a is chamfered in the present embodiment. When the projection 12
is provided on the entire circumference of the inner wall of the container body 10, a desiccant
storage case 3a put on the bottom portion of the container body 10 is assuredly prevented from
moving toward the opening of the container body 10. Further, when the projection 12 is
provided on the entire circumference of the inner wall of the container body 10, a smooth flow of
air in the moisture-proof container toward the gap 6 is restrained. However, when a portion of
a corner of the bottom portion at which the grooves 31 of the inner case 30a are formed, is
chamfered, a state in which smooth flow of the air is restrained as described above can be
prevented.
[0047] FIG. 15 is a front view of the inner case 30a of the desiccant storage case 3 of the
second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a top view of the inner case 30a. The outer circumferential
wall of the inner case 30a includes a plurality of slits 32 having an outer diameter that matches
the inner diameter of the container body 10. Although the number of the slits 32 is 16 in FIG.
15, the number of the slits 32 is not limited to any specific number when the desiccant storage

case 3 can be prevented from moving from the projection 12 toward the opening of the container
body 10. Further, the slits 32 may not be provided on the entire circumference of the outer wall.
However, the number of the slits 32 preferably ranges from 2 to 30 in light of conditions for
designing a mold, and for preventing the desiccant storage case 3 from moving from the
projection 12 toward the opening of the container body 10. Further, although the bottom
portion of the grooves 31 is formed so as to have a plane surface, the bottom portion may be
formed so as to have a curved surface.
[0048] The drying capability of the moisture-proof container can be adjusted by selection
of a depth d and a width w of each slit 32, and the number of the slits 32. When the number of
the slits 32 is increased, a great amount of moisture (water) can be absorbed in a short time
period. Therefore, the moisture-proof container can become excellent in that an effect can be
immediately obtained. However, the drying capability of the desiccant 5 becomes diminished
in a short time period, and the lifespan of the moisture-proof container is shortened. It is more
preferable that setting is made according to a desired water absorbing speed, which will be
described below. Further, the depth a and the width b of each groove 31 are preferably
determined, according to the size of the contained object, so as to prevent the contained object
from being caught by the groove 31.
[0049] It is assumed that the size of the contained object is defined so as to have a
longitudinal dimension e, a transverse dimension f, and a height g. In order to prevent the
contained object from dropping into the groove 31, the following size needs to be satisfied.
When the width b of each groove 31 is greater than the transverse dimension f of the contained
object, the size may be determined such that the depth a of each groove 31 is defined so as to
range from 10 % of the longitudinal dimension e of the contained object to 100 % thereof.
Further, when the width b of each groove 31 is less than or equal to the transverse dimension f of
the contained object, the size may be determined such that the depth a of each groove 31 is
defined so as to range from 10 % of the longitudinal dimension e of the contained object to
100 % thereof, or the depth a of each groove 31 is defined so as to be less than or equal to the
width b of each groove 31, and is not greater than 100 % of the longitudinal dimension e of the
contained object. Further, it is preferable that the width w of each slit 32 is set, as necessary, so
as to satisfy the size described above. Furthermore, a height H1 from under an inner ring 21 of
the lid 2 for closing the opening of the container body 10 to the bottom portion of the desiccant
storage case 3a is preferably greater than or equal to the height g of the contained object so as to
prevent the contained object from being caught between the lid 2 and the container body 10
when the opening of the container body 10 is closed by the lid 2. For example, the height H1
from under the inner ring 21 of the lid 2 for closing the opening of the container body 10 as

shown in FIG. 13 to the bottom portion of the desiccant storage case 3 a is set as, for example,
28.3 mm. In this case, the height g of the contained object is preferably less than 28.3 mm.
[0050] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A shown in FIG. 16. In the
present embodiment, a corner of the upper edge portion of the bottom portion at which the
grooves 31 of the inner case 30 are formed, is diagonally cut so as to form a plane, that is, C-
chamfered. By the C-chamfering, a gap between the projection 12 and the inner case 30a can
be increased as compared to a gap between the projection 12 and the inner case 30 according to
the first embodiment. Therefore, even when the projection 12 is provided on the entire
circumference of the inner wall of the container body 10, a state in which a smooth flow of air in
the container body 10 through the grooves 31 into the desiccant storage case 3 a is restrained is
prevented. Although the upper edge portion of the bottom portion at the grooves 31 is
diagonally cut so as to form a plane, that is, C-chamfered in the present embodiment, the upper
edge portion may be cut so as to form a curved surface, that is, R-chamfered.
[0051] The desiccant 5 and the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 to be used may be
the same as those used in the first embodiment. When a filling nozzle is similarly used in order
to put and store the desiccant 5 in the inner case 30a, the storage operation can be efficiently
performed. Further, a method for sealing the opening of the inner case 30a with the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet 4 is not limited to any specific method. For example, welding
using ultrasonic wave can be selected.
[0052] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the container body 10 according to the second
embodiment. The size of a space for storing the desiccant storage case 3 a as shown in FIG. 18
is set such that, for example, a height H2 is 14.6 mm, and a diameter r is 22.33 mm.
[0053] In order to produce the moisture-proof container according to the second
embodiment, the desiccant storage case 3 a having been obtained as described above is put such
that the moisture transmission dustproof sheet 4 abuts the bases 11 of the container body 10, and
the contained object (such as test pieces) is stored in the container body 10, and thereafter the
opening of the container body 10 is closed by the lid 2, and the container body 10 is put into a
dry state.
[0054] In the moisture-proof container according to the second embodiment, the
desiccant storage case 3 a having been put on the bottom portion of the container body 10 can be
more assuredly prevented from moving toward the opening of the container body 10 as
compared to in the moisture-proof container of the first embodiment.
[0055] (Sample 1)
The desiccant storage case 3 a including the desiccant 5 and the inner case 30a
having five slits 32 was put into the container body 10, and a temperature and humidity meter

was adhered to the reverse side of the lid 2 by using a double-sided tape. The moisture-proof
container having been obtained as described above was put, with the lid 2 opened, in a constant
temperature and humidity bath having been set such that the temperature was 30 °C and the
humidity was 70%, and was left as it was for one hour, thereby obtaining sample 1.
[0056] (Sample 2)
The desiccant storage case 3 a including the desiccant 5 and the inner case 30a
having fifteen slits 32 was put into the container body 10, and sample 2 was obtained in the same
process steps as those for sample 1.
[0057] A moisture absorbing state was measured for each of sample 1 and sample 2 in a
state where the lid 2 was closed in the constant temperature and humidity bath described above.
The results are indicated in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 indicates that it took about one hour and 30
minutes to reduce, to 20%, the humidity of sample 1 having five slits 32, while it took about 45
minutes to reduce, to 20%, the humidity of sample 2 having fifteen slits 32.
[0058] Further, the desiccant storage cases 3 a including the desiccant 5 and the inner
cases 30a having five slits 32, eight slits 32, ten slits 32, and fifteen slits 32, respectively, were
prepared, and the desiccant storage case 3 a including the desiccant 5 and each of the inner cases
30a was put in the container body 10, and the weight of each moisture-proof container was
measured by using a precision electronic balance. Thereafter, each moisture-proof container
was put, with the lid 2 opened, in a constant temperature and humidity bath having been set such
that the temperature was 30 ° C and the humidity was 70%, and was left as it was for 24 hours.
Then, the weight of each moisture-proof container was measured again by using an electronic
balance, and a water absorbing capability per one hour was calculated, and was compared with
that of the moisture-proof container having five slits 32. The results of the calculation and
comparison described above are indicated in FIG. 20.
[0059] The comparison result shown in FIG 19 and FIG. 20 indicates that a moisture
absorbing speed and water absorbing capability can be set as necessary by adjustment of the
number of the slits 32,
[0060] Each of the moisture-proof containers according to the first embodiment and the
second embodiment of the present invention effectively protects the moisture transmission
dustproof sheet 4 from strike by a contained object, and reduces pollution of the contained
objects due to the desiccant 5 and dust thereof. In addition, the dehumidifying speed and the
dehumidification-enabled period of the moisture-proof container can be optionally adjusted.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0061] The moisture-proof container according to the present invention can be variously

used as a container for storing objects that easily deteriorate due to moisture and dust of a
desiccant. The moisture-proof container according to the present invention can be favorably
used as, for example, a container for storing test pieces used for blood sugar level tests and urine
tests, and chemicals (such as tablets).
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0062] 1,10 container body
11 base
12 projection
13 bottom plate
2 lid

21 inner ring
22 outer ring
23 hinge
3, 3a desiccant storage case
30, 30a inner case
31 groove
32 slit

4 moisture transmission dustproof sheet
5 desiccant
6 gap

We Claim:
[Claim 1] A moisture-proof container comprising: a container body having a tubular shape; a
lid for hermetically closing the container body so as to be openable and closable; and a desiccant
storage case that has a tubular shape and that is put on a bottom portion of the container body,
wherein
the desiccant storage case includes: an inner case having an opening at one end; a
desiccant stored in the inner case; and a moisture transmission dustproof sheet for sealing the
opening of the inner case,
the inner case has, at an outer circumferential wall thereof, a groove connecting
between an open end and a bottom portion,
the container body includes a base on an inner wall of a bottom plate, and
the desiccant storage case is put in the container body such that the moisture
transmission dustproof sheet abuts the base, and a gap is formed between the bottom plate of the
container body, and the moisture transmission dustproof sheet.
[Claim 2] The moisture-proof container according to claim 1, further comprising a
projection that is positioned between a plane including an outer surface of the bottom portion of
the inner case and an opening of the container body, and that projects from an inner
circumferential wall of the container body, such that the desiccant storage case is prevented from
moving toward the opening of the container body.
[Claim 3] The moisture-proof container according to claim 2, wherein
the projection is formed on an entire circumference of the inner circumferential
wall of the container body,
the inner case has a slit formed at the outer circumferential wall thereof, and the
slit has an outer diameter that matches an inner diameter of the container body, and
a corner of the bottom portion of the inner case at which the groove is formed, is
chamfered.
[Claim 4] A method for producing the moisture-proof container according to claim 1, the
method comprising the steps of:
filling the inner case with the desiccant by using a filling nozzle,
producing the desiccant storage case by sealing the opening of the inner case with
the moisture transmission dustproof sheet,
putting the desiccant storage case in the container body such that the moisture

transmission dustproof sheet faces the bottom portion of the container body, and
hermetically closing the container body with the lid.