Sanitary sheet laminate
The sanitary sheet laminate addresses the issue of 'cheating' by minimizing contact areas and incorporating non-contact regions, enhancing the pop-up mechanism and reducing friction, thus preventing multiple sheets from being dispensed simultaneously.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PIGEON CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing sanitary sheet laminates suffer from the issue of 'cheating' where multiple sheets are dispensed together due to strong sticking, disrupting the intended pop-up mechanism.
A sanitary sheet laminate design with specific regions and folding patterns that minimize contact areas and include non-contact portions, reducing frictional forces between sheets, and an extraction aid with resistance-applying portions to facilitate smooth separation.
The design effectively prevents multiple sheets from being dispensed together, ensuring a reliable pop-up mechanism and reducing instances of 'cheating' and slipping.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary sheet laminate in which a plurality of sanitary sheets are folded like tissue or the like and housed in a container or the like.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, for example, when a plurality of wet tissues impregnated with a chemical solution are housed in a container or the like, each is folded into three folds and arranged in a stacked manner. And the user has a configuration in which the stacked wet tissues are taken out in order from the top through an outlet formed in a container or the like. In addition, in order for the user to easily take out the wet tissues arranged in this stacked manner, a part of the wet tissue arranged at the top is arranged so as to protrude from the outlet. This is called the pop-up method.
[0003] That is, in the pop-up method, when one wet tissue is taken out from the outlet, a part of the wet tissue arranged below it is configured to protrude from the outlet. In order to enable such a pop-up method, it is necessary that a part of the folded wet tissue housed in a container or the like is arranged so as to overlap a part of another wet tissue. And various folding methods for arranging the wet tissues in this way have been proposed conventionally (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0004] In the pop-up type, when the first wet wipe is dispensed from the opening, a portion of the second wet wipe, which is positioned below it, is simultaneously dispensed while stuck to (i.e., glued to) the first wet wipe. Subsequently, when the portion of the second wet wipe that was stuck to the first wet wipe separates from the first wet wipe, that portion of the second wet wipe protrudes from the opening, creating a "pop-up" state. However, in some cases, the sticking between the first and second wet wipes is strong, and the second wet wipe may not separate from the first wet wipe and may be dispensed as is, resulting in a phenomenon known as "cheating."
[0005] While assuming a pop-up mechanism, there is room for improvement in the various folding methods for sanitary sheets that have been proposed in the past in terms of preventing such "cheating." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5651315 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a laminate of sanitary sheets that can suppress the occurrence of "cheating," in which, when a sanitary sheet is folded so that parts of it overlaps with the others and removed from the dispensing opening, the next sanitary sheet is also removed from the dispensing opening at the same time. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The aforementioned problem is a stack of sanitary sheets in which a plurality of sanitary sheets are folded and housed inside a housing having an outlet, wherein the sanitary sheets can be sequentially removed from the outlet, and the stack has a structure in which a first region, a second region, a third region and a fourth region are arranged in this order, the first region is located on the upper side of the housing where the outlet is formed, the second region is located below the first region when the sanitary sheet is folded, the third region is located below the second region when the sanitary sheet is folded, and the fourth region is located below the third region when the sanitary sheet is folded. Guard The folded portion between the second and third regions of the raw sheet is intended to be removed from the outlet after the first sanitary sheet. Guard The folded portion between the second and third regions of the raw sheet faces the center of the container in the width direction, and the folded portion between the second and third regions of the second sanitary sheet is the third sanitary sheet that is to be removed from the outlet after the second sanitary sheet. Guard The folded portion between the second and third regions of the raw sheet faces the central portion, and the folded portion between the second and third regions of the third sanitary sheet is the fourth portion intended to be removed from the outlet after the third sanitary sheet. Guard The sanitary sheet laminate according to the present invention is characterized in that the folded portion between the second and third regions of the raw sheet faces the central portion, at least a portion of the first region of the second sanitary sheet is sandwiched between the first region of the first sanitary sheet and the second region of the first sanitary sheet, at least a portion of the first region of the third sanitary sheet is sandwiched between the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the second region of the second sanitary sheet, at least a portion of the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet is sandwiched between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the second region of the third sanitary sheet, and the first region of the third sanitary sheet has a non-contact portion that is separated from the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet.
[0009] According to the sanitary sheet laminate of the present invention, the first region of the second sanitary sheet and subsequent sheets is sandwiched between the first and second regions of the preceding sanitary sheet in the order in which they are to be removed, thus enabling a pop-up method. Furthermore, the first region of the third sanitary sheet has a non-contact portion between it and the first regions of the second and fourth sanitary sheets, thereby forming a first gap (space) between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the first region of the second sanitary sheet, and reducing the contact area between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the first region of the second sanitary sheet. Furthermore, a second gap (space) can be formed between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet, further reducing the contact area between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet. As a result, the frictional force (resistance) between the second sanitary sheet and the third sanitary sheet, and the frictional force (resistance) between the third sanitary sheet and the fourth sanitary sheet can be reduced. This helps to prevent the so-called "cheating," where multiple sanitary sheets are pulled out of the dispensing opening in a chain.
[0010] In the sanitary sheet laminate according to the present invention, preferably, the area of the first region of the second sanitary sheet sandwiched between the first region of the first sanitary sheet and the second region of the first sanitary sheet is smaller than the area of the first region of the first sanitary sheet and the second region of the first sanitary sheet overlapping each other.
[0011] With these features, the edge of the first region of the second sanitary sheet recedes from the fold between the first and second regions of the first sanitary sheet towards the center of the container. Compared to the case where the edge is sized to contact the fold, the area in contact between the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the first and second regions of the first sanitary sheet can be reduced. By reducing the contact area in this way, the frictional force between the first and second sanitary sheets can be reduced. This further suppresses the occurrence of "cheating."
[0012] In the sanitary sheet laminate according to the present invention, preferably, the area in which the first region of the third sanitary sheet is sandwiched between the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the second region of the second sanitary sheet is smaller than the area in which the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the second region of the second sanitary sheet overlap each other.
[0013] With these features, the edge of the first region of the third sanitary sheet recedes from the fold between the first and second regions of the second sanitary sheet towards the center of the container. Compared to the case where the edge is sized to contact the fold, the contact area between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the first and second regions of the second sanitary sheet can be reduced. By reducing the contact area in this way, the frictional force between the second and third sanitary sheets can be reduced. This further suppresses the occurrence of "cheating."
[0014] In the sanitary sheet laminate according to the present invention, preferably, the area of the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet sandwiched between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the second region of the third sanitary sheet is smaller than the area of the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the second region of the third sanitary sheet overlapping each other.
[0015] With these features, the edge of the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet recedes from the fold between the first and second regions of the third sanitary sheet towards the center of the container. Compared to the case where the edge is sized to contact the fold, the area in contact between the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet and the first and second regions of the third sanitary sheet can be reduced. By reducing the contact area in this way, the frictional force between the third and fourth sanitary sheets can be reduced. This further suppresses the occurrence of "cheating."
[0016] In the sanitary sheet laminate according to the present invention, preferably, the area of the fourth region of each of the first sanitary sheet, the second sanitary sheet, the third sanitary sheet, and the fourth sanitary sheet is narrower than the area of the third region of each of the first sanitary sheet, the second sanitary sheet, the third sanitary sheet, and the fourth sanitary sheet.
[0017] With these features, the edge of the fourth region of each sanitary sheet is positioned set back outward from the folded portion between the second and third regions of each sanitary sheet. Therefore, compared to the case where the area of the fourth region of each sanitary sheet is equal to or greater than the area of the third region of each sanitary sheet, a gap can be secured between the third region of the first sanitary sheet and the first region of the third sanitary sheet, and a wider gap can be secured between the third region of the first sanitary sheet, the first region of the second sanitary sheet, the first region of the third sanitary sheet, and the edge of the fourth region of the first sanitary sheet. As a result, the contact area between the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the first region of the third sanitary sheet, and the contact area between the third region of the first sanitary sheet and the first region of the third sanitary sheet can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to the case where the area of the fourth region of each sanitary sheet is equal to or greater than the area of the third region of each sanitary sheet, a gap can be secured between the third region of the second sanitary sheet and the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet, and a wider gap can be secured between the third region of the second sanitary sheet, the first region of the third sanitary sheet, the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet, and the edge of the fourth region of the second sanitary sheet. As a result, the contact area between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet, and the contact area between the third region of the second sanitary sheet and the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet can be reduced. This further reduces the occurrence of "cheating".
[0018] The sanitary sheet laminate according to the present invention is preferably characterized by further comprising an extraction assisting device that is attached to the extraction opening and has a resistance-applying portion that provides resistance to the sanitary sheet when the sanitary sheet is extracted from the extraction opening.
[0019] According to such a feature, the resistance-imparting portion of the extraction aid imparts resistance to the second sanitary sheet when the first sanitary sheet is taken out from the take-out port, and the first sanitary sheet and the second sanitary sheet can be easily separated. Thereby, the occurrence of "slipping" can be further suppressed.
Effects of the Invention
[0020] According to the present invention, when taking out a sanitary sheet in a folded state where a part of it overlaps with each other from the take-out port, it is possible to provide a sanitary sheet laminate that can suppress the occurrence of "slipping" where the next subsequent sanitary sheets are both taken out from the take-out port.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0021] [Figure 1] It is a plan view showing a sanitary sheet laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic view showing the first sanitary sheet and the third sanitary sheet of this embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a schematic view showing the second sanitary sheet and the fourth sanitary sheet of this embodiment. < [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the sanitary sheet when it is removed from the dispensing opening in this embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the sanitary sheet when it is removed from the dispensing opening in this embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing aid of this embodiment attached to the dispensing opening of the container. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing the removal aid of this embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the section A1-A1 shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a plan view showing a first modified example of the removal aid of this embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of the section A2-A2 shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] This is a plan view showing a second modified example of the removal aid of this embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of the section A3-A3 shown in Figure 17. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention and are subject to various technically preferred limitations. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description. In addition, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.
[0023] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a sanitary sheet laminate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the first and third sanitary sheets of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the second and fourth sanitary sheets of this embodiment. For the sake of explanation, Figure 1 shows the state in which the sanitary sheet laminate 2 of this embodiment is housed in the container 3. Furthermore, Figures 2(a) and 3(a) are schematic diagrams showing the state of the sanitary sheet before it is folded, or after it has been unfolded. Figures 2(b) and 3(b) are schematic diagrams showing the state of the sanitary sheet after it has been folded.
[0024] In this embodiment, the sanitary sheet laminate 2 contains multiple sanitary sheets in a folded state in a container 3 as shown in Figure 1. The container 3 in this embodiment is an example of the "container" of the present invention. Examples of sanitary sheets in the sanitary sheet laminate 2 include wet wipes impregnated with a chemical solution. The container 3 shown in Figure 1 has an outlet 31 for removing the sanitary sheets from the sanitary sheet laminate 2. The outlet 31 is formed in the central part of the top of the container 3, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the sanitary sheet laminate 2 employs a pop-up system. Therefore, multiple sanitary sheets can be sequentially removed from the outlet 31 of the container 3.
[0025] In the sanitary sheet laminate 2 shown in Figure 1, the first sanitary sheet 4, the second sanitary sheet 5, the third sanitary sheet 6, and the fourth sanitary sheet 7 are stacked in this order from top to bottom inside the container 3. The second sanitary sheet 5 is the sanitary sheet to be removed from the dispensing opening 31 after the first sanitary sheet 4. The third sanitary sheet 6 is the sanitary sheet to be removed from the dispensing opening 31 after the second sanitary sheet 5. The fourth sanitary sheet 7 is the sanitary sheet to be removed from the dispensing opening 31 after the third sanitary sheet 6.
[0026] As shown in Figure 2(a), the first sanitary sheet 4 has a structure in which the first region 41, second region 42, third region 43, and fourth region 44 are arranged in that order. Similarly, the third sanitary sheet 6 has a structure in which the first region 61, second region 62, third region 63, and fourth region 64 are arranged in that order. Since the structure of the third sanitary sheet 6 is the same as that of the first sanitary sheet 4, Figures 2(a) and 2(b) will mainly use the first sanitary sheet 4 as an example to explain the first sanitary sheet 4 and the third sanitary sheet 6.
[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2(b), the first region 41 is located on the upper side of the container 3 where the outlet 31 is formed. The second region 42 is located below the first region 41 when the first sanitary sheet 4 is folded at the first fold portion 45. The first fold portion 45 is the fold portion between the first region 41 and the second region 42. The third region 43 is located below the second region 42 when the first sanitary sheet 4 is folded at the second fold portion 46. The second fold portion 46 is the fold portion between the second region 42 and the third region 43. The fourth region 44 is located below the third region 43 when the first sanitary sheet 4 is folded at the third fold portion 47. The third fold portion 47 is the fold portion between the third region 43 and the fourth region 44.
[0028] The first folded portion 45 and the third folded portion 47 are located on the outside inside the container 3, that is, on the side away from the central portion 32 of the container 3. The second folded portion 46 is located on the inside inside the container 3, that is, on the side of the central portion 32 of the container 3. The arrangement of each folded portion is the same for the third sanitary sheet 6. That is, the first folded portion 65 and the third folded portion 67 are located on the outside inside the container 3, that is, on the side away from the central portion 32 of the container 3. The second folded portion 66 is located on the inside inside the container 3, that is, on the side of the central portion 32 of the container 3.
[0029] As shown in Figure 2(a), in the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4 (corresponding to the folding direction which is perpendicular to the fold line of the sanitary sheet), the length L11 of the first region 41 is longer than the length L12 of the second region 42, the length L13 of the third region 43, and the length L14 of the fourth region 44. The ratio of the length L11 of the first region 41 to the length L of the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4 (L11 / L) is, for example, about 40%.
[0030] In the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4, the length L12 of the second region 42 is equivalent to the length L13 of the third region 43. The ratio of the length L12 of the second region 42 to the length L of the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4 (L12 / L), and the ratio of the length L13 of the third region 43 to the length L of the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4 (L13 / L) are, for example, about 25% each.
[0031] In the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4, the length L14 of the fourth region 44 is shorter than the length L11 of the first region 41, the length L12 of the second region 42, and the length L13 of the third region 43. The ratio of the length L14 of the fourth region 44 to the length L of the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4 (L14 / L) is, for example, about 10%.
[0032] In the longitudinal direction Y of the first sanitary sheet 4, the lengths L11 of the first region 41, L12 of the second region 42, L13 of the third region 43, and L14 of the fourth region 44 are in the aforementioned relationship. Therefore, the area S11 of the first region 41 is larger than the area S12 of the second region 42, the area S13 of the third region 43, and the area S14 of the fourth region 44. The area S12 of the second region 42 is equal to the area S13 of the third region 43. The area S14 of the fourth region 44 is smaller than the area S11 of the first region 41, the area S12 of the second region 42, and the area S13 of the third region 43.
[0033] As shown in Figure 3(a), the second sanitary sheet 5 has a structure in which the first area 51, second area 52, third area 53, and fourth area 54 are arranged in that order. Similarly, the fourth sanitary sheet 7 has a structure in which the first area 71, second area 72, third area 73, and fourth area 74 are arranged in that order. Since the structure of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is the same as that of the second sanitary sheet 5, Figures 3(a) and 3(b) will mainly use the second sanitary sheet 5 as an example to explain the second sanitary sheet 5 and the fourth sanitary sheet 7.
[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 3(b), the first region 51 is located on the upper side of the container 3 where the outlet 31 is formed. The second region 52 is located below the first region 51 when the second sanitary sheet 5 is folded at the first fold 55. The first fold 55 is the fold between the first region 51 and the second region 52. The third region 53 is located below the second region 52 when the second sanitary sheet 5 is folded at the second fold 56. The second fold 56 is the fold between the second region 52 and the third region 53. The fourth region 54 is located below the third region 53 when the second sanitary sheet 5 is folded at the third fold 47. The third fold 57 is the fold between the third region 53 and the fourth region 54.
[0035] The first folded portion 55 and the third folded portion 57 are located on the outside inside the container 3, that is, on the side away from the central portion 32 of the container 3. The second folded portion 56 is located on the inside inside the container 3, that is, on the side of the central portion 32 of the container 3. The arrangement of each folded portion is the same for the fourth sanitary sheet 7. That is, the first folded portion 75 and the third folded portion 77 are located on the outside inside the container 3, that is, on the side away from the central portion 32 of the container 3. The second folded portion 76 is located on the inside inside the container 3, that is, on the side of the central portion 32 of the container 3. Therefore, the second folded portion 56 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the second folded portion 76 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 are opposite the second folded portion 46 of the first sanitary sheet 4 and the second folded portion 66 of the third sanitary sheet 6, respectively, via the central portion 32 in the width direction of the container 3. In other words, the second folded portion 56 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the second folded portion 76 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 each face the second folded portion 46 of the first sanitary sheet 4 and the second folded portion 66 of the third sanitary sheet 6 respectively, without overlapping.
[0036] Herein, in this specification, "facing each other" includes not only a state in which multiple locations or parts face each other on substantially the same plane, but also a state in which multiple locations or parts face each other at different positions on different planes (for example, on planes offset in the vertical direction).
[0037] As shown in Figure 3(a), in the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5, the length L21 of the first region 51 is longer than the length L22 of the second region 52, the length L23 of the third region 53, and the length L24 of the fourth region 54. The ratio of the length L21 of the first region 51 to the length L of the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5 (L21 / L) is, for example, about 40%.
[0038] In the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5, the length L22 of the second region 52 is equivalent to the length L23 of the third region 53. The ratio of the length L22 of the second region 52 to the length L in the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5 (L22 / L), and the ratio of the length L23 of the third region 53 to the length L in the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5 (L23 / L) are, for example, about 25% each.
[0039] In the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5, the length L24 of the fourth region 54 is shorter than the length L21 of the first region 51, the length L22 of the second region 52, and the length L23 of the third region 53. The ratio of the length L24 of the fourth region 54 to the length L of the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5 (L24 / L) is, for example, about 10%.
[0040] In the longitudinal direction Y of the second sanitary sheet 5, the lengths L21 of the first region 51, L22 of the second region 52, L23 of the third region 53, and L24 of the fourth region 54 are in the aforementioned relationship. Therefore, the area S21 of the first region 51 is larger than the area S22 of the second region 52, the area S23 of the third region 53, and the area S24 of the fourth region 54. The area S22 of the second region 52 is equivalent to the area S23 of the third region 53. The area S24 of the fourth region 54 is smaller than the area S21 of the first region 51, the area S22 of the second region 52, and the area S23 of the third region 53.
[0041] As shown in Figure 1, at least a portion of the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 (specifically, the end portion 512) is sandwiched between the first region 41 and the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4. Similarly, at least a portion of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 (specifically, the end portion 612) is sandwiched between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 (specifically, the end portion 712) is sandwiched between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6. This enables the pop-up mechanism.
[0042] Furthermore, the first sanitary sheet 4 has a fourth region 44 located below the third region 43. The second sanitary sheet 5 has a fourth region 54 located below the third region 53. The third sanitary sheet 6 has a fourth region 64 located below the third region 63. The fourth sanitary sheet 7 has a fourth region 74 located below the third region 73. The first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 has a non-contact portion 611 that is separated from the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7.
[0043] Specifically, the non-contact portion 611 of the third sanitary sheet 6 extends diagonally downward (relatively from the upper right to the lower left in Figure 1) from the portion where the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is sandwiched between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5, toward the portion where the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is sandwiched between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6.
[0044] Therefore, a first gap (space) 35 can be formed between the non-contact portion 611 of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5. The first gap 35 is a gap formed above the non-contact portion 611 and has a space that gradually widens from the portion where the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is sandwiched between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5, to the portion where the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is sandwiched between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6. This reduces the contact area between the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5.
[0045] Furthermore, a second gap (space) 36 can be formed between the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7. The second gap 36 is a gap formed below the non-contact portion 611 and has a space that gradually narrows from the portion where the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is sandwiched between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5, to the portion where the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is sandwiched between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6. This reduces the contact area between the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7.
[0046] Therefore, the frictional force (resistance) between the second sanitary sheet 5 and the third sanitary sheet 6, and the frictional force (resistance) between the third sanitary sheet 6 and the fourth sanitary sheet 7 can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of so-called "cheating," where multiple sanitary sheets are removed in a chain from the dispensing opening 31.
[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the area S31 in which the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is sandwiched between the first region 41 and the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4 is smaller than the area S32 in which the first region 41 and the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4 overlap each other. Here, "area S31" is the area of either the front or back surface of the portion in which the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is sandwiched between the first region 41 and the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4, and not the sum of the front and back surfaces of that portion. Furthermore, "area S32" refers to the area of either the first area 41 or the second area 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4 in the portion where the first area 41 and the second area 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4 overlap each other, and not the total area of both surfaces of the first area 41 and the second area 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4. In this specification, "overlapping" includes not only cases where multiple sanitary sheets overlap while in contact with each other, but also cases where multiple sanitary sheets overlap while not in contact with each other when viewed perpendicular to the surface or back surface of the sanitary sheet.
[0048] According to this, the end portion 512 of the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 recedes from the first folded portion 45 between the first region 41 and the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4 toward the central portion 32 of the container 3. Compared to the case where the end portion 512 is sized to contact the first folded portion 45, the area in contact between the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the first region 41 and the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4 can be reduced. By reducing the contact area in this way, the frictional force between the first sanitary sheet 4 and the second sanitary sheet 5 can be reduced. This further suppresses the occurrence of "cheating".
[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the area S33 in which the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is sandwiched between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is smaller than the area S34 in which the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5 overlap each other. Here, "area S33" is the area of either the front or back surface of the portion in which the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is sandwiched between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5, and not the sum of the front and back surfaces of that portion. Furthermore, "area S34" is the area of either the first area 51 or the second area 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5 in the portion where the first area 51 and the second area 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5 overlap each other, and not the total area of both surfaces of the first area 51 and the second area 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5.
[0050] According to this, the end portion 612 of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 recedes from the first folded portion 55 between the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5 toward the central portion 32 of the container 3. Compared to the case where the end portion 612 is sized to contact the first folded portion 55, the area in contact between the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 51 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5 can be reduced. By reducing the contact area in this way, the frictional force between the second sanitary sheet 5 and the third sanitary sheet 6 can be reduced. This further suppresses the occurrence of "cheating".
[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the area S35 in which the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is sandwiched between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is smaller than the area S36 in which the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6 overlap each other. Here, "area S35" is the area of either the front or back surface of the portion in which the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is sandwiched between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6, and not the sum of the front and back surfaces of that portion. Furthermore, "area S36" is the area of either the first area 61 or the second area 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6 in the portion where the first area 61 and the second area 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6 overlap each other, and is not the sum of the areas of both surfaces of the first area 61 and the second area 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6.
[0052] According to this, the end portion 712 of the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 recedes from the first folded portion 65 between the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6 toward the central portion 32 of the container 3. Compared to the case where the end portion 712 is sized to contact the first folded portion 65, the area in contact between the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 and the first region 61 and the second region 62 of the third sanitary sheet 6 can be reduced. By reducing the contact area in this way, the frictional force between the third sanitary sheet 6 and the fourth sanitary sheet 7 can be reduced. This further suppresses the occurrence of "cheating".
[0053] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the area S14 of the fourth region 44 of the first sanitary sheet 4 is smaller than the area S13 of the third region 43 of the first sanitary sheet 4. Therefore, the end portion 441 of the fourth region 44 of the first sanitary sheet 4 is positioned set back from the second folded portion 46 of the first sanitary sheet 4 to the outside of the container 3. The area S24 of the fourth region 54 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is smaller than the area S23 of the third region 53 of the second sanitary sheet 5. Therefore, the end portion 541 of the fourth region 54 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is positioned set back from the second folded portion 56 of the second sanitary sheet 5 to the outside of the container 3. The area S14 of the fourth region 64 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is smaller than the area S13 of the third region 63 of the third sanitary sheet 6. Therefore, the end portion 641 of the fourth region 64 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is positioned set back from the second folded portion 66 of the third sanitary sheet 6 to the outside of the container 3. The area S24 of the fourth region 74 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is smaller than the area S23 of the third region 73 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7. Therefore, the end portion 741 of the fourth region 74 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 is positioned set back from the second folded portion 76 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 to the outside of the container 3.
[0054] Therefore, compared to the case where the area S14 of the fourth region 44 of the first sanitary sheet 4 is equal to or greater than the area S13 of the third region 43 of the first sanitary sheet 4, a gap can be secured between the third region 43 of the first sanitary sheet 4 and the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6, and a wider first gap 35 can be secured, which is surrounded by the third region 43 of the first sanitary sheet 4, the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5, the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6, and the end portion 441 of the fourth region 44 of the first sanitary sheet 4. As a result, the contact area between the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6, and the contact area between the third region 43 of the first sanitary sheet 4 and the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to the case where the area S24 of the fourth region 54 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is equal to or greater than the area S23 of the third region 53 of the second sanitary sheet 5, a gap can be secured between the third region 53 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7, and a wider second gap 36 can be secured, which is surrounded by the third region 53 of the second sanitary sheet 5, the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6, the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7, and the end portion 541 of the fourth region 54 of the second sanitary sheet 5. As a result, the contact area between the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7, and the contact area between the third region 53 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7 can be reduced. This further suppresses the occurrence of "cheating".
[0055] Next, the movement of the sanitary sheet when it is removed from the outlet 31 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 4 to 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating the movement of the sanitary sheet when it is removed from the dispensing opening in this embodiment. In this embodiment, we will take as an example the case in which the first sanitary sheet 4 and the second sanitary sheet 5 are sequentially removed from the outlet 31 of the container 3, starting from when the first sanitary sheet 4 is in a "pop-up" state (see Figure 4).
[0056] First, in the state shown in Figure 4 (the "pop-up" state of the first sanitary sheet 4), when the first sanitary sheet 4 is pulled upward, at least the end portion 512 of the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is sandwiched between the first region 41 and the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4. As shown in Figure 5, the end portion 512 of the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 adheres to the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4, and is pulled upward together with the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4. At this time, as described above with respect to Figure 1, the first gap 35 (see Figure 1) is formed between the non-contact portion 611 of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, as the first void 35 expands, a third void 37 is formed, which has a roughly triangular cross-section and is enclosed by the third region 43 of the first sanitary sheet 4, the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5, and the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6.
[0057] Next, as the first sanitary sheet 4 is further pulled upward, as shown in Figure 6, the end portion 512 of the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is further pulled upward together with the second region 42 of the first sanitary sheet 4, while remaining attached to it, and protrudes from the outlet 31 of the container 3. Also, as mentioned above with respect to Figure 1, the area S14 of the fourth region 44 of the first sanitary sheet 4 is smaller than the area S13 of the third region 43 of the first sanitary sheet 4, and the end portion 441 of the fourth region 44 of the first sanitary sheet 4 is positioned set back from the second folded portion 46 of the first sanitary sheet 4 to the outside of the container 3, so the fourth region 44 of the first sanitary sheet 4 easily separates from the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6.
[0058] Next, as the first sanitary sheet 4 is further pulled upward, as described above with respect to Figure 5, a third void 37 having a roughly triangular cross-section is formed due to the first void 35, and the frictional force between the first sanitary sheet 4 and the second sanitary sheet 5 is reduced. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the second sanitary sheet 5 easily separates from the first sanitary sheet 4 due to resistance from, for example, the edge of the outlet 31 of the container 3. Consequently, as shown in Figure 8, the second sanitary sheet 5 "pops up".
[0059] Next, in the state shown in Figure 8 (the "pop-up" state of the second sanitary sheet 5), when the second sanitary sheet 5 is pulled upward, at least the end portion 612 of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is sandwiched between the first region 51 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5. As shown in Figure 9, the end portion 612 of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 adheres to the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5 and is pulled upward together with the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5. At this time, as described above with respect to Figure 1, the second gap 36 (see Figure 1) is formed between the non-contact portion 611 of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, as the second void 36 expands, a fourth void 38 is formed, which has a roughly triangular cross-section and is enclosed by the third region 53 of the second sanitary sheet 5, the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6, and the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7.
[0060] Next, as the second sanitary sheet 5 is further pulled upward, as shown in Figure 10, the end portion 612 of the first region 61 of the third sanitary sheet 6 is further pulled upward together with the second region 52 of the second sanitary sheet 5, sticking to it, and protruding from the outlet 31 of the container 3. Also, as mentioned above with respect to Figure 1, the area S24 of the fourth region 54 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is smaller than the area S23 of the third region 53 of the second sanitary sheet 5, and the end portion 541 of the fourth region 54 of the second sanitary sheet 5 is positioned set back from the second folded portion 56 of the second sanitary sheet 5 to the outside of the container 3, so the fourth region 54 of the second sanitary sheet 5 easily separates from the first region 71 of the fourth sanitary sheet 7.
[0061] Next, as the second sanitary sheet 5 is further pulled upward, as described above with respect to Figure 9, a fourth void 38 with a roughly triangular cross-section is formed due to the second void 36, and the frictional force between the second sanitary sheet 5 and the third sanitary sheet 6 is reduced. As a result, as shown in Figure 11, the third sanitary sheet 6 easily separates from the second sanitary sheet 5 due to resistance from, for example, the edge of the outlet 31 of the container 3. This causes the third sanitary sheet 6 to "pop up," as shown in Figure 11.
[0062] Next, the removal aid of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the dispensing aid of this embodiment attached to the dispensing opening of the container. Figure 13 is a plan view showing the removal aid of this embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the section A1-A1 shown in Figure 13. Note that in Figure 13, container 3 has been omitted for the sake of clarity.
[0063] As shown in Figure 12, the dispensing aid 8 of this embodiment is attached to the dispensing opening 31 of the container 3. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the dispensing aid 8 has a base portion 81, a lid portion 82, and a connecting portion 83. The base portion 81 and the lid portion 82 are made of, for example, silicone rubber.
[0064] The base portion 81 is the part that is attached to the outlet 31 of the container 3 and has an opening 811. The opening 811 of the base portion 81 leads to the outlet 31 of the container 3. Therefore, the opening 811 of the base portion 81 functions as an outlet for removing the sanitary sheets from the sanitary sheet laminate 2. In other words, the sanitary sheets can be removed sequentially from the opening 811 of the base portion 81.
[0065] The lid portion 82 is connected to the base portion 81 by a connecting portion 83. As shown in Figure 14, the thickness of the connecting portion 83 is thinner than the thickness of the base portion 81 and the lid portion 82, respectively. Furthermore, the connecting portion 83 is made of a flexible material and has a relatively bendable structure. As a result, the lid portion 82 can rotate around the connecting portion 83 due to its own weight, thereby closing the opening 811 of the base portion 81.
[0066] The lid portion 82 closes the opening 811 of the base portion 81 by its own weight, providing resistance to the sanitary sheets when the sanitary sheets of the sanitary sheet laminate 2 are removed from the opening 811 of the base portion 81. Alternatively, the inner edge of the opening 811 of the base portion 81 provides resistance to the sanitary sheets when the sanitary sheets of the sanitary sheet laminate 2 are removed from the opening 811 of the base portion 81. At least one of the lid portion 82 and the base portion 81 is an example of the "resistance-providing portion" of the present invention.
[0067] The removal aid 8 of this embodiment provides resistance to the second sanitary sheet 5 when the first sanitary sheet 4 is removed from the outlet 31 and opening 811 by at least one of the lid portion 82 and the base portion 81, allowing the first sanitary sheet 4 and the second sanitary sheet 5 to be easily separated. The same effect applies when the second sanitary sheet 5 is removed from the outlet 31 and opening 811, providing resistance to the third sanitary sheet 6 and facilitating the separation of the second sanitary sheet 5 and the third sanitary sheet 6. As a result, when the removal aid 8 of this embodiment is attached to the outlet 31 of the container 3, the occurrence of "slipping" can be further suppressed.
[0068] Next, a modified example of the removal aid of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. If the components of the modified extraction aid are the same as those of the extraction aid 8 of this embodiment described above with respect to Figures 12 to 14, redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate, and the following explanation will focus on the differences.
[0069] Figure 15 is a plan view showing a first modified example of the removal aid of this embodiment. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the section A2-A2 shown in Figure 15. Note that in Figure 15, container 3 has been omitted for the sake of clarity.
[0070] The removal aid 8A in this specific example is attached to the outlet 31 of the container 3, similar to the removal aid 8 described above with respect to Figure 12. The removal aid 8A in this specific example has a base portion 81, a lid portion 82A, and a connecting portion 83. The base portion 81 and the connecting portion 83 are as described above with respect to Figures 13 and 14. The lid portion 82A is formed of, for example, silicone rubber.
[0071] The lid portion 82A has a projection 821. When the lid portion 82A closes the opening 811 of the base portion 81, the projection 821 protrudes from the surface 822 facing the base portion 81 toward the opening 811 of the base portion 81 and fits into the opening 811 of the base portion 81. As a result, the lid portion 82A can close the opening 811 of the base portion 81 with the projection 821.
[0072] The lid portion 82A closes the opening 811 of the base portion 81 by its own weight, and the projection portion 821 provides resistance to the sanitary sheet when the sanitary sheet of the sanitary sheet laminate 2 is removed from the opening 811 of the base portion 81. Alternatively, the inner edge of the opening 811 of the base portion 81 provides resistance to the sanitary sheet when the sanitary sheet of the sanitary sheet laminate 2 is removed from the opening 811 of the base portion 81. At least one of the lid portion 82A (specifically the projection portion 821) and the base portion 81 is an example of the "resistance-providing portion" of the present invention.
[0073] With the modified extraction aid 8A, the same effects as those of the extraction aid 8 described above can be obtained with respect to Figures 12 to 14.
[0074] Figure 17 is a plan view showing a second modified example of the removal aid of this embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the section A3-A3 shown in Figure 17. Note that in Figure 17, container 3 is omitted for the sake of explanation.
[0075] The removal aid 8B in this specific example is attached to the outlet 31 of the container 3, similar to the removal aid 8 described above with respect to Figure 12. The removal aid 8B in this specific example has a base 84. The base 84 is made of, for example, silicone rubber and has an integrally formed lid 841. As shown in Figure 17, the lid 841 is connected to the base 84 by a connecting portion 842 and is separated from the base 84 at a cutting portion 843. The thickness (i.e., wall thickness) of the connecting portion 842 is, for example, about 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less. The cutting portion 843 is formed, for example, by cutting the thin-walled portion through post-processing. The lid 841 can rotate approximately around the connecting portion 842 as its center and close the outlet 31 of the container 3. At this time, the lid 841 does not necessarily have to seal the container 3.
[0076] The lid portion 841 closes the outlet 31 of the container 3 by its own weight, providing resistance to the sanitary sheets of the sanitary sheet laminate 2 when they are removed from the outlet 31 of the container 3. Alternatively, the inner edge of the cut portion 843 of the base portion 84 provides resistance to the sanitary sheets of the sanitary sheet laminate 2 when they are removed from the outlet 31 of the container 3. At least one of the lid portion 841 and the inner edge of the cut portion 843 is an example of the "resistance-providing portion" of the present invention.
[0077] According to the retrieval aid 8B of this specific example, with a simpler structure than the retrieval aids 8 and 8A described above (as shown in Figures 12 to 16), the same effect as the retrieval aid 8 described above (as shown in Figures 12 to 14) can be obtained.
[0078] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The configurations of the above embodiments can be partially omitted or combined in any way different from those described above. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0079] 2: Laminated sanitary sheet, 3: Container, 4: First sanitary sheet, 5: Second sanitary sheet, 6: Third sanitary sheet, 8: Removal aid, 8A: Removal aid, 8B: Removal aid, 31: Outlet, 32: Central part, 35: First void, 36: Second void, 37: Third void, 38: Fourth void, 41: First region, 42: Second region, 43: Third region, 44: Fourth region, 45: First folded part, 46: Second folded part, 47: Third folded part, 51: First region, 52: Second region, 53: Third region, 54: Fourth region, 55: First folded part, 56: Second folded part, 57: Third folded part, 61: First region, 62: Second region, 63: Third region, 64: Fourth region, 65: First bend, 66: Second bend, 67: Third bend, 81: Base, 82: Cover, 82A: Cover, 83: Connection, 84: Base, 441: End, 511: Non-contact part, 512: End, 541: End, 612: End, 641: End, 811: Opening, 821: Protrusion, 822: Surface, 841: Cover, 842: Connection, 843: Cutting part
Claims
1. A stack of sanitary sheets, in which multiple sanitary sheets are folded and stored inside a container having an outlet, The aforementioned sanitary sheet can be sequentially removed from the aforementioned outlet, and has a structure in which the first region, second region, third region, and fourth region are arranged in this order. The first region is located on the upper side of the housing where the outlet is formed. The second region is positioned below the first region when the sanitary sheet is folded. The third region is positioned below the second region when the sanitary sheet is folded. The fourth region is positioned below the third region when the sanitary sheet is folded. The folded portion between the second and third regions of the first sanitary sheet is opposite the folded portion between the second and third regions of the second sanitary sheet, which is to be removed from the outlet next to the first sanitary sheet, via the central portion in the width direction of the container. The folded portion between the second and third regions of the second sanitary sheet is opposite, via the central portion, the folded portion between the second and third regions of the third sanitary sheet which is to be removed from the outlet next to the second sanitary sheet. The folded portion between the second and third regions of the third sanitary sheet is opposite, via the central portion, the folded portion between the second and third regions of the fourth sanitary sheet, which is to be removed from the outlet next to the third sanitary sheet. At least a portion of the first area of the second sanitary sheet is sandwiched between the first area of the first sanitary sheet and the second area of the first sanitary sheet. At least a portion of the first area of the third sanitary sheet is sandwiched between the first area of the second sanitary sheet and the second area of the second sanitary sheet. At least a portion of the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet is sandwiched between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the second region of the third sanitary sheet. A sanitary sheet laminate characterized in that the first region of the third sanitary sheet has a non-contact portion that is separated from the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet.
2. The sanitary sheet laminate according to claim 1, characterized in that the area of the first region of the second sanitary sheet sandwiched between the first region of the first sanitary sheet and the second region of the first sanitary sheet is smaller than the area of the first region of the first sanitary sheet and the second region of the first sanitary sheet overlapping each other.
3. The sanitary sheet laminate according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the area of the first region of the third sanitary sheet sandwiched between the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the second region of the second sanitary sheet is smaller than the area of the first region of the second sanitary sheet and the second region of the second sanitary sheet overlapping each other.
4. The sanitary sheet laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the area of the first region of the fourth sanitary sheet sandwiched between the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the second region of the third sanitary sheet is smaller than the area of the first region of the third sanitary sheet and the second region of the third sanitary sheet overlapping each other.
5. The sanitary sheet laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the area of the fourth region of each of the first sanitary sheet, the second sanitary sheet, the third sanitary sheet, and the fourth sanitary sheet is smaller than the area of the third region of each of the first sanitary sheet, the second sanitary sheet, the third sanitary sheet, and the fourth sanitary sheet.
6. The sanitary sheet laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a removal assisting device attached to the outlet and having a resistance-applying portion that provides resistance to the sanitary sheet when the sanitary sheet is removed from the outlet.