Sheet container

Abstract

The present invention provides a sheet container configured to allow a layered product to be put in and out thereof from both the upper side and the lower side of a container body. The sheet container (1) is capable of storing a layered product (100) formed by layering a plurality of wet sheets (101). The sheet container has: a height direction (Z) that extends in a thickness direction of wet sheets; a vertical direction (X) and a lateral direction (Y) that extend in a plane direction of the wet sheets and are orthogonal to each other; a container body (30) that surrounds a storage space (S) capable of storing the layered product; and a first lid body (10) and a second lid body (20) that are arranged so as to sandwich the container body therebetween in the height direction. The first lid body is provided with a body opening (13) allowing the wet sheets to be taken out. The sheet container (1) has the second lid body arranged as the bottom surface and is configured to allow the wet sheets to be taken out through the body opening. The first lid body and the second lid body are removably attached to the container body. The layered product can be taken in and out of the container body through a first opening (31) formed in the container body with the first lid body removed. The layered product can be taken in and out of the container body through a second opening (32) formed in the container body with the second lid body removed.

Description

Seat storage unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet container capable of accommodating a stack of multiple wet wipes that are folded in the thickness direction and stacked together.

[0002] The sheet container of Patent Document 1 has a container body that encloses a storage space capable of storing a stack. The container body is divided into two parts, upper and lower, above the center in the vertical direction, and is formed by an upper container body portion that constitutes the upper part of the container body and a lower container body portion that constitutes the lower part of the container body. The upper container body has a body opening through which wet wipes can be dispensed. The upper container body opens and closes relative to the lower container body, and the stack can be inserted and removed from the upper side of the container body.

[0003] The sheet container of Patent Document 2 has a container body that encloses a storage space capable of storing a stack, and a bottom lid that covers an opening formed in the lower part of the container body. A main body opening through which wet wipes can be dispensed is provided in the upper part of the container body. The bottom lid is detachable from the container body, and the stack can be inserted and removed from the underside of the container body.

[0004] JP 2023-018288 A JP 2022-183546 A

[0005] When the number of remaining sheets in the stack becomes low, the height dimension of the stack becomes shorter, and the distance between the main body opening and the stack becomes longer, making it difficult to remove the wet wipes. In such a case, a new stack can be placed below the stack currently in use to shorten the distance between the main body opening and the stack. In a configuration in which the stack is inserted and removed from the top of the container body as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to first remove the stack currently in use, then place a new stack, and then place the stack currently in use on top of it.

[0006] Furthermore, a new laminate is placed under the currently used laminate and continues to be used, and when the currently used laminate runs out, a new laminate is used. Generally, laminates are packaged in a bag such as a film to prevent evaporation of the liquid impregnated in the wet wipes. Even when the wet wipes of the initially used laminate run out, the bag of the used laminate remains between the opening of the container body and the new laminate. Therefore, when using a new laminate, it is necessary to remove the bag of the used laminate. In this case, in a configuration in which the laminate is inserted and removed from the bottom of the container body as in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to first remove the new laminate, then remove the bag of the used laminate, and then place the new laminate again.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a sheet container in which the stack can be inserted and removed from either the top or bottom of the container body.

[0008] A sheet container according to one aspect is capable of storing a stack of multiple wet wipes. The sheet container has a height direction extending in the thickness direction of the wet wipes, and vertical and horizontal directions extending in the planar direction of the wet wipes and perpendicular to each other. The sheet container includes a container body enclosing a storage space capable of storing the stack, and a first lid and a second lid arranged on either side of the container body in the height direction. The first lid is provided with a body opening for removing the wet wipes. The second lid is arranged as a bottom surface, allowing the wet wipes to be removed through the body opening. The first lid and the second lid are detachably attached to the container body. With the first lid removed, the stack can be inserted into or removed from the container body through a first opening formed in the container body. With the second lid removed, the stack can be inserted into or removed from the container body through a second opening formed in the container body.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet container according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a sheet container according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view of a sheet container according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a sheet container according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a sheet container according to a modified example.

[0010] (1) Overview of the Embodiments At least the following points become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to Aspect 1 is a sheet container capable of containing a stack of multiple wet wipes. The sheet container has a height direction extending in the thickness direction of the wet wipes, and vertical and horizontal directions extending in the planar direction of the wet wipes and perpendicular to each other, and includes a container body surrounding a storage space capable of containing the stack, and a first lid and a second lid arranged on either side of the container body in the height direction. The first lid is provided with a body opening through which wet wipes can be removed. The second lid is arranged as a bottom surface, and is configured so that the wet wipes can be removed through the body opening. The first lid and the second lid are detachably attached to the container body. With the first lid removed, the stack can be inserted into or removed from the container body through a first opening formed in the container body. With the second lid removed, the stack can be inserted into or removed from the container body through a second opening formed in the container body. According to this aspect, the container has a first lid and a second lid that can be detachably attached to the container body, and the stack can be inserted and removed through the first opening and the second opening of the container body that are formed when the first lid and the second lid are removed. Therefore, the user can separate the first lid and the second lid from the container body, and can insert and remove the stack by selecting the appropriate first opening or second opening depending on the usage mode. Therefore, the stack can be inserted and removed from either the top or bottom of the container body.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following feature in the invention according to Aspect 1: the material of the container body is different from the material of the first lid and different from the material of the second lid. According to this aspect, the difference in material allows the user to easily distinguish between the lid and the container body visually and tactilely, thereby further improving the operability of attaching and detaching the container body and each lid.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2. The bending rigidity of the container body is higher than that of the first lid and higher than that of the second lid. According to this aspect, the bending rigidity of the container body is relatively high, which suppresses deformation of the container body and makes it easier to maintain the storage space. Furthermore, the bending rigidity of the first lid and the second lid is relatively low, which makes it easier for the lids to deform, further improving the operability of attaching and detaching the container body and each lid.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. The first lid body and the second lid body each have an extension portion that extends outward beyond the container body in a plan view of the sheet container. According to this aspect, the lid bodies can be attached and detached by hooking a finger or the like onto the extension portion, making it easier to remove each lid body from the container body and further improving the operability of the attachment and detachment operation. In addition, the presence of the extension portion makes it easier for a user to distinguish between the separable components, further improving the operability of the attachment and detachment operation of each lid body from the container body.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4. The lateral side surfaces of the first lid and the second lid are provided with lateral bases that come into contact with an installation surface when the sheet container is placed with the lateral side surfaces as the bottom surface. The lateral bases are positioned laterally outward of the container body or on the same plane as the container body in the lateral direction. The second lid can be placed as the bottom surface, and the lateral base can also be placed as the bottom surface. According to this aspect, the sheet container can be placed with different surfaces of the sheet container as the bottom surface. Therefore, a user can place and use the sheet container in an appropriate orientation depending on how the sheet container is used.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. The vertical side surfaces of the first lid and the second lid are provided with vertical bases that come into contact with an installation surface when the sheet container is placed with the vertical side surfaces as a bottom surface. The vertical bases are arranged further outward in the vertical direction than the container body or on the same plane as the container body in the vertical direction. The second lid can be placed as a bottom surface, and the vertical base can also be placed as a bottom surface. According to this aspect, the sheet container can be placed with different surfaces of the sheet container as the bottom surface. Therefore, a user can place and use the sheet container in an appropriate orientation depending on how the sheet container is used.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 7 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, and have the following features: The stack has a bag that encases an assembly of the wet wipes stacked in the thickness direction. The bag is provided with a packaging opening for removing the wet wipes. The packaging opening is positioned so as to overlap the main body opening when the stack is contained in the sheet container. According to this aspect, the wet wipes can be kept hygienic and evaporation of liquid from the wet wipes can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which only the wet wipes are inserted and removed from the sheet container.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 8 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, and may have the following features. The lateral side of the container body is provided with a lateral body base that contacts the installation surface when the sheet container is placed with the lateral side of the container body as the bottom. The lateral body base is located laterally outboard of the first and second lids or on the same plane as the first and second lids in the lateral direction. The second lid can be placed as the bottom, and the lateral body base can also be placed as the bottom. According to this aspect, the sheet container can be placed with a different side of the sheet container as the bottom. Therefore, a user can place and use the sheet container in an appropriate orientation depending on how the sheet container is used.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, and may have the following features. The vertical side surface of the container body is provided with a vertical body base that contacts an installation surface when the vertical side surface of the sheet container is placed as a bottom surface. The vertical body base is placed outside the first and second lids in the vertical direction, or on the same plane as the first and second lids in the vertical direction. The second lid can be placed as a bottom surface, and the vertical body base can also be placed as a bottom surface. According to this aspect, the sheet container can be placed with a different side of the sheet container as a bottom surface. Therefore, a user can place and use the sheet container in an appropriate orientation depending on how the sheet container is used.

[0019] (2) Sheet Container According to the Embodiment Hereinafter, a sheet container 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual parts. Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sheet container 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view seen from the front and from above. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sheet container 1, showing the first lid 10, the second lid 20, and the container body 30 separated in the height direction Z. FIG. 3 is a front view of the sheet container 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the sheet container 1.

[0021] The sheet container 1 is a structure capable of accommodating a stack 100 in which a plurality of wet wipes (wet tissues) 101 are stacked in the thickness direction. The stack 100 includes a plurality of wet wipes 101. The wet wipes 101 are moistened sheets impregnated with a liquid (medicine, etc.) containing alcohol. The stack 100 may be, for example, a collection of 100 parts by mass of sheets (in a dry state) impregnated with 150 to 300 parts by mass of liquid.

[0022] The stack 100 is formed by folding a plurality of separate wet wipes 101 and stacking the wet wipes 101 in the thickness direction. The wet wipes 101 may be folded around creases along the horizontal direction Y. In the folded state, adjacent wet wipes 101 in the thickness direction may be arranged alternately. The assembly may be folded along creases other than the crease, either before or after the crease. That is, the wet wipes 101 may be folded around creases along the horizontal direction Y as a base point, and then folded around creases along the vertical direction X as a base point. The thickness direction of the wet wipes 101 is along the height direction Z of the sheet container 1.

[0023] The laminate 100 may be composed of only an assembly of wet wipes 101, or as shown in FIG. 4 , the assembly of wet wipes 101 may be packaged in a bag 110. The bag 110 may be a flexible packaging bag having lower rigidity than the sheet container 1, and may be made of, for example, a plastic film. The bag 110 may have a bag opening 113 that overlaps with the main body opening 13, which will be described later. By including the bag 110 in the laminate 100, the wet wipes 101 can be kept hygienic and evaporation of the liquid in the wet wipes 101 can be suppressed, compared to a configuration in which only the wet wipes 101 are inserted into and removed from the sheet container 1. Note that while the laminate 100 of this embodiment includes the bag 110, in modified examples it may not include the bag 110.

[0024] The sheet container 1 has a height direction Z extending in the thickness direction of the wet wipes 101, and a longitudinal direction X and a lateral direction Y extending in the planar direction of the wet wipes 101 and perpendicular to each other. The height direction Z is the direction extending vertically when the sheet container 1 is placed with the main body opening 13 through which the wet wipes 101 are dispensed facing upward. The longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y are directions perpendicular to the height direction Z and extend horizontally when the main body opening 13 is placed with the main body opening 13 facing upward.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5 , the sheet container 1 of this embodiment may be configured to be usable not only with the main body opening 13 facing upward, but also with the main body opening 13 facing horizontally. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the state in which the main body opening 13 faces upward will be referred to as the first arrangement mode. The arrangement mode of the sheet container 1 will be described in detail later. In the first arrangement mode, the sheet container 1 has a top surface 7 facing upward, a bottom surface 2 opposite the top surface 7, a front surface 3, a back surface 4 opposite the front surface 3, a left side surface 5, and a right side surface 6 opposite the left side surface 5. In the first arrangement mode, the main body opening 13 is located on the top surface 7. The front surface 3 and the back surface 4 are side surfaces of the sheet container 1 in the vertical direction X (side surfaces located on the outer sides in the vertical direction) and are spaced apart in the vertical direction X. The left side surface 5 and the right side surface 6 are side surfaces of the sheet container 1 in the horizontal direction Y (side surfaces located on the outer sides in the horizontal direction) and are spaced apart in the horizontal direction Y.

[0026] The sheet container 1 has a container body 30, and a first lid body 10 and a second lid body 20 arranged on either side of the container body 30 in the height direction Z. The first lid body 10 is arranged on the upper side of the container body 30, and the second lid body 20 is arranged on the lower side of the container body 30. The container body 30 surrounds a storage space S capable of storing a stack 100. The container body 30 has a rectangular shape that covers the left, right, front, and back sides of the stack 100. The container body 30 has a space formed therethrough in the height direction Z, and is provided with a first opening 31 that opens upward and a second opening 32 that opens downward.

[0027] In the first arrangement mode, the first lid body 10 is disposed on the upper surface 7, and the second lid body 20 is disposed on the lower surface 2. The first lid body 10 is provided with a main body opening 13 through which the wet wipes 101 are dispensed. In the first arrangement mode, the sheet container 1 is configured such that the second lid body 20 is disposed as the bottom surface, and the wet wipes 101 can be dispensed upward through the main body opening 13. The main body opening 13 is covered by the lid body 14 when opened and closed. When the wet wipes 101 are to be dispensed, the user opens the lid body 14, exposing the main body opening 13. When the wet wipes 101 are not to be dispensed, the lid body 14 can be kept closed to prevent the main body opening 13 from being exposed, preventing the liquid in the wet wipes 101 from drying out and allowing the wet wipes 101 to be stored hygienically.

[0028] The first lid 10 is configured to be detachable from the container body 30. The first lid 10 is attached to the container body 30 and covers the first opening 31, and is detached from the container body 30 and blocks the first opening 31. With the first lid 10 detached, the stack 100 can be inserted into or removed from the container body 30 through the first opening 31 formed in the container body 30.

[0029] The second lid 20 is configured to be detachable from the container body 30. The second lid 20 is attached to the container body 30 and covers the second opening 32, and is detached from the container body 30 and blocks the second opening 32. With the second lid 20 detached, the stack 100 can be inserted into or removed from the container body 30 through the second opening 32 formed in the container body 30.

[0030] Here, the configuration that allows the stack 100 to be taken in and out through the first opening 31 (or the second opening 32) may be not only a configuration in which the area of ​​the plane (the surface extending in the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y) of the first opening 31 (or the second opening 32) is larger than the area of ​​the plane of the stack 100, but may also be a configuration in which the area of ​​the plane of the first opening 31 (or the second opening 32) is smaller than the area of ​​the plane of the stack 100, but in which the stack 100 can be taken in and out through the first opening 31 (or the second opening 32) by tilting or pressing the stack 100.

[0031] The first opening 31 and the second opening 32 are spaced apart in the height direction Z and arranged opposite each other. In this embodiment, the shape of the first opening 31 and the shape of the second opening 32 are the same, and the area of ​​the storage space S in the planar direction is constant at any position in the height direction Z. However, in a modified example, the shape of the first opening 31 and the shape of the second opening 32 may be different, and the area of ​​the storage space S in the planar direction may change in the height direction Z.

[0032] The sheet container 1 of this embodiment has a first lid 10 and a second lid 20 that can be detachably attached to the container body 30, and the stack 100 can be inserted and removed through a first opening 31 and a second opening 32 of the container body 30 that are formed when the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 are removed. Therefore, the user can separate the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 from the container body 30, and can insert and remove the stack 100 by selecting the appropriate one of the first opening 31 and the second opening 32 depending on the mode of use.

[0033] Specifically, when the number of remaining sheets of the stack 100 becomes low, the dimension of the stack 100 in the height direction Z becomes shorter, increasing the distance between the stack 100 and the main body opening 13 of the first lid 10, making it difficult to remove the wet wipes 101. In such a case, a new stack 100 can be placed below the stack 100 in use to shorten the distance between the main body opening 13 and the stack 100. For example, in a configuration in which the opening for inserting and removing the stack 100 is provided only on the first lid 10 side, it is necessary to first remove the stack in use, then place a new stack, and then place the stack in use on top of it. However, with the sheet container 1 of this embodiment, the second lid 20 can be removed from the container body 30, the second opening 32 can be opened, and the new stack can be placed on top of the stack in use through the second opening 32. In this case, there is no need to remove the first lid 10; only the second lid 20 can be removed to perform the stacking operation. By eliminating the need to remove the laminate in use, the work can be performed more easily, and by performing the work without removing the laminate in use, the laminate in use can be kept hygienic.

[0034] Furthermore, a new stack is placed underneath the stack currently in use, and a new stack is used when the current stack runs out. Generally, stacks are packaged in a bag 110 made of a film or other material to prevent evaporation of the liquid impregnated in the wet wipes. Even when the wet wipes from the first stack run out, the bag containing the used stack remains between the main body opening and the new stack. Therefore, when using a new stack, it is necessary to remove the bag containing the used stack. For example, in a configuration in which the opening for inserting and removing the stack is provided only on the second lid, it is necessary to first remove the new stack, then remove the bag containing the used stack, and then place the new stack again. However, with the sheet container 1 of this embodiment, the first lid 10 can be removed from the container body 30, the first opening 31 can be opened, and the used bag 110 can be removed through the first opening 31. In this case, there is no need to remove the second lid 20; only the first lid 10 can be removed to stack the stacks. By eliminating the need to take out a new laminate, the work can be carried out more easily, and by carrying out the work without taking out a new laminate, the new laminate can be kept hygienic.

[0035] The material of the container body 30 may be different from the material of the first lid 10 and may also be different from the material of the second lid 20. According to this embodiment, the difference in material allows the user to easily distinguish between the lids and the container body 30 visually or tactilely. This allows for easy attachment and detachment of the lids from the container body 30. Examples of materials for the container body 30, the first lid 10, and the second lid 20 include polypropylene, polyethylene, wood (such as cedar, cypress, and cherry), silicone, polyoxymethylene (homopolymer), polyoxymethylene (copolymer), polyester, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, pottery, glass, stainless steel, alumina, ceramics, zirconia, steatite, enamel, polyvinyl chloride, paper (pulp), and polylactic acid. The materials for the container body 30, the first lid 10, and the second lid 20 may also be environmentally friendly composite materials. Examples of environmentally friendly composite materials include a material made by combining polypropylene with food residue (rice, beans, tea, coffee, etc.), a material made by combining polypropylene with recycled materials (tires, bumpers, etc.), a material made by combining polypropylene with pulp materials (wood chips, paper dust, etc.), and a material made by combining polypropylene with fragrance residues (flowers, leaves, fruits, etc.). In embodiments where the materials are different, it is sufficient that the main material (the material with the highest weight ratio) is different, and the non-main materials may be the same.

[0036] The first lid 10 and the second lid 20 may be made of the same material. Using the same material for the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 allows the sheet container 1 to have a unified design. Furthermore, the user can intuitively recognize that the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 share a common function (i.e., are separable from the container body 30). Alternatively, the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 may be made of different materials. Using different materials for the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 allows suitable materials to be selected for each. Specifically, the first lid 10 may be made of a material suitable for processing the main body opening 13 or for easily separating the wet wipes 101. Since the second lid 20 is disposed as the bottom surface, a material that is unlikely to slip off the surface on which it is placed (a material with a high coefficient of friction) may be selected.

[0037] The flexural rigidity of the container body 30 may be higher than that of the first lid 10 and higher than that of the second lid 20. According to this aspect, the flexural rigidity of the container body 30 is relatively high, which suppresses deformation of the container body 30 and makes it easier to maintain the storage space S. Furthermore, the flexural rigidity of the first lid 10 and the flexural rigidity of the second lid 20 are relatively low, which makes it easier for the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 to deform, improving the operability of attaching and detaching each lid. The rigidity can be measured, for example, based on the method specified in JIS K7171.

[0038] The appearance of the container body 30 may be different from that of the first lid 10 and may be different from that of the second lid 20. Examples of different appearances include different colors and different patterns. According to this embodiment, the difference in appearance makes it easier for users to visually distinguish between the lids and the container body 30. More specifically, the color difference ΔE between the container body 30 and the first lid 10 may be 3.0 or more, and the color difference ΔE between the container body 30 and the second lid 20 may be 3.0 or more. A color difference ΔE of 3.0 or more makes it easier for users to distinguish and recognize the two in normal use. The color difference ΔE is the color difference in the Lab color space. The Lab value is the L value (L* value) for lightness and the a value and b value (a* value, b* value) for saturation based on the Lab color space (L*a*b* color space) of the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE). The colorimeter used is a Konica Minolta color difference meter CR-5 (measuring diameter mm), and measurements can be made under general indoor lighting (here, fluorescent lamp: diameter 11 mm). When measuring color difference, measurements are made on the outer surface of each component. Then, the color difference ΔE is obtained based on the difference in the measurement results at two locations (difference in L value ΔL, difference in a value Δa, difference in b value Δb), and the color difference ΔE is calculated using the following formula. Note that the color difference ΔE is obtained three times for each measurement location, and the average value is used. ΔE = [(ΔL) ２ + (Δa) ２ +(Δb) ２ ] １／２

[0039] The first lid body 10 and the second lid body 20 may each have an extension portion that extends outward beyond the container body 30 in a plan view of the sheet container 1. The extension portion may include a first extension portion 15 that extends outward beyond the container body 30 in the first lid body 10, and a second extension portion 25 that extends outward beyond the container body 30 in the second lid body 20. According to this aspect, the lids can be attached and detached by hooking a finger or the like onto the extension portion, making it easier to remove the lids from the container body 30 and improving the operability of the attachment and detachment operation. Furthermore, the presence of the extension portion makes it easier for the user to distinguish between separable components, making it easier to remove each lid body from the container body 30.

[0040] The first extending portion 15 and the second extending portion 25 may be portions extending outward in the vertical direction X, or portions extending outward in the horizontal direction Y. In the present embodiment, the first extending portion 15 and the second extending portion 25 have a ring shape in a plan view, with the portion extending outward in the vertical direction X and the portion extending outward in the horizontal direction Y being continuous with each other.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 5 , the sheet container 1 may be configured to be usable not only in a first arrangement in which the main body opening 13 faces upward, but also in second and third arrangements in which the main body opening 13 faces sideways. The first arrangement is an arrangement in which the second lid 20 serves as the bottom, as shown in Fig. 5(A). The second arrangement is an arrangement in which a side surface in the horizontal direction Y of the sheet container 1 (either the left side surface 5 or the right side surface 6) serves as the bottom, as shown in Fig. 5(B). The third arrangement is an arrangement in which a side surface in the vertical direction X of the sheet container 1 (either the front surface 3 or the back surface 4) serves as the bottom, as shown in Fig. 5(C). By being able to position the sheet container 1 with different sides of the sheet container 1 as the bottom, the user can position and use the sheet container 1 in an appropriate orientation depending on the way the sheet container 1 is used.

[0042] In a second arrangement shown in FIG. 5B , the side surfaces of the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 in the horizontal direction Y may be provided with horizontal bases that contact the installation surface when the sheet container 1 is placed with its side surface in the horizontal direction Y as the bottom surface. The horizontal bases are arranged further outward in the horizontal direction Y than the container body 30 or on the same plane as the container body in the horizontal direction Y. Any horizontal base may be configured to stably place the sheet container 1 when its side surface in the horizontal direction Y is placed as the bottom surface. The horizontal bases in this embodiment are composed of a first horizontal linear portion 17 that extends linearly along the vertical direction X at the outer edge of the first extension portion 15 of the first lid 10, and a second horizontal linear portion 27 that extends linearly along the vertical direction X at the outer edge of the second extension portion 25 of the second lid 20. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first horizontal linear portion 17 and the second horizontal linear portion 27 are spaced apart in the height direction Z. The first horizontal straight section 17 and the second horizontal straight section 27 are provided on an extension section that extends beyond the container body 30, and the sheet container 1 can be positioned with the side surface of the sheet container 1 in the horizontal direction Y as the bottom surface, using the first horizontal straight section 17 and the second horizontal straight section 27 as fulcrums.

[0043] The first horizontal linear portion 17 and the second horizontal linear portion 27 may extend parallel to each other. The length of the first horizontal linear portion 17 in the vertical direction X and the length of the second horizontal linear portion 27 in the vertical direction X may be 50% or more, preferably 80% or more, of the overall length of the sheet container 1 in the vertical direction X. The horizontal base may also have other configurations, such as a plurality of protrusions protruding outward in the horizontal direction Y from the first lid 10 and a plurality of protrusions protruding outward in the horizontal direction Y from the second lid 20. By providing a plurality of (e.g., two) protrusions on the first lid 10 at intervals in the vertical direction X and a plurality of protrusions on the second lid 20 at intervals in the vertical direction X, the protrusions on the first lid 10 and the protrusions on the second lid 20 are arranged at at least four locations spaced apart in the vertical direction X and the height direction Z. The sheet container 1 can be placed with the four protrusions as fulcrums and the side surfaces in the lateral direction Y of the sheet container 1 as the bottom surfaces.

[0044] In a third arrangement shown in FIG. 5C , the side surfaces of the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 in the vertical direction X may be provided with vertical bases that contact the installation surface when the sheet container 1 is placed with its side surface in the vertical direction X as the bottom surface. The vertical bases are arranged further outward in the vertical direction X than the container body 30 or on the same plane as the container body 30 in the vertical direction X. Any vertical base may be configured to stably place the sheet container 1 when its side surface in the vertical direction X is placed as the bottom surface. The vertical bases in this embodiment are composed of a first vertical linear portion 16 that extends linearly along the horizontal direction Y at the outer edge of the first extension portion 15 of the first lid 10, and a second vertical linear portion 26 that extends linearly along the horizontal direction Y at the outer edge of the second extension portion 25 of the second lid 20. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first vertical linear portion 16 and the second vertical linear portion 26 are spaced apart in the height direction Z. The first vertical straight section 16 and the second vertical straight section 26 are provided on an extension section that extends beyond the container body 30, and the sheet container 1 can be positioned with the side surface of the sheet container 1 in the vertical direction X as the bottom surface, using the first vertical straight section 16 and the second vertical straight section 26 as fulcrums.

[0045] The first vertical linear portion 16 and the second vertical linear portion 26 may extend parallel to each other. The length of the first vertical linear portion 16 in the horizontal direction Y and the length of the second vertical linear portion 26 in the horizontal direction Y may be 50% or more, preferably 80% or more, of the overall length of the sheet container 1 in the horizontal direction Y. The vertical base may also have other configurations, such as a plurality of protrusions protruding outward in the vertical direction X from the first cover 10 and a plurality of protrusions protruding outward in the vertical direction X from the second cover 20. By providing a plurality of (e.g., two) protrusions on the first cover 10 at intervals in the horizontal direction Y and a plurality of protrusions on the second cover 20 at intervals in the horizontal direction Y, the protrusions on the first cover 10 and the protrusions on the second cover 20 are arranged at at least four locations spaced apart in the horizontal direction Y and the height direction Z. The sheet container 1 can be placed with the four protrusions as fulcrums and the side surfaces of the sheet container 1 in the vertical direction X as the bottom surfaces.

[0046] The vertical base in this embodiment is arranged further outward in the vertical direction X than the container body 30. However, the vertical base may be arranged on the same plane as the container body 30 in the vertical direction X. Even in a configuration in which the vertical base and the container body 30 are arranged on the same plane, the sheet container 1 can be arranged with the vertical base as a fulcrum and the side surface of the sheet container 1 in the vertical direction X as the bottom surface. The horizontal base in this embodiment is arranged further outward in the horizontal direction Y than the container body 30. However, the horizontal base may be arranged on the same plane as the container body 30 in the horizontal direction Y. Even in a configuration in which the horizontal base and the container body 30 are arranged on the same plane, the sheet container 1 can be arranged with the horizontal base as a fulcrum and the side surface of the sheet container 1 in the horizontal direction Y as the bottom surface.

[0047] The sheet container 1 of the embodiment is configured to be able to realize the first arrangement mode, the second arrangement mode, and the third arrangement mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the sheet container may be configured to be able to realize the first arrangement mode and the second arrangement mode but not the third arrangement mode. That is, the sheet container 1 may have only the horizontal base of the horizontal base and the vertical base. Also, the sheet container 1 may be configured to be able to realize the first arrangement mode and the third arrangement mode but not the second arrangement mode. That is, the sheet container 1 may have only the vertical base of the horizontal base and the vertical base.

[0048] In the second arrangement, it is sufficient that the sheet container 1 can be arranged with at least one of the left side surface 5 and the right side surface 6 as the bottom surface, and preferably, the sheet container 1 can be arranged with both the left side surface 5 and the right side surface 6 as the bottom surface. That is, the horizontal base can be provided on at least one of the left side surface 5 and the right side surface 6. In the third arrangement, it is sufficient that the sheet container 1 can be arranged with at least one of the front surface 3 and the back surface 4 as the bottom surface, and preferably, the sheet container 1 can be arranged with both the front surface 3 and the back surface 4 as the bottom surface. That is, the vertical base can be provided on at least one of the front surface 3 and the back surface 4.

[0049] (3) Sheet Container According to a Modification Next, a sheet container 1X according to a modification will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the sheet container 1 of the above-described embodiment, the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 extend outward beyond the container body 30 in a plan view. That is, the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 have extending portions. In contrast, in the sheet container 1X according to the modification, the container body 30 is disposed outward beyond the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 in a plan view. That is, the first lid 10 and the second lid 20 do not have extending portions. More specifically, the outer surface of the first lid 10 and the outer surface of the second lid 20 abut against the inner surface surrounding the storage space S of the container body 30.

[0050] In a configuration in which the first lid body 10 and the second lid body 20 are disposed inside the container body 30, an engagement portion may be provided for gripping the lid body when attaching or detaching the lid body. In the engagement portion of the sheet container 1X according to the modified example, a hole 18 for hooking a finger is formed in each of the first lid body 10 and the second lid body 20. A user can attach or detach the lid body by hooking a finger or the like into the hole 18 of the lid body. As an alternative configuration, instead of the engagement portion, the first lid body 10 and the second lid body may extend outward in the height direction Z beyond the container body 30. A user can attach or detach the lid body by hooking a finger or the like into the lid body extending in the height direction Z.

[0051] A horizontal body base may be provided on the side surface of the container body 30 in the horizontal direction Y, which contacts the installation surface when the sheet container 1 is placed with the side surface in the horizontal direction Y as the bottom surface. The horizontal body base may be located outside the first and second lids 10 and 20 in the horizontal direction Y, or may be located on the same plane as the first and second lids 10 and 20 in the horizontal direction Y. The sheet container 1X can be placed with the second lid 20 as its bottom surface, and the horizontal body base can also be located as its bottom surface. The horizontal body base may have any structure that allows the sheet container 1 to be stably placed when the side surface in the horizontal direction Y of the sheet container 1 is placed as its bottom surface. In this embodiment, the horizontal body base is formed by a smooth region R37 that extends flat on the side surface of the container body 30 in the horizontal direction Y. The smooth region R37 is a flat region in a plane extending in the height direction Z and the vertical direction X. The smooth region R37 is positioned laterally outboard of the first lid body 10 and the second lid body 20, and the sheet container 1 can be positioned with the smooth region R37 as a fulcrum and the side surface of the sheet container 1 in the lateral direction Y as the bottom surface.

[0052] A vertical body base may be provided on the side surface of the container body 30 in the vertical direction X, which contacts the installation surface when the sheet container 1 is placed with the side surface in the vertical direction X as the bottom surface. The vertical body base may be located further outward in the vertical direction X than the first and second lids 10 and 20, or on the same plane as the first and second lids 10 and 20 in the vertical direction X. The sheet container 1X can be placed with the second lid 20 as its bottom surface, and the vertical body base can also be located as its bottom surface. The vertical body base may have any structure as long as it can stably place the sheet container 1 when the side surface in the vertical direction X of the sheet container 1 is placed as its bottom surface. The vertical body base in this embodiment is formed by a smooth region R36 extending flat on the side surface of the container body 30 in the vertical direction X. The smooth region R36 is a flat region in a plane extending in the height direction Z and the horizontal direction Y. The smooth region R36 is positioned further outward in the vertical direction X than the first lid body 10 and the second lid body 20, and the sheet container 1 can be positioned with the smooth region R36 as a fulcrum and the side surface of the sheet container in the vertical direction X as the bottom surface.

[0053] The vertical body base and the horizontal body base may be formed by two straight lines spaced apart on the side of the container body 30 in the vertical direction X, or by four or more protrusions spaced apart from each other.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

[0055] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-037054, filed on March 11, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet container in which the stack can be taken in and out from either the top or bottom of the container body.

[0057] 1, 1X: Sheet container 2: Bottom surface 3: Front surface (vertical side surface) 4: Back surface (vertical side surface) 5: Left side surface (horizontal side surface) 6: Right side surface (horizontal side surface) 7: Top surface 10: First cover 13: Main body opening 14: Cover 15: First extension portion (extension portion) 16: First vertical straight portion (vertical base portion) 17: First horizontal straight portion (horizontal base portion) 20: Second cover 25: Second extension portion (extension portion) 26: Second vertical straight portion (vertical base portion) 27: Second horizontal straight portion (horizontal base portion) 30: Container body 31: First opening 32: Second opening 100: Laminated body 101: Wet wipes 110: Bag body R36 : Smooth area (vertical body base) R37: Smooth area (horizontal body base) S: Storage space X: Vertical direction Y: Horizontal direction Z: Height direction

Claims

1. A sheet container capable of containing a stack of multiple wet wipes, the sheet container having a height direction extending in the thickness direction of the wet wipes, vertical and horizontal directions extending in the planar direction of the wet wipes and perpendicular to each other, a container body enclosing a storage space capable of containing the stack, and first and second lids arranged on either side of the container body in the height direction and removably attached to the container body, wherein the first lid is provided with a body opening for removing the wet wipes, the second lid is positioned as the bottom surface and is configured to allow the wet wipes to be removed via the body opening, the stack can be inserted and removed from the container body via the first opening formed in the container body when the first lid is removed, and the stack can be inserted and removed from the container body via the second opening formed in the container body when the second lid is removed.

2. The sheet container according to claim 1, wherein the material of the container body is different from the material of the first lid and different from the material of the second lid.

3. The sheet container according to claim 2, wherein the bending rigidity of the container body is higher than that of the first lid and higher than that of the second lid.

4. A sheet container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first lid body and the second lid body each have an extension portion that extends outward beyond the container body when viewed in a plane of the sheet container.

5. A sheet container as described in claim 4, wherein the lateral side surfaces of the first lid body and the second lid body are provided with lateral bases that come into contact with an installation surface when the lateral side surfaces of the sheet container are placed as the bottom surface, the lateral bases being placed laterally outboard of the container body or on the same plane as the container body in the lateral direction, and the second lid body can be placed as the bottom surface, and the lateral bases can also be placed as the bottom surface.

6. A sheet container as described in claim 4, wherein the vertical side surfaces of the first lid body and the second lid body are provided with vertical bases that come into contact with an installation surface when the vertical side surfaces of the sheet container are placed as a bottom surface, the vertical bases are placed outside the container body in the vertical direction or on the same surface as the container body in the vertical direction, and the second lid body can be placed as a bottom surface and the vertical bases can be placed as a bottom surface.

7. A sheet container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stack has a bag that encases a collection of the wet wipes stacked in the thickness direction, the bag is provided with a packaging opening for removing the wet wipes, and the packaging opening is positioned so as to overlap the main body opening when the stack is contained in the sheet container.

8. A sheet container as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lateral side of the container body is provided with a lateral body base that contacts an installation surface when the lateral side of the sheet container is placed as a bottom surface, the lateral body base is placed laterally outside the first lid body and the second lid body or on the same plane as the first lid body and the second lid body in the lateral direction, and the second lid body can be placed as a bottom surface and the lateral body base can be placed as a bottom surface.

9. A sheet container as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vertical side of the container body is provided with a vertical body base that contacts an installation surface when the vertical side of the sheet container is placed as a bottom surface, the vertical body base is placed outside the first lid body and the second lid body in the vertical direction or on the same plane as the first lid body and the second lid body in the vertical direction, and the second lid body can be placed as a bottom surface and the vertical body base can be placed as a bottom surface.

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