JP7221730B2 - sheet package - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet package.

Sanitary thin paper such as tissue paper, which is housed in a carton (cardboard box), is widely used. However, carton-type sanitary thin paper is bulky when carrying and storing, and from the viewpoint of disposal after use, environmental load, cost, etc., in recent years, sheets such as sanitary thin paper are packed in flexible film packaging bags. There is a growing demand for sheet packaging that has been processed. Some of such sheet packages have slits (perforations, etc.) for taking out sanitary paper from film packaging bags (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2018-177364 A JP 2016-188092 A

However, in a sheet package having an outlet formed by a slit, the outlet is difficult to open and the sheet is difficult to remove from the packaging bag. Moreover, when the sheet is taken out from the packaging bag, the sheet may be clogged at the take-out port or the sheet may be torn. In addition, at the outlet formed by the slit in the film packaging bag, the holding force of the sheet is lowered during use, and the sheet may drop into the packaging bag. Furthermore, since the film packaging bag is lighter than a carton, if the number of remaining sheets decreases during use, the film packaging bag may be lifted up when the sheet is taken out, making it impossible to pull out the sheet. As described above, the conventional sheet packaging body has various problems in sheet take-out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet package from which sheets can be easily taken out.

A first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of laminated sheets, a packaging bag containing the sheets, and an outlet formed on the upper surface of the packaging bag from which the sheets are pulled out, In the sheet packaging body, the outlet is formed of a slit extending in the first direction, and at least a portion of the slit has a wavy line shape.

In this specification, the first direction refers to a direction along a predetermined direction on the upper surface of the packaging bag. Moreover, at least part of the slit indicates all or part of the slit. Furthermore, the wavy line shape indicates a linear shape that undulates in a wavy shape.

In the first aspect, when the slit formed in the upper surface of the packaging bag is opened, a wavy line-shaped outlet corresponding to the slit is formed in the upper surface of the packaging bag in the first direction. With such a configuration, the wavy-line-shaped portion of the outlet is easy to turn over, so that the outlet can be easily opened with a fingertip. Therefore, in the first aspect, it is easy to insert a fingertip into the take-out opening, and even when taking out the first sheet contained in the packaging bag, it is easy to take out the sheet.

Further, in the first aspect, the portion having the wavy line shape of the outlet is easily turned over as described above, so that the outlet is easily opened. Therefore, in the first aspect, when the sheets in the packaging bag are taken out (or pulled out), the sheets are less likely to clog the take-out opening. In addition, since the sheet is less likely to clog the ejection opening, friction between the ejection opening and the sheet is alleviated, so that the sheet is less likely to tear when taken out from the ejection opening.

Further, in the first aspect, the wavy-line-shaped portion of the outlet serves as a cushioning portion, and the outlet can be deformed according to the weight of the sheet held in the outlet during use. As a result, in the first aspect, the holding force of the sheet at the outlet is maintained even during use, and the sheet is prevented from falling into the packaging bag during use (hereinafter sometimes referred to as falling or sheet falling). can be done.

In addition, in the first aspect, as described above, the sheets are less likely to clog the ejection opening (the friction between the ejection opening and the sheet can be reduced), so that the abrasion of the ejection opening during use can be reduced. can. From this point of view as well, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sheet holding force at the outlet and prevent the sheet from falling.

In addition, in the first mode, the frictional force (or resistance force) applied to the take-out port when taking out the sheet can be released (or dispersed) to the wavy line-shaped portion (buffer portion) of the take-out port. As a result, in the first aspect, even if the number of remaining sheets decreases during use (that is, even if the weight of the sheet package becomes light), the packaging bag can be lifted when taking out the sheets (hereinafter referred to as lifting or It is possible to prevent the lifting of the packaging bag).

A second aspect of the present invention is the sheet package, wherein the wavy line shape is a shape in which peaks and valleys are alternately arranged in the first direction. In this specification, the relationship between the ridges and the troughs is defined as, when a ridge that is convex on one side of a wavy line that forms a wavy line shape is a ridge, the other side that is opposite to the one side is convex. shows a relationship in which a convex portion becomes a relatively trough portion. Also, the expression that the peaks and the valleys are alternately arranged means that the plurality of peaks and the plurality of valleys forming the wavy line shape are arranged alternately along the first direction.

In the second aspect, by arranging the wavy line-shaped crests and troughs alternately in the first direction, the stress applied to the outlet and its surroundings is reduced by the wavy-line-shaped portion (buffer section) of the outlet. Can be released (or dispersed) throughout. As a result, in the second aspect, it is possible to prevent the falling of the sheet and the lifting of the packaging bag in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet.

A third aspect of the present invention is a sheet package, wherein the portion having the wavy line shape is the central portion of the outlet. In this specification, the central portion of the extraction port indicates a portion that extends in the first direction at approximately the center of the slit and occupies about one-third of the entire slit. Also, the central portion of the take-out port is a portion where stress is concentrated when the sheet is taken out from the take-out port.

In the third aspect, the central portion of the outlet has a slit wavy line shape, so that a wavy portion (buffer portion) of the outlet can be provided in a portion where stress is concentrated in the outlet. As a result, stress concentrated on a portion of the outlet can be efficiently released (or dispersed) over the entire wavy-line-shaped portion (buffer portion) of the outlet.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a sheet package, wherein the part having the wavy line shape is at least one end of the outlet. In this specification, at least one end of the outlet refers to both ends or either one of the ends of the outlet. Further, both ends of the ejection opening are subject to a large frictional force (or resistance force) when the sheet is ejected from the ejection opening, and are easily broken.

In the fourth aspect, at least one end of the ejection port has a wavy line shape, so that a portion having a wavy line shape (buffer portion) is provided in the portion where the frictional force (or resistance force) due to the sheet in the ejection port is large. be able to. As a result, the frictional force (or resistance force) applied to a part of the outlet can be efficiently released (or dispersed) to the entire wavy portion (buffer portion) of the outlet, so that it can be removed during use. It is possible to suppress the breakage of the end of the outlet.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the sheet package, wherein the wave height of the wavy line is 1 to 20% of the width of the upper surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In this specification, the width of the upper surface in the second direction that intersects with the first direction indicates the width of the upper surface of the packaging bag along the direction that intersects with the direction in which the slit extends.

Further, the wave height of the wavy line indicates the distance between the apex of the wavy line-shaped crest and the top (bottom) of the trough along the direction intersecting the extending direction of the slit. Here, the peak of the peak indicates the peak of the peak and its vicinity, and the peak (bottom) of the valley indicates the peak of the valley (bottom of the valley) and its vicinity.

In the fifth aspect, the wavy line shape of the slit has a wave height in such a range, so that the stress applied to the outlet and its surroundings can be efficiently applied to the entire portion (buffer portion) having the wavy line shape of the outlet. can escape (or disperse) to As a result, in the fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent the falling of the sheet and the lifting of the packaging bag in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the wavy line shape has two or more wave heights, and a portion having the largest wave height among the two or more wave heights is arranged in the central portion of the outlet. It is a sheet packaging body. In this specification, having two or more wave heights means that the wavy lines forming the wavy line shape have at least two types of wave heights.

In the sixth aspect, the central portion of the outlet has a wavy line shape having the highest wave height among two or more wave heights, so that the stress concentrated on a part of the outlet is reduced to the wavy line shape of the outlet. can be released (or dispersed) more efficiently over the entire portion (buffer portion) having As a result, in the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent the falling of the sheet and the lifting of the packaging bag in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the sheet package, wherein the maximum wave height is 20 to 40% of the width of the top surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In the seventh aspect, by setting the largest wave height among the two or more wave heights of the wavy line shape of the slit to such a range, the stress concentrated on a part of the outlet can be reduced to the wavy line shape of the outlet. It can escape (or disperse) more efficiently with respect to the whole (buffer portion). As a result, in the seventh aspect, it is possible to prevent the falling of the sheet and the lifting of the packaging bag in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is the sheet package, wherein the wavelength of the wavy line is 10 to 40% of the length of the outlet in the first direction. In this specification, the length of the outlet along the first direction indicates the length of the outlet along the direction in which the slit extends. Further, the wavelength of the wavy line indicates the distance between the tops of adjacent ridges or the distance between the tops of adjacent troughs of the wavy line along the direction in which the slit extends.

In the eighth aspect, by setting the wavelength of the wavy line shape of the outlet to such a range, the stress concentrated on a part of the outlet is reduced to the entire portion (buffer portion) having the wavy line shape of the outlet. It can escape (or disperse) more efficiently. As a result, in the eighth aspect, it is possible to prevent the sheet from falling and the packaging bag from being lifted in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the sheet package, wherein the wavelength of the wavy line is 5 to 45% of the length of the upper surface in the first direction. In this specification, the length of the upper surface in the first direction indicates the length of the upper surface of the packaging bag along the direction intersecting the packaging bag along the direction in which the slit extends.

In the ninth aspect, by setting the wavelength of the wavy line shape in the outlet to such a range, the stress concentrated on a part of the outlet can be reduced to the entire portion (buffer portion) having the wavy line shape of the outlet. It can escape (or disperse) more efficiently. As a result, in the ninth aspect, it is possible to prevent the falling of the sheet and the lifting of the packaging bag in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet package from which sheets can be easily taken out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the sheet packaging body which concerns on embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the sheet packaging body concerning a 1st embodiment from the upper part of the height direction. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an outlet in the sheet package according to the first embodiment; It is a figure which shows the use condition of the sheet|seat packaging body which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an outlet in a sheet package according to a modified example of the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an outlet in the sheet package according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of an outlet in a sheet package according to a modification of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a conventional sheet package; FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of an outlet in a conventional sheet package;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals may be attached to the common parts in each drawing, and the description thereof may be omitted. In addition, in the description below, the scale of each member in each drawing may differ from the actual scale in order to facilitate understanding.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a sheet package according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view of the sheet packaging body according to the first embodiment viewed from above in the height direction. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an outlet in the sheet package according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state of use of the sheet package according to the first embodiment. In the sheet package 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) is the X direction, the depth direction (front-rear direction) is the Y direction, and the height direction (vertical direction) is the Z direction.

A sheet package 100 according to the first embodiment has a sheet ST, a packaging bag 10, and an outlet 20, as shown in FIG. A sheet package 100 is an example of a sheet package according to the present invention. Also, the sheet ST, the packaging bag 10, and the outlet 20 are examples of the sheet, the packaging bag, and the outlet, which respectively constitute the sheet packaging body according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet ST is accommodated in the packaging bag 10 as a laminate SL in which a plurality of sheets ST are laminated. The stack SL of the sheets ST is accommodated in the packaging bag 10 such that the stacking direction (SD direction) of the sheets ST is aligned with the height direction (Z direction). The sheet stack SL is designed so that the sheets ST can be pulled out one set at a time through an outlet 20 (OP) formed in the packaging bag 10 (see FIG. 4).

From the viewpoint of pulling out the sheets ST one by one, the stacked body SL of the sheets ST is preferably a stack of the sheets ST alternately folded (so-called pop-up sheet stacked body SL). Further, the form of the laminated body SL of the sheets ST is not limited to one that can be pulled out in a pop-up manner, and may be one in which a plurality of sheets ST are simply laminated or one in which each sheet ST is folded and laminated.

In addition, the dimensions of the laminate SL of the sheets ST are about 80 to 250 mm in length in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the sheet package 100, and a depth orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the sheet package 100 in top view. The length in the direction (Y direction) can be about 50 to 130 mm, and the height in the height direction (Z direction) can be about 10 to 90 mm. Such stacks of tissue paper can be produced, for example, by rotary or multi-stand interfolders.

The use of the sheet ST is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be applied to sanitary thin paper such as tissue paper, toilet paper, kitchen paper, and paper towels. These sanitary thin papers also include sanitary thin papers containing moisturizing ingredients (for example, lotion tissues, etc.). In addition, the use of the sanitary thin paper that constitutes the sheet ST is not particularly limited, and can be applied to any of industrial use, household use, and portable use. Among these, the sheet packaging body 100 of the present embodiment is suitably used for household tissue paper.

The number of plies of the sheet ST is not particularly limited, but may be one ply or more, preferably one ply (one ply), more preferably two plies (two plies). Further, the shape of the sheet ST is not particularly limited, but for example, it is preferable that the sheet ST has a rectangular contour shape when the two-ply sheet is folded.

Although the material of the sheet ST is not particularly limited, for example, a sheet such as paper, nonwoven fabric or cloth can be used, preferably a paper sheet. When the sheet ST is a paper sheet, a base paper made mainly of pulp is used. The pulp composition can be a known composition for paper sheets. For example, the pulp content can be 50% by mass or more, preferably 90% by mass or more, and more preferably 100% by mass.

Moreover, the pulp composition in the sheet ST (paper sheet) is not particularly limited. For example, softwood pulp such as NBKP (softwood kraft pulp) and NUKP (softwood unbleached pulp) and hardwood pulp such as LBKP (hardwood kraft pulp) and LUKP (hardwood unbleached pulp) can be used at any ratio. Although possible, it is preferable to have a pulp composition with a higher ratio of softwood pulp to hardwood pulp. The ratio of softwood pulp to hardwood pulp is not limited, but is preferably 10:90 to 80:20. Waste paper pulp may be used as the pulp contained in the pulp composition of the sheet ST (paper sheet).

The basis weight of the sheet ST is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 80 g/m ² for paper and 20 to 100 g/m ² for nonwoven fabric, depending on the number of plies. The basis weight is measured according to JIS P 8124.

Moreover, the thickness of the sheet ST (paper sheet) is not particularly limited, and a paper thickness measured under the environment of JIS P 8111 (1998) can be adopted. For example, the paper thickness of the paper sheets forming the sheet ST is preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less, more preferably 60 μm or more and 330 μm or less per two plies.

In addition, the method of measuring the paper thickness is, after the test piece is sufficiently conditioned under the conditions of JIS P 8111 (1998), under the same conditions, a dial thickness gauge (thickness measuring instrument) "PEACOCK G type" (manufactured by Ozaki Seisakusho) ) to measure in a 2-ply state. Specifically, after confirming that there is no dust or dust between the plunger and the measuring table, the plunger is lowered onto the measuring table, and the memory of the dial thickness gauge is moved to adjust the zero point. The plunger is then raised to place the sample on the test bench and the gauge is read as the plunger is slowly lowered. At this time, the plunger is only put on. The terminal of the plunger is made of metal, and a circular flat surface with a diameter of 10 mm is placed perpendicularly to the plane of the paper. In addition, let paper thickness be the average value obtained by performing a measurement 10 times.

Also, the paper sheet forming the sheet ST may be embossed. Such embossing may be performed by laminating a plurality of paper sheets by pressing embossments (not shown) against both ends of a paper sheet by a known contact embossing method, edge embossing method, or the like, or by a known pin embossing method (not shown). A paper sheet in which a pin is pierced into a paper sheet to form pin embossing on one side of the paper sheet, and a paper sheet laminated by heating and melting a water-soluble adhesive (such as starch) by a known embossing method (not shown) to form an emboss.

The packaging bag 10 that constitutes the sheet package 100 is not particularly limited, and can be made of, for example, a flexible film. Moreover, the packaging bag 10 is manufactured by caramel packaging. Specifically, both ends of a tubular flexible film are formed by folded and adhered (sealed) seal portions 30 and 40 (see FIG. 1). The packaging form of the sheet packaging body 100 is not limited to such caramel packaging, but is a tubular flexible film with both ends or either one of which is heat-sealed into a gusset shape. (What is sealed with so-called pillow packaging) may be used.

Moreover, the material of the flexible film forming the packaging bag 10 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). , ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyamide (PA) and the like can be used.

Among these flexible films, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like are preferable from the viewpoints of flexibility, excellent handleability, high sealability when heat-sealed, and low cost. Further, polyethylene is preferable from the viewpoints of being odorless, having excellent water resistance and chemical resistance, and being mass-producible at low cost. As polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, or the like can be used. Polypropylene is also preferable from the viewpoints of being robust, easy to mold, good in color development during printing, and capable of imparting gloss.

The form of the flexible film forming the packaging bag 10 is not particularly limited, and may be a single-layer film in which the above-described resin is formed as a single layer, a laminate film in which the above-described resin is laminated, or a film made of two or more of the above-described resins. It may be a mixed film formed of a mixture.

The thickness of the flexible film forming the packaging bag 10 is not particularly limited, and is preferably 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less, more preferably 25 μm or more and 70 μm or less. By setting the thickness of the flexible film to 20 μm or more, it is possible to secure sufficient strength as the packaging bag 10 in which the sheet ST is accommodated. Moreover, by setting the thickness of the flexible film to 100 μm or less, it is possible to secure the flexibility and lightness of the container and to reduce the cost.

The material forming the packaging bag 10 is not limited to the resin material described above, and a paper material may be used. Moreover, biodegradable materials (biodegradable plastic, biodegradable paper, etc.) can be used for the material forming the packaging bag 10 .

In this embodiment, the packaging bag 10 has an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12, a front surface 13, a rear surface 14, side surfaces 15, and side surfaces 16, and accommodates the stack SL of the sheets ST. In the sheet packaging body 100, as shown in FIG. The side surfaces 16 face each other in the left-right direction (X direction). The side surfaces 15 and 16 are continuous with the top surface 11, the bottom surface 12, the front surface 13, and the back surface 14 (see FIG. 1).

Moreover, the outlet 20 is formed in the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 . Specifically, the outlet 20 is arranged at the center 11 a of the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the sheet package 100 , and the sheet ST is pulled out from the outlet 20 . The outlet 20 is formed with a slit M extending in the first direction (X direction).

The first direction (X direction) in which the slits M extend indicates a direction along a predetermined direction on the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 . Specifically, it corresponds to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the sheet package 100 .

The form of the slit M is not particularly limited, and can be formed, for example, by forming perforations on the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 is opened in the first direction (X direction) by tearing the outlet 20 formed by the slits M (perforations), and is torn (unsealed). ) constitutes an outlet OP for the sheet ST (see FIG. 4).

In the first direction (X direction), the dimension (length L2) of the take-out port 20 (slit M) can be arbitrarily determined according to the dimension of the sheet ST to be taken out. For example, the difference between the length L2 of the outlet OP in the left-right direction (X direction) and the width dimension (length L1) of the packaging bag 10 in which the sheets ST are accommodated is -100 mm or more and 0 mm or less, preferably - It is 80 mm or more and 0 mm or less, more preferably -70 mm or more and -10 mm or less. When these are converted into the ratio of the length L2 of the outlet OP to the width dimension (length L1) of the packaging bag 10 in the left-right direction (X direction), it is 100% or less, preferably 80% or less, and more It is preferably 10% or more and 75% or less.

Also, the perforations forming the outlet 20 (slit M) are configured by alternately arranging cut portions C and tie portions T (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Note that the tie portion T is an uncut portion between two adjacent cut portions C. As shown in FIG.

In the slit M (perforation), the length of the cut portion C and the length of the tie portion T are arbitrary. The length of each cut portion C can be 0.8 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, preferably 1.5 mm or more and 4.5 mm or less, and more preferably 2.5 mm or more and 3.5 mm or less. The length of each tie portion T can be 0.3 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, preferably 0.4 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. be.

In the sheet packaging body 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, at least part of the slit M forming the outlet 20 has a wavy line shape. Here, at least part of the slit M indicates all or part of the slit M. Also, the wavy shape indicates a linear shape that undulates in a wavy shape. In this embodiment, all of the slits M forming the extraction port 20 have a wavy line shape.

Further, in the sheet packaging body 100 of the present embodiment, the wavy line shape of the slit M forming the outlet 20 has a shape in which peaks 21 and valleys 22 are alternately arranged in the first direction (X direction) ( 2 and 3).

In the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M), the relationship between the ridges 21 and the troughs 22 is such that the wavy line forming the wavy line shape has a convex portion that is convex to one side (the back surface 14 side of the packaging bag 10). When a portion 21 is shown, a convex portion that is convex on the other side (the front surface 13 side of the packaging bag 10) opposite to the one side (the side of the front surface 13 of the packaging bag 10) relatively becomes a valley portion 22. As shown in FIG. The alternate arrangement of the peak portions 21 and the valley portions 22 means that the plurality of peak portions 21 and the plurality of valley portions 22 forming the wavy line shape are arranged alternately along the first direction (X direction). (See Figures 2 and 3).

Further, in the sheet package 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M), the peaks 21a of the peaks 21 and the peaks (bottoms) 22a of the valleys 22 are formed. at least one of the is curled. That is, in the present embodiment, the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) is substantially sinusoidal.

Here, the peak 21a of the peak 21 indicates the peak of the peak 21 and its vicinity, and the peak (bottom) 22a of the valley 22 indicates the peak (bottom) of the valley 22 and its vicinity. Further, the fact that at least one of the peaks 21a of the peaks 21 and the peaks 22a of the valleys 22 is rounded means that part or all of the peaks 21a of the peaks 21 and/or part of or the tops 22a of the valleys 22 Indicates that everything is curved (curved).

Further, in the sheet packaging body 100 of the present embodiment, at least a part of the slit M having a wavy line shape constitutes the central portion 20a of the outlet 20 . Here, the central portion 20a of the extraction port 20 indicates a portion that occupies about one-third of the entire slit M extending in the first direction (X direction) at substantially the center of the extraction port 20. As shown in FIG. Further, the central portion 20a of the outlet 20 is a portion where stress is concentrated when the sheet ST is taken out from the outlet 20. As shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the entire outlet 20 including the central portion 20a is formed in the wavy line shape of the slit M. As shown in FIG. That is, the entire outlet 20 is formed in a wavy line shape (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The mode of the outlet 20 (slit M) is not limited to the mode of the present embodiment. It may consist of straight lines.

Further, in the sheet packaging body 100 of the present embodiment, at least part of the slit M having a wavy line shape is arranged at least one end of the outlet 20 . Here, at least one end of the outlet 20 indicates both ends 20b and 20c of the outlet 20 extending in the first direction (X direction) or either one of the ends 20b and 20c. Both ends 20b and 20c of the outlet 20 are easily torn due to a large frictional force (or resistance) applied when the sheet ST is removed from the outlet 20. FIG.

In the present embodiment, the entire outlet 20 including both ends 20b and 20c is formed in the wavy line shape of the slit M. As shown in FIG. That is, as described above, the entire outlet 20 is configured in a wavy line shape (see FIGS. 1 to 3). The mode of the outlet 20 (slit M) is not limited to the mode of the present embodiment. It may consist of straight lines. Alternatively, only one end portion 20b of the outlet 20 may be configured in a wavy line shape, and the central portion 20a and the other end portion 20c of the outlet 20 may be configured in straight lines.

In addition, in the sheet package 100 of the present embodiment, the wave height W2 of the wavy line is 1% or more and 20 %, preferably 3% or more and 18% or less, more preferably 5% or more and 15% or less.

Here, the width W1 in the second direction (Y direction) that intersects the first direction (X direction) of the upper surface 11 is along the direction (Y direction) that intersects the direction in which the slit M extends (X direction). shows the width W1 of the upper surface 11 of the . Further, the wave height W2 of the wavy line shape indicates the distance between the top portion 21a of the wavy line-shaped peak portion 21 and the top portion 22a of the trough portion 22 along the direction (Y direction) intersecting the extending direction (X direction) of the slit M. .

In addition, in the sheet packaging body 100 of the present embodiment, the wavelength L3 of the wavy line is 10% or more and 40% or less, preferably 15%, with respect to the length L2 of the first direction (X direction) of the outlet 20. 35% or less, more preferably 20% or more and 30% or less.

Here, the length L2 of the outlet 20 in the first direction (X direction) indicates the length L2 of the outlet 20 along the direction in which the slit M extends (X direction). The wavelength L3 of the wavy line indicates the distance between the tops 21a of adjacent wavy peaks 21 or the distance between the tops 22a of adjacent troughs 22 along the direction (X direction) in which the slit M extends.

Furthermore, in the sheet packaging body 100 of the present embodiment, the wavelength L3 of the wavy line is 5% or more and 45% or less, preferably 10% or more, with respect to the length L1 of the first direction (X direction) of the upper surface 11 It is 40% or less, more preferably 15% or more and 35% or less. Here, the length L1 of the upper surface 11 in the first direction (X direction) is the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 along the direction (Y direction) intersecting with the packaging bag 10 along the direction (X direction) in which the slit M extends. indicates the length L1 of .

In the first embodiment, as described above, when the slit M (perforation) formed in the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 is opened, the slit M is formed in the first direction (X direction) of the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10. A wavy line-shaped outlet 20 (OP) corresponding to the (perforations) is formed (see FIG. 4). In such a configuration, the wavy-line-shaped portion of the outlet 20 is easily turned over, so that the outlet 20 can be easily opened with a fingertip. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is easy to insert a fingertip into the take-out port 20, and even when taking out the first sheet ST accommodated in the packaging bag 10, the sheet ST can be easily taken out.

Further, in the present embodiment, the portion having the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 is easily turned over as described above, so that the outlet 20 is easily opened (see FIG. 4). Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the sheets ST in the packaging bag 10 are taken out (or pulled out), the sheets ST are less likely to clog the take-out port 20 . In addition, since the sheets ST are less likely to clog the outlet 20, friction between the outlet 20 and the sheets ST is alleviated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the sheet ST is taken out from the take-out port 20, the sheet ST is less likely to tear.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the wavy portion of the ejection port 20 serves as a cushioning portion, and the ejection port 20 can be deformed according to the weight of the sheet ST held in the ejection port 20 during use. That is, the crests 21 and/or the troughs 22 forming the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 produce a kind of non-return action on the sheet ST. As a result, in the present embodiment, the holding force of the sheet ST at the outlet 20 is maintained even during use, and the sheet ST can be prevented from falling into the packaging bag 10 during use (hereinafter referred to as falling of the sheet ST). can.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the sheets ST are less likely to clog the outlet 20 (the friction between the outlet 20 and the sheets ST can be reduced), so the wear of the outlet 20 during use can be prevented. can be reduced. From this point of view as well, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the holding force of the sheet ST at the outlet 20 and prevent the sheet ST from falling.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the frictional force (or resistance force) applied to the ejection port 20 when the sheet ST is ejected can be released (or dispersed) to the wavy line-shaped portion (buffer portion) of the ejection port 20 . As a result, in the present embodiment, even if the amount of remaining sheets ST decreases during use (that is, even if the weight of the sheet package 100 is reduced), the packaging bag 10 can be lifted up when the sheets ST are taken out (hereinafter referred to as , lifting of the packaging bag 10) can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the wavy line-shaped crests 21 and troughs 22 are arranged alternately in the first direction (X direction), so that the stress applied to the outlet 20 and its surroundings can be It can be released (or dispersed) throughout the portion (buffer) having 20 wavy lines. As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, at least one of the top portions 21a of the peak portions 21 and the top portions 22a of the valley portions 22 is rounded, so that a plurality of slits M (perforations) having a partially wavy line shape are formed. , the outlet 20 can be opened in a wavy line shape corresponding to the slit M even if the size of each cut portion is reduced.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the central portion 20a of the outlet 20 has the wavy line shape of the slit M, so that a portion (buffer portion) having the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 is placed in a portion where stress is concentrated in the outlet 20. can be provided. As a result, in the present embodiment, stress concentrated on a portion of the outlet 20 can be efficiently released (or dispersed) throughout the wavy portion (buffer portion) of the outlet 20 .

Further, in the present embodiment, at least one end 20b, 20c of the outlet 20 has the wavy line shape of the slit M, so that the portion of the outlet 20 where the frictional force (or resistance force) due to the sheet ST is large. A portion having a wavy line shape (buffer portion) can be provided. As a result, the frictional force (or resistance force) applied to a portion of the outlet 20 can be efficiently released (or dispersed) over the entire wavy portion (buffer portion) of the outlet 20 . Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the ends 20b and 20c of the outlet 20 from breaking during use.

Further, in the present embodiment, by setting the wave height W2 of the wavy line shape of the slit M to the range described above with respect to the width W1 of the upper surface 11, the stress applied to the outlet 20 and its surroundings is reduced to the wavy line shape of the outlet 20. It can be efficiently released (or dispersed) to the entire portion (buffer portion). As a result, in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

Further, in the present embodiment, the wavelength L3 of the wavy shape of the outlet 20 is set within the range described above with respect to the length L2 of the outlet 20, so that the stress concentrated on a part of the outlet 20 can be reduced. can be released (or dispersed) more efficiently with respect to the entire portion (buffer portion) having a wavy line shape. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the wavelength L3 of the wavy shape at the outlet 20 is set within the range described above with respect to the length L1 of the upper surface 11, so that the stress concentrated on a part of the outlet 20 is It is possible to more efficiently escape (or disperse) over the entire portion (buffer portion) having a wavy line shape. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the outlet 20 in the sheet package 100 according to the modified example of the first embodiment. In the modified example of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M), both the peaks 21a of the peaks 21 and the peaks 22a of the valleys 22 are angular (rounded). do not have). That is, in the modified example of the first embodiment, the wavy line shape of the extraction port 20 (slit M) is a substantially triangular wave shape (see FIG. 5).

In the modified example of the first embodiment, similarly to the above-described first embodiment, the wavy line shape of the slit M forming the outlet 20 is such that peaks 21 and valleys 22 alternate in the first direction (X direction). They are arranged in a row.

As a result, even in the modified example of the first embodiment, the stress applied to the outlet 20 and its surroundings can be relieved (or dispersed) over the entire wavy portion (buffer portion) of the outlet 20 . Therefore, according to the modified example of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

In the modified example of the first embodiment, both the peaks 21a of the peaks 21 and the peaks 22a of the valleys 22 are angular (not rounded), but the configuration is not limited to this. Therefore, for example, all or part of the tops 21a of the peaks 21 or all or part of the tops 22a of the valleys 22 may be rounded (not angular).

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the outlet in the sheet package according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the wavy shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) has two or more wave heights, and the portion having the highest wave height among the two or more wave heights is located at the central portion 20a of the outlet 20. are placed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) has two wave heights W2 and W3, and the portion having the wave height W3 larger than the wave height W2 is the portion of the outlet 20. It is arranged in the central part 20a.

Here, the wave height W3 of the wavy line shape is the distance between the apex portion 23a of the wavy line-shaped peak portion 23 and the top portion 24a of the trough portion 24 along the direction (Y direction) intersecting the direction in which the slit M extends (X direction). show. Moreover, having two or more wave heights means that the wavy lines forming the wavy line shape have at least two types of wave heights.

Further, in the second embodiment, the largest wave height W3 among the two or more wave heights is 20% or more of the width W1 in the second direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction (X direction) of the upper surface 11. It is 40% or less, preferably 23% or more and 37% or less, more preferably 25% or more and 35% or less. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the wave height W3, which is greater than the wave height W2, is 20 or more and 40 degrees greater than the width W1 in the second direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction (X direction) of the upper surface 11. % or less.

In the second embodiment, as described above, the central portion 20a of the outlet 20 has a wavy line shape having the largest wave height W3 among the two or more wave heights W2 and W3, so that The applied stress can be released (or dispersed) more efficiently over the entire portion (buffer portion) of the outlet 20 having the wavy line shape. As a result, in the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the largest wave height W3 among the two or more wave heights W2 and W3 of the wavy line shape of the slit M is set within the range described above with respect to the width W1 of the upper surface 11. A concentrated stress can be released (or dispersed) more efficiently over the entire wavy portion (buffer portion) of the outlet 20 . As a result, in the second mode, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the outlet 20 in the sheet package 100 according to the modification of the second embodiment. In the modified example of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, in the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M), the peaks 21a of the peaks 21, the peaks 22a of the valleys 22, and the peaks 23a and 23a of the peaks 23 All of the tops 24a of the valleys 24 are angular (not rounded). That is, in the modified example of the second embodiment, the wavy line shape of the extraction port 20 (slit M) is a substantially triangular wave shape (see FIG. 7).

In the modified example of the second embodiment, similarly to the above-described second embodiment, the wavy line shape of the extraction port 20 (slit M) has two wave heights W2 and W3, and the two wave heights W2 and W3 are the highest. A portion having a large wave height W3 is arranged in the central portion 20a of the outlet 20. As shown in FIG.

As a result, in the modified example of the second embodiment as well, the stress concentrated on a part of the outlet 20 is more efficiently released (or dispersed) to the entire wavy portion (buffer portion) of the outlet 20. can be made). Therefore, according to the modified example of the second embodiment as well, it is possible to prevent the sheet ST from falling and the packaging bag 10 from rising in a well-balanced manner while facilitating the removal of the sheet ST.

In the modified example of the second embodiment, the peaks 21a of the peaks 21 and the peaks 22a of the valleys 22, and the peaks 23a of the peaks 23 and the peaks 24a of the valleys 24 are all angular (not rounded). However, this embodiment is not limited to this form. Therefore, the present embodiment can, for example, be all or part of the top 21 a of the peak 21 , all or part of the top 22 a of the valley 22 , all or part of the top 23 a of the peak 23 , or the valley 24 All or part of the top 24a of may be rounded (not angular).

EXAMPLES The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to Examples. Examples and comparative examples were evaluated by the following tests.

[Sheet package (specimen)]
As a test piece, a sheet package 100 was prepared in which a sheet laminate SL in which a plurality of sheets ST were laminated was packaged in a packaging bag 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 8). The sheet laminate SL is tissue paper (basis weight: 10.7 g/m ² , paper thickness: 110 μm, number of plies: 2 plies, sheet ST folded alternately and laminated so that each set can be pulled out in a pop-up manner). Number of sets: 150 sets (300 sheets), dimensions: bulk (height) about 40 mm, length (horizontal) about 198 mm, width (vertical) about 100 mm). The sheet stack SL was accommodated in the packaging bag 10 so that the stacking direction (SD direction) was aligned with the height direction (Z direction) of the sheet package 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 8). Moreover, polyethylene (PE) having a thickness of 50 μm was used as the material of the packaging bag 10 . As for the packaging form of the packaging bag 10, both side surfaces 15 and 16 of the sheet packaging body 100 are sealed with caramel packaging (the seal portions 30 and 40 are formed). The dimensions of the sheet package 100 are the length L1 (length in the X direction) of the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 of about 200 mm, the width W1 (width in the Y direction) of about 100 mm, and the height (height in the Z direction) of about 40 mm. and In addition, an outlet 20 (slit M) extending in the first direction (X direction) is formed on the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 by perforations. In the slits M (perforations), each cut portion C has a length of about 3.0 mm, and the tie portion T has a length of about 1.0 mm.

[Extraction resistance value]
The drawing resistance value of the sheet package 100 was confirmed. In confirming the pull-out resistance value, the above-described test sample (sheet package 100) was placed on a flat mounting surface, and half of the first set of tissue paper (sheet ST) was removed from the outlet 20 (OP) of the packaging bag 10. The upper end of the pulled-out sheet ST (central portion in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the sheet package 100) was clipped with an eyeball clip (manufactured by Kokuyo Co., Ltd., "Cree-17"). A hook of a push-pull gauge (manufactured by Imada Co., Ltd., model number: Z2-20) is passed through one hole in the handle of the eyeball clip, and the container is pulled at a constant speed over a period of 0.4 to 0.6 seconds. The resistance force (unit: kgf) was measured when the tissue paper was pulled out in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the. As for the evaluation criteria of the pull-out resistance value, when the pull-out resistance is 0.2 kgf or less, it is considered good (sheet ST is easy to take out). difficult).

[Removability (initial)]
The initial extractability of the sheet package 100 was confirmed. In the confirmation of removability, the first sheet of the laminated sheet SL is removed from the laminated sheet SL housed in the packaging bag 10 of the sheet packaging body 100 through the opening 20 (OP) of the opened packaging bag 10. Ease of removal was evaluated when the ST was removed. Evaluation of removability (initial stage) was performed according to the following criteria.
5: The first set is very easy to pick up 4: The first set is easy to pick up 3: The first set is picked up 2: The first set is picked up but it is difficult to pick up 1: The first set is picked up Can be picked up but very difficult to pick up

[Non-depression]
The non-sagging property of the sheets ST housed in the packaging bag 10 of the sheet package 100 was confirmed. In the confirmation of the non-sinking property, it was evaluated whether or not the sheet ST would drop into the packaging bag 10 when the sheet ST was pulled out from the sheet stack SL through the outlet 20 of the packaging bag 10 (non-sinking property). Evaluation of non-depressiveness was performed according to the following criteria.
5: No sagging of seat ST 4: Sagging of seat ST from 1 time to 3 times 3: Sagging of seat ST from 4 times to 6 times 2: Sagging of seat ST from 7 times to 9 times 1: Seat 10 or more drops in ST

[Non-lifting property]
The non-lifting property of the packaging bag 10 containing the sheets ST of the sheet package 100 was confirmed. In the confirmation of non-lifting property, whether or not the packaging bag 10 is lifted (non-lifting property) when the sheet ST is pulled out from the sheet stack SL through the outlet 20 of the sheet package 100 was evaluated. Evaluation of non-lifting property was performed according to the following criteria.
5: The packaging bag 10 is not lifted 4: The packaging bag 10 is lifted with 1 to 3 sets of sheets ST remaining 3: The packaging bag 10 is lifted with 4 to 6 sets of sheets ST remaining 2 : There are 7 to 9 sets of sheets ST remaining, and the packaging bag 10 is lifted 1: There are 10 or more sets of sheets ST remaining, and the packaging bag 10 is lifted

[Tensile strength]
The tensile strength of the sheet package 100 was confirmed. For checking the tensile strength, a test piece was prepared by cutting a polyethylene (PE) film having a thickness of 50 μm into a width (vertical) of approximately 60 mm and a length (horizontal) of approximately 50 mm. In the center of the test piece, a predetermined tie cut (cut: about 3.0 mm, tie: about 1.0 mm) was formed with perforations extending in the longitudinal direction of the test piece at intervals of about 40 mm. The shape of the perforations was curved in Example 1, and linear in Comparative Example 1. The position of the perforation is about 25 mm from both ends in the width direction of the test piece in Example 1, and in Comparative Example 1, both ends of the perforation are at positions about 25 mm from both ends in the width direction of the test piece. The central part (the top part of the curved part) was positioned about 10 mm from one end in the width direction of the test piece. The tensile strength is measured by attaching a film clip (FC-40, manufactured by IMADA) to a push-pull gauge (Z2-20, manufactured by IMADA) set on a measurement stand (MX-500N manufactured by IMADA), and measuring the width of the test piece. Hold the approximate center of one end in the direction with a film clip, fix the approximate center of the other end in the width direction of the test piece to the measurement stand, pull the test piece at a speed of 100 mm / min, and measure the strength at break (Tensile strength, unit: gf) was measured.

Examples and comparative examples are described below.

[Example 1]
In the sheet packaging body 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the outlet 20 formed in the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 is formed by a slit M having a wavy line shape as a whole. The wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) is such that peaks 21 and valleys 22 are alternately arranged in the first direction (X direction), and the tops 21a of the peaks 21 and the tops 22a of the valleys 22 are all rounded. (approximately sine wave shape). The length L2 of the extraction port 20 (slit M) in the first direction (X direction) was approximately 185 mm. The wave height W2 of the outlet 20 (slit M) is about 10 mm (about 10% of the width W1 of the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10), and the wavelength L3 is about 46 mm (the length L2 of the outlet 20 is about 25%). This test piece was evaluated for pull-out resistance, take-out property (initial), non-sinking property, and non-lifting property. Table 1 shows the results.

[Example 2]
In the sheet packaging body 100, as shown in FIG. 5, the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) is changed to a shape in which the peaks 21a of the peaks 21 and the peaks 22a of the valleys 22 are all angular (substantially triangular wave shape). Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that Table 1 shows the results.

[Example 3]
In the sheet packaging body 100, as shown in FIG. 6, the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) has two wave heights W2 and W3, and the portion having the wave height W3 larger than the wave height W2 is the center of the outlet 20. It was evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1 except that it was arranged in the portion 20a. Table 1 shows the results.

[Example 4]
In the sheet packaging body 100, as shown in FIG. 7, the outlet 20 (slit M) has two wave heights W2 and W3 in the wavy line shape, and the central portion of the outlet 20 has a wave height W3 larger than the wave height W2. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 3, except that it was placed in 20a. Table 1 shows the results.

[Comparative Example 1]
In the sheet package 100, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outlet 20 is formed by a linear slit M, and the length L2 of the outlet 20 (slit M) in the first direction (X direction) is about Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thickness was 185 mm. Table 1 shows the results.

From Table 1, the sheet packaging body 100 having the outlet 20 formed entirely by the wavy line-shaped slit M on the upper surface 11 of the packaging bag 10 has good take-out (initial), non-sinking, and non-lifting properties. It was evaluated as 3 or more (Examples 1 to 4).

On the other hand, the sheet packaging body 100 having the outlet 20 formed by the linear slit M was evaluated as 2 or less for all of the takeout (initial), non-sinking and non-lifting properties (Comparative Example 1 ).

In addition, the sheet package 100 in which the wavy shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) has two wave heights W2 and W3, and the portion having the wave height W3 larger than the wave height W2 is arranged in the central portion 20a of the outlet 20, Removability (initial stage) was improved (Examples 3 and 4).

Further, the wavy line shape of the outlet 20 (slit M) is a sheet package in which the apex 21a of the ridge 21, the apex 22a of the trough 22, the apex 23a of the ridge 23, and the apex 24a of the trough 24 are all angular. 100 improved not only the removability (initial) but also the non-sinking property and the non-lifting property (Example 4).

Further, the tensile strength of the slit M (perforation) of the outlet 20 is almost the same when the shape of the slit M (perforation) is linear (Comparative Example 1) and when it is wavy (Example 1). became nothing. Therefore, even when the outlet 20 is formed with a wavy line-shaped slit M (perforation), it is possible to open the outlet 20 in a wavy line shape (openability is not reduced).

From these results, the sheet packaging body in which the outlet formed on the upper surface of the packaging bag is formed by a slit extending in the first direction, and at least a part of the slit has a wavy line shape, has excellent sheet take-out and opening properties. It turned out to be excellent.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. .

100 sheet package ST sheet (sanitary thin paper)
SL sheet laminate 10 packaging bag 11 upper surface 11a center 11b end 12 lower surface 13 front surface 14 rear surface 15 side surface 16 side surface 20 outlet M slit C cut portion T tie portion 21 peak portion 21a top portion 22 valley portion 22a top portion 23 peak portion 23a top portion 24 Valley 24a Top

Claims (7)

a plurality of laminated sheets;
a packaging bag containing the sheet;
an outlet formed on the upper surface of the packaging bag from which the sheet is pulled out;
the outlet is formed of a slit extending in a first direction;
at least a portion of the slit has a wavy line shape,
The wavy shape has two or more wave heights,
A sheet package , wherein one portion having the highest wave height among the two or more wave heights is arranged at the central portion of the outlet. 2. The sheet package according to claim 1, wherein said wavy line shape is a shape in which crests and troughs are alternately arranged in said first direction. 3. The sheet package according to claim 1, wherein said part having said wavy line shape is at least one end of said outlet. The sheet package according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the wave height of the wavy line is 1 to 20% of the width of the upper surface in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. 2. The sheet package according to claim 1 , wherein said maximum wave height is 20 to 40% of the width of said upper surface in a second direction intersecting said first direction. The sheet package according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the wave-shaped wavelength is 10 to 40% of the length of the outlet in the first direction. The sheet package according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the wavelength of said wavy line is 5 to 45% of the length of said upper surface in said first direction.

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