in an electronic component series of the type wherein a plurality of electronic components are distributed in the longitudinal direction of a tape - like receiving member to be retained by the same , a cover tape is heat - sealed to a receiving tape having receiving concavities for receiving the respective electronic components . stepped portions or protrusions are forned in the receiving tape to define regions not in contact with the cover tape . this restricts the extent of the sealed regions wherein the cover tape is heat - sealed to the receiving tape , such that the sealed regions are substantially constant in width which results in a substantially constant force being required for removing the cover tape from the receiving tape .