EP1165379A2

EP1165379A2 - Packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder

Info

Publication number: EP1165379A2
Application number: EP00901269A
Authority: EP
Inventors: G. Anastasios Fotopoulos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-02-03
Filing date: 2000-02-03
Publication date: 2002-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-03
Also published as: DE60031382D1; CA2394793A1; EP1165379B1; AU2122300A; GR990100041A; ATE342841T1; WO2000046107A3; WO2000046107A2; ZA200107177B

Abstract

Reference is made to the usual plastic packet (of thin, plastic foil or film) of common paper napkins of one or more plies. The invention with appropriate perforation (5) on the packet, the addition of a re-adhesive tape (3) and with various adaptations of the paper napkins succeeds in opening and re-closing the packet, in using the packet as a paper napkin holder at will and in facilitating withdrawal of the paper napkins one by one or many at a time, without touching the ones underneath.

Description

PACKAGING FOR PAPER NAPKINS THAT DOUBLES AS A PAPER NAPKIN HOLDER

The invention refers to the various types of usual plastic packets (of thin, pliable plastic foil or film) of common paper napkins of one or more plies (FIG. 1 and 2).

The usual plastic packets of common paper napkins after opening either do not protect the paper napkins or they do not facilitate their withdrawal. The consumers are therefore obligated to take them off the packet, which is inconvenient and also insanitary since the paper napkins are exposed to impurities, moisture etc

The present invention, with proper perforation on the packet, the addition of a re-adhesive tape and with various adaptations of the paper napkins, succeeds in opening and re-closing the packet, in using the packet as a paper napkin holder at will and in facilitating withdrawal of the paper napkins one by one or many at a time, without touching the ones underneath (and as far as possible, not touching the packet walls).

Until now no one has thought to use the usual plastic packet of common paper napkins as a paper napkin holder. The feeling was that it has no adequate stability and that the common paper napkins were inappropriate for this purpose.

Certain efforts had been made in the past with cartons that contained tissues, folded in complicated ways. In the letter patents that follow exists certain seeming similarities with the application of the present invention, where the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the packet opening, is fully detachable (FIG. 7 and 8).

1 . US - A - 2 529 853 (D.C. TAGGART - 14 November 1950).

Refers to sturdy packaging (compact - column 1 , lines

16-17) that stands disfigurement. Besides, the way the tissues are folded and the possibility of hanging the packet onto the wall requires a sturdy packaging. For the same reason the opening is reinforced with flaps that join the packet walls (8), (FIG. 2).

The opening for withdrawal of the tissues is applied at the top side (f) and at one of the end sides (c,d) where gluing is applied for closing the packet. These sides cannot be perforated in the usual plastic packaging of common paper napkins, nor the cuts (15, 16, 17) are needed for opening the packet.

The shape and size of the opening are adapted so that they facilitate withdrawal of the tissues, folded in unusual and complicated ways, one at a time.

2. US - A - 3 012 692 (B. B. Petersen - 12 December 1961 ).

The application of B. B. Petersen is subsequent to that of D.C. Taggart and it was made acceptable by the same office.

It refers to compact and sufficiently sturdy packaging - column 2, line 2 and from relatively sturdy but bendable paperboard - column 2, lines 35-36 (a paperboard container as he finally describes it in the claims).

He recommends two very specific and peculiar openings that protect the flexible foils (tissues) and are of specific dimensions so that the flexible foils (tissues) folded in an unusual and complicated manner, are withdrawn at least partial automatic unfolding, one at a time. Besides, the recommended openings cannot be applied in the usual plastic packaging of the common paper napkins since same lacks adequate stability, nor the cuts (21 or 21 ') are needed.

The advantages of the present invention are that, (i) it protects the paper napkins, (ii) facilitates their withdrawal in hygienic conditions, (iii) increases napkins consumption spectacularly.

In the process are described various ways of application of the invention on various types of usual plastic packets of common paper napkins, with reference to the drawings.

FIG.1 Shows indicatively a usual plastic packaging (of thin, pliable plastic foil or film) of common paper napkins of one or more plies, where all its sides are named. FIG.2 Shows indicatively a common folded paper napkin with a border (p), in which are embodied extra one pressure point (r) for one finger and a small notch or slight crease (s).

FIG.3 Shows indicatively the perforation corresponding to the opening of a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins when accompanied by a re-adhesive tape, with the side (t) of the opening not perforated.

FIG.4 Shows indicatively a half-empty usual plastic packet of common paper napkins, closed.

FIG.5 Shows indicatively the perforation corresponding to the opening of a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins when accompanied by a re-adhesive tape, with the side (t) of the opening perforated.

FIG.6 Shows indicatively a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins open, with the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening folded over to the back and four points of pressure (v) for four fingers (except for the thump), embodied in the paper napkins.

FIG.7 Shows indicatively the perforation corresponding to the opening of a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins when not accompanied by a re-adhesive tape.

FIG.8 Shows indicatively a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins, open, with the part of the plastic corresponding to the opening, fully removed. Here the vertical margins (1 ) taper as they ascend and the upper part (II) of the opening is semi-circular in shape.

FIG.9 Shows indicatively the perforation corresponding to the double opening of TYPE A of the professional (mainly) types of a usual plastic packaging (of thin, pliable plastic foil or film) of common paper napkins.

FIG.10 Shows indicatively a combination of two openings of TYPE A of the professional (mainly) types of usual plastic packaging (of thin, pliable plastic foil or film) of common paper napkins, when the stacks open successively and a pressure area (zone) (y) is embodied in the paper napkins.

FIG.11 Shows indicatively the perforation corresponding to the opening of a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins, when the opening is applied on the top side (f).

The usual plastic packets of common paper napkins have the disadvantage that they have no satisfactory stability and are disfigured easily (usually they regain almost full shape with a little straightening at the corners).

Still, on the other hand their pliability gives the possibility of withdrawing the paper napkins with one hand, without holding the packet with the other and without creasing the paper napkins. Further, pliability of the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening, forces it to follow the shape of the packet or of the paper napkins and thus the opening and re-closing of the packet, as well as its transportation when closed (FIG. 4) are facilitated.

1. TYPE A

On a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins

(FIG. 1 ) the perforation corresponding to the opening of the packet, extends to two adjacent sides which are continuous, without gluing (FIG. 3), on the upper side (f) and on the side (a). Perforation is made in the usual way. In the drawings the dashes (4) correspond to the solid part of the perforation.

Side (t) of the opening is left without perforation so that the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening may re-close the packet if we wish (FIG. 4). When we want to double the packet as napkin holder, the opening is folded over to the back, and usually it stays there by itself, by its weight (FIG. 6).

The part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening is equipped with a re-adhesive tape (3) to hold it in place when the packet re-closes (FIG. 4). Further, when the need be, it may hold in place the part of the plastic (6) when it is folded over to the back, sticking in reverse on the packet. The re-adhesive tape comes in various appropriate shapes, sizes and pliability (more or less flexible) (FIG. 3,4,5) and It can even reach underneath the packet bottom (3), (FIG. 5). In order the packet re-closes at the same point each time, we care to put some appropriate design or drawing (e.g. an arrow), so that the consumer is guided where to re-stick the tape on closing the packet.

To facilitate the initial opening of the packet, all corners formed by perforation could be rounded (FIG. 7) or some of them (5) or even the opening could take arched (or other appropriate) shape (8) at the region of re-adhesive tape or the whole lower portion of the side part (I ) of the opening to take an arched shape (9).

The margins (1 ,2) have various appropriate widths

(depending on the specific packaging and the paper napkins each time). They are useful for holding and protecting the paper napkins, without obstructing their withdrawal and also for stability of the pliable packaging while emptying.

The upper part (I I) of the opening serves for withdrawal of the paper napkins without touching the packet walls (as far as possible). Its size depends on the size and the material of the packet, the size, shape and material of the re-adhesive tape etc It may as well go beyond the middle of the upper side (f), (FIG.4). The part of the pliable plastic (6) corresponding to the opening (and consequently the opening itself) has appropriate shape so that while emptying the pliable packet, to re-close it without difficulty. It may be rectangular or isosceles trapezium [with the basis (t) slightly smaller than the big basis] or even to have some other appropriate shape.

Transportation of the packet when closed may be made with one hand holding the packet from the opening, since the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening is pliable and follows the shape of the paper napkins (7), (FIG. 4).

The packets having the parts of their sides (c,d) well glued on all their surface, are more stable. The packet stability is also assisted by good gluing at the side (b), (FIG.

1 ). Surely, of importance is also the kind of the thin, pliable plastic foil or film used.

Perforation may be made, possibly with some difficulty in the initial opening of the packet, on upper side (f) and on the side (b) which has only one gluing (only one joining) (FIG. 1 ).

The side (t) can be perforated appropriately so that the consumer may, at will, detach the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening and the usual plastic packaging of common paper napkins be used as napkin holder only [for instance, the beginning and the end of side (t) are left without perforation]. When we do not wish to re-close the packet, but used it as napkin holder only, no re-adhesive tape is attached and because the plastic is pliable and the plastic part which corresponds to the opening is easily detachable, the perforation is made uniformly on all four sides of the opening (without cuts etc) (FIG. 7,8).

The margins (1 ,2) are of various appropriate shapes and widths and may be equal or unequal between them. The upper part (I I) of the opening has appropriate shapes and sizes (FIG. 7,8).

In the case the first 3-5 paper napkins come off the packet with difficulty (e.g. when the packet is packed full or/and the paper napkins are very rigid or/and very thin and fragile) the vertical margins (1 ) (both or one of them) may be tapered on the ascent (FIG. 8).

2. TYPE B

Concerns the professional (mainly) types of usual plastic packaging (of thin, pliable plastic foil or film) of common paper napkins of one or more plies. In this type of packaging are piled many paper napkins together in two or more stacks (e.g. restaurant paper napkins).

When the paper napkins are piled in two stacks, an opening of TYPE A is applied on every stack. When the paper napkins are piled in two or more stacks, the stacks may open successively by applying the opening of TYPE A in the first stack and modified application of the opening of TYPE A on the other stacks.

In the process we describe application of the openings on the packaging where gluing for closing is applied at the middle of the sides (a,f,b,e), (FIG. 9 and 10).

In (FIG. 9) is shown indicatively the application of an opening of TYPE A on each stack. We may open one stack or both the stacks simultaneously. If one stack empties first, the empty part of the packaging protects the other stack. The straight line (x) corresponds to the middle of the packaging.

In (FIG. 10) is shown indicatively the application of the openings when the stacks open successively.

The first stack opens like TYPE A. The second stack opens with detachment of part of the empty packaging of the first stack and of the upper part (VI) of its opening.

Remaining part of the packaging of the first stack (12) stays for protection of the paper napkins of the second stack.

When the second stack is depleted we continue in the same way to the third stack, if available, etc

Further, an arrangement may be made and also appropriate gluing of the edges of the packet (1 1 ) during the closing of the packaging or simply at the usual closing the edges to be glued at the ends so that after opening the margins to be stable.

3. TYPE C

In a usual plastic packet of common paper napkins (FIG. 1 ) the perforation that corresponds to the opening of the packet (VI I) is applied only on the top side (f) in various appropriate shapes and sizes (e.g. square with or without rounded corners) so that access of the hand is easy without touching the packet walls (FIG. 1 1 ).

The margins (13) are of various appropriate shapes and widths and are needed to hold the paper napkins in place.

The part of the plastic that corresponds to the opening (VI I) is fully detachable.

Withdrawal of the paper napkins (usually one by one) is effected through pressure exerted on the paper napkins with all the fingers and simultaneous gripping of the paper napkin

(or paper napkins) with the thump and some of the rest of the fingers.

4. REACHING FOR PAPER NAPKINS

Common paper napkins, either of one, two or more plies are folded in four equal parts (FIG. 2). Each of the paper napkin sides may be placed to the opening of the packet depending on what we are trying to achieve. Most of the time it is sufficient to place the paper napkin with the side (n) at the opening and the side (k) on the left side of the packet exactly as is placed in (FIG. 2).

The best way to withdraw the paper napkins (one by one or many at a time) without touching the rest underneath or the packaging walls (as far as possible), is to press the paper napkins with one or more fingers of the one hand, so that, because of their elasticity, the first (or more than one) paper napkin is elevated and be withdarwn easily with the fingers of the same hand.

In most of the cases, the best way to elevate the paper napkins is to press them with four fingers (except for the thump). In the process the pressure is exercised with three, two or one finger until the first paper napkin (or the first paper napkins) is elevated to the point you wish. Then you withdraw the paper napkin (or the paper napkins) usually with your index and thump.

Usually it is enough for the user to press the paper napkins at the middle of the opening and at the point where the fingers reach easily. The upper part (II) of the opening may guide his exertion of pressure through its appropriate shape and size (FIG. 8).

For the consumer's convenience the points or the area (zone) where pressure with the fingers must be exerted may be marked discreetly (e.g. with geometrical patterns, flowers etc embossed or printed). Therefore the position of the four fingers may be marked (v) (FIG. 6) or of one finger (e.g. of the little finger) (r), (FIG. 2) and the rest of the fingers to take their appropriate position, if needed. The pressure points may be replaced with a pressure area (zone) (y), (FIG.10) where pressure is exerted with two or more fingers.

In all cases a small text may be printed on the packaging or drawings or combination of the two, explaining how the paper napkins are to be withdrawn.

When the paper napkins are soft they are easily elevated with the elasticity they acquire from their embossed surface.

When the paper napkins are of limited elasticity, like the case is with the paper napkins of luxury type ( of two or more plies) or when they are very hard, we emboss parts or the whole of their surface with various borders, flowers etc that give them volume and elasticity.

We can, at the point where we wish the paper napkin to bend for its elevation, make appropriate patterns or grooves, so that its elevation is facilitated.

In certain cases, to secure elevation of the paper napkins, at the point where we wish the paper napkin to bend for its elevation, we apply a small notch or slight crease (s), (FIG. 2) on the folded paper napkin [e.g. on the side (k)J in an appropriate manner.

The types A,B,C and also the techniques for elevation of common paper napkins could also be applied on similar items packaged in identical or similar packaging to the usual plastic packaging of common paper napkins e.g. other kinds of paper, plastic foils etc

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder, refers to various types of usual plastic packaging (of thin, pliable plastic foil or film) of common paper napkins of one or more plies and is characterized in that the perforation which corresponds to the opening of the usual plastic packet (of thin, pliable plastic foil or film) of the common paper napkins of one or more plies, extends to two adjacent sides of the packaging (TYPE A) which are continuous, without gluing, to the upper side (f) and to side (a), while side (t) of the opening of the packet is without perforation so that the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening may re-close the packet at will, while when we wish to double the packet as a paper napkin holder it folds over backwards and stays there by itself, further, the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening is equipped with a re-adhesive tape of various appropriate sizes, shapes and elasticity to hold it in place when re-closing the packet, like when it is folded over backwards, while the margins (1 ,2) are of various appropriate widths and are used to hold and protect the paper napkins, without obstructing their withdrawal, also for stability of the pliable packaging while emptying, whereas the upper part (I I) of the opening serves for withdrawal of paper napkins and is of various appropriate sizes, while the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening (and consequently the opening itself) has 16

appropriate shape so that while emptying the packet from the paper napkins, to re-close it without difficulty, whereas the packet contains common paper napkins of one or more plies.

2. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claim 1 , is characterized in that the perforation of the usual plastic packet of common paper napkins is applied on the side (f) and on the side (b) which has only one gluing.

3. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 and 2, is characterized in that the side (t) of the opening of the usual plastic packet of common paper napkins is appropriately perforated so that the consumer may, at will, be able to detach the part of the plastic (6) corresponding to the opening and the packet then doubles as a paper napkin holder only.

4. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 and 2, is characterized in that, when we do not wish the usual plastic packet of common paper napkins to close again, but be used as a paper napkin holder only, it is not equipped with a re- adhesive tape and because the plastic is pliable and the part of the plastic corresponding to the opening is easily detachable, the perforation is made uniformly on all four sides of the opening, while the margins (1 ,2) are of various appropriate shapes and width and they are equal or unequal between themselves, while the upper part (II) of the opening 17

is of various appropriate shapes and sizes.

5. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 ,2,3 and 4, when the common paper napkins are packed in the professional (mainly) types of usual plastic packaging of common paper napkins, in two stacks, is characterized in that an opening of TYPE A is applied on every stack. (TYPE B).

6. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 ,2,3 and 4, when the paper napkins are packed in the professional (mainly) types of common plastic packaging of common paper napkins, in two or more stacks, is characterized in that the stacks open successively, therefore the first stack opens like TYPE A, the second stack opens with detachment of a part of the empty packaging of the first stack and of the upper part (VI) of the opening of the second stack, while the rest of the packaging of the first stack (12) stays for protection of the paper napkins of the second stack, and when the second stack is depleted we continue in the same way with the third stack, if available, and so on. (TYPE B).

7. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 and 4, is characterized in that the perforation corresponding to the opening (VI I) of usual plastic packet of common paper napkins, is applied only on the top side (f) (TYPE C) in various appropriate shapes and sizes, so that accessibility of the hand is easy without touching the packet walls, while the margins (13) are needed to hold the paper napkins in place and are of various suitable shapes and widths, whereas the part of the plastic corresponding to the opening (VI I) is fully detachable.

8. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 ,2,3,4,5 and 6, is characterized in that on the surface of the paper napkins are marked (embossed or printed) one or more points (r,v) or an area (zone) (y) where the consumer must exert pressure with one or more fingers of the one hand in order the paper napkin (or the paper napkins) is elevated for its withdrawal.

9. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 ,2,3,4,5,6 and 8, is characterized in that at the point where we wish the paper napkin to bend for its elevation, we make appropriate patterns or grooves, so that its elevation is facilitated.

10. The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 ,2,3,4,5,6,8 and 9, is characterized in that at the point where we wish the paper napkin to bend for its elevation, we apply, in an appropriate manner, a small notch or a slight crease (s) on the folded paper napkin, so that its elevation is further assisted.

1 1 . The packaging for paper napkins that doubles as a paper napkin holder according to claims 1 ,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10, is characterized in that the types A, B,C and also the techniques for elevation of paper napkins can be applied on similar items packaged in identical or similar packaging to the usual plastic packaging of common paper napkins.