MXPA99003749A - Dispensable folded web product - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispensable, folded absorbent web product (32) composed of:a first, central panel (100);a second panel (200), unitary with said first panel (100) and folded over a first side of said first panel (100);a third panel (300), unitary with the first panel (100), and folded over a second side of the first panel (100);a fourth panel (400), unitary with the second panel (200), and folded so as to be positioned between the first and third panels (100, 300), such that a portion of the third panel (300) and a fifth panel (500) overlaps a portion of the second panel (200), and fourth panel (400) generating an area (80) of non-uniform thickness across the length of the product (32) which provides for easier, more reliable dispensing.

Description

-PRODUCT DB FOLDED FABRIC SURTIABLE FIELD DB LA IKVENCIÓK This invention relates generally to folded fabric products. More specifically, this invention relates to bent absorbent paper products, such as a paper napkin used in a conventional napkin dispenser. -mTECEDE-NTEB The bent absorbent paper products such as the folded paper napkins that are commonly provided in fast service restaurant napkin dispensers have had and are widely used in the world. The most common type of paper napkin fold is a folded over napkin illustrated in cross-sectional view in Figure 1.

A conventional folded paper napkin 10 typically has a closed end 12 which is defined by a main panel 1 of an absorbent paper material and an open end 16 which is defined by a second panel 18. A third optional panel 20 can be bent under the second panel 18. The second and third panels 18 and 20 are unitary with the panel main 14 and are respectively connected to the main panel 14 in the fold lines that are at the opposite ends of the main panel 14, as can be seen in Figure 1. A conventional paper napkin can be made from a single layer or from a material of multiple strata. For example, Figure 1 shows a material of two strata having a first stratum 22 and a second stratum 24.

Another common problem with conventional folded paper napkins can be seen in relation to Figures 2A and 2B. Conventional folded paper napkins are designed to be stacked in a napkin dispenser 26 such as, for example, a spring loaded napkin dispenser or a gravity fed dispenser. Such napkin dispensers have an opening 28 so that the open end 16 of the napkin 10 faces the opening 28 as shown in Figure 2A. In this position, a user can grasp the second panel 18 to pull the towel 10 out of the spout 26. However, when stacked inappropriately, as shown in Figure 2B, with the closed end 12 facing the opening 28 , the assortment is difficult, and often results in waste. In a not uncommon manner, maintenance personnel will stack paper napkins over improperly folded, as shown in Figure 2B rather than as shown in Figure 2A.

In addition, conventional folded paper napkins are two to three times as thick where the second panel 18 and the third optional panel 20 are folded over the main panel 14. When such paper napkins are arranged in a stack, the stack it will have its greater thickness through an upper or lower edge 30 of the opening 28 in the spout 26 as seen in Figure 2C. The pressure generated by the spring loaded spout or too full spout will force the thickest part of the stack against the rim 30 of the spout 26. If there is sufficient pressure, the friction between the spout 30 of the spout 26 and the napkin The outermost paper will make it difficult to remove a napkin from the dispenser.

Therefore, there is a need for a disposable folded fabric product, such as a paper napkin, which is virtually impossible to load poorly in a conventional dispenser. There is also a need for a foldable and expendable fabric product, such as a paper towel, which is configured so that the product stack distributes the pressure from a spring loaded or too full dispenser for a more reliable assortment.

SYNTHESIS DB THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the problems discussed above by providing a cloth product bent absorbent absorbent composed of: a first central panel; a second unitary panel with said first panel and bent over a first side of the first panel; a third panel, unitary with the first panel, and folded on a second side of the first panel; a fourth panel, unitary with the second panel, and folded so as to be placed between the first and second panels; and a fifth panel, unitary with the third panel, and folded so as to be placed between the first and third panels, so that a part of the third panel and the fifth panel overlap a part of the second panel and the fourth panel generating an area of one uneven thickness through the length of the product that provides an easier and more reliable assortment.

The cloth product can be a continuous fabric having a first edge and a second opposite edge, the first edge being on the fourth panel opposite the third fold line and the second edge being on the fifth panel opposite the fourth line of fold.

The folded fabric product is a fibrous fabric such as, for example, a non-woven fabric of meltblown fibers, a non-woven fabric of spunbond filaments, a coform fabric, or a wet laid fabric, a fabric placed by air, a carded and bonded fabric or the like as well as combinations thereof. Desirably, the folded fabric product is an absorbent paper product such as, for example, an absorbent paper napkin, an absorbent paper towel or the like. The folded fabric product may be of a single layer or it may be composed of a material made of multiple layers.

According to the invention, the width of the second panel can be greater than the width of the third panel so that the folded fabric product is asymmetric. In one aspect of the invention, the width of the fourth panel may be less than one half the width of the second panel. In another aspect of the present invention, the width of the fifth panel may be less than one half the width of the third panel.

One embodiment of the present invention encompasses a unitary and dispensable folded fabric product composed of: a first central panel having the first and second opposing surfaces, the first panel terminates at the first fold line at a first end and a second fold line at a second end which is opposite the first end, the first panel has a width that is defined as a distance from the first fold line to the second fold line; a second panel, the second panel having a first end that is joined with the first panel in the first fold line, and a second end having a third fold line defined there, the second panel having a width that is defined as a distance from the first bending line to the third bending line, the second panel being bent so that it lies on a part of the first surface of the first panel; a third panel, said third panel having a first end that is joined with the first panel in the second fold line and a second end having a fourth fold line defined there, the third panel having a width that is defined as a distance from the second fold line to the fourth fold line, said third panel being folded so that it lies on a portion of the second surface of the first panel; a fourth panel, said fourth panel being joined to the second panel in the third fold line, the fourth panel being folded with respect to the second panel in the third fold line so that the fourth panel is essentially placed between the first panel and the second panel. second panel; and a fifth panel, said fifth panel being attached to the third panel in said fourth fold line, said fifth panel being folded with respect to the third panel in the fourth fold line so that the fifth panel is essentially placed between the third panel and the first panel. Therefore according to the invention, the combined widths of the second panel and the third panel are larger than the first panel so that the second and third panels overlap to generate a region of non-uniform thickness across the length of the product.

The fabric product can be a continuous fabric having a first edge and a second opposite edge, the first edge being on the fourth panel opposite the third fold line and the second edge being on the fifth panel opposite the fourth fold line.

The folded fabric product is a fibrous fabric.

Desirably, the folded fabric product is an absorbent paper product such as, for example, an absorbent paper napkin. The folded fabric product may be of a single layer or it may be composed of a material consisting of multiple layers.

According to the invention, the width of the second panel can be greater than the width of the third panel so that the folded fabric product is asymmetric. In one aspect of the invention, the width of the fourth panel may be less than one half the width of the second panel. In another aspect of the present invention, the width of the fifth panel may be less than one half the width of the third panel.

These and various other advantages and characteristics of the novelty characterizing the invention are set forth with particularity in the claims appended hereto and form a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention and its advantages, reference should be made to the drawings which are an additional part hereof, and to the accompanying description of the subject, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional description of a conventional bent-over type cloth product.

Figure 2A is an illustration of a suitably loaded spout containing a conventional bent-type drop cloth product.

Figure 2B is an illustration of an improperly loaded dispenser containing a conventional folded-type disposable cloth product.

Figure 3 is a front view illustration of a dispenser containing a conventional fold-type disposable cloth product.

Figure 4 is an illustration of a transverse section of an exemplary improved folded cloth product.

Figure 5 is an illustration of a cross section of an exemplary improved folded fabric product.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an improved fabric product described in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an illustration of a cross section of a dispensable and improved folded fabric product described in Figure 3, shown in a folded and compressed state.

Figure 8 is a front view illustration of a dispenser containing an improved and improved sample fabric product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, where like reference numerals designate a corresponding structure through the views, and referring in particular to Figure 4, it shows (not necessarily to scale) an improved and improved folded fabric product 32.

The folded fabric product 32 includes a first central panel 100 having a first fold line 102 in the first end 104 and a second bending line 106 at the second end 106 which is opposite from the first end 104. The folded fabric product 32, further includes a second panel 200 having a first end 202 that is attached to the first panel 100 in the first fold line 102 and a second end 204 having a third fold line 206 defined therein. A third panel 300 having a first end 302 that is joined to the first panel 100 on the second fold line 106 also includes a second end 304 having a fourth fold line 306 defined therein. The folded fabric product 32 also includes a fourth panel 400 which is attached to the second panel 200 in the third fold line 206. The fourth panel 400 is bent with respect to the second panel 200 in the third fold line 206 so that the fourth panel 400 is essentially positioned between the first panel 100 and the second panel 200. Similarly, the improved fabric product 32 includes a fifth panel 500 which is attached to the third panel 300 on the fourth fold line 306. The fifth panel 500 is bent with respect to third panel 300 in fourth fold line 306 so that fifth panel 500 will be essentially positioned between third panel 300 and first panel 100 when folded as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 A first edge 60 of the folded fabric product 32 is defined on one end of the fourth panel 400 which is opposite from the third fold line 206. Similarly. the folded fabric product 32 includes a second edge 62 which is on the fifth panel 500 and is positioned opposite the fourth fold line 306. Since the fourth and fifth panels 400 and 500 are bent so as to be between the second and third 200 and 300, respectively, and the first panel 100, the first and second edges 60 and 62 will not be readily visible to an observer.

An important feature of the present invention is that the combined width of the second and third panels 200 and 300 is greater than the width of the first panel 100, which will ensure that the fabric product 32 has a zone or region of a thickness non-uniform extending through the length of the folded fabric product in a central region when the product is folded flat.

The width of the first panel 100 is defined as being the distance from the first fold line 102 to the second fold line 106. The width of the second panel 200 is defined as being the distance from the first fold line 102 to the third line of bending 206, and the width of the third panel 300 is defined as being the distance from the second bending line 106 to the fourth bending line 306.

A midpoint 70 of the distance on the first panel 100 between the first fold line 102 and the second line of bending 106 is indicated in Figures 4 and 7. In the embodiments of Figures 4, 6 and 7, the second panel 200 and the third panel 300 have the same width, which in combination, is greater than the width of the first panel 100. This causes the third fold line 206 to be placed on an opposite side of the midpoint 70 from the first fold line 102 and the fourth fold line 306 to be placed on the opposite side of the point 70 means from the second fold line 206. Such a configuration causes a part of the second panel 200 and the fourth panel 00 to overlap in a part of the third panel 300 and a fifth panel 500 generating a zone or region 80 of a non-uniform groeor to through the length of the folded fabric product 32. As can be seen from Figures 4 and 7, the zone or region 80 of non-uniform thickness is centered at the midpoint 70.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the second panel 200 has a width that is less than the width of the third panel 300. Importantly, the combined width of the second panel 200 and the third panel 300 is greater than the width of the first panel 100 so that a portion of the second panel 200 and the fourth panel 400 overlap in a portion of the third panel 300 and the fifth panel 500 generating a zone or region 80 of non-uniform thickness across the length of the folded fabric product 32 The lack of symmetry between the second panel 200 and the third panel 300 changes the zone or region 80 from a non-uniform thickness towards out of the midpoint 70. Such a configuration is desirable for the jets having an off-center opening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the width of the fourth panel 400 may be less than one half the width of the second panel 200. Alternatively and / or additionally, the width of the fifth panel 500 may be less than one-half the width of the panel. third panel 300. Such a configuration improves the difference in thickness (e.g., non-uniform thickness) of the folded fabric product by concentrating the coverage of the panels in the central region of the folded fabric product. For example, in the center of the folded fabric product, the portions of the second panel 200, the fourth panel 400, the first panel 100, the fifth panel 500 and the third panel 300 will be stacked one on top of the other to provide a thickness equivalent to five. (5) sheets of material. When the width of the fourth panel 400 is less than that of the second panel 200 (for example the fourth minus half the width of the second panel) and when the width of the fifth panel 500 is less than that of the third panel 300 (for example the fifth panel less than half the width of the third panel), the non-central regions or the outer regions of the folded sheet product will have a thickness equivalent to only doe sheets of material. Therefore, the outer regions of the folded sheet product have a thickness that is less than one half (eg 2/5) of the thickness of the central region.

In the past it was generally thought that folded fabric products should be configured to remove areas of non-uniform thickness. However, the non-uniform thickness configuration in the present invention as discussed above provides several advantages. Referring now to Figure 8 of the drawings, there is shown a front view illustration of a spout 26 containing an improved improved cloth product of example 32. According to a feature of the present invention, the zone or region 80 of a non-uniform thickness (which is generally aligned at the mid-point 70 or somewhat off-center from the mid-point 70) makes contact only with the small "centrally located" sections 82 of the spout instead of the full upper or lower edge 30 as with a product of type of conventional folded envelope.

The contact between the zone or region 80 of non-uniform thickness in small "centrally located" sections only 82 of the spout helps to minimize the amount of area that can be pressed against the spout face when the spout is spring loaded or overfilled. . It is generally thought that minimizing this contact area (of the thickest part of the stack of folded products) will help reduce the friction between the spring loaded or overfilled battery folded fabric so that the leaves can be easily and reliably filled.

Another advantage of the zone or region 80 of non-uniform thickness in only the "centrally located" small sections 82 of the dispenser is that the thinner sections of a stack of the folded fabric products are located at the upper and lower edges. 30 from the supplier. Since the pressure of the stack of folded fabric products is focused on its thicker section (eg the zone or region 80 of non-uniform thickness) which contacts only a small part of the spout, the thinner sections of the stack of fabric products that are in contact with a larger part of the spout (e.g. upper and lower edges 30) are essentially free of pressure caused by spring loading or overfilling.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the configuration of the zone or region 80 of a non-uniform thickness causes part of a stack of the folded fabric product to "bulge outwardly" to protrude, bulge or project outward from the opening in the spout. Since the zone or region is generally aligned at the midpoint 70 or is somewhat off center from the midpoint 70, the projection or bulge generally makes it easier to grip a single folded sheet product.

It will be understood, however, that while numerous features and advantages of the present invention have been given in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of the invention, that the description is illustrative only, and that they can be c) in the details, especially in the matters of form, size and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the invention in full disclosure indicated by the generally broad meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims (21)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A unitary, folded fabric product, which includes: a first central panel having the first and second opposed surfaces, the first panel ends at the first fold line at a first end and a second fold line at a second end that is opposite from the first end, the first panel has a width which is defined as a distance from the first fold line to the second fold line; a second panel, the second panel has a first end that is joined to the first panel of the first fold line, and a second end having a third fold line defined there, the second panel has a width that is defined as a distance from the first fold line to the third fold line, the second panel being bent as to cover a portion of the first surface of the first panel; a third panel, the third panel has a first end that is joined to the first panel in the second fold line and a second end that has a fourth fold line defined there, the third panel has a width that is defined as a distance from the second fold line to the fourth fold line, the third panel being bent so that it lies on a part of the second surface of the first panel; a fourth panel, the fourth panel being attached to the second panel in the third fold line, the fourth panel being positioned with respect to the second panel in the third fold line so that the fourth panel is essentially placed between the first panel and the second panel. second panel; Y a fifth panel, the fifth panel being attached to the third panel in the fourth fold line, said fifth panel being folded with respect to the third panel in the fourth fold line so that the fifth panel is essentially placed between the third panel and the second panel. first panel, wherein the combined widths of the second panel and the third panel are greater than the first panel so that the second and third panels overlap to generate a non-uniform thickness region across the length of the product.

2. The fabric product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the fabric product comprises a continuous fabric having a first edge and a second opposite edge, the first edge being on the fourth panel opposite to the third fold line and the second edge being on the fifth panel opposite the fourth fold line.

3. The fabric product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the folded fabric product is an absorbent paper product.

4. The fabric product as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the folded fabric product is composed of a material made of multiple layers.

5. The fabric product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the width of the second panel is greater than the width of the third panel so that the folded fabric product is asymmetric.

6. The fabric product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the width of the fourth panel is less than one half the width of the second panel.

7. The fabric product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the width of the fifth panel is less than one half the width of the third panel.

8. A stack of a unit folded product unitized as claimed in clause 1.

9. A product of unitary double folded fabric comprising: a first central panel having the first and second opposed surfaces, the first panel ends in a first fold line at the first end and a second fold line at a second end -which is opposite from the first end, the first panel has a width -which is defined as a distance from the first fold line to the second fold line; a second panel, the second panel has a first end that is joined to the first panel in the first fold line, and a second end having a third fold line defined there, the second panel has a width that is defined as a distance from the first fold line to the third fold line, the second panel being bent as to cover a portion of the first surface of the first panel; a third panel, said third panel having a first end that is joined with the first panel in the second fold line and a second end having a fourth fold line there, the third panel having a width that is defined as a distance from the second fold line to the fourth fold line, the third panel being folded so as to cover a part of the second surface of the first panel; a fourth panel, the fourth panel being attached to the second panel in the third fold line, the fourth panel being folded with respect to the second panel in the third fold line so that the fourth panel is essentially placed between the first panel and the second panel. second panel, where the width of the fourth panel is less than the width of the second panel; Y a fifth panel, the fifth panel being attached to the third panel in said fourth fold line, said fifth panel being folded are with respect to the third panel in the fourth fold line so that the fifth panel is essentially placed between the third panel and the second panel. first panel, where the width of the fifth panel is less than the width of the third panel, where the width of the fourth panel is less than one half the width of the second panel and the width of the fifth panel is less than one half the width of the third panel, and where the combined widths of the second panel and the third panel are larger than the first panel so that the second and third panels overlap to generate a non-uniform thickness region through the length of the product.

10. The fabric produsto as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said product comprises one web continues to have a first edge and a second opposite edge, the first edge being on the fourth panel opposite the third fold line and the second edge being on the fifth panel opposite the fourth fold line.

11. The cloth product as such is claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the folded fabric product is an absorbent paper product.

12. The fabric product as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the folded fabric product is composed of a material made of multiple layers.

13. The fabric product as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that the width of the second panel is greater than the width of the third panel so that the folded fabric product is asymmetric.

14. A stack of unitary folded fabric product as claimed in clause 9.

15. A product of absorbent bent absorbent fabric comprising: a first central panel; a second, unitary panel is the first panel and folded over a first side of the first panel; a third panel, unitary with the first panel, and folded on a second side of the first panel; a fourth panel, unitary with the second panel, and folded so as to be placed between the first and the second panels; Y a fifth panel, unitary with the third panel, and folded so as to collapse between the first and third panels; wherein a part of the third panel and the fifth panel overlap a part of the second panel and the fourth panel generating an area of non-uniform thickness across the length of the product.

16. The fabric product as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that said fabric product comprises a continuous fabric having a first edge and a second opposite edge, the first edge being on the fourth panel opposite the third fold line and the second edge being on the fifth panel opposite the fourth fold line.

17. The fabric product as claimed in clause 15 facesterized because the folded fabric product is an absorbent paper product.

18. The fabric produsto as such is claimed in clause 15 characterized in that the width of the second panel is greater than the width of the third panel so that the folded fabric product is asymmetric.

19. The absorbent fabric product as claimed in clause 15 sarasterized because the width of the fourth panel is less than one half the width of the second panel.

20. The absorbent fabric product as claimed in clause 15, because the width of the fifth panel is less than one half the width of the third panel.

21. A stack of unitary doubly bent absorbent fabric product as claimed in clause 15. E S U M E N A dispensable bent absorbent fabric product composed of: a first central panel; a second panel, unitary with the first panel and folded on the first side of the first panel; a third panel, unitary with the first panel, and folded on a second side of the first panel; a fourth panel, unitary with the second panel, and folded so as to be placed between the first and third panels, so that a part of the third panel and a fifth panel overlap a part of the second panel, and a fourth panel generates an area of thickness not uniform throughout the length of the produsto which provides an easier and more reliable assortment.