Abstract:
Packaging of tissues such as facial tissues such that the final package is compact and reduces exposure of stored tissues to contamination by hand contact. The tissues are folded several times to attain a footprint considerably smaller than the original footprint and of conventionally packaged tissues. Folded tissues are interleaved to cause withdrawal of one tissue to expose the next. The package may comprise paper, semirigid plastic, or transparent film packaging. Optionally, a carabiner enables attachment of the package to an environmental object such as apparel of a person.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to paper type cleaning and sanitary webs, and more particularly to packaging of such webs enabling storing and dispensing the webs. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Paper type cleaning and sanitary webs such as napkins, facial tissues, and the like (hereinafter called tissues for brevity) are typically stored and sold in and dispensed from paperboard boxes. The paperboard box typically has a removable prescored panel which once removed provides an opening in the box through which the user may insert his or her hand to retrieve a tissue. For many purposes, this presents no complications. However, where sanitary conditions must be maintained, it becomes objectionable to require that the user insert his or her hand into the head space of the box in order to retrieve a tissue, due to potential transfer of contamination into the remaining supply of tissues. 
         [0003]    Another issue for packaged tissues is that of compactness. Most tissues are sold at retail in boxes which leave a footprint of about nine inches by five inches. While this is not objectionable in a household, there are situations in which it is desired to carry about a more compact supply of tissues. For example, in automobiles and when traveling on foot, it may be desirable to have a compact supply of tissues for frequently recurring use. Small tissue supplies have been commercially available, but these are usually small tissues rather than the standard size that usually occupies a nine inch by five inch box, and moreover are typically enclosed within a thin, flaccid cellophane film or the like. Once the cellophane film is torn open, it may not properly enclose and protect the remaining tissues. 
         [0004]    There exists a need for improved packaging of tissue type webs for individual use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention addresses the above stated need by providing novel folding schemes in combination with packaging which is both compact for the size of the individual enclosed tissue, and also does not require insertion of most of the hand to retrieve a tissue. To these ends, tissues which are enclosed are folded more than the typical one time, and are interleaved so that withdrawal of one tissue pulls the next tissue such that it partially projects from the packaging. This overcomes the necessity of inserting the hand into the packaging to withdraw subsequent tissues. 
         [0006]    The folding pattern also allows for a packaging footprint which is reduced relative to the footprint of the tissue, compared to conventional practice. The novel folding and packaging scheme thus accomplishes the twin goals of maintaining hygienic condition of tissues, while minimizing packaging size for tissues of a given area. 
         [0007]    In a further aspect, a tissue dispensing package may be attached to a person&#39;s apparel by a snap hook or carabiner. 
         [0008]    It is an object of the invention to improve on hygienic conditions of stored tissues. 
         [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide more compact packaging for stored tissues. 
         [0010]    It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof by apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable, and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
         [0011]    These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a tissue which may be incorporated into the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1   b  is a perspective view showing a first fold formed in the tissue of  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0015]      FIG. 1   c  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 1   b  after a second fold. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1   d  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 1   c  after a further fold. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1   e  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 1   d  after a further fold. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1   f  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 1   e  in a further state of folding. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1   g  shows the tissue of  FIG. 1   f  as it is being interleaved with a second tissue. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1   h   1  is a perspective view of a package which may enclose a stack of tissues such as the tissues of  FIG. 1   g.    
           [0021]      FIG. 1   h   2  is a perspective view of a second type of package which may enclose a stack of tissues such as the tissues of  FIG. 1   g.    
           [0022]      FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of a tissue which may be incorporated into the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2   b  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 2   a  after being folded. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2   c  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 2   b  after a second fold. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2   d  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 2   c  after a further fold. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2   e  is a slightly exploded perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 2   d  after another fold. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2   f  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 2   e  as it is being interleaved with a second tissue. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2   g  is a perspective view of a package which may enclose a stack of tissues such as the tissues of  FIG. 2   f.    
           [0029]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of a tissue which may be incorporated into the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 3   a  after being folded. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3   c  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 3   b  after a second fold. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3   d  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 3   c  after further folding. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3   e  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 3   d  as it is being interleaved with a second tissue. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3   f  is a perspective view of a package which may enclose a stack of tissues such as the tissues of  FIG. 3   e.    
           [0035]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of a tissue which may be incorporated into the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 4   a  after being folded. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4   c  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 4   b  after a second fold. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4   d  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 4   c  as it is being interleaved with a second tissue. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4   e  is a perspective view of a package which may enclose a stack of tissues such as the tissues of  FIG. 4   d.    
           [0040]      FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of a tissue which may be incorporated into the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 5   a  after being folded. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5   c  is a perspective view showing the tissue of  FIG. 5   b  as it is being interleaved with a second tissue. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5   d  is a perspective view of the tissues of  FIG. 5   c  as they would appear in a stack of tissues ready for dispensing. 
           [0044]      FIG. 5   e  is a perspective view of a package which may enclose a stack of tissues such as the tissues of  FIG. 3   e.    
           [0045]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another package which may enclose a stack of tissues according to at least one aspect of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of still another package which may enclose a stack of tissues according to at least one aspect of the invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing an optional attachment feature which may be incorporated into packaged tissues according to a further aspect of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    Referring first to  FIG. 1   a , according to at least one aspect of the invention there is shown a tissue  10  which may be incorporated into a dispensing pack of tissues (shown hereinafter). The tissue  10  may be of any type which is dispensed for use by consumers for example, and is typically used for personal cleaning or grooming, but may also be used for general cleaning. The tissue  10  may be a non-woven cellulosic web for example, but may be a woven fabric or may take still other forms. Facial tissues, napkins, cleaning wipes impregnated with detergent or antimicrobial agents are all examples of known webs which may be used as the tissue  10 . 
         [0049]    A plurality of tissues such as the tissue  10  are folded and interleaved to form a stack which may then be packaged for retail distribution. The tissue of  FIG. 1   a  is folded once along its length, the fold line being shown in  FIG. 1   b  as a projection line  12 . There is no criticality to the fold being along the length  12 , this description being only a semantic convenience. The tissue  10  is folded again in half, parallel to the line  12  along a line  14 . Three folds will then be made along respective transverse lines  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  as shown in  FIG. 1   c . The transverse lines  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are in an orthogonal direction different from that of the fold line  12 , thereby dividing the tissue  10  into constituent panels. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 1   d  and  1   e  show progressive stages of folding. At each fold line  16 ,  18 ,  20 , or  22 , the tissue  10  is folded in a direction opposite that of the prior or subsequent fold. In  FIG. 1   f , the tissue  10  is shown prior to the last fold, along the line  16 . The folds in the second direction will be said to be arranged in a Z-fold pattern. Referring to  FIG. 1   g , prior to making the last fold, a second tissue  24  is laid on the folded sections of the tissue  10 , below the uppermost panel  26 , which is an end panel, as is the lowermost panel  28 . The second tissue  24  will be folded over or alternatively stated, interleaved with the uppermost panel  26 , then Z-folded the same way as the first tissue  10 , with one end panel  30  interleaved with the tissue  10 , and having another end panel  32  which will entrap another tissue (not shown). Interleaving end panels  26 ,  30  and those of subsequent tissues causes a subsequent tissue to project partially from the receptacle, or final retail package. 
         [0051]    After a suitable number of tissues such as the tissue  10  are Z-folded and interleaved, they may be placed into a receptacle or final retail packaging.  FIG. 1   h   1  shows one optional form of final retail packaging, in the form of a paper or paperboard box  34 . In the plurality of stacked tissues so packaged, each tissue is folded to define at least four adjoined panels, such as the end panels  26  and  28 . Of course, each tissue has at least one interior panel, such as the panels  36 ,  38 ,  40  (shown for the tissue  24  in  FIG. 1   g ). The paper box  34  may have an opening  42 . As an alternative to the preformed full opening  42 , a receptacle such as the receptacle  534  (see  FIG. 6 ) may have a scored or frangible panel  535  formed in the upper face  548  of the receptacle  534 , which frangible panel  535  may be fully or partially removed to form an opening to afford access to the tissues enclosed within. Where partially removed, and as depicted in  FIG. 6 , the frangible panel  535  may form a closure which is retained to the upper face  548  of the receptacle  534 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 1   h   2  shows another optional form of final retail packaging, in the form of a transparent, flexible film which may be shrink wrapped to form a receptacle  44 . The receptacle  44  may have an opening  46  or alternatively, a scored or frangible panel which may form an opening. 
         [0053]    This arrangement causes the stack of tissues to be quite compact, from the standpoint that each tissue when folded and spread flat has an area no greater than one fourth of the area of the same tissue when unfolded and spread flat (as is seen in  FIG. 1   a ). It will be appreciated that the footprint, or length and width of the receptacle, which has an area just greater than the area of the folded tissues enclosed within the receptacle. The footprint of the receptacle is that panel bearing an opening for withdrawing tissues, such as the upper panel  48  of the paper box  34 , or the upper panel  50  of the receptacle  44 . 
         [0054]    It should be noted at this point that orientational terms such as upper refer to the subject drawing as viewed by an observer. The drawing figures depict their subject matter in orientations of normal use, which could obviously change with changes with the way the receptacle such as the receptacle  34  is held. Therefore, orientational terms must be understood to provide semantic basis for purposes of description, and do not limit the invention or its component parts in any particular way. 
         [0055]    In the packaging shown in  FIGS. 1   h   1  and  1   h   2 , each one of the tissues has at least two folds in a first direction and at least four folds in a second direction which is orthogonally different from the first direction. 
         [0056]    Turning now to  FIG. 2   a , a tissue  110  is shown spread out and flat. A fold line  112  is shown extending along the length of the tissue  110 . In  FIG. 2   b , the tissue  110  has been folded along the fold line  112 , and a second fold line  114  is shown parallel to the fold line  112 . When the once folded tissue  110  is folded again along the fold line  114 , it will assume the configuration seen in  FIG. 2   c . The twice folded tissue  110  may have fold lines  116 ,  118 ,  120  designated thereon, which lei in a second direction which is orthogonally different from the direction of the fold lines  112  and  114 . This creates an elongated construction four plies in thickness, as seen in  FIG. 2   d . The tissue  110  may then be folded along the fold lines  116 ,  118 ,  120 . An initial stage of folding is shown in  FIG. 2   e , which is exaggerated to emphasize the many resulting plies. The tissue  110  may be Z-folded and interleaved with a similarly folded tissue  124 . Additional tissues may be similarly folded and interleaved to form a stack of Z-folded and interleaved tissues. These tissues may then be placed in a final retail package such as the paper box  134 . The paper box  134  may have an access opening  142 , shown with one tissue  135  projecting therethrough. In summary, each one of the Z-folded tissues of the stack enclosed within the paper box  134  has at least two folds in a first direction and at least three folds in a second direction which is orthogonally different from the first direction. 
         [0057]      FIG. 3   a  shows a tissue  210  having a fold line  212 . When folded along the fold line  212 , the tissue  210  is considerably elongated compared to the width, as seen in  FIG. 3   b .  FIGS. 3   c  and  3   d  show progressive stages of Z-folding of the tissue  210 . The tissue  210  has end panels  230  and  232 , and interior panels  236  and  238 , for a total of four total panels  230 ,  232 ,  236 ,  238 . The tissue  210  may be interleaved with a similarly folded tissue  224  and then with additional tissues (not shown) to form a stack of Z-folded, interleaved tissues which may then be enclosed within a receptacle such as a paper box  234  bearing an opening  242  for removing tissues. 
         [0058]    The folding scheme of the tissues of the paper box  234  is similar to that of the paper box  34  of  FIG. 1 , except that each individual tissue has, in addition to the single lengthwise fold, at least three folds in the second orthogonal direction, rather than the four folds of the tissues of the paper box  34 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 4   a  shows a tissue  310  having a fold line  312 . The tissue  310  is folded once along the fold line  312 , as seen in  FIG. 4   b , and subsequently will be folded along transverse fold lines  316 ,  318 .  FIGS. 4   c  and  4   d  show progressive stages of Z-folding of the tissue  310 . The tissue  310  has end panels  330  and  332 , and one interior panel  336 , for a total of three panels  330 ,  332 ,  336 . The tissue  310  may be Z-folded and interleaved with a similarly folded tissue  324  ( FIG. 4   d ) and then with additional tissues (not shown) to form a stack of Z-folded, interleaved tissues which may then be enclosed within a receptacle such as a paper box  334  bearing an opening  342  for removing tissues. 
         [0060]      FIG. 5   a  shows a tissue  410  having a fold line  412 . The tissue  410  is folded once along the fold line  412 , as seen in  FIG. 5   b , and subsequently will be folded along a transverse fold line  414 . The tissue  410  is then one fourth its original footprint in area. The tissue  410  is then interleaved with a similarly folded tissue  424  ( FIGS. 5   c  and  5   d  show progressive stages of Z-folding) and then with additional tissues (not shown) to form a stack of Z-folded, interleaved tissues which may then be enclosed within a receptacle such as a paper box  434  bearing an opening  442  for removing tissues ( FIG. 5   e ). 
         [0061]    In summary, in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   e  each of the tissues has at least one fold in a first direction and at least one fold in a second direction which is orthogonally different from the first direction. 
         [0062]    It should be mentioned that any of the folding arrangements may be packaged within any type of receptacle or retail packaging presented herein. In addition to the paper material and film packages of  FIGS. 1   h   1  and  1   h   2 , other types of packaging may be utilized. Also, configuration of packaging may be varied from parallelepiped form illustrated for the receptacles  34 ,  134 ,  234 ,  334 , and  434 . Where parallelepiped forms are used, they may be substantially square, wherein the length of the receptacle is substantially equal to the width of the receptacle such that the largest face bearing the access opening, such as the upper panel  48  of the paper box  34 , is substantially square. Alternatively, the receptacle such as the receptacle  34  may be rectangular at the largest face, as seen in  FIG. 2   g.    
         [0063]    Turning now to  FIG. 7 , another form of packaging may comprise a receptacle which is fabricated from a semirigid synthetic polymer. For example, a receptacle  634  may be formed to have a deep portion  637 , a cover  639  which fits closely over the deep portion  637 , and a live hinge  641  which hinges the cover  639  to the deep portion  637 . The receptacle  634  may be transparent. 
         [0064]    The cover  639  of the receptacle  634  may have a laterally projecting flange  653  bearing depressions  643  and  645 . The deep portion  637  of the receptacle  634  may have a lateral flange  651  bearing depressions  647  and  649 . The lateral flanges  651 ,  653  may overlie one another when the cover  639  is moved to a closed position (as depicted in  FIG. 7 ) over the deep portion  637  of the receptacle  634 . Depressions  643  and  647  may mutually interfit, and the depressions  645  and  649  may mutually interfit to maintain the cover  639  in the closed position. 
         [0065]      FIG. 8  shows an optional feature which may be incorporated into any receptacle of the invention where feasible. A receptacle R may be adapted to comprise a carabiner or snap hook  700  and a flexible tether  702  coupling the snap hook  700  to the receptacle. The snap hook  700  may be utilized to releasably couple the receptacle to belt loops or other suitable components (none shown) of the apparel of a user for example. This feature enables a compact supply of tissues to be kept on the person and not constantly hand held for example. 
         [0066]    While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the disclosed arrangements, but is intended to cover various arrangements which are included within the spirit and scope of the broadest possible interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent arrangements which are possible