Compact Tissue Dispenser

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 tissue...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Another issue for packaged tissues is that of compactness.

Once the cellophane film is torn open, it may not properly enclose and protect the remaining tissues.

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