Wiping tools

Abstract

To provide a more user-friendly wiping tool. [Solution] A wiping tool that can be used in an unfolded state after being folded, the wiping tool having three wiping sections in the unfolded state, which include a pair of first upper sections, a first upper left section and a first upper right section, and a pair of first lower sections connected to the first upper sections, and having a first separating section between the pair of first upper sections that narrows in width towards the bottom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiping tool.

Background Art

[0002] As a wiping tool convenient for wiping the face or blowing the nose, for example, there is tissue paper. Such tissue paper, especially the one for portable use, is stored in a folded state and used in an unfolded state (for example, refer to paragraph 0004 of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above Patent Document 1, since the conventional tissue paper is stored by laminating those folded with a large number of folds in both the longitudinal direction and the width direction as shown in FIG. 9 for the purpose of taking out one by one, there is a drawback that each fold has to be unfolded after taking it out during use. As shown in FIG. 3, by the folds along the width direction and the folds along the longitudinal direction, it is folded into four folds as a whole, and when it is taken out and unfolded once to be folded into two folds, it is set to be exactly the size of a human palm and proposed to be used for various purposes as it is (refer to paragraphs 0004 and 0013 of Patent Document 1).

[0005] Patent Document 1 proposes unfolding a tissue from its four-fold state and then folding it in half for use, but this method is not always convenient depending on what you are wiping and your purpose. When unfolded, a tissue has a side length of about 20 cm, and it can be said that the unfolded state is more suitable for wiping almost the entire face at once than the folded state. Also, for blowing your nose, the folded state, which covers a small area and has thickness, is more suitable.

[0006] As described above, conventional tissue paper is designed with ease of dispensing in mind, and Patent Document 1 is designed with ease of use in a folded state in mind; therefore, no consideration has been given to ease of use in an unfolded state. For example, although it is rectangular when unfolded, a rectangular shape is not necessarily convenient for wiping the face. Also, although it is rectangular when folded, a rectangular shape is not necessarily convenient depending on the purpose of use.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the above problems and to provide a more user-friendly wiping tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a wiping tool that can be used in an unfolded state after being unfolded from a folded state, and in the unfolded state, includes three wiping parts: a pair of first upper parts, a first upper left part and a first upper right part, and a first lower part connected to a pair of the first upper parts, and has a first separating part between the pair of the first upper parts that becomes narrower towards the bottom.

[0009] The wiping tool may be heart-shaped in the folded state and also heart-shaped in the unfolded state.

[0010] The three wiping sections may have the same number of layers in the folded state.

[0011] The wiping tool, in its folded state, includes three wiping sections: a pair of third upper sections, one of which is a third upper section formed by folding the first upper left section into four layers and the other of which is a third upper section formed by folding the first upper right section into four layers; and a third lower section, one of which is a first lower section formed by folding the first lower section into four layers. The wiping tool may also have a third separating section between the pair of third upper sections, which narrows in width towards the bottom. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, a more user-friendly wiping tool can be provided.

[0013] Other issues, configurations, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] The figure shows an example of the wiping tool according to Embodiment 1, with (a) being in the unfolded state and (b) being in the folded state (front view). [Figure 2] This diagram shows the folding procedure for the wiping tool shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the folding procedure for the wiping tool shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the wiper in its folded state, with (a) being a rear view, (b) a top view, (c) a side view, and (d) a bottom view. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a wiping tool according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, where (a) is in the deployed state and (b) is in the intermediate state. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a wiping tool in modification 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] The figure shows an example of the wiping tool according to Embodiment 2, with (a) being in the unfolded state and (b) being in the folded state (front view). [Figure 8] This diagram shows the folding procedure for the wiping tool shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the folding procedure for the wiping tool shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the folding procedure for the wiping tool shown in Figure 7. [Figure 11]A diagram showing an example of the wiper of Embodiment 3, where (a) is the deployed state and (b) is the folded state. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the folding procedure of the wiper of FIG. 11.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the components common to the following embodiments, the same reference numerals as those used above may be given, and the description may be omitted. Also, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., unless otherwise specified or it is considered obvious in principle, it shall include those substantially similar or analogous to the shape, etc.

[0016] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the wiper of Embodiment 1, where (a) is the deployed state and (b) is the folded state (front view). FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the folding procedure of the wiper of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows the folded state of the wiper of FIG. 1, where (a) is a rear view, (b) is a plan view, (c) is a side view, and (d) is a bottom view. Hereinafter, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction shall conform to the directions shown in FIG. 1(a), and the front-back direction shall be the direction orthogonal to these directions (the same in each of the following figures). In this embodiment, the inner side (inward) shall be the side (direction) close to the separation point d described later.

[0017] The wiper 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a tissue paper used when wiping the face or blowing the nose, and the material is not particularly limited, and known techniques can be appropriately used. The number of layers of the material itself constituting the tissue paper is not particularly limited, and it may be a general two-layer one, a single layer, or three or more layers. The wiper 1 of this embodiment is usually (in the initial state) in a folded state. For example, a plurality of folded ones are stored in a bag or a box, and can be taken out and used as they are or deployed in the deployed state when in use. Note that if the initial state is the deployed state, the user may fold it along the mountain fold line and valley fold line described later to use it or carry it around.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1(a), the wiping tool 1, in its unfolded state, includes three wiping sections: a pair of symmetrical first upper left section 11 and first upper right section 12, and a first lower section 13 connected to this pair of first upper sections. The wiping tool 1 has a first separation section 14 between the pair of first upper sections, which is a groove (notch) that narrows towards the bottom. That is, the first separation section 14 is a roughly V-shaped gap above the separation point d that exists between the first upper sections.

[0019] In this embodiment, the wiping tool 1 is heart-shaped when unfolded. In the illustration, the first upper left part 11 and the first upper right part 12 form the upper part of a heart shape that is convex upwards, the first lower part 13 forms the lower part of a heart shape that gradually converges, and the first separating part 14 forms a heart-shaped groove that separates the first upper parts. As an example, as shown in the illustration, both first upper parts 11 and 12 are semicircular in shape, and the first lower part 13 is triangular in shape with its apex pointing downwards.

[0020] When the wiping tool 1 is unfolded from its folded state, creases appear (it has a permanent crease). For example, if the illustrated side is the front, multiple mountain fold lines a, indicated by a dashed dot line, and multiple valley fold lines b, indicated by a dashed dot line, will appear. On the reverse side, the illustrated mountain fold lines will appear as valley fold lines, and vice versa.

[0021] The wiping tool 1 is preferably large enough to cover most of the face, for example, with a vertical width M in the range of 15 to 21 cm and a horizontal width N in the range of 20 to 28 cm.

[0022] When wiping your face, you sometimes want to wipe a large portion of your face at once. In such cases, conventional tissues, being rectangular when unfolded, are not always convenient. Also, when using conventional tissues unfolded, unused excess tissue is left at the corners, while when folded in half, the vertical width is insufficient.

[0023] The wiping tool 1 in this form is easy to use because it is shaped to suit wiping the face. For example, the slanted first side 15 is suitable for holding the wiping tool 1 between the thumb and other fingers. For example, because the first separation part 14 separates both first upper parts appropriately to the left and right, the left and right parts held in each hand can be moved appropriately to the left and right or up and down to wipe. In addition, material can be saved by eliminating the four corners that are not normally used while wiping the area to be wiped. Furthermore, the heart-shaped wiping tool 1 has excellent design, improved aesthetics, and is pleasant to use.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1(b), in this embodiment, the wiping tool 1 is heart-shaped even when folded. The wiping tool 1 has a pair of third upper parts, the third left upper part 31 and the third upper part 32, which form an upwardly convex upper part of the heart shape, the third lower part 33 which forms a gradually converging lower part of the heart shape, and the third separating part 34 which forms a heart-shaped groove that separates the third upper parts.

[0025] When blowing your nose or wiping around your nose, a small, thick, folded tissue is ideal. In such cases, conventional tissues, which fold into a rectangle, are not always the most convenient to use.

[0026] The wiping tool 1 in this form is easy to use because of its shape, which is suitable for wiping and blowing the nose. For example, the sloping third side 35 is suitable for holding between the thumb and other fingers. For example, because the two upper third parts are appropriately separated to the left and right by the third separation part 34, the left and right parts held in each hand can be moved appropriately to the left and right or up and down to wipe. For example, when placing the two upper third parts on the nostrils, the presence of the third separation part 34 allows them to be placed in the intended location without interfering with each other. In addition, the heart-shaped wiping tool 1 has excellent design, improved aesthetics, and is pleasant to use.

[0027] In this embodiment of the wiping tool 1, the first upper left section 11 is folded into four layers to form the third upper left section 31, the first upper right section 12 is folded into four layers to form the third upper right section 32, and the first lower section 13 is folded into four layers to form the third lower section 33. The third separation section 34 is a groove whose shape matches the lower part of the first separation section 14 and becomes narrower towards the bottom. In this way, the wiping tool 1 is designed so that the relative positions of the upper sections, the lower sections, and the separation sections do not change before and after folding.

[0028] When folding the wiping tool 1, for example, turn it over and fold it so that the back side is facing outwards. The procedure is as follows: First, fold the first lower part 13 inwards along the fold line c1 as shown by the arrow, as shown in Figure 2(a), and then fold the first upper left part 11 and the first upper right part 12 inwards along the fold line c2 as shown by the arrows, as shown in Figure 2(b) (first step). In the first step, you may fold the pair of first upper parts inwards first and then fold the first lower part 13 inwards, or you may use a special machine to fold the pair of first upper parts and the first lower part 13 inwards simultaneously.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3(a), when the wiping tool 1 is folded in this way, it becomes an intermediate state between two layers. In this intermediate state, the first upper left section 11 is folded into two layers to form the second upper left section 21, the first upper right section 12 is folded into two layers to form the second upper right section 22, and the first lower section 13 is folded into two layers to form the second lower section 23. The second separation section 24 is a groove that separates the two folded upper sections, with the width narrowing towards the bottom. Even in this intermediate state, the relative positions of the upper sections, lower sections, and separation section of the wiping tool 1 remain unchanged before and after folding. Needless to say, the wiping tool 1 may also be used in this intermediate state.

[0030] Next, fold the second lower section 23 inward along the pair of fold lines c3 as indicated by the arrows, and fold the second upper left section 21 and the second upper right section 22 inward along the fold line c4 as indicated by the arrows, as shown in Figure 3(b) (second step). In the second step, you may fold the pair of second upper sections inward first, and then fold the second lower section 23 inward, or you may use a special machine to fold the pair of second upper sections and the second lower section 23 inward simultaneously.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, by folding the wiping tool 1 in this way, each part has the same number of layers (four layers in this case). The wiping tool 1 can be changed from a heart-shaped unfolded state to a heart-shaped folded state by simply folding each wiping part inward twice. Then, by spreading the wiping tool 1 outward all at once, it changes from a folded state to an unfolded state. Because each wiping part of the wiping tool 1 has the same number of layers, each wiping part has a uniform thickness even when folded.

[0032] <Modification 1 of Embodiment 1> Figure 5 shows an example of a wiping tool according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, where (a) is the unfolded state and (b) is the intermediate state. In contrast to the first side 15 of the first lower part 13 of the above wiping tool 1, in the unfolded state of the wiping tool 1 of this example, as shown in Figure 5(a), a pair of first sides 15 are convex outwards at the top and convex inwards at the bottom. That is, the first side 15 of this example has different shapes in the upper and lower halves, with one being a convex arc and the other a concave arc. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the wiping tool 1 reaches the intermediate state, the convex and concave arcs complement each other and do not overlap, allowing it to be folded in the same manner as above and achieve the same effect.

[0033] <Modification 2 of Embodiment 1> Figure 6 shows an example of a wiping tool according to modification 2 of Embodiment 1, in its unfolded state. While the outer circumference of the first upper part of the wiping tool 1 described above is arc-shaped, the wiping tool 1 of this example, as shown in the figure, has a first left upper part 11 and a first right upper part 12 that are semi-polygons such as a semi-octagon with a straight portion on the outer circumference. The wiping tool 1 of this example can be folded in the same manner as described above and can achieve the same effect.

[0034] <Embodiment 2> Figure 7 shows an example of the wiping tool of Embodiment 2, where (a) is the unfolded state and (b) is the folded state (front view). Figures 8 to 10 show the folding procedure of the wiping tool of Figure 7. Hereinafter, explanations of components common to Embodiment 1 and its modified examples will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be the focus of the explanation.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7(a), the wiping tool 1 of this embodiment, in its unfolded state, includes three wiping sections: a pair of symmetrical first upper sections 11 and 12, and a first lower section 13 connected to the pair of first upper sections. Between the pair of first upper sections is a first separating section 14, which is a groove (notch) that narrows in width towards the bottom.

[0036] In this embodiment, the wiping tool 1 is heart-shaped when unfolded. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, both first upper parts 11 and 12 are semicircular shapes that are convex diagonally to the upper left and upper right, respectively, and the first lower part 13 is diamond-shaped (here a square). When the wiping tool 1 is unfolded, multiple mountain fold lines a, shown by a dashed dot line, and valley fold lines b, shown by a double dashed dot line, appear. The wiping tool 1 is preferably large enough to cover most of the face, for example, the length L shown in the figure is about 18 to 21 cm. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the wiping tool 1 in this embodiment is easy to use for wiping the face when unfolded, saves material, and has improved design.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7(b), the wiping tool 1 of this embodiment maintains a heart shape even when folded. The wiping tool 1 has a pair of third upper parts 31 and 32 that form the convex upper part of the heart shape, a third lower part 33 that forms the middle part and the gradually converging lower part of the heart shape, and a third separating part 34 that forms a heart-shaped groove separating the third upper parts. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the wiping tool 1 of this embodiment is easy to use for wiping and blowing the nose when folded and has improved design.

[0038] When folding the wiping tool 1 in this form, for example, turn it over and fold it so that the back side is facing outwards. The procedure is as follows: First, as shown in Figure 8, fold the pair of first upper parts 11 and 12 along the fold line f1 so that they overlap the first lower part 13 as indicated by the arrow (first step). Next, as shown in Figure 9(a), fold the upper and lower corners in opposite directions along the fold line f2 (second step), and then fold them again in opposite directions along the fold line f3 as shown in Figure 9(b) (third step). Next, as shown in Figure 9(c), fold the left and right parts upwards along the fold line f4 (fourth step).

[0039] As shown in Figure 10(a), when the wiping tool 1 of this embodiment is folded in this manner, it forms a pair of upwardly convex second upper parts 21 and 22 and a second lower part 23, with the second upper parts separated by a second separation part 24. The wiping tool 1 of this embodiment may also be used with this intermediate state as the final folded state (second folded state).

[0040] To achieve the more aesthetically pleasing folded state (first folded state) of the wiping tool 1 in this embodiment, one can rotate it to the back as shown in Figure 10(b) and fold the pair of second upper parts 21 and 22 downward along the fold line f5 (5th step).

[0041] <Embodiment 3> Figure 11 shows an example of the wiping tool of Embodiment 3, where (a) is in the unfolded state and (b) is in the folded state. Figure 12 shows the folding procedure for the wiping tool of Figure 11. Hereinafter, explanations of components common to Embodiment 1 and its modified examples will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences will be the focus of the explanation.

[0042] As shown in Figure 11(a), the wiping tool 1 of this embodiment, in its unfolded state, includes three wiping sections: a pair of symmetrical first upper sections 11 and 12, and a first lower section 13 connected to the pair of first upper sections. Between the pair of first upper sections is a first separating section 14, which is a groove (notch) that narrows in width towards the bottom.

[0043] In this embodiment, the wiping tool 1 has two first upper parts 11 and 12 that are convex upwards, forming a triangular shape, as shown in the figure. When the wiping tool 1 is unfolded, multiple mountain fold lines a, shown by a dashed dot line, and valley fold lines b, shown by a double dashed dot line, appear. The wiping tool 1 is preferably large enough to cover most of the face, for example, with a length L of about 18 to 21 cm as shown in the figure. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the wiping tool 1 in this embodiment is easy to use for wiping the face when unfolded and saves material.

[0044] As shown in Figure 11(b), the wiping tool 1 of this embodiment is square when folded, and can be used to wipe or blow one's nose when folded.

[0045] When folding the wiping tool 1, for example, turn it over and fold it so that the back side is facing outwards. The procedure is as follows: First, fold each corner along each fold line g1 as shown in Figure 12(a) (first step). As shown in Figure 12(b), when the wiping tool 1 of this form is folded in this way, it is in an intermediate state between two layers. Next, fold it along fold line g2 so that the left and right parts overlap, resulting in a four-layer folded state (second step). The wiping tool 1 of this form has a uniform thickness even when folded.

[0046] In the embodiments 1 to 3 and their modified examples described above, the wiping tool 1 was illustrated and explained using tissue paper as an example. However, the wiping tool 1 is not limited to this and may be kitchen paper, a table napkin, a handkerchief, a towel, etc. The material of the wiping tool 1 is not particularly limited as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the present invention, and may be other than paper.

[0047] While embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention and are not limited thereto. The present invention includes combinations of the above embodiments and their modifications, as well as various further modifications. Various additions, changes, and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention derived from the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1...Wiping tool, 11...First upper left, 12...First upper right, 13...First lower, 14...First separation point, 15...First side, 21...Second upper left, 22...Second upper right, 23...Second lower, 24...Second separation point, 31...Third upper left, 32...Third upper right, 33...Third lower, 34...Third separation point, 35...Third side, a...Mountain fold line, b...Valley fold line, d...Separation point.

Claims

1. Tissue paper that can be used in an unfolded state after being unfolded from a folded state, In the deployed state, it includes three wiping sections: a pair of first upper sections, a first upper left section and a first upper right section, and a first lower section connected to the pair of first upper sections, and has a first separating section between the pair of first upper sections that narrows in width towards the bottom. In the unfolded state, each of the first upper parts has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a center line extending in the vertical direction. Tissue paper.

2. It is heart-shaped in the folded state and heart-shaped in the unfolded state. The tissue paper according to claim 1.

3. The three wiping sections have the same number of layers in the folded state. In the unfolded state, when the left end, right end, and bottom end are folded toward the separation point between the first upper parts, which is the bottom end of the first separation part, the three wiping parts are in an intermediate state with the same number of layers. The tissue paper according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the folded state, the first upper left portion is folded into four layers to form a third upper left portion, and the first upper right portion is folded into four layers to form a third upper right portion, and the first lower portion is folded into four layers to form a third lower portion, which includes three wiping sections, and between the pair of third upper portions there is a third separating section that narrows in width towards the bottom. The tissue paper according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first upper part is triangular and square in the folded state. The tissue paper according to claim 1.

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