Tabbed easy sliding interfolded dispenser napkins
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interfolded stacking system for dispenser napkins with tab portions often results in stacks curving due to all tab portions being on the same side, causing shipping and handling issues, and the male-to-male emboss contact in four-panel stacks leads to excessive friction and tearing when napkins are pulled.
Innovation Solution
The napkins are arranged within the stack such that the tab portions alternate between opposing sides and the male side of one napkin is in contact with the female side of another, reducing friction and preventing curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If all tab portions are arranged on the same side of the stack, then the stacking is simplified, but the stack curves or arching occurs causing shipping and handling problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by alternating the position of tab portions between opposite sides of the stack in successive napkins. Instead of symmetric arrangement where all tabs are on the same side, the invention creates an asymmetric pattern where tabs alternate sides, which balances the stack geometry and prevents curving while maintaining ease of stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by placing tab portions on alternating sides rather than consistently on one side. This inversion of the stacking pattern transforms the harmful curvature effect into a balanced, flat stack configuration that is easier to ship and handle.
2Ease of manufacture
If male side of emboss contacts male side of emboss in four-panel stacks, then the stacking structure is simplified, but excessive friction occurs causing napkin tearing when pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the contact surface characteristics between adjacent napkins. Instead of uniform male-to-male contact throughout the stack, the invention creates alternating patterns where male sides contact female sides in some regions, providing locally different friction characteristics that prevent excessive friction and tearing while maintaining overall stacking simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of surface contact by alternating between male-to-male and male-to-female emboss contacts. This parameter change in surface interaction properties reduces the coefficient of friction at critical interfaces, preventing napkin tearing during the dispensing operation while preserving the simplified four-panel stacking structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A stacked dispenser-napkin composition having a plurality of stacked and interfolded dispenser napkins; each dispenser napkin being embossed and having a male side of the emboss and a female side of the emboss; each dispenser napkin having a first, second, third, and fourth panel, the four panels being defined by a first fold and a second fold; each dispenser napkin's first and second panels being adjacent to each other and having respective areas that are substantially equal; each dispenser napkin's third and fourth panels being adjacent to each other and having respective areas that are substantially equal; the combined areas of each dispenser napkin's first and second panels being greater than the combined areas of the dispenser napkin's third and fourth panels; each dispenser napkin having a tab portion, the tab portion being the portions of the first and second panel areas that are not covered by the third and fourth panel areas when the first and second panels are folded onto the third and fourth panels via the first fold; the plurality of stacked and interfolded dispenser napkins being arranged within the stack such that the positions of the respective tab portions on adjacent dispenser napkins alternate between two opposing sides of the stack; and the plurality of stacked and interfolded dispenser napkins being arranged within the stack such that the position of a stacked dispenser napkin's male side of its emboss is in contact with an adjacent dispenser napkin's female side of its emboss.