Circular Perforated Paper Towels

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of paper towels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a web of improved paper towels of generally circular shape and having perforations therein for easy and quick cutting or tearing of the paper towels into customizable sizes and shapes. As used herein, the term “paper towel” refers to the various kinds of disposable absorbent products known variously as tissues, cloths, paper towels, kitchen roll and the like, and which may be embossed, perforated, quilted or printed or have any other surface decoration or treatment. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

By way of background, a paper towel is an absorbent towel comprised of a paper product. Unlike cloth towels, paper towels are disposable and intended to be used only once. Paper towels may be of many different types or embodiments including, without limitation, napkins, rolled paper towels, toilet paper, cosmetic wipes, tissues, table sets, table cloths, bibs and other protective articles. Paper towels are typically comprised of a cellulose or are produced from pulpy raw and recycled materials containing cellulose and lignin, and can also contain layers or coatings of plastics or other materials. Paper towels also feature water absorbing capability because they are loosely woven, which enables water to travel between the fibers, even against gravity due to capillary effect.

Paper towels are used in virtually every household for a variety of purposes. For example, paper towels for kitchen use are also known as kitchen rolls, kitchen papers, kitchen towels, and poly rolls. Many times, paper towels are found not only in a household's kitchen, but also in the garage, shop, bathrooms, utility and laundry rooms, and the like. Similar to conventional towels, paper towels have many applications including, without limitation, drying hands, wiping windows and other surfaces, dusting, cleaning up spills, covering items placed in a microwave, etc. Paper towel rolls typically consist of a web of several hundred towels connected to one another, but separable, by perforations that extend along the width of the towel, wherein the web of paper towels are wrapped around a core, such as a hollow cardboard cylindrical core. For home use, paper towels are typically sold as rolls of sheets, but some are sold in stacks of pre-cut and pre-folded layers for use in paper-towel dispensers.

Paper towels are extremely absorbent and convenient, and there are plenty of applications in which the absorbency property of paper towels may be utilized. Among those applications are getting rid of spills, wiping grease off tools, keeping greens and herbs fresh, softening hardened brown sugar, removing crayon marks, drying meat before cooking or seasoning, straining pulp from juice and others, and the like. Whenever needed, users can simply grab one paper towel out from the package or off of a roll to use the same, and there is no need to subsequently wash or clean the paper towels, as they are easily disposed of and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and procure. Rather, users can simply discard the used paper towel, and get a new one when necessary.

Many different consumers, especially consumers of paper towel products, desire different sizes and shapes of paper towel products that they may select from for purchase and subsequent use. In order to fulfil different requirements, the user may have to buy multiple different paper towel products to accommodate their needs for different sizes and shapes, which can not only be expensive but may consume a large amount of storage space.

Additionally, conventional paper towel products oftentimes fail to satisfy the user's wants and needs. More specifically, paper towels are typically rectangular or square shaped when torn away from the paper towel roll. People may then have to fold, tear and/or cut the paper towels to accommodate, for example, a round plate, saucer, bowl or the like. The paper towels are not always torn as desired, and are often times torn irregularly. Further, the folding or tearing of the unnecessary portions of the paper towel to get the required shape leads to the creation of waste, and can be both inconvenient and frustrating. Accordingly, there is a need for paper towel products in nonrectangular or non-square shapes and that are capable of being quickly placed on circular plates, saucers or bowls of various sizes, without the need for extra folds, tearing or the creation of unnecessary waste.

It is also worth noting that in most paper towel applications, only the central circular portion of the paper towel is used as the effective working area. More specifically, the corner regions of a traditional square or rectangular paper towel often remain unused or are rarely used. Accordingly, by manufacturing a paper towel that is generally circular shape, maximum and effective use is made of the paper towel, and overall waste is reduced. Additionally, the generally circular shape is also aesthetically pleasing and cost effective, as well as being environmentally friendly since the unused or little used corners are eliminated.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a paper towel that easily conforms to or covers generally circular plates, saucers, bowls, etc. There is also a long felt need in the art for a generally circular shaped paper towel that is easily customizable to the particular application, and which facilitates a user's ability to tear the paper towel in a neat and orderly fashion. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a paper towel which leads to less paper and waste creation during the manufacturing process, thereby reducing costs and improving overall manufacturing efficiencies. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a paper towel product that is convenient and easy for individuals to use when microwaving food.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a generally circular paper towel product readily capable of being resized by the user for use in conjunction with generally circular plates of a variety of different sizes. More specifically, the improved circular paper towels of the present invention allow a user to simply tear away the paper towel in a circular configuration and size of the user's choosing, thereby allowing the user to customize the size of the circular paper towel to accommodate a particular size of plate, dish, saucer, etc. The invention also offers a more convenient paper towel for individuals to use as splatter guards when microwaving foods and/or beverages.

In this manner, the generally circular paper towel of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively quick and easy solution to shape a paper towel according to the wants and needs of the user. The improved paper towel of the present invention is also environmentally friendly inasmuch as it reduces waste by eliminating those portions of the prior art paper towels that are rarely used, thereby reducing costs and improving overall manufacturing efficiencies. Finally, the improved paper towel of the present invention can be sized by the user to specifically accommodate different sizes of plates, saucers, dishes, and the like.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a generally circular paper towel product capable of being placed on different sizes of plates, dishes, saucers and the like for, by way of example and not limitation, warming food, straining juices, absorbing extra water or oil from certain foods, etc. More specifically, the generally circular paper towels of the present invention comprise a series of perforations that enables a user to simply tear away the paper towel in a circular configuration, allowing users to customize the size of the circle created from the perforation to accommodate different sizes of dinnerware present in any kitchen, and offers a more convenient paper towel for individuals to use in conjunction with microwaving food, absorbing water or oil, straining, cleaning, drying, etc.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a circular paper towel comprised of an outer portion and a center portion separated by a first set of perforations. The first set of perforations are generally round or oval in configuration. The outer portion is separable from the circular paper towel by tearing the first set of perforations, and leaving a smaller diameter circular paper towel. The generally circular paper towel may further comprise an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is located between the outer portion and the center portion of the circular paper towel. The generally circular paper towel may further comprise a second set of perforations. The second set of perforations are generally round or oval in configuration, wherein the intermediate portion is separable from the circular paper towel by tearing the second set of perforations and leaving a smaller diameter circular paper towel.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a roll or web of interconnected but easily separable circular paper towels is disclosed. More specifically, the web of generally circular or oval shaped paper towels comprises a plurality of circular and/or oval shaped paper towels, a plurality of connecting perforations, and a circular and/or oval shaped base. The plurality of connecting perforations connect the plurality of circular or oval shaped paper towels end to end along the web. The plurality of circular and/or oval shaped towels are then rolled up on the circular towel roll base. In use, one of the plurality of circular and/or oval shaped paper towels may be pulled from the circular/oval shaped towel roll base and be separated from the adjacent circular/oval paper towel by tearing the adjoining connecting perforation.

Each of the plurality of circular towels comprises an outer portion and a center portion separated by a first set of perforations. The first set of perforations may be circular, oval, or some other geometric or non-geometric shape in configuration. For example, the outer portion is separable from the circular paper towel by tearing the first set of perforations, thereby leaving a smaller diameter circular paper towel. The circular paper towel may further comprise an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is located between the outer portion and the center portion of the circular paper towel. The circular paper towel may further comprise a second set of perforations. The second set of perforations, may also be generally circular, oval or some other shape in configuration. The intermediate portion is separable from the circular paper towel by tearing the second set of perforations, thereby leaving a smaller diameter or dimensioned paper towel.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a stack of generally circular or oval shaped paper towels is disclosed. For example, the stack of circular paper towels comprises a plurality of circular paper towels and a plurality of connecting perforations. The plurality of circular paper towels may be accordion folded. The plurality of connecting perforations connect the plurality of circular towels end to end. To dispense, one of the pluralities of circular paper towels is unfolded from the stack and is separated from the adjacent circular paper towel by tearing the adjoining connecting perforation.

Each of the plurality of circular towels comprises an outer portion and a center portion separated by a first set of perforations. The first set of perforations are circular or oval in configuration. The outer portion is separable from the circular paper towel by tearing the first set of perforations, thereby leaving a smaller diameter circular paper towel. The circular paper towel may further comprise an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is located between the outer portion and the center portion of the circular paper towel. The circular paper towel may further comprise a second set of perforations. The second set of perforations are generally circular or oval in configuration. The intermediate portion is separable from the circular paper towel by tearing the second set of perforations, thereby leaving a smaller diameter circular or oval shaped paper towel.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a generally circular paper towel of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the generally circular paper towel positioned underneath a food item on a generally circular plate and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the generally circular paper towel positioned underneath the food item on the generally circular plate inside a microwave in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a web of interconnected and easily separable, generally circular paper towels in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the web of generally circular paper towels of the present invention being dispensed in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a stack of generally circular paper towels of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

As noted above, there exists in the art a long felt need for an improved paper towel that improves the means of accommodating different sizes of plates, dishes, saucers, and the like. There also exists in the art a long felt need to have a paper towel product manufactured and delivered in a form that facilitates easier one-handed dispensing/perforation. Further, there exists in the art a long felt need for paper towel products that are environmentally friendly, and that facilitate uniform tearing of individual paper towels. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved paper towel that reduces both production costs and the amount of waste generated, and that improves overall manufacturing efficiencies.

The innovative product of the present invention features a paper towel product that is comprised of a series of perforations which allow a user to simply tear away the paper towel in a circular or oval configuration of a desired size, both easily and efficiently. This type of varying size paper towel facilitates users to customize the size of the circle or oval created from the perforation to accommodate different sizes of plates, dishes, saucers, and the like, and offers a more convenient paper towel for individuals to use when microwaving foods or beverages.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an improved rounded paper towel capable of being placed on different sized dinnerware for, by way of example and not limitation, warming food, straining juices, absorbing extra water or oil from certain foods, etc. The present invention reduces the need of folding or cutting the paper towel to accommodate, for example, a relatively small, generally circular plate, which is oftentimes frustrating for a user. More specifically, the improved circular paper towels of the present invention comprise a series of perforations which allow the user to regularly tear away the paper towel in a circular configuration to become suitable for the desired application, and therefore minimizing paper wastage.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a generally circular paper towel 100. The generally circular paper towel 100 comprises a first set of perforations 120, an outer portion 140, and a center portion 160. The first set of perforations 120 may be generally circular or oval in shape, though it is contemplated that other geometric or non-geometric shapes could also be used to suit user need and/or preference. It is also contemplated that the first set of perforations 120 may include both generally circular and oval shaped perforations to increase the options of the user. The first set of perforations 120 are located and positioned between the outer portion 140 and the center portion 160. More specifically, the outer portion 160 is separable from the circular paper towel 100 along the first set of perforations 120. Once the outer portion 160 is torn away, the circular paper towel 100 is smaller in diameter to accommodate, for example, a smaller sized plate, dish, saucer, etc. in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

The circular paper towel 100 may further comprise an intermediate portion 150. The intermediate portion 150 is located and positioned between the outer portion 140 and the center portion 160. The circular paper towel 100 may further comprise a second set of perforations 130. The second set of perforations 130 may be round and/or oval in configuration (or any other suitable shape) with a smaller diameter than the first set of perforations 120. The second set of perforations 130 are located between the intermediate portion 150 and the center portion 160, and, the first set of perforations 120 are located between the intermediate portion 150 and the outer portion 140. The intermediate portion 150 is separable from the circular paper towel 100 along the second set of perforations 130. Once the intermediate portion 150 is torn away, the circular paper towel 100 is even smaller in diameter to accommodate, by way of example, a smaller diameter or sized plate in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The circular, oval or other shape of both the first and second sets of perforations 120 and 130 allows a user to easily tear the paper towel 100 in a similar configuration of smaller dimension(s).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the individual circular paper towel 100 may comprise a single layer of material, or it may be comprised of two or more layers or ply's of the same or different materials. For example, the circular paper towel 100 may have a laminated construction, with a lower layer of absorbent material, such as paper or the like, and an upper layer of impervious material, such as Glassine paper or the like. The circular paper towel 100 may also be impregnated, for example, with a scent and possibly with an antibacterial agent to protect the food items from germs and microbes such as bacteria and viruses.

The first and second sets of perforations 120 and 130 the circular paper towel 100 as described can be produced using any art recognized in perforation systems. Perforation systems typically include one or more blades comprising a number of teeth. The teeth form the surface of the cutting blade that is used to cut the paper product and form the cut portion of the first and second sets of perforations 120 and 130. The open areas between the teeth on the blade move over the circular paper towel 100 surface, without causing damage to the surface, and thereby creates the bond portion of the first and second sets of perforations 120 and 130. The perforation rolls for producing the first and second sets of perforations 120 and 130 in any direction may have a series of perforating blades that begin at a first end of a perforating roll and following the diameter of the roll one full rotation ending as they reach the other end of the perforating roll in a generally helical fashion.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the generally circular paper towel 100 used underneath a food item and inside a microwave in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a burger may be positioned on a generally circular paper towel 100 covering a plate 10. Accordingly, as shown, one advantage of the circular paper towel 100 of the present invention is that it has no corners to, for example, catch on the inside of the microwave oven. The generally circular shape of the paper towel 100 of the present invention would provide an easy fit for microwave interiors, as a rotating base of the microwave oven is also circular. In this manner, the circular paper towel 100 of the present invention proves to be more efficient than a square or rectangular paper towel, and reduces overall waste. The circular paper towel 100 of the present invention also reduces food splatter and provides for more thorough heating.

In one embodiment, the paper towel 100 is generally circular in shape and measures between approximately six and fourteen inches in diameter, although larger or smaller diameters may also be used to suit user need and/or preference. The paper towel 100 of the present invention may also be manufactured in a plain white color, or in a variety of different colors, patterns, or decorative prints. The decorative prints could be available in various themes, such as kitchen, beverages, water, animated themes, flowers, geometrical shapes such as lines, crosses, rectangles, triangles or sinusoidal lines, sports, logos, designs or a combination of any of these patterns.

The generally circular paper towel 100 may be manufactured from ground-up plant material, mainly cellulose fibers, or any material known to one of skill in the art for the manufacturing of paper towels. The cellulose fibers are larger molecules that are comprised consist of many small molecules linked together. The circular paper towels 100 are particularly good at absorbing substances, such as water, etc., because of the sugar molecules within the fibers. Rolled paper towels 100 may have two layers of “absorbent paper”, and may be additionally manufactured as a stronger weave such that the paper towel does not disintegrate easily when it becomes wet and may be FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, chemical-free and environmentally-friendly.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a further embodiment of the present invention which comprises a roll or web of interconnected but easily separable circular or oval shaped paper towels 200. More specifically, the roll of circular paper towels 200 comprises a plurality of circular paper towels 210, a plurality of connecting perforations 218, and a circular roll base 270. The plurality of connecting perforations 218 connect the plurality of circular towels 210 end to end, and during manufacture the plurality of circular towels 210 are rolled up and wrapped around the circular towel roll base 270. To dispense the paper towels 210 from the web 200, a leading circular towel 212 of the plurality of circular paper towels 210 is pulled from the circular towel roll base 270 by a terminal end 214. Then, the leading circular towel 212 may be separated from a following circular paper towel 216 by tearing the adjoining connecting perforation 218 that forms a joint between two adjacent circular paper towels 210.

More specifically, the roll of circular paper towels 200 is comprised of a series of interconnected circular paper towels 210 wrapped around a longitudinal centerline 280 of the circular roll base 270 or a dispenser, and a single paper towel can be collected from a terminal end. The connecting perforations 218 help a user tear off one circular paper towel 210 at a time easily, and using only a single hand. The circular roll base 270 is generally a paper tube, also known as a cardboard tube, and is a cylinder-shaped component typically comprised of cardboard or other suitable materials.

The circular roll base 270 may also be installed in a dispenser 20, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 5, for ease of dispensing. As each leading circular paper towel 212 is pulled from the dispenser 20, the leading circular paper towel 212 pulls out the following circular paper towel 216 before the connecting perforation 218 present on the joint of the individual paper towels breaks or tears. Various dispensers suitable for storing the roll of circular paper towels 200 may be used to dispense the plurality of circular paper towels 210. A round hollow cylindrical body with an internal diameter roughly equal to the overall diameter of each circular paper towel 210 may typically be used as a dispenser.

Each of the plurality of circular paper towels 210 further comprise an outer portion 240 and a center portion 260, and a first set of perforations 220. The first set of perforations 220 are preferably circular or oval in configuration, though it is contemplated that other geometric or non-geometric shapes could also be used to suit user need and/or preference. The first set of perforations 220 are located and positioned between the outer portion 240 and the center portion 260. The outer portion 260 is separable from each circular paper towel 210 along the first set of perforations 220. Once the outer portion 260 is torn away, the circular paper towel 210 is smaller in diameter to accommodate, for example, a smaller dimensioned plate, saucer, dish or the like.

Each circular paper towel 210 may further comprise an intermediate portion 250, and a second set of perforations 230. The intermediate portion 250 is located and positioned between the outer portion 240 and the center portion 260. The second set of perforations 230 are preferably circular and/or oval in configuration (or any other desired geometric or nongeometric shape that suits user need or preference) with a smaller diameter or dimensions than the first set of perforations 220. The second set of perforations 230 are located between the intermediate portion 250 and the center portion 260, and the first set of perforations 220 are located between the intermediate portion 250 and the outer portion 240. The intermediate portion 250 is separable from each circular paper towel 210 along the second set of perforations 230. Once the intermediate portion 250 is torn away, the circular paper towel 210 is even smaller in diameter to accommodate a smaller plate, dish, saucer or the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in the form of a stack of circular or oval shaped paper towels 300. The stack of circular paper towels 300 comprises a plurality of circular paper towels 310, and a plurality of connecting perforations 318. The plurality of circular paper towels 310 are accordion folded, and the plurality of connecting perforations 318 connect the plurality of circular towels 310 end to end, as is described above. To dispense, a leading circular towel 312 of the plurality of circular paper towels 310 is pulled from the stack of circular paper towels 300 by a terminal end 314. Then, the leading circular towel 312 is separated from a following circular paper towel 316 by tearing the adjoining connecting perforation 318 which forms a separable joint between two adjacent circular paper towels 310.

Each of the plurality of circular paper towels 310 also comprises an outer portion 340 and a center portion 360, and a first set of perforations 320. The first set of perforations 320 are round or oval in configuration, though it is contemplated that other geometric or nongeometric shapes could also be used to suit user need and/or preference. The first set of perforations 320 are located and positioned between the outer portion 340 and the center portion 360, and the outer portion 360 is separable from each circular paper towel 310 along the first set of perforations 320. Once the outer portion 360 is torn away, the circular paper towel 310 is smaller in diameter to accommodate a smaller plate, dish, saucer, etc.

Each circular paper towel 310 may further comprise an intermediate portion 350 and a second set of perforations 330. The intermediate portion 350 is located and positioned between the outer portion 340 and the center portion 360. The second set of perforations 330 are preferably round or oval in configuration (though other shapes are also contemplated) with a smaller diameter than the first set of perforations 320. The second set of perforations 330 are located between the intermediate portion 350 and the center portion 360, and the first set of perforations 320 are located between the intermediate portion 350 and the outer portion 340. The intermediate portion 350 is separable from each circular paper towel 310 along the second set of perforations 330. Once the intermediate portion 350 is torn away, the circular paper towel 310 is even smaller in diameter to accommodate a smaller plate, dish, saucer, etc.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “paper towel”, “improved paper towel”, “circular paper towel”, “round paper towel”, “paper sheet”, and “paper” are interchangeable and refer to the circular paper towel 100 of the present invention. As used herein “perforation” refers to the combination cuts and holes in a specified area. As used herein “perforations” and “perforation line” are used interchangeably to describe a series of perforations that extends between any two points on the product, for example, a line of perforations 218 and 318 that extends between two edges of the product, or a set of perforations 120 and 130 that extend as a circular configuration inside the circular paper towel 100.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the circular paper towel 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the circular paper towel 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of the circular paper towel 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the circular paper towel 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the circular paper towel 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. Indeed, it is contemplated that the present invention could be in an embodiment in which a web is created of alternating and interconnected circular and oval shaped paper towels. For example, the sequence of the web may alternate between a circular shaped paper towel, an oval shaped paper towel, a second circular shaped paper towel, a second oval shaped paper towel, and so on and so forth. It is further contemplated that a single paper towel may have both circular and oval shaped perforations thereon, and of varying dimensions, thereby allowing the user to choose which configuration and size to choose for a particular application. The possibilities are endless.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Circular Perforated Paper Towels

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)