U.S. patent application number 12/202654 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for reusable package for rolled paper products.
Invention is credited to Robert Drennan Lewis, Dennis Lee Maclam, Samuel James Morris, III, Connie Marie Roetker, Rachael Eden Walther.
Application Number | 20090145792 12/202654 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40317089 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090145792 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lewis; Robert Drennan ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
REUSABLE PACKAGE FOR ROLLED PAPER PRODUCTS
Abstract
A large count package comprising an overwrap and a plurality of
products. The overwrap comprises an opening and wherein a
drawstring is positioned around the opening and wherein the
drawstring comprises a pull region. The overwrap comprises a volume
of from about 1100 in.sup.3 to about 10000 in.sup.3.
Inventors: |
Lewis; Robert Drennan; (West
Chester, OH) ; Roetker; Connie Marie; (Fairfield,
OH) ; Walther; Rachael Eden; (Union, KY) ;
Maclam; Dennis Lee; (Mason, OH) ; Morris, III; Samuel
James; (Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
40317089 |
Appl. No.: |
12/202654 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60992730 |
Dec 6, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/391 ;
206/389; 206/443; 206/459.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/28 20130101;
Y02W 30/80 20150501; Y02W 30/807 20150501; B65D 2203/02 20130101;
B65D 75/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/391 ;
206/443; 206/459.5; 206/389 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65D 85/20 20060101 B65D085/20 |
Claims
1. A large count package comprising an overwrap and a plurality of
products; wherein the overwrap comprises an opening and wherein a
drawstring is positioned around the opening and wherein the
drawstring comprises a pull region; and wherein the overwrap
comprises a volume of from about 1100 in.sup.3 to about 10000
in.sup.3.
2. A large count package according to claim 1 wherein the products
are paper towel products.
3. A large count package according to claim 1 wherein the
individual absorbent paper products have a height of from about 4''
to about 13'' and a diameter of from about 3'' to about 7''.
4. A large count package according to claim 1 wherein there are
from about 2 to about 36 products.
5. A large count package according to claim 1 wherein the opening
is sealed to provide a sealed opening.
6. A large count package according to claim 5 wherein the sealed
opening is perforated.
7. A large count package according to claim 1 wherein the package
is usable as a garbage can liner.
8. A large count package comprising an overwrap and a plurality of
products; wherein the overwrap comprises an opening and wherein the
overwrap further comprises two or more ears extending from the
opening; and wherein the overwrap comprises a volume of from about
1100 in.sup.3 to about 10000 in.sup.3.
9. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein the products
are paper towel products.
10. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein the
individual absorbent paper products have a height of from about 4''
to about 13'' and a diameter of from about 3'' to about 7''.
11. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein there are
from about 2 to about 36 products.
12. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein the opening
is sealed to provide a sealed opening.
13. A large count package according to claim 12 wherein the sealed
opening is perforated.
14. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein the overwrap
is usable as a garbage can liner.
15. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein the overwrap
has a thickness of from about 0.001 cm to about 0.005 cm.
16. A large count package according to claim 15 wherein the
overwrap has a thickness of from about 0.002 cm to about 0.004
cm.
17. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein the overwrap
has a puncture toughness of greater than about 7 lbs.
18. A large count package according to claim 17 wherein the
overwrap has a puncture toughness of from about 7 in-lbs to about
20 in-lbs.
19. A large count package according to claim 8 wherein the overwrap
has an MD tensile strength of greater than about 2000 psi.
20. A large count package according to claim 19 wherein the
overwrap has an MD tensile strength of from about 2000 psi to about
3500 psi.
21. A method of marketing large count packages of rolled absorbent
paper products wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing
a plurality of rolled absorbent paper products in an overwrap
wherein the overwrap comprises an opening.
22. A method according to claim 21 further comprising the step of
providing instructions to the consumer that the overwrap may be
reused as a garbage bag.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S.
Application No. 60/992,730, filed Dec. 6, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a package for rolled
absorbent paper products, particularly a package that performs a
second function as a trash bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Consumers of absorbent paper products, especially or paper
towel sanitary tissue products such as paper towels or toilet
paper, may prefer to purchase large count packages (LCPs) instead
of single units because consumers often find it more useful to
purchase a large number of products at once in order to avoid the
inconvenience of having to make repeated trips to the store. Other
consumers may prefer to purchase the large-count packages and keep
large quantities of product on-hand in order to prevent running out
of product at inopportune times.
[0004] Although large count packages of paper towel products are
well known in the art, a problem that plagues producers and
consumers alike is the large amount of extraneous packaging
material that is used. For example, the overwrap of a large count
package is often simply discarded by the consumers after removal of
the products from the package. Unfortunately virtually all products
sold in large quantities require a large amount of packaging
material (such as overwrap) to secure the products together.
However, the overwrap is normally discarded once the product has
been used. Additionally, many large count packages are prone to
having units fall out of the opening once units are removed due to
the tearing of the overwrap which a consumer must do in order to
access the product. Additionally, some users find that large count
packages may become unwieldy as the number of units inside becomes
lower.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a package of rolled
absorbent paper products wherein the package provides additional
benefits to the user (i.e., is not simply discarded) while still
properly securing the individual products for transportation and
subsequent retail display and sale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
large count package comprising an overwrap and a plurality of
products. The overwrap comprises an opening and wherein a
drawstring is positioned around the opening and wherein the
drawstring comprises a pull region. The overwrap comprises a volume
of from about 1100 in.sup.3 to about 10000 in.sup.3.
[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a large count package comprising an overwrap and a plurality of
products. The overwrap comprises an opening and wherein the
overwrap further comprises two or more ears extending from the
opening. The overwrap comprises a volume of from about 1100
in.sup.3 to about 10000 in.sup.3.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed
to a method of marketing large count packages of rolled absorbent
paper products wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing
a plurality of rolled absorbent paper products in an overwrap
wherein the overwrap comprises an opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
individual rolled paper product that may be used in the package of
the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package
comprising a plurality of individual rolled paper products of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of a package that may
be used in the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package
comprising a plurality of individual rolled paper products of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package
comprising a plurality of individual rolled paper products of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5B is a top view of an embodiment of a package that may
be used in the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a package
comprising a plurality of individual rolled paper products of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6B is a top view of an embodiment of a package that may
be used in the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an embodiment of the package
according to the present invention being used as a garbage bag.
[0018] FIG. 7B is a schematic view of an embodiment of the package
according to the present invention being used as a garbage bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0019] As used herein, "product" refers to any article or item
which may be provided in product packaging and/or which may be
secured in an overwrap and/or large count package. In a first
exemplary embodiment the product may be a laundry product such as a
laundry detergent and/or fabric softener. In one embodiment, a
product refers to a paper product which may be selected from the
group consisting of: disposable absorbent articles, bathroom
tissue, napkins, paper towel products, facial tissues, wipes, the
like, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, a product
refers to a feminine care product which may be selected from the
group consisting of: disposable absorbent articles, sanitary
napkins, tampons, interlabial products, incontinence articles,
liners, the like, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment,
a product refers to a baby care product which may be selected from
the group consisting of: disposable absorbent articles, diapers,
training pants, incontinence articles, wipes, the like, and
combinations thereof.
[0020] As used herein, "paper product" refers to any formed,
fibrous structure products, traditionally, but not necessarily,
comprising cellulose fibers. Exemplary paper products are described
supra.
[0021] As defined herein, "product package" refers to any one or
more products enclosed in any one or more product packaging media.
In an exemplary embodiment product packaging media may be selected
from the group consisting of: overwrap, box, carton, container, the
like, and combinations thereof.
[0022] As used herein, "overwrap" refers to any material that may
be used to secure two or more products, paper products, or product
packages into a unitary article for transport, and display and/or
sale at a retail location. In an exemplary embodiment, an overwrap
may be provided around a plurality of products and/or product
packages to provide a large count package. In one embodiment an
overwrap may be plastic. In some embodiments an overwrap may be
translucent. In other embodiments an overwrap may be opaque. In yet
other embodiments an overwrap may be provided with one or more
visual elements. In an exemplary embodiment a visual element may be
selected from the group consisting of: logos, trademarks, sayings,
slogans, pictures, character renditions, photographs, product
samples, product representations, holograms, shapes, words,
letters, the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments an
overwrap is a unitary member. In other embodiments, an overwrap is
a bag.
[0023] As used herein, "large count package" or "LCP" refers to a
container or package having a plurality of products and/or product
packages secured therein. In some embodiments, a LCP provides an
outerwrap to secure the plurality of products and/or product
packages.
[0024] As used herein, "roll paper product" refers to any paper
product that is wound about an axis. In an embodiment, a roll paper
product is provided by winding a paper product around a core.
[0025] As used herein, "ply" or "plies", as used herein, means an
individual fibrous structure or sheet of fibrous structure,
optionally to be disposed in a substantially contiguous,
face-to-face relationship with other plies, forming a multi-ply
fibrous structure. It is also contemplated that a single fibrous
structure can effectively form two "plies" or multiple "plies", for
example, by being folded on itself. In one embodiment, the ply has
an end use as a tissue-towel paper product. A ply may comprise one
or more wet-laid layers, air-laid layers, and/or combinations
thereof. If more than one layer is used, it is not necessary for
each layer to be made from the same fibrous structure. Further, the
layers may or may not be homogenous within a layer. The actual
makeup of a fibrous structure product ply is generally determined
by the desired benefits of the final tissue-towel paper product, as
would be known to one of skill in the art. The fibrous structure
may comprise one or more plies of non-woven materials in addition
to the wet-laid and/or air-laid plies.
[0026] As used herein, "fibrous structure" means an arrangement of
fibers produced in any papermaking machine known in the art to
create a ply of paper. "Fiber" means an elongate particulate having
an apparent length greatly exceeding its apparent width. More
specifically, and as used herein, fiber refers to such fibers
suitable for a papermaking process. The present invention
contemplates the use of a variety of paper making fibers, such as,
natural fibers, synthetic fibers, as well as any other suitable
fibers, starches, and combinations thereof. Paper making fibers
useful in the present invention include cellulosic fibers commonly
known as wood pulp fibers. Applicable wood pulps include chemical
pulps, such as Kraft, sulfite and sulfate pulps; mechanical pulps
including groundwood, thermomechanical pulp; chemithermomechanical
pulp; chemically modified pulps, and the like. Chemical pulps, are
particularly well suited in tissue towel embodiments since they are
known to those of skill in the art to impart a superior tactical
sense of softness to tissue sheets made therefrom. Pulps derived
from deciduous trees (hardwood) and/or coniferous trees (softwood)
can be utilized herein. Such hardwood and softwood fibers can be
blended or deposited in layers to provide a stratified web.
Exemplary layering embodiments and processes of layering are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,994,771 and 4,300,981. Additionally,
fibers derived from non-wood pulp such as cotton linters, bagesse,
and the like, can be used. Additionally, fibers derived from
recycled paper, which may contain any or all of the pulp categories
listed above, as well as other non-fibrous materials such as
fillers and adhesives used to manufacture the original paper
product may be used in the present web. In addition, fibers and/or
filaments made from polymers, specifically hydroxyl polymers, may
be used in the present invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable
hydroxyl polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch
derivatives, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, cellulose derivatives,
gums, arabinans, galactans, and combinations thereof. Additionally,
other synthetic fibers such as rayon, lyocel, polyester,
polyethylene, and polypropylene fibers can be used within the scope
of the present invention. Further, such fibers may be latex bonded.
Other materials are also intended to be within the scope of the
present invention as long as they do not interfere or counter act
any advantage presented by the instant invention.
[0027] As used herein, "Machine Direction" or "MD" means the
direction parallel to the flow of the fibrous structure through the
papermaking machine and/or product manufacturing equipment.
[0028] As used herein, "Cross Machine Direction" or "CD" means the
direction perpendicular to the machine direction in the same plane
of the fibrous structure and/or fibrous structure product
comprising the fibrous structure.
[0029] As used herein, "Basis Weight" or "BW" means the weight per
unit area of a sample reported in lbs/3000 ft.sup.2 or
g/m.sup.2.
[0030] In one embodiment, the absorbent paper product substrate may
be manufactured via a wet-laid paper making process. In other
embodiments, the absorbent paper product substrate may be
manufactured via a through-air-dried paper making process or
foreshortened by creping or by wet microcontraction. In some
embodiments, the resultant absorbent paper product plies may be
differential density fibrous structure plies, wet laid fibrous
structure plies, air laid fibrous structure plies, conventional
fibrous structure plies, and combinations thereof. Creping and/or
wet microcontraction are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,048,938,
5,942,085, 5,865,950, 4,440,597, 4,191,756, and 6,187,138.
[0031] Nonlimiting types of fibrous structures according to the
present invention include conventionally felt-pressed fibrous
structures; pattern densified fibrous structures; and high-bulk,
uncompacted fibrous structures. The fibrous structures may be of a
homogenous or multilayered (two or three or more layers)
construction; and the sanitary tissue products made therefrom may
be of a single-ply or multi-ply construction.
[0032] In one embodiment, the absorbent paper product is in the
form of a rolled product. For example, the absorbent paper product
is convolutely wound about a core or a void area where a core would
be present, if one was present.
[0033] In one example, the absorbent paper product of the present
invention is a pattern densified fibrous structure characterized by
having a relatively high-bulk region of relatively low fiber
density and an array of densified regions of relatively high fiber
density. The high-bulk field is characterized as a field of pillow
regions. The densified zones are referred to as knuckle regions.
The knuckle regions exhibit greater density than the pillow
regions. The densified zones may be discretely spaced within the
high-bulk field or may be interconnected, either fully or
partially, within the high-bulk field. In one embodiment, from
about 8% to about 65% of the fibrous structure surface comprises
densified knuckles, the knuckles may exhibit a relative density of
at least 125% of the density of the high-bulk field. Processes for
making pattern densified fibrous structures are well known in the
art as exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,301,746, 3,974,025,
4,191,609 and 4,637,859.
[0034] The finished fibrous structure may exhibit regions of higher
density compared to other regions within the finished fibrous
structure. In other words, the finished fibrous structure may
comprise a differential density fibrous structure.
[0035] The finished fibrous structure may be creped or uncreped
and/or foreshortened or not. The finished fibrous structure may be
a through-air-dried fibrous structure, a wet-pressed fibrous
structure and/or a conventionally dried fibrous structure.
Rolled Paper Products
[0036] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary rolled paper product 10. In one
embodiment, the rolled paper product of the present invention is a
rolled paper towel product, such as the Bounty.RTM. product sold by
the Procter & Gamble Co (Cincinnati, Ohio). In one embodiment,
the rolled paper product has a height H of from about 4'' to about
13''. In another embodiment, the rolled paper product has a height
H of from about 4'' to about 11''. In one embodiment, the rolled
paper product has a diameter, D.sub.roll, of from about 3'' to
about 7''.
Large Count Packages
[0037] Products, processes and means for packaging large-count
products are well-known in the art. An exemplary large-count
product package is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,428. Plastic
garbage and trash bags for bulk waste material may be produced in
film form from various polymers such as polyethylene. The films
used for such bags often possess high strength characteristics such
as puncture toughness and tensile strength. This may be contrasted
to typical outerwrap packaging which is often relatively thin and
has a relatively low strength compared to a garbage bag due to the
less strenuous use of outerwrap packaging. Exemplary materials
include linear low density polyethylenes. Suitable packaging means
and materials may also be purchased from a vendor such as the PCMC
Co. (Green Bay, Wis.) and the KPL Packaging Co. (Bologna,
Italy).
[0038] Materials such as those illustrated and described herein as
suitable for use in accordance with the present invention, as well
as methods for making and characterizing the same are described in
commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,801 and 6,695,476. In one
embodiment, a material is a low density polyethylene. In one
embodiment the material has a thickness of from about 0.001 cm to
about 0.005 cm. In another embodiment, the material has a thickness
of from about 0.002 cm to about 0.004 cm. Such a material may be
purchased from the Heritage Bag Company (Atlanta, Ga.) or from the
Clorox Company (San Francisco, Calif.). In other embodiments, the
bag has a puncture toughness of greater than about 7 lbs. In
another embodiment, the bag has a puncture toughness of from about
7 in-lbs to about 20 in-lbs. In one embodiment, the bag has an MD
tensile strength of greater than about 2000 psi. In another
embodiment, the bag has an MD tensile strength of from about 2000
psi to about 3500 psi. Tensile strength is measured by ASTM D 882
method A. Puncture toughness is measured by providing a 3/4 inch
round steel plunger and pushing the plunger through a clamped area
of the sample at a rate of about 20 inches per minute using an
Instron Tester. The load to puncture of the film specimen is
recorded in pounds and the energy to puncture is the integrated
area under the load-elongation curve and is recorded in inch-pounds
(in-lbs).
[0039] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention overwrap 20 having an opening 30 and wherein the overwrap
20 further comprises a plurality of individual rolled paper
products. In one embodiment, the overwrap 20 comprises from about 6
to about 24 individual rolled paper products. In another
embodiment, the present invention overwrap 20 comprises from about
2 to about 36 individual rolled paper products. In another
embodiment still, the present invention package comprises from
about 6 to about 12 individual rolled paper products. The overwrap
20 may have filled dimensions (i.e., dimensions of an overwrap 20
containing full rolls of rolled paper products): In one embodiment,
the package length, L.sub.P, is from about 8'' to about 28''. In
another embodiment, the package height, H.sub.P, is from about 12''
to about 26''. In another embodiment, the package width, W.sub.P,
is from about 8'' to about 28''. In other embodiments, the package
has a volume of from about 1100 in.sup.3 to about 10000 in.sup.3.
In other embodiments still, the package has a volume of from about
1500 in.sup.3 to about 8000 in.sup.3. As described supra, in some
embodiments, the rolled absorbent paper products are rolled paper
towel products. In other embodiments, the rolled absorbent paper
products are toilet tissue products. In some embodiments, the
volume of the package may exceed the volume occupied by the
products. In other embodiments, the volume of the package is
approximately equal to the volume occupied by the products. In an
embodiment where the volume of the package exceeds the volume of
the products occupying the package, the excess packaging may be
mechanically, adhesively, or otherwise (as may be known in the art)
contained, such that the products occupying the package are secured
in place within the package. For example, the excess packaging may
be folded over and then adhesively attached to another portion of
the package.
[0040] The present invention overwrap 20 further comprises a
drawstring 40 around the opening 30 wherein the drawstring 40
comprises a pull region 40a. In some embodiments, the drawstring 40
may be released to enlarge the area of the opening 30 so that a
consumer may be able to open the overwrap 20 and retrieve
individual rolled paper products therefrom. Conversely, in some
embodiments, the drawstring may be pulled to reduce the area of the
opening 30 after the package has been opened.
[0041] Surprisingly, it was found that consumers prefer the benefit
of having a drawstring 40 with a pull region 40a around the
overwrap 20 and the package having the dimensions described supra
because the overwrap 20 may then be reused as a garbage bag.
Packages and materials for making a package suitable for use as a
garbage bag may be purchased commercially from Four Star Plastics
(Beltsville, Md.) and Primepak Co. (Teaneck, N.J.).
[0042] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the overwrap 20
without having any products placed inside. In the exemplary
embodiment, the empty overwrap 20 may be flattened such that the
package has a flat-package height, H.sub.FP, and a flat-package
length, L.sub.FP. In one embodiment, the flat-package height,
H.sub.FP, is from about 9'' to about 40''. In another embodiment,
the flat-package length, L.sub.FP, is from about 7'' to about 42''.
In the exemplary embodiment, the drawstring 40 is provided such
that the opening 30 may be fully extended to the full flat-package
length, although in some embodiments the opening does not extend to
the full flat-package length.
[0043] In some embodiments, the overwrap 20 that has been filled
with individual rolled paper products may be sealed using any means
known in the art. Exemplary processes and means for sealing
packages are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,041,148, 5,015,325,
4,928,455, and 3,660,962. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary alternative
embodiment of the overwrap 20 of FIG. 2. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 4, the overwrap 20, containing individual rolled
paper products, is sealed at the opening, and the sealed opening is
provided with perforations 45 to provide ease of opening for the
consumer. Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought
that retailers prefer to have packages which are sealed because
this provides for easier displaying, storage, and transporting. In
some embodiments, the overwrap 20 may comprise one or more indicia
60. In one embodiment, the indicia 60 may be selected from the
group consisting of: logos, trademarks, artwork, drawings,
pictures, instructions, directions, information, tips, guidelines,
the like, and combinations thereof. For example, in one embodiment
the indicia may instruct the consumer how to properly open the
package to preserve the use of the drawstring.
[0044] FIG. 5A shows an exemplary embodiment of an alternative
embodiment of a present invention overwrap 20. In the exemplary
embodiment, the overwrap is provided around a plurality of products
and/or product packages, such as rolled paper products. The
overwrap 20 may be sealed shut or may be left open. In an
embodiment wherein the overwrap is sealed shut, a plurality of
perforations 45 may be provided such a consumer may tear the
overwrap along the perforations 45 to access and/or remove products
and/or product packages from the overwrap 20.
[0045] FIG. 5B shows an exemplary embodiment of the overwrap 20 of
FIG. 5A upon removal of any product packages. Without wishing to be
limited by theory, it is thought that by providing an overwrap 20
having ears 24 which may be used as ties to reclose the overwrap
after and may thus provide consumers with the benefit of being able
to reuse the overwrap 20 as a trash bag, or the like. It is thought
that many consumers will appreciate, and take advantage of, the
additional use of the package. An overwrap of the present invention
may have any shape, size, and number of ears 24 that is suitable
for the intended application.
[0046] FIG. 6A shows an exemplary embodiment of an alternative
embodiment of a present invention overwrap 20 having ears 24. In
the exemplary embodiment, the overwrap is provided around a
plurality of products and/or product packages, such as rolled paper
products wherein the overwrap is left open, but the product is
secured by providing a mechanical mechanism 22. In one embodiment a
mechanical mechanism may be selected from the group consisting of:
clips, snaps, buttons, strings, ties, Velcro.TM., the like, and
combinations thereof.
[0047] FIG. 6B shows an exemplary embodiment of the overwrap 20 of
FIG. 5A upon removal of any product packages.
Method Describing Use of the Package
[0048] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a
method of marketing large-count packages of rolled absorbent paper
products wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a
plurality of rolled absorbent paper products in a package, the
package comprising an opening and a drawstring around the opening.
In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of
providing an indicium to the consumer that the package may be
reused as a garbage bag. In another embodiment, the method further
comprises the step of using the package as a garbage bag.
[0049] FIGS. 7A-7B show exemplary embodiments of an overwrap 20
according to the present invention being used as a garbage bag.
Materials for garbage bags are described supra. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 7A, the overwrap/garbage bag 20 having a drawstring
40 may be used as a so-called liner for a garbage can 29. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the overwrap/garbage bag 20 having two
or more ears 24 may be used as a so-called liner for a garbage can
29.
[0050] In another embodiment the overwrap 20 may be reused as a bag
or holder for any purpose. For example, the overwrap 20 may be used
as a reusable shopping bag or as a tote bag.
[0051] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
[0052] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *