A package of disposable tablecloths

Abstract

 Herein is described a package of disposable tablecloths wherein said tablecloths are wrapped up so as to not form clean creases perpendicular to those according to the length of the tablecloth itself.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present finding relates to the field of disposable tablecloths.

State of the art:

[0002] As is known, disposable tablecloths (optionally reusable a few times) are widely used currently for their practicality and low cost.

[0003] They normally are tablecloths consisting of a sheet of paper or similar materials (with variable thickness) or two- or multi-layer sheets wherein a paper sheet is coupled to one or more layers of different, in particular films of transparent material that also ensure impermeability thereof; tablecloths of the above type can currently be manufactured also using biodegradable materials that considerably decrease their impact on the environment.

[0004] The tablecloths are manufactured according to traditional and well-established techniques and are marketed folded into suitable packages or, spread out, in rolls of various sizes both in width and in length.

[0005] In particular, the sheet that makes up the tablecloth (irrespective of the material used) in the packaging machine, follows, as said above,
two main packaging methods. The first method involves folding the tablecloth and then cutting into segments, in the second one, the output sheet is simply wrapped up spread, thus obtaining very cumbersome rolls difficult to carry from the sales point with the shopping,
and then put away in a safe place in the house.

[0006] Generally, the tablecloths currently produced are folded lengthwise, mainly M-wise, or folded half-wise first, then again half-wise, so as to obtain a stripe with a width generally comprised between 15 and 50 cm (according to the initial height of the sheet) and then this is folded several times on itself (also concertina-wise) so as to form packets with the above width and length normally comprised between 10 and 60 cm.

[0007] As is easily understood, this packaging system causes longitudinal creases (normally 3) due to the first two folds made lengthwise (as described above) and a number (even high if the tablecloth is very long) of creases perpendicular to the previous ones, or even zigzag, following the subsequent folds thereof on itself.

[0008] While the creases lengthwise (meaning the direction of the sheet coming out of the packaging machine) have a negligible impact, the several creases perpendicular thereto (or crosswise) are unpleasant to be seen when the tablecloth is spread out for use and on the other hand it is unthinkable that such creases are eliminated by ironing.

[0009] The use of a packaging system that prevents or attenuate the above flaw and eliminates the drawbacks of carriage and storage at home.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present finding relates to disposable tablecloths packaged so as to prevent creases perpendicular to those according to the tablecloth length (meaning the direction of the sheet coming out of the packaging machine).

Brief description of the annexed figure

[0011] 

Figure 1 (a-c) shows the first two folds for packaging a tablecloth according to the invention;

Figure 2 schematically shows a cutaway view of the tablecloth packaged according to the invention, wrapped up around the support core.

Detailed description of the Invention

[0012] The present finding overcomes the above problems thanks to disposable tablecloths wherein sheet 10 that makes up the tablecloth, folded (M-wise or in other manner) lengthwise (meaning with respect to the sheet coming out of the packaging machine) (see figure 1), is then wrapped up on itself so as to not form clean creases (see figure 2).

[0013] Optionally, in order to carry out said wrapping, a support core 11 connected to the packaging machine (not shown in the figure) is used, around which the lengthwise pre-folded tablecloth is wrapped as defined above.

[0014] Core 11 around which the lengthwise pre-folded tablecloth is wrapped may be cylindrical, elliptical or a flat surface having rounded edges.

[0015] Preferably said core consists of a light material, stiff but elastic such as, for example, shopping paper, cardboard, polystyrene and the like.

[0016] The tablecloth thus folded can then be (if preferred) slipped off the wrapping core and put into an envelope.

[0017] The tablecloth thus packaged, once spread out, will only have lengthwise creases but no crosswise creases.

[0018] The tablecloths thus packaged may be of any length, for example comprised between 0.50 and 25 metres or more; moreover, if preferred along the length, it is possible to arrange crosswise pre-cuts (or pre-tears) that with a simple tear allow obtaining a tablecloth of predetermined length. If said pre-cuts (or pre-tears) are arranged at the same distance from one another, all the tablecloths obtainable from a single package will have the same length, otherwise they will have a different length. The advantage obtained in terms of overall dimensions and practicality in having a packet of tablecloths that can be put away in any drawer, thus also protecting them from dust, is also clear.

[0019] If preferred, instead of removing the tablecloth from the core after wrapping, it can be marketed along with the core itself that in this case will have to be easily removable from the packaging machine and replaceable with a new core for the subsequent wrapping.

Claims

1. Disposable tablecloth packaged so as to prevent creases parallel to the height, meaning with respect to the sheet making up the tablecloth upon its output from the packaging machine, of said tablecloth.

2. Tablecloth according to claim 1 wherein the tablecloth is folded one or more times, lengthwise, meaning with respect to the sheet coming out of the packaging machine, and then wrapped up around a core (10) so as to not form clean creases.

3. Tablecloth according to claim 2 wherein said core (10) is cylindrical, elliptical or is a flat surface having rounded edges.

4. Tablecloth according to claim 3 wherein said core (10) consists of a light material, stiff but elastic selected from: shopping paper, cardboard, polystyrene and the like.

5. Tablecloth according to claims 1 - 4 comprising 1 to 5 folds lengthwise.

6. Tablecloth according to claims 1 - 5 wherein there are pre-cuts or pre-tears arranged at the same or different distance from one another, along the length of the tablecloth itself.

7. Method for packaging a tablecloth according to claims 1 - 6 wherein the tablecloth at the output from the packaging machine and folded one or more times lengthwise is then wrapped up on itself so as to not form clear creases.

8. Method according to claim 7 wherein said wrapping is carried out using a support core connected to the packaging machine.

9. Sales package comprising one or more tablecloths according to claims 1 - 6 and relative core.

10. Sales package according to claim 8, wherein the core has been removed.

Drawing