SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR WRAPPING AND COVERING TOILETRY PRODUCTS

Abstract

A pre-packaged system for covering a roll of toilet paper including a plurality of sheets of material cut into a generally rectangular, predetermined size configured to cover the roll of toilet paper, each of the plurality of sheets comprising a first side and a second side. The first side of the plurality of sheets may include an ornamental design. The second side of the plurality of sheets may include a wrapping indicator, the wrapping indicator providing visual indications for a user to follow to wrap at least one of the plurality of sheets around the roll of toilet paper. The system may include a package that is at least partially transparent, the package housing the plurality of sheets of material in a folded configuration, the package allowing consumers to view the plurality of sheets of material without opening the package.

Claims

1. A method of packaging a system for wrapping toiletry products, comprising: selecting a material; cutting a plurality of sheets out of the material into at least one pre-selected size configured to entirely encompass the toiletry products; customizing the plurality of sheets of material with an ornamental design; folding the plurality of sheets of material; and inserting the plurality of sheets of material into a partially transparent package.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein cutting the plurality of sheets out of the material into the pre-selected size configured to entirely encompass the toiletry products comprises cutting each sheet of the plurality of sheets into a pre-selected shape and size that entirely encompasses a single roll of standard sized toilet paper.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein cutting each sheet of the plurality of sheets into a pre-selected shape and size that entirely encompasses a single roll of standard sized toilet paper comprises cutting each sheet of the plurality of sheets into generally rectangular shapes with a width of about 30 centimeters to about 40 centimeters and a length of about 45 centimeters to about 55 centimeters.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein cutting the plurality of sheets out of the material into at least one pre-selected size configured to entirely encompass the toiletry products comprises cutting each sheet of the plurality of sheets into a pre-selected shape and size that is tailored to entirely encompass a single roll of standard sized paper towels.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein cutting the plurality of sheets out of the material into at least one pre-selected size configured to entirely encompass the toiletry products comprises cutting each sheet of the plurality of sheets into a pre-selected shape and size that is tailored to entirely encompass multiple rolls of standard sized toilet paper.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein cutting the plurality of sheets out of the material into at least one pre-selected size configured to entirely encompass the toiletry products comprises: cutting a first set of sheets of the plurality of sheets into a first pre-selected shape and size that is tailored to entirely encompass a single roll of standard sized toilet paper; cutting a second set of sheets of the plurality of sheets into a second pre-selected shape and size that is tailored to entirely encompass multiple rolls of standard sized toilet paper; and cutting a third set of sheets of the plurality of sheets into a third pre-selected shape and size that is tailored to entirely encompass a single roll of standard sized paper towels.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein customizing the plurality of sheets of material with an ornamental design comprises printing a geometric design, pattern, or image onto a first surface of each sheet of the plurality of sheets.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein customizing the plurality of sheets of material with an ornamental design comprises cutting out portions of the plurality of sheets to form a decorative image.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting a plurality of stickers to secure the plurality of sheets around the toiletry products; and inserting the plurality of stickers into the partially transparent package.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein selecting a plurality of stickers comprises selecting stickers with various different designs that compliment designs of the plurality of sheets.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting a sheet of material comprises selecting a sheet of tissue paper.

12. A pre-packaged system for covering a roll of toilet paper, the system comprising: a plurality of sheets of tissue paper, the plurality of sheets of tissue paper cut into a generally rectangular, predetermined size configured to cover the roll of toilet paper, each of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprising a first side and a second side; the first side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprising an ornamental design; the second side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprising a wrapping indicator, the wrapping indicator providing visual indications for a user to follow to wrap at least one of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper around the roll of toilet paper; and a package that is at least partially transparent, the package housing the plurality of sheets of tissue paper in a folded configuration, the package allowing consumers to view the plurality of sheets of tissue paper without opening the package.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined size comprises a width of about 30 centimeters to about 40 centimeters and a length of about 45 centimeters to about 55 centimeters.

14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of stickers to secure the plurality of sheets over the roll of toilet paper.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one wrapping indicator on the second side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprises two parallel broken lines printed on the second side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the two parallel broken lines are arranged along a length of the second side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper, the two parallel broken lines being spaced apart from one another by a distance that is about a height of a standard roll of toilet paper.

17. A kit for decorating a roll of tissue paper product comprising: a plurality of sheets of tissue paper, the plurality of sheets of tissue paper having a generally rectangular shape, each of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprising a first side and a second side; the first side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprising an ornamental design; the second side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprising a wrapping indicator, the wrapping indicator providing visual indications for a user to follow to wrap at least one of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper around the roll of tissue paper product; a plurality of stickers for securing the plurality of sheets of tissue paper over the tissue paper product; and a package that is at least partially transparent, the package housing the plurality of sheets of tissue paper in a folded configuration, the package allowing consumers to view the plurality of sheets of tissue paper without opening the package.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sheets of tissue paper have a predetermined size with a width of about 30 centimeters to about 40 centimeters and a length of about 45 centimeters to about 55 centimeters.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprises: a first set of sheets of tissue paper having a first predetermined size that is tailored to entirely encompass a single roll of standard sized toiled paper; and a second set of sheets of tissue paper having a second predetermined size that is tailored to entirely encompass a single roll of standard sized paper towels.

20. The kit of claim 17, wherein the plurality of sheets of tissue paper comprises: a first set of sheets of tissue paper having a first ornamental design printed on the first side of the plurality of sheets of tissue paper; and a second set of sheets of tissue paper having a second ornamental design that comprises a plurality of cutouts that form decorative images.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In the drawings:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a top view of a pre-packaged system for wrapping and covering toiletry products.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a top view of a sheet of material comprised within the system of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a top view of a plurality of sheets of material comprised within the system of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 3B is a top view of a toiletry product positioned over a sheet of material of the system of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a top view of another toiletry product positioned over a sheet of material of the system of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a top view of another toiletry product positioned over another sheet of material of the system of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a top view of the toiletry product of FIG. 5 being wrapped in the sheet of material of FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a top view of another toiletry product being wrapped in another sheet of material of the system of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a top view of multiple toiletry products being wrapped in another sheet of material of the system of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a toiletry product completely wrapped with a sheet of material of the system of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 10 is top perspective view of the wrapped toiletry product of FIG. 9.

[0044] FIG. 11 is another side perspective view of the wrapped toiletry product of FIG. 9.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a top view of the wrapped toiletry product of FIG. 9.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating how a user may wrap, cover, or encompass a toiletry product with the system of FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a front view of the system of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a back view of the system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following provides a detailed description of particular embodiments of the present disclosed subject matter. Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the illustrated configurations will be given numerical designations and in which the disclosed subject matter will be discussed so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present disclosed subject matter, and should not be viewed as narrowing the scope of the claims which follow, which claims define the full scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0050] It will be appreciated that various aspects discussed in one drawing may be present and/or used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in another drawing, and each element shown in multiple drawings may be discussed only once. For example, in some cases, detailed description of well-known items or repeated description of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. The reason is to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art by avoiding the following description from being unnecessarily redundant. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided in order for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and these are not intended to limit the gist disclosed in the scope of claims.

[0051] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosed subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0052] Reference in the specification to “one configuration” “one embodiment,” “a configuration” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the configuration is included in at least one configuration, but is not a requirement that such feature, structure or characteristic be present in any particular configuration unless expressly set forth in the claims as being present. The appearances of the phrase “in one configuration” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the disclosed subject matter to a single configuration, rather the element may be included in other or all configurations discussed herein.

[0053] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of configurations of the disclosed subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of products or manufacturing techniques that may be used, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the disclosed subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that configurations of the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed subject matter.

[0054] Before the present disclosed subject matter is disclosed and described in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular structures, process steps, or materials discussed or disclosed herein, but is extended to include equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. More specifically, the disclosed subject matter is defined by the terms set forth in the claims. It should also be understood that terminology contained herein is used for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosed subject matter only and is not intended to limit the disclosed subject matter to the aspects or configurations shown unless expressly indicated as such. Likewise, the discussion of any particular aspect of the disclosed subject matter is not to be understood as a requirement that such aspect is required to be present apart from an express inclusion of the aspect in the claims.

[0055] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a sheet of material” may include one or more of such sheets of material, and reference to “the sheet” may include reference to one or more of such sheets.

[0056] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result to function as indicated. For example, a surface that is “substantially” planar would mean that the surface is either completely planar or nearly completely planar. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0057] As used herein the term “generally” refers to something that is more of the designated adjective than not, or the converse if used in the negative. For example, something maybe said to be generally the shape of a rectangle even though it has somewhat rounded edges or corners.

[0058] As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range, for example, “about” may be within 10% of the given number or given range

[0059] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member.

[0060] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pre-packaged system for wrapping and covering toiletry products 100. System 100 may comprise a plurality of sheets of material 104 which may be used to wrap or cover a variety of different toiletry products. The plurality of sheets of material 104 may comprise any number of suitable materials depending on the intended use thereof. By way of example and not limitation, it may be desirable to use disposable materials in certain embodiments of system 100 so that users may apply a sheet of the plurality of sheets of material 104 on a toiletry product and, at a later point in time, remove the sheet from the toiletry product and throw it away. In such embodiments, the plurality of sheets of material may comprise any number of materials, including but not limited to materials that are suitable for gift wrap, such as wrapping paper, tissue paper, metallic foil, cellophane, plastic, or any other suitable, disposable material. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate, for example, that the plurality of sheets of material 104 may comprise tissue paper. In other embodiments, a user may wish to reuse the plurality of sheets of material 104. In such embodiments, the plurality of sheets of material may comprise any number of materials that are suitable for such reuse, including for example, reusable and/or non-disposable textiles and fabrics.

[0061] As is shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of sheets 104 may be folded and inserted into packaging 106. Packaging 106 may comprise any number of materials that are suitable for packaging and shipping the system 100. For example, packaging 106 may comprise a transparent cellophane bag, which may allow potential customers to see what the plurality of sheets 104 look like, including any designs or images placed thereon. Any other suitable material, whether transparent or non-transparent, may also be used. Similarly, disposable and/or non-disposable materials may be used to form packaging 106.

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates a single sheet of material 104a of the plurality of sheets 104 in an unfolded configuration. Each sheet of the plurality of sheets 104 may comprise dimensions that allow the sheets to wrap around, cover, or encompass certain toiletry products. By way of example and not limitation, sheet 104a of the plurality of sheets 104 may be generally the shape of a rectangle with a width (W) of about 30 centimeters to about 40 centimeters and a length (L) of about 45 centimeters to about 55 centimeters, such that sheet 104a may adequately wrap around, cover, or encompass a standard-sized roll of toilet paper, as is shown in FIGS. 2-3. Other configurations may have a width of about 33 centimeters to about 37 centimeters, and a length of about 48 centimeters to about 52 centimeters. In one specific configuration, the width may be around 35-36 centimeters and the length may be around 50-51 centimeters.

[0063] In other embodiments, each sheet of the plurality of sheets 104 may comprise dimensions that are suitable to adequately wrap around, cover, or encompass a standard-sized roll of paper towels (see FIG. 7), multiple standard-sized rolls of toilet paper (see FIG. 8), or any other standard-sized toiletry product. Additionally, the plurality of sheets 104 of system 100 may comprises multiple different sizes of sheets such that a user may use the different sizes of sheets to wrap different products. For example, certain embodiments of system 100 may comprise two or three different sizes of sheets in which some of the plurality of sheets 104 are shaped and sized to wrap single rolls of toilet paper, other sheets of the plurality of sheets 104 are shaped and sized to wrap single rolls of paper towels, and yet other sheets of the plurality of sheets 104 are shaped and sized to wrap multiple rolls of toilet paper together.

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates the plurality of sheets 104 laying on a flat surface in an unfolded configuration. FIG. 3 demonstrates that each sheet of the plurality of sheets 104 may comprise a unique design 109 or pattern printed, stamped, or otherwise formed into the plurality of sheets 104 (109a, 109b, 109c). Designs 109 may include a combination of colors, patterns, and images. Designs may be positioned on a first side 108 of each sheet of the plurality of sheets 104, on a second side 110 of each sheet of the plurality of sheets 104, or on both the first side 108 and second side 110. As shown in FIG. 2, designs 109 may be positioned over an entirety of the first side 108. However, in other embodiments, a design over only specific portions of the first side 108 of the plurality of sheets 104, which may allow for savings based on the cost of manufacturing and materials.

[0065] Designs may take various different forms and may be incorporated into the plurality of sheets 104 in various different ways. For example, depending on the materials of the plurality of sheets 104, a design may be printed directly onto the plurality of sheets 104 with a suitable printer. Designs may also comprise any number of decorations on the plurality of sheets 104, including embellishments that are fixed to the plurality of sheets 104. Such embellishments may include, for example, ornaments comprising any number of suitable materials.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, designs may be incorporated in the plurality of sheets 104 by cutting out portions of the sheets 104 in certain patterns or shapes to form designs or images. FIG. 3B, for example, demonstrates that a sheet 104b of the plurality of sheets 104 may comprise a plurality of cutouts 112 that form a design or image. FIG. 3B demonstrates, for example, that cutouts 112 may be in the shape of snowflakes, which a user may desire to use over toiletry products in the winter. Although the cutouts 112 in FIG. 3B are in the shape of snowflakes, other embodiments may comprise any number of shapes and designs, and all such are contemplated herein.

[0067] In some configurations, the second side 110 of the plurality of sheets 104 may comprise wrapping indicators 114 that aid users in locating where to align a toiletry product 120 along the width W of the plurality of sheets 104 in order to wrap, cover, or encompass the toiletry product with a sheet of the plurality of sheets 104 (FIG. 3B). The indicators 114 may comprise, for example, dotted lines that extend along the length L of the sheet. FIG. 3B also demonstrates that designs on the plurality of sheets 104 may be positioned primarily, or even exclusively, on portions of the sheets that will be most visible after being used to wrap, cover, or encompass a toiletry product. FIG. 3B demonstrates, for example, that cutouts 112 are located primarily on portions of sheet 104c that will be placed over rounded sides of toiletry product 120, where they are mostly likely to be seen by users. In other configurations, dotted lines and/or other indicators may not be provided.

[0068] FIGS. 4-6 demonstrate how a user may wrap, cover, or encompass toiletry product 120 in a sheet 104c of the plurality of sheets 104. FIG. 4 demonstrates that a user may lay the sheet 104c of the plurality of sheets 104 on a flat surface with the second side 110 of sheet 104c facing up. User may then position the toiletry product 120, which may be a roll of toilet paper, on a first edge 116 of the sheet 104c so that the toiletry product 120 is generally centered along the width W of the sheet 104c. User may use the indicators 114 to help align/center the toiletry product 120 appropriately.

[0069] As is shown in FIG. 5, the user may then roll the sheet 104c onto/over the toiletry product 120 until the toiletry product 120 is surrounded by the sheet 104c, as is shown in FIG. 6. The user may then fold the sheet 104c over on one end where the sheet 104c ends, and flatten it against the toiletry product 120. The user may then bring the remaining outstanding portions 118 of the sheet 104c that are not in contact with the toiletry product 120 inwardly together toward the center of a top surface 122 and a bottom surface 124 of the toiletry product. The outstanding portions 118 of the sheet 104c may then be tucked into a hollow tube of the toiletry product 120 (see FIGS. 9-12).

[0070] In other embodiments, the outstanding portions 118 of the sheet 104c may also be fixed over the top surface 122 and the bottom surface 124 of the toiletry product 120 with, for example, stickers, decals, adhesives, or any other suitable means for doing so. In such embodiments, system 100 may comprise standard and/or custom designed stickers or decals for such purposes, which users may select from. In some configurations, the stickers may be coordinated to the pattern and/or style of the printed designs 109. In other configurations, the stickers need not be coordinated.

[0071] After the toiletry product has been wrapped in sheet 104c, a user may display the wrapped toiletry product as desired. The design 109 on the sheet 104c may provide a more aesthetically pleasing means of storing and/or displaying the toiletry product 120.

[0072] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 200 for how a user may wrap, cover, or encompass a toiletry product a sheet of the plurality of sheets 104. FIG. 13 illustrates at 202 that a user may select a sheet from the plurality of sheets 104 and place the sheet on a flat surface with the second side 110 of sheet facing up (i.e., the first side with the design 109 facing down). At 204, the user may then position a toiletry product, which may be a roll of toilet paper, on a first edge of the sheet so that the toiletry product is generally centered along the width of the sheet. (See FIGS. 3B and 4.) At 206, the user may use wrapping indicators 114 to help align/center the toiletry product appropriately. (See FIGS. 3B and 4.)

[0073] At 208, the user may then roll the sheet of the plurality of sheets 104 onto/over the toiletry product until the toiletry product is surrounded by the sheet. At 210, the user may fold outstanding portions 118 of the sheet, which are not in contact with the toiletry product inwardly toward the center of a top surface and a bottom surface of the toiletry product. At 212, the user may bring the remaining outstanding portions 118 of the sheet that are still not in contact with the toiletry product and tuck them into a hollow tube of the toiletry product. At 216 is shown the optional step of placing a sticker over the sheet of the plurality of sheets, which is now encompassing the toiletry product, near the top surface and bottom surface of the toiletry product. At 218, the user may then display the wrapped toiletry product as desired.

[0074] While methods are described herein in discrete steps in a particular order for the sake of clarity, the steps do not require a particular order and more than one step may be performed at the same time. For example, a later step may begin before earlier step completes. Or, a later step may be completed before an earlier step is started.

[0075] A user may also desire to wrap an additional sheet of the plurality of sheets 104 over the toiletry product and sheet 104c. For example, sheet 104c may comprise a certain color or minimal design and may be placed, as described above, over the toiletry product. The user may then desire to apply a second sheet of the plurality of sheets 104, which comprises cutouts 112, over the sheet 104c and the toiletry product 120 in such a way that the color or design of the sheet 104c is visible through the cutouts 112 of the second sheet.

[0076] FIG. 7 demonstrates that a user may wrap, cover, or encompass other toiletry products, such as toiletry product 125 which may be a standard-sized roll of paper towels, in a sheet 104d of the plurality of sheets 104.

[0077] FIG. 8 demonstrates that a user may wrap, cover, or encompass multiple toiletry products 120 in a single sheet 104d of the plurality of sheets 104.

[0078] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate what a toiletry product may look like when it has been wrapped with a sheet of the plurality of sheets 104 according to the method discussed above.

[0079] FIGS. 14-15 illustrate what system 100 may look like in packaging 106. The plurality of sheets 104 may be folded up in an aesthetically pleasing way and inserted into packaging 106. In other configurations, the plurality of sheets 104 may be inserted without folding. Depending on the materials used in the plurality of sheets 104 and the effect that folding has on the plurality of sheets 104, users may desire to iron out creases or wrinkles after removing a sheet from the packaging 106. In embodiments where a design has been printed onto the first side 108 of a sheet, the user may desire to iron the sheet on the second side 110 so as to avoid altering or damaging the design.

[0080] FIGS. 14-15 also demonstrate that system 100 may comprise various designs of sheets of the plurality of sheets 104, which may be folded up, inserted into packaging 106, and displayed through packaging 106 in such a way that users may view each different design of the plurality of sheets.

[0081] Although the foregoing disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope any of the ensuing claims. Other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed separately or in combination. Accordingly, all additions, deletions and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced thereby. The scope of each claim is indicated and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of available legal equivalents to its elements.