CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/354,338, which was filed on Jun. 22, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of napkins. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel self-adhesive napkin designed to maintain secure connection on a tabletop or any other flat surface such that the napkin is not blown away due to wind and is not accidentally dropped on the ground. The napkin has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that enables the napkin to releasably attach, similar to a sticky note. The adhesive layer does not require water or any lubricant for adhering to a surface. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, napkins, or serviettes, are used for providing a decorative touch on a table setting and are also used to wipe the mouth or protect clothing. Napkins are used everywhere during eating and drinking. Napkins are also used for catching crumbs, containing coughs and sneezes, and wiping mouth edges. Conventional napkins are vulnerable when used outdoors especially on a windy day. Even indoors, napkins can blow away when in an air flow of a fan. Napkins are usually pinned to a tablecloth to prevent same from blowing away in the wind. However, pinning one or more napkins may damage the tablecloth. Other ways of securely placing the napkins include placing a heavier object on the napkins to keep the napkins in place, however use of such heavier objects can be injurious to the individual and may damage the table.

Blown away or accidentally dropped napkins cause litter and waste, and can make places unsanitary. Catering staff need to spend considerable effort and time in capturing and picking up blown away napkins.

Commonly, individuals need to ask catering staff for napkins, as the napkins placed on a table on windy days, or even in gentle air flow, can blow away. This is not only discomforting, but can make individuals frustrated as they need to continuously ask for napkins. Individuals desire improved napkins that are securely attached on a tabletop or any other surface.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved napkin that is securely maintained on a tabletop. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an improved napkin that remains securely placed on a tabletop or any other surface even when wind is blowing. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that does not blow away even in strong wind. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that does not require any additional object such as a pin or a heavy object for securing the napkin placed on a tabletop or any surface. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that does not damage a tablecloth. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that is not accidentally dropped from a table and helps in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved napkin that offers a way for individuals to keep napkins close by for wiping their hands and face after eating and drinking at homes, in the outdoors, at restaurants, and more.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a self-adhesive multipurpose disposable napkin. The napkin is designed to releasably attach on a target surface such as on a tabletop. The napkin features a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is disposed on the bottom surface along a lateral edge of the napkin such that the adhesive layer overlaps a portion of the bottom surface. The adhesive layer releasably sticks to the target surface when a light pressure is applied on the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer securely anchors the napkin to a surface until the adhesive layer is manually released or detached by a user.

In this manner, the self-adhesive multipurpose disposable napkin of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with an improved napkin designed to maintain securement on a tabletop or other flat surface. The non-invasive adhesive layer is used for attaching the napkin to a surface and prevents same from falling on the ground due to wind or accidental drops. The napkin offers a way for individuals to keep napkins close by for wiping their hands and face after eating and drinking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 general 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 self-adhesive disposable napkin. The napkin is designed to releasably attach to a target surface, such as on a table thereby preventing the napkin from falling on the ground due to wind or accidental drops. The napkin comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface is positioned away from the target surface on which the napkin is releasably attached and the bottom surface touches the target surface on which the napkin is releasably attached. For releasably attaching the napkin, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is disposed on the bottom surface along a lateral edge of the napkin such that the adhesive layer overlaps a portion of the bottom surface wherein the adhesive layer releasably sticks to a target surface when a light pressure is applied on the top surface positioned directly opposite the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer securely places the napkin in wind until the adhesive layer is manually released or detached by a user. The self-adhesive disposable napkin remains sanitary, does not shift and is available for use.

In yet another embodiment, a multifunctional, self-adhesive disposable napkin designed to maintain securement on a tabletop or other flat surface is disclosed. The napkin has a non-invasive adhesive contact surface for releasably bonding to the tabletop or flat surface, such that the napkin is not accidentally dropped or blown away in the wind. The adhesive surface is pressed against the tabletop or flat surface for releasably bonding the napkin thereto. An edge of the napkin near which the adhesive surface is disposed can be pulled by the user for releasing the napkin for use. The adhesive surface does not need water or lubricant for activation and includes a resin-based pressure-sensitive adhesive.

In yet another embodiment, a method of releasably attaching a self-adhesive napkin on a tabletop is described. The method includes the steps of providing the self-adhesive napkin, the napkin includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer overlapping a portion of one side of the napkin; placing the napkin on the tabletop with the adhesive layer facing the tabletop, pressing the adhesive layer against the tabletop for releasably securing the napkin on the tabletop and pulling the bonded edge of the napkin to release the adhesive layer and the napkin for using the napkin.

In one embodiment, the napkin is designed for use in cleaning, wiping the hands and face, and more, after eating and drinking at homes, in the outdoors, at restaurants, and more.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

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 are 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 potential embodiment of a self-adhesive disposable napkin of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a stack of adhesive napkins of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the self-adhesive disposable napkins of the present invention when stacked over each other in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing how the self-adhesive napkin of the present invention is releasably bonded to a target surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing how a bonded napkin of the present invention is detached or released from the target surface for use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view showing the napkin being securely placed on the target surface and held thereto in a moderate wind in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary dispenser device from which a single napkin of the present invention can be easily pulled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

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. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved napkin that is securely maintained and connected on a tabletop. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an improved napkin that remains securely placed on a tabletop or any other surface even when the wind is blowing. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that does not blow away even in strong wind. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that does not require any additional objects such as a pin or a heavy object for secure placement on a tabletop or any surface. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that does not damage a tablecloth. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a napkin that is not accidentally dropped from a table and helps in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved napkin that offers a way for individuals to keep napkins close by for wiping their hands and face after eating and drinking at homes, in the outdoors, at restaurants, and more.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a multifunctional, self-adhesive disposable napkin designed to maintain securement on a tabletop or other flat surface. The napkin has a non-invasive adhesive surface contact disposed on the base for releasably bonding to the tabletop or flat surface, such that the napkin is not accidentally dropped or blown away in the wind. The adhesive surface is pressed against the tabletop or flat surface by sliding a finger(s) along the adhesive surface for releasably bonding the napkin, wherein an edge near which the adhesive surface is disposed can be pulled by the user for releasing the napkin for use. The adhesive surface does not need water or lubricant for activation and includes a resin-based pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a self-adhesive disposable napkin of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The self-adhesive disposable napkin 100 of the present embodiment is designed to function like a conventional disposable napkin and for securely and releasably attaching to a table or any other surface. More specifically, the napkin 100 has a top surface 102 and a bottom surface 104. The surfaces 102, 104 can be opposite surfaces of a single layer of material or can be two different layers of material forming the napkin 100. The napkin 100 is preferably and generally rectangular or square, but can be of any geometric shape.

The bottom surface 104 has a non-invasive adhesive area/layer 106 positioned proximal to a lateral or top edge 108 of the napkin 100. The bottom surface 104 has a non-adhesive area 107. The non-adhesive area 107 surrounds the adhesive area 106. In one exemplary embodiment, the adhesive area 106 is less than 20% of an area of the bottom surface 104. In another exemplary embodiment, the adhesive area 106 is less than 15% of an area of the bottom surface 104. In yet still another exemplary embodiment, the adhesive area 106 is less than 10% of an area of the bottom surface 104. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the adhesive layer 106 may be positioned proximal to an opposing lateral or bottom edge 110 as per design and manufacturing requirements. The adhesive layer 106 is preferably any pressure-sensitive adhesive, which when pressed provides a non-invasive surface contact to ensure that the napkin 100 remains releasably secured on a table or any other surface.

The four edges 108, 110, 112, 114 remain adhesive free or unattached, thereby allowing a user to use the napkin 100 for wiping hands while the napkin 100 remains secure to a surface. The napkin 100 can easily be peeled away to detach/release from the table for use such as for wiping mouth. The top surface 102 can have a logo or any other indicia 116 (shown in FIG. 2) for branding and marketing purposes.

The adhesive layer 106 has a width 118 of from about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch depending on size of the napkin 100. Further, the adhesive layer 106 has a thickness of about 1 mm to about 4 mm, thereby providing easy storage of the napkin in a dispenser box. The adhesive layer 106 is waterproof and skin friendly. The napkin 100 can be used by individuals of all ages and genders and can come in different designs.

The adhesive layer 106 when releasably bonded to a surface or fabric such as tablecloth, does not cause any damage or invasion. The lateral edge 108 can be easily pulled away to release the bonded napkin 100 using the adhesive layer 106. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 106 can have a dynamic shear strength of 4 N/5.5 cm2 or greater and does not shift in position when bonded to a surface. It should be appreciated that no solvent, water, or heat is needed to activate the adhesive layer 106. The adhesive layer 106 may include, but not limited to, silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive, cellophane, and more.

FIG. 2 illustrates a stack of adhesive napkins of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The adhesive napkin 100 of the present invention can be stacked together like a stack of conventional napkins. As illustrated, the stack 200 may include a desired number of adhesive napkins of the present invention and are stacked such that the adhesive layer 106 of individual napkins 100 are positioned over each other. For using a napkin 100, the lateral edge 108 can be pulled to release the adhesive layer 106 without disturbing the stack 200.

The adhesive layer 106 does not leave any traces on the top surface of the subsequent napkin, thereby not reducing aesthetic appeal of the napkin 100. A plurality of napkins can also be removed from the stack 200 simultaneously as per requirements of a user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the self-adhesive disposable napkins of the present invention when stacked over each other in accordance with the disclosed architecture. It should be noted that structure and specifications of all the napkins are same such that one napkin completely overlaps the below napkin. When stacked, the adhesive layer 106 of a first napkin 100 releasably sticks to the top surface 302 of a second napkin 304 (napkins 304 and 100 are similar). The top surface 302 does not shift or lose its flat shape when the first napkin 100 is detached from the stack for use.

It should be noted that the adhesive layer of the napkin of the present invention overlaps a portion of the bottom surface of the napkin and remains bonded to the napkin, but releasably bonded to a target surface.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing how the self-adhesive napkin of the present invention is releasably bonded to a target surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For attaching or sticking the napkin 100 onto a target surface such as a table top 402, the top surface 102 of the napkin 100 is slightly pressed by a user using a thumb 404 or any other finger wherein the thumb or finger is positioned near the edge 108 (or the edge near which the adhesive layer 106 is disposed) and is slid from the edge 112 to the opposite edge 112 while pressing the adhesive layer 106. Due to the applied pressure, the pressure-sensitive adhesive releasably bonds to the table top 402 such that the napkin 100 does not blow away in wind and is not accidentally dropped by a user.

The adhesive layer 106 does not leave any traces or spots on the tablecloth 402 or on any fabric or surface. The adhesive layer 106 is waterproof and remains in place even on a slippery surface.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing how a bonded napkin of the present invention is detached or released from the target surface for use in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For using the napkin 100 such as for wiping mouth or cleaning hands, the napkin 100 releasably bonded to the tablecloth 402 is released by a user by pulling the edge 108 (or edges 110, 112, 114) near which the adhesive layer 106 is positioned. When the edge 108 is slightly pulled, the adhesive layer 106 is released and detached from the tablecloth 402 and can be used by the user as per the preferences.

The napkin 100 offers a way for individuals to keep napkins close by for wiping their hands and face after eating and drinking at homes, in the outdoors, at restaurants, and more, without fear of blowing away of the napkin. The adhesive layer 106 may use tackifiers such as rosins and their derivatives and modified terpenes to maintain and increase the stickiness or tackiness of the adhesive layer 106. The adhesive layer 106 can easily and releasably attach on both plain and rough surfaces.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view showing the napkin 100 being securely placed on the target surface in a moderate wind in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the edges 110, 112, 114 of the napkin 100 being adhesive free are affected by the wind and are not bonded or maintained on the tablecloth 402. However, the adhesive layer 106 maintains a secure bond with the fabric 402 such that the edge 108 and the portion of the napkin 100 being overlapped by the adhesive layer 106 touches and maintains a bond with the fabric 402. As a result, the napkin 100 is not blown away by the wind and remains secured to the table. The napkin 100 remains sanitary and ready to use by users sitting on the table.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary dispenser device from which a single napkin 100 of the present invention can be easily pulled in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The dispenser device 700 is designed to be securely placed on a surface and can store up to 200 napkins. Further, dispenser device 700 is made of a durable and lightweight material such as plastic or acrylic and has an opening 702 for accessing a napkin 100. The device 700 can be of different shapes and sizes and securely stores a plurality of napkins 100.

The lid 704 is removably placed and can be removed for refilling the napkins 100 in the device 700. The device 700 may be transparent or translucent allowing a user to check the number (i.e., quantity) of remaining napkins in the device 700. The device 700 can have a logo or any other indicia 706 which can be the same or different than the indicia 116 on each napkin 100.

The individual napkins can be folded in halves or thirds, and/or can be stacked in zig-zag orientation (i.e., intertwined or overlapped) allowing only one individual napkin to be pulled out of the box 700 at a time. Other shapes, designs, and configurations of the dispenser device 700 are contemplated and fall within the scope of the invention without affecting the utility of the device.

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 “self-adhesive disposable napkin”, “self-adhesive napkin”, “adhesive napkin”, and “napkin” are interchangeable and refer to the self-adhesive disposable napkin 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the self-adhesive disposable napkin 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 self-adhesive disposable napkin 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the self-adhesive disposable napkin 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the self-adhesive disposable napkin 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the self-adhesive disposable napkin 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

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.