Scented Utility Paper Roll

Abstract

The present invention provides a toilet roll comprising a scented inner paperboard with a vacuum sealed container for maintaining fragrance and moisture prior to use. The fragrance or scent is emitted during use and provides a means for controlling bathroom odors without the need for fresheners or potpourri.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No 61/807,033, filed Apr. 1, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a scented utility paper roll and, more specifically, the invention relates to a scented toilet tissue rolls and kitchen towel rolls infused with a fragrant, deodorizing scent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For most people, household chores are a fact of life. Vacuuming debris from carpeting, polishing furniture, waxing floors, and cleaning windows are necessary tasks which must be done regularly to ensure a healthy and clean household. In particular, keeping a clean kitchen or bathroom is of utmost concern for many consumers. The bathroom is the one room in the home where people shower or bathe, bush their teeth, shave, apply make-up and undergo other personal grooming tasks. The kitchen is the area that contains a plethora of orders from cooking and storage of trash. Perhaps most importantly, the bathroom houses the most necessary of all items, the toilet. Because of its very function, the toilet must be regularly cleaned and disinfected in order to maintain a sanitary bathroom environment.

Unfortunately, regardless of how clean these areas may be, odors are unavoidable. To state it bluntly, it can be very unpleasant to enter a bathroom immediately after someone else has used the facilities. Although solid air fresheners, potpourri, scented deodorizers and candles, can mask bathroom odors, they do little to eliminate them completely. In fact, use of these products often makes matters worse, as the thick, perfumed scent of the product combines with the bathroom odor to create a noxious atmosphere. Because of this, many attempt to eliminate odors by use of aerosol air fresheners. Unfortunately, the spraying sound emitted during the use of an aerosol spray can tend to be rather loud; causing embarrassment to the user and alerting those outside of the bathroom that air freshener was needed and utilized.

There are various systems available for reducing bathroom orders, all are cumbersome to assemble and use. Many are very elaborate and costly to manufacture as they incorporate to varying degrees electric motors, valves, pressurized containers, ratchet handles and gears, electronics, wooden cabinets, batteries, moving parts, injection molded components, springs, mounting brackets, gels, or complicated membrane packaging. U.S. Pat. No. 4,632,310 to Konicek describes a door activated air freshener system that uses motion control valves to deposit fragrance onto paper pads within a specially constructed device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,38 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,486 offer additional variations on the door-activated system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,831 to Spector describes an air-filled device with jet openings and pressurized chambers that expel a pulse of fragrance into the atmosphere. U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,649 U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,279,373, 4,208,012 and 4,155,500, described a variety of air freshener cartons that are free standing or can be wall mounted and exhibit perforated sleeves, folded flaps or other carton constructions that can be adjusted to allow more or less of a fragranced air freshener material to be released. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,168,550 and 4,209,864 to Lindauer, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,228, to Rosenkrantz, all describe elaborate aroma emitting attachments to the toilet that activate by flushing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,025 to Hixon, describes a multi-purpose toilet tissue dispenser that incorporates a night light, pencil holder, a means for holding an air freshener, and an attachment device for mounting onto a wall. U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,658, to McCall, describes a roll spindle and hand ratchet mechanism that activates a music box, a fragrance dispensing apparatus, an audio tape player, and a night light. U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,246, to Kantor, describes a toilet roll covering that is wall mounted or free standing and essentially adds an embellishment feature by incorporating a lace pouch that can hold a scented potpourri. Hight, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,696, describes a multi-compartment cabinet for containing storage roll tissue in one compartment and an air freshener device in another compartment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,621 to Poulos, describes a tissue paper scenting and storage device having a two-part interior chamber sized to accommodate multiple rolls of paper in a sealed environment to preclude malodorous contamination, and also incorporating a ventilated top section that can hold an air freshener that scents the stored tissue paper in the compartment below. U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,313, to Newbold, describes a pre-moistened toilet paper and dispenser that attaches to a conventional paper roll dispenser or can be separately mounted. This device is closed and allows pre-moistened towels to remain moist and said towels may contain 1% perfume fragrance. Finally Dobler et al. describe a device inserted into an inner tube of a roll of paper having absorbed a fragrance which is then emitted by evaporation. All are cumbersome and expensive. They require the user to adjust or additions to their current bathroom components.

The present method and system avoids the problems with the prior art by creating a roll having a pre-scented inner paperboard ready for use by the consumer.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the prior art issues, including excessive costs, to offer the user a less complicated and inexpensive means to incorporate fragrance into a utility paper roll, such as a toilet tissue roll or kitchen towels role, and thereby offer air freshness to the area of use. One embodiment of the present invention provides for a fragrant inner paperboard tube that avoids the need for additional scented insert material or other air freshening devices in order to create a fragrance in the immediate area. In the present invention body oil containing fragrances are infused into the paperboard of the roll during its manufacture. When properly packaged and sealed according to the present invention, the fragrance remains within the roll and provides effective fragrance when opened and used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left front perspective view a toilet tissue roll showing the tissue and inner paperboard roll.

FIG. 2 is a magnified view of the left front perspective showing the inner paperboard roll.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a simple and inexpensive means to provide a scented air freshener to mask unwanted orders within the immediate area of a paper roll having utility paper manufactured on a paperboard roll such as kitchen towels or toilet tissue rolls. Utility paper can be any paper product used in the home such as, but not limited to, kitchen towel rolls or toilet tissue rolls.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is a scented toilet tissue roll for effectively and discreetly eliminating bathroom odors. The scented toilet tissue roll contains a paperboard inner roll utilized in the manufacture of toilet tissue. The scent is obtained by infusing body oil containing a fragrant, deodorizing scent onto the inner paperboard roll. Thus when opened from its package, a scented formula is emitted throughout the bathroom, especially when users spin the roll in order to tear a sheet of toilet paper, thus abating noxious bathroom odors. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner paperboard roll is cylindrical in shape having a hollow inner core and manufactured of lightweight paperboard. When used, the scented inner roll neutralizes odors on contact while emitting a fragrant scent in the process.

Another embodiment incorporates the same principle for kitchen towels rolls having an inner paperboard roll.

For all utility rolls and specifically kitchen towels or toilet tissue, the body oils and fragrance formulation do not contact the skin of the user and are limited to contact within the inner core of the paperboard roll. The utility paper is wrapped around the longitudinal axis of paperboard roll, allowing for continuous dispensing of the utility paper by rotating the roll along its longitudinal axis

Creating the fragrance of the paperboard rolls occurs during the manufacture of the utility paper roll. The process occurs by infusing the entire inner face of the paperboard roll with the selected deodorizing scent contained in a selected formulation of body oil. The body oil can be sprayed, rubbed, or poured onto the surface of the paperboard and the scent-containing body oil is allowed to infuse into the paperboard fibers. While all fragrant scents known in the art are considered, preferred scents include brisk pine and rich vanilla, wild flowers, tangy citrus or baby fresh. As can be imagined, considerations for additional aromatic scents for the scented roll line are virtually limitless.

One embodiment of the present invention considers a process that sprays body oil containing the desired scent or fragrance onto the surface of paperboard sheets which are then cut and formed into rolls having the sprayed surface as the inner face of the paperboard roll (see FIG. 2). Paper toilet tissues or kitchen towels are then wrapped around the roll containing the infused scented body oil. The utility paper roll having an inner paperboard containing the fragrant body oil is contained in packaging capable of preventing loss of fragrance and moisture. One preferred type of packaging includes a vacuum sealed container so the scent does not dissipate and the toilet roll remains fresh and ready for use. While all packaging is considered in the present invention, any packaging is appropriate if the packaging provides sufficient odor and fragrance barrier properties so that the product remains moist and fresh for later use.

The use of body oils provides a natural and environmentally safe means to incorporate the fragrance. Body oils are skin care products that are generally recommended in the treatment of dry skin. The main ingredients tend to be oils extracted from natural sources such as from fruit or vegetable seeds, which give a smooth texture to the skin and provide a pleasing fragrance. Other common active ingredients for skin care include vitamin E and fatty acids, both of which have moisturizing properties.

Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates the use of a scented toilet tissue roll to abate bathroom odors. First, the user purchases the scented roll toilet paper roll in accordance to the desired fragrance. The user then mounts the scented roll on their existing toilet paper roll holder, readying the tissue for immediate use. Throughout the day, the scented roll emits a light and pleasing fragrance in the bathroom. When paper is pulled free from the roll, the spinning action of the scented paperboard holder intensifies the scent, releasing the deodorizing scent into the air serving to abate bathroom odors. As needed, the empty scented roll is removed and replaced with a fresh roll.

There are many significant benefits and advantages associated with the scented toilet tissue or kitchen towel rolls of the present invention. Foremost, the scented roll offers consumers a simple and efficient means of maintaining a fresh, clean of use, including the bathroom. Effectively eliminating unpleasant odors, the unique combination of an air freshener and utility paper toll ensures a pleasant environment. Because of its incorporation into the design of toilet tissue roll, which is a bathroom necessity, the scented roll provides consumers two effective products in one, simple to use package. Another important advantage is that the scented roll offers consumers an effective alternative to those costly solid air fresheners which serve only to mask bathroom odors and require separate maintenance. Users of the present invention will especially appreciate that unlike traditional aerosol fresheners which can be loud and thus embarrassing to use, the scented rolls enable users to eradicate bathroom odors in a more discreet manner. An environmentally friendly product, scented rolls also offer a practical alternative to aerosols which can harm the earth's fragile ecosystem and destroy the ozone layer, as well as clog landfills. Although intended for home use, the scented rolls prove a worthy commodity for business establishments, restaurants, travel plazas, and other locations.

Permeating the air with delightful, fresh scents, the scented utility paper rolls of the present invention promotes a fresh, clean atmosphere in any bathroom. Innovative and unique, this innovative combination of a scented air freshener and toilet tissue proves to be an invaluable accessory in any bathroom or area of use.

One primary objective of the present invention is to bring to commercialize a low cost, easy and safe method of allowing a customer to add scent to their bathroom or area of utility paper roll use without having to utilize additional features or dispensers simply to provide fragrance to the air such as a scented toilet roll cover, scented air fresheners, and the like. Accordingly, the present invention further considers a kit incorporating, in part, the utility paper roll as described in the present invention, packaged in a means to prevent loss of moister and fragrance. Specifically, the kitchen towel roll or bathroom toilet tissue roll is packaged through a vacuum-packed means, thus preventing moisture and fragrance loss.

The foregoing exemplary description and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as described herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A scented utility paper roll comprising:

a. utility paper; and

b. an inner paperboard roll having a fragrant and deodorizing scent wherein the utility paper is wrapped around the longitudinal axis of the paperboard roll.

2. The utility paper roll from claim 1 wherein the scent is selected from a group consisting of brisk pine, rich vanilla, wild flowers, tangy citrus and baby fresh.

3. The utility paper roll from claim 1 further having a package to prevent loss of moister and fragrance.

4. The utility paper roll from claim 3 wherein the package is a vacuum-sealed container.

5. The utility paper roll from claim 1 wherein the paper roll is a toilet tissue roll.

6. The utility paper roll from claim 1 wherein the paper roll is a kitchen towel roll.

7. The utility paper roll of claim 1 having the scent on the inner face of the paperboard roll.

8. A process for manufacturing a packaged scented utility paper roll comprising:

a. infusing a paperboard sheet with a fragrant and deodorizing scent;

b. forming an inner roll from the scented paperboard sheet;

c. wrapping sheets of paper along the longitudinal axis of the outer surface of the inner roll to form a roll; and

d. packaging the roll in a container capable of preventing loss of fragrance and moisture.

9. The process of claim 8 whereby the scent is selected from a group consisting of brisk pine, rich vanilla, wild flowers, tangy citrus and baby fresh.

10. The process of claim 8 wherein the infusion of the scent is by spraying scented body oil onto the inner surface of the paperboard roll.

11. The process of claim 8 wherein the container is a vacuum sealed container which prevents loss of fragrance and moisture.

12. The process of claim 8 wherein the utility paper roll is a kitchen towel roll.

13. The process of claim 8 wherein the utility paper roll is a toilet tissue roll.

14. A kit for providing utility paper and reducing unwanted odors comprising:

a. a utility paper roll containing a paperboard roll and having a fragrant and deodorizing scent; and

b. a container capable of packaging the utility paper roll wherein the container prevents loss of fragrance and moisture.

15. The kit of claim 14 wherein the container is vacuum-sealed.

16. The kit of claim 14 wherein the utility paper roll has the scent on the inner face of the paperboard roll.

17. The kit of claim 14 wherein the scent is applied to the inner face by spaying scented body oil onto the surface.

18. The kit of claim 14 wherein the utility paper roll is a toilet tissue roll.

19. The kit of claim 14 wherein the utility paper roll is a kitchen towel roll.