Napkins

Abstract

A pre-folded and pre-printed paper napkin capable of being stacked with other such napkins for package and storage, the napkin being pre-printed such that the pre-folded napkin resembles recognisable 3-dimensional object.

1 . A pre-folded and pre-printed paper napkin capable of being stacked with other such napkins for package and storage, the napkin being pre-printed such that the pre-folded napkin resembles a recognisable 3-dimensional object.  
     
     
         2 . A napkin according to  claim 1 , pre-printed with a representation of at least a neckline adjacent one edge of the napkin in its pre-folded configuration, such as to resemble a sports shirt.  
     
     
         3 . A napkin according to  claim 1 , comprising a pre-printed rectangular paper napkin folded in a sequence of multiple folds to assume a smaller rectangle having multiple thicknesses of paper, such that it rests stably on a table, in use.  
     
     
         4 . A set of stacked napkins in a container, each in accordance with  claim 1 .  
     
     
         5 . A set of stacked napkins according to  claim 4 , in which the container is transparent, at least in part, for viewing the napkins.  
     
     
         6 . A set of stacked napkins according to  claim 4 , in which each is pre-printed with a representation of at least a neckline adjacent one edge of the napkin in its pre-folded configuration, such as to resemble a sports shirt, and in which each napkin is printed with a different image so as to represent the shirts of a team of sportsmen.  
     
     
         7 . A method of manufacture of a pre-folded napkin, comprising printing an image on a flat paper napkin, and folding it in a sequence of multiple folds into a smaller size such that it reveals a pre-determined portion of the printed image and is capable of being stacked with other such napkins for package and storage, the napkin being pre-printed such that the pre-folded napkin resembles a recognisable 3-dimensional object.  
     
     
         8 . A method of assembly of pre-folded napkins, comprising pre-folding a plurality of napkins in accordance with  claim 7 , and stacking them in a container for package and storage.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , in which the container is transparent.  
     
     
         10 . A method of making and selling napkins, each napkin being a pre-folded and pre-printed paper napkin capable of being stacked with other such napkins for package and storage, the napkin being pre-printed such that the pre-folded napkin resembles a recognisable 3-dimensional object; comprising identifying companies which own character-merchandising rights; effecting any necessary licence agreements; printing and selecting the shape of the napkin to represent the image for character merchandising; pre-folding and stacking the napkins; and selling them through a distribution network.  
     
     
         11 . A method of making and selling napkins, each napkin being a pre-folded and pre-printed paper napkin capable of being stacked with other such napkins for package and storage, the napkin being pre-printed such that the pre-folded napkin resembles a recognisable 3-dimensional object comprising identifying a company which requires promotional services; pre-printing and selecting the shape of the napkin to represent the company's required promotional image; pre-folding and stacking the napkins; and selling them to the company.  
     
     
         12 . A method of using napkins, each in accordance with  claim 1 , to promote a business by supplying them for use as napkins, for example for putting an dining tables or reception stands or the like, or for handing out to guests at a meeting or conference or the like.