FIELD

[0001] The specification relates generally to restaurant operations, and more specifically, to providing order option information to patron on a napkin.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Napkins are often provided to users. For example, a restaurant patron may be provided with a napkin. The napkin may be used to clean up food or beverage waste, protect garments, or hold food. For example, a user may use a napkin to absorb spilled beverage. Some napkins are disposable, and discarded after use.

[0003] Menus are also often provided to users. For example, a restaurant patron may be provided with a substrate on which a menu is printed. The menu may be used to inform the user about what is to be served, or to provide the user with options from which to select a menu item. For example, a restaurant patron may review menu items and associated purchase information (e.g., prices), and select one or more menu items to be served. Menu-printed substrates may be discarded or reused after use. For example, a laminated menu card may be used by a first user and then cleaned and provided to a second user.

[0004] US6994304 (Kim) discloses a utensil support apparatus constructed of paper and includes a main body and a utensil supporting section formed on the main body. The utensil supporting section is folded upwards along a lateral edge and a pair of outer sections formed on the utensil supporting sections is folded to prop the utensil supporting section. A detachable advertising section is formed on the main body for removal after use of the utensil support apparatus. SUMMARY

[0005] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant’s teaching, but not to define any invention.

[0006] According to some aspects, a napkin for use by a person to wipe food or beverage product from their face or eating surface includes a multi-ply paper sheet having at least one panel. The at least one panel is provided with markings to provide menu information to the user of the napkin. The markings can include a QR code that, when scanned by a device such as a smart phone, accesses a page on the Internet in which menu information, such as menu item options, prices, etc. is presented. The markings can include text and/or images describing menu items, prices, etc. The markings can be printed or embossed.

[0007] In some examples, the multi-ply paper sheet is foldable into a layered configuration in which each panel forms a layer of a plurality of layers. A first panel of the plurality of panels is printed with a first portion of a menu. A second panel of the plurality of panels is printed with a second portion of the menu, the second portion listing second menu items different from first menu items listed as part of the first portion of the menu.

[0008] In some examples, each panel is circumscribed by borders defined by at least one peripheral edge of the sheet, at least one fold line between layers of the plurality of layers, or a combination of at least one peripheral edge and at least one fold line.

[0009] In some examples, for each of the first and second panels, the portion of the menu is printed on a front face of the panel and separated from the borders by a margin on which no portion of the menu is printed.

[0010] In some examples, each panel of the plurality of panels includes a front face, and the front faces have a common surface area and a common shape. [0011 ] In some examples, the plurality of panels includes at least four panels, each of the at least four panels including a portion of the menu and each portion of the menu being different from each other portion of the menu.

[0012] In some examples, the first and second portions of the menu are each printed on a front surface of the napkin sheet.

[0013] In some examples, the first portion of the menu includes a first set of text and the second portion of the menu includes a second set of text, the first and second sets of text each having a common orientation when the napkin sheet is unfolded.

[0014] In some examples, each of the first menu items listed as part of the first portion of the menu belong to a first category of menu items.

[0015] In some examples, the second menu items listed as part of the second portion of the menu belong to a second category of menu items different from the first category of menu items.

[0016] In some examples, the first portion includes a first category heading describing the first category.

[0017] In some examples, the napkin sheet is a rectangular sheet having a right edge and a left edge opposite from and parallel to the right edge, and a top edge extending between the left edge and the right edge and a bottom edge extending between the left edge and the right edge and opposite from and parallel to the top edge.

[0018] In some examples, the plurality of fold lines includes at least one horizontal fold line extending between the right and left edges and at least one vertical fold line extending between the top and bottom edges perpendicular to the at least one horizontal fold line.

[0019] In some examples, the at least one vertical fold line includes a first vertical fold line and a second vertical fold line parallel to the first vertical fold line, and the plurality of panels includes at least six panels, the at least six panels including an upper middle panel adjacent to the top edge and separated from each of the right edge and the left edge by at least one intervening panel, the upper middle panel being printed with an initial portion of the menu meant to be viewed first by a user.

[0020] In some examples, at least one of the first portion of the menu and the second portion of the menu includes an advertising logo.

[0021 ] In some examples, the napkin sheet is a multi-ply paper sheet.

[0022] In some examples, the napkin sheet is a nonwoven paper sheet.

[0023] According to some aspects, a method of manufacturing a napkin includes printing a first portion of a menu on a first panel of a multi-ply paper sheet and printing a second portion of a menu on a second panel of the multi-ply paper sheet. The second portion listing second menu items different from first menu items listed as part of the first portion of the menu. The method also includes folding the multiply paper sheet between the first panel and the second panel to arrange the second panel under the first panel.

[0024] In some examples, the first portion and the second portion are each printed on a front face of the napkin sheet.

[0025] In some examples, each of the first menu items listed as part of the first portion of the menu belong to a first category of menu items.

[0026] In some examples, each panel of the plurality of panels includes a front face, and the front faces have a common surface area and a common shape.

[0027] In some examples, the first portion of the menu includes a first set of text and the second portion of the menu includes a second set of text, the first and second sets of text each having a common orientation when the napkin sheet is unfolded.

[0028] In some examples, at least one of the first portion of the menu and the second portion of the menu includes an advertising logo. [0029] In some examples, the napkin sheet is a multi-ply paper sheet.

[0030] In some examples, the napkin sheet is a nonwoven paper sheet.

[0031 ] According to some aspects, a method of providing purchase information to a restaurant patron includes (a) printing menu item descriptions and associated prices on a napkin, and (b) providing, following (a), the napkin to the restaurant patron

[0032] In some examples, (b) includes providing the napkin at a place setting in a restaurant.

[0033] In some examples, the method further comprises disposing of the napkin following use of the napkin by the restaurant patron, the use including cleaning up food or beverage waste.

[0034] In some examples, the method further comprises printing an advertisement on the napkin prior to (b).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 is a top view of a printed napkin in an unfolded configuration; and

[0037] Figure 2 is a top view of the printed napkin of Figure 1 in a folded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example printed menu 100 includes a napkin sheet 110 having a plurality of panels 112. The napkin sheet 110 is foldable into a layered configuration in which each panel forms a layer of a plurality of layers. The napkin sheet 110 is illustrated in Figure 1 in an unfolded configuration, and in Figure 2 in the layered configuration (also referred to as a folded configuration).

[0040] The napkin sheet 110 is formed of napkin material. In some examples, the napkin material is an absorbent material (e.g., to be used to absorb food waste). The exemplary napkin 100 is a disposable napkin. In some examples, the napkin sheet 110 is a non-woven sheet. In some examples, the napkin sheet 110 is a paper product. In some examples, the napkin sheet 110 is a multi-ply sheet. The exemplary napkin sheet 110 is a multi-ply paper sheet.

[0041 ] However, it will be understood that the napkin 100 is reusable in some examples. In some examples, the napkin sheet 100 is formed of a reusable material. In some examples, the napkin sheet 100 is formed of a woven material. In some examples, the napkin sheet 100 is formed of a cloth or fabric. In some examples, the napkin sheet 110 is made from cotton, linen, polyester, or a blend.

[0042] As exemplified, each panel 112 is circumscribed by borders defined by at least one peripheral edge 114 of the sheet 110, at least one fold line 116, or a combination of at least one peripheral edge 114 and at least one fold line 116. To reconfigure the sheet 110 between the folded and unfolded configuration, the sheet 110 is folded or unfolded along the fold lines 116 between the panels.

[0043] The exemplary napkin sheet 110 has plurality of peripheral edges 114, and the peripheral edges 114 come together at corners 118. In the exemplary embodiment, the peripheral edges 114 are linear edges. In some examples, the peripheral edges 114 are non-linear. For example, a napkin sheet may have a perimeter formed of a single circular edge 114.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, the peripheral edges 114 come together at right angles at the corners 118. In some examples, peripheral edges of the napkin sheet come together at acute or obtuse angles, or a combination of one or more right angle, one or more obtuse angle, and/or one or more acute angle. For example, the napkin sheet may be triangular, with the peripheral edges 114 coming together at one right angle and two acute angles. In some examples, the napkin sheet has a non-rectangular perimeter, such as a triangular perimeter.

[0045] The illustrated napkin sheet 110 has a rectangular perimeter 120. The perimeter 120 has a right edge 122 and a left edge 124 opposite from and parallel to the right edge 122. The perimeter 120 also has a top edge 126 extending between the left edge 122 and the right edge 124. The perimeter 120 also has a bottom edge 128 extending between the left edge 120 and the right edge 122 and opposite from and parallel to the top edge 126.

[0046] In the exemplary embodiment, the fold lines 116 are linear. In the exemplary embodiment, the fold lines 116 are parallel to peripheral edges 114 of the napkin sheet. In some examples, the fold lines 116 extend at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) to peripheral edges of the napkin. For example, the napkin sheet 110 may be folded diagonally.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment, the fold lines 116 include at least one first fold line 130 and at least one second fold line 132. The second fold lines 132 extend perpendicular to the first fold line 130 and cross the first fold line 130. In the illustrated example, the first fold line 130 is horizontal and the second fold lines 132 are vertical. The illustrated fold lines 116 includes a two second fold lines 132 parallel to one another and dividing the napkin sheet 110 into three columns of equal width between the right and left edges. The illustrated fold lines 116 includes a single first fold line 130 dividing the napkin sheet 110 into two rows of equal depth between the top and bottom edges.

[0048] In some examples, the fold lines do not cross one another. For example, the fold lines may be all parallel to one another. In some examples, the fold lines cross one another at non-right angles. For example, the sheet may include at least one fold line parallel to the peripheral edges and at least one diagonal fold line.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, each panel 112 is the same size as each other panel 112. In some examples, the napkin sheet 110 is folded with some panels being larger or smaller than other panels. For example, the napkin sheet 110 may be divided by a fold line that is closer to one side of the napkin sheet than to the opposite side of the napkin sheet.

[0050] The exemplary napkin 100 includes six panels 112. However, it will be understood that a napkin may include more or fewer panels 112. For example, the napkin 100 may include two, four, or eight panels 112. The panels 112 of the exemplary napkin 100 are arranged in a regular grid 140. In the exemplary embodiment the regular grid 140 includes two rows 142 of panels 112 and three columns 144 of panels 112. However, it will be understood that the napkin may have more or less than two rows of panels 112. It will be understood that the napkin may have more or less than three columns of panels 112.

[0051 ] The napkin 100 also includes a menu 150 printed on the napkin 100. In use, the napkin 100 with the menu 150 printed thereon is provided to a user. For example, a method of providing purchase information to a restaurant patron includes providing the napkin 100 with the menu 150 printed thereon to the restaurant patron. The napkin 100 with the menu 150 printed thereon is provided rather than providing napkins separately from, and in addition to, printed menus. In some examples, providing the napkin 100 to the user includes placing the napkin 100 at a place setting in a restaurant.

[0052] Where the menu 150 is printed on a reusable napkin, the napkin is washed after being used by a user. Where the napkin sheet 110 is a disposable sheet, the menu 150 printed on the napkin 100 is disposed of along with the napkin 100. In use, the napkin 100 is disposed of following use of the napkin by the user (e.g., the restaurant patron). In some examples, use includes cleaning up food or beverage waste, protecting garments, or holding food. For example, the napkin 100 is disposed of after being used to absorb a spilled beverage or wipe up dropped food waste. Disposing of the napkin 100 on which the menu 150 is printed eliminates the need to clean the substrate on which the menu 150 is printed. Providing the menu 150 on the napkin 100 eliminates the need for separate disposable menus. Eliminating the need for separate disposable menus simplifies operations (e.g., restaurant operations) and decreases the burden on waste or recycling streams. Printing a menu on a disposable napkin allows for flexibility in the menu being used, as an operation is able to readily change the menu and use a new set of disposable napkins.

[0053] The menu 150 includes a plurality of menu items 152. The exemplary menu 150 is a restaurant menu and includes purchase information 154 associated with the menu items 152. For example, the exemplary purchase information 154 includes a price at which the menu item 152 is offered. In some examples, the menu does not include purchase information. The exemplary menu 150 includes purchase information 154 associated with each menu item 152. In some examples, the menu includes purchase information 154 associated with more than one menu item 152.

[0054] The menu 140 is divided into a plurality of portions 160. Each portion 160 is printed on a panel 112. As exemplified, the napkin 100 includes at least two separate panels each with a portion of the menu 150 printed thereon. Dividing the menu 150 into portions allows the napkin 100 to bear a full menu 150 in a readable format (e.g., a readable font size). Each portion 160 of the menu 150 includes a plurality of menu items 152.

[0055] As exemplified, the at least two panels 112 include a first panel 170 and a second panel 172. The menu 150 includes a first portion 174 and a second portion 176. The first portion 174 of the menu 150 is printed on the first panel 170 and the second portion 176 of the menu 150 is printed on the second panel 172 of the napkin sheet 110. In manufacturing the napkin 100, the first portion 174 is printed on the first panel 170, the second portion 176 is printed on the second panel 172, and the napkin sheet 110 is folded between the first panel 170 and the second panel 172 to arrange the second panel 172 under the first panel 170. In the exemplary embodiment, with more than two panels, further menu portions may be printed on further panels, and folding the napkin sheet 110 includes making a plurality of folds to arrange the further panels in a layered configuration with the first and second panels.

[0056] At least one portion 160 lists menu items that are different from the menu items of at least one other portion 160. In the illustrated example, each portion 160 lists menu items that are different from the menu items listed on any other portion. In some examples, some menu items may be repeated in more than one portion. For example, a first portion of the menu may include a first set of menu items and a second portion of the menu may include a second set of menu items that includes one or more menu items that are also included in the first set of menu items. The first portion 174 lists a first set of menu items 178 and the second portion 176 lists a second set of menu items 180 that are different from the first set of menu items 178 (i.e. , at least one menu item is not shared between the first and second sets). In the exemplary embodiment, no menu item is shared between the first and second portions 174, 176. [0057] Arranging different portions of the menu (the portions having different menu items) on different panels allows for a menu with a larger number of menu items to be provided to the user on a single napkin. In use, the napkin 100 is provided to a user in the folded configuration. The user can rotate the napkin 100 to view more than one portion 160 of the menu 150. The user can unfold or partially unfold the napkin 100 to view more than one portion 160 of the menu 150.

[0058] In some examples, advertisements are printed on the napkin sheet 110 in addition to printing the menu 150. Including advertising on the napkins offsets the cost of manufacturing the napkins. Including advertising on the napkins can generate a net positive to revenue for an operation (e.g., a restaurant operation). As exemplified, one or more panel 112 is printed with at least one advertisement 184. As exemplified, one or more panel 112 includes both a printed portion 160 of the menu 150 and a printed advertisement 184.

[0059] In some examples, one or more barcodes are printed on the napkin sheet 110 in addition to printing the menu 150. Including a barcode on the napkin sheet 110 allows the napkin 100 to be used to provide machine-readable information. In some examples, the barcode provides machine-readable information directing a machine that scans the barcode to another resource. In some examples, the barcode points to a website. In some examples, the napkin sheet 110 is printed with a quick response code (QR code). In some examples, scanning a QR code printed on the napkin sheet 110 directs a user device (e.g., a smartphone) to a website. In some examples, the website provides an expanded menu. In some examples, the website provides an electronic version of menu 150. In some examples, the website provides an updated version of menu 150. In some examples, the website provides one or more advertisement. In some examples, the website provides information about an entity associated with an advertisement 184 printed on the napkin sheet. For example, the napkin sheet 110 may be printed with a QR code that directs a device that scans the QR code to a company website of a company associated with an advertisement 184. [0060] In some examples, one or more barcodes (e.g. a QR code) is printed on the napkin sheet 110, without any menu text. The napkin sheet 110 may optionally include one or more advertising logos, slogans, or the like. Omitting menu text on the napkin sheet can help reduce environmental impact (and reduce cost) by requiring less ink, and requiring less space (so the napkin sheet can be smaller, and can, for example, be unfolded).

[0061 ] In examples with text, the portions 160 include text 186 setting out the menu item 152. The text 186 may also set out a description of a menu item, a price associated with a menu item, and/or at least a portion of an advertisement. As exemplified, all the text 186 on a panel 112 is oriented the same way as all other text on the panel 112. For example, all text 186 of first panel 170 is read from right to left and top to bottom in Figures 1 and 2. As exemplified, the text on the first panel 170 has the same orientation as the text on the second panel 172 when the napkin sheet 110 is unfolded (Figure 1 ). In the illustrated example, all text 186 on the napkin sheet 110 has a common orientation when the napkin sheet 110 is unfolded. In some examples, the text on one panel may be oriented differently from the text on another panel when the napkin sheet 110 is unfolded. For example, text on panels in one row of panels may be upside-down relative to text on panels in another row of panels when the napkin sheet 110 is unfolded.

[0062] As exemplified, each menu portion 160 is separated from the borders of the panel 112 that it is printed upon by a margin 188. The margin 188 is unprinted in the exemplary embodiment. In some examples, the margin 188 may be printed with non-menu text or images, such as a decorative frame encircling the menu portion 160 and/or encircling the menu portion 160 and the advertisement 184.

[0063] The napkin sheet 110 includes a front face 190 and an opposite rear face. In the exemplary embodiment, the menu 150 is printed on the front face 190. In the exemplary embodiment, the rear face of the napkin sheet 110 is left blank. In some examples, the rear face of the napkin sheet 110 is printed. In some examples, one or more portions of the menu are printed on the rear face. In some examples, one or more logos and/or other advertisements are printed on the rear face of the napkin sheet 110. For example, the rear face may be printed with a logo or other marking, while the front face is printed with the menu 150.

[0064] Each panel of the plurality of panels 112 includes a front face 192 and an opposite rear face. As exemplified, the front faces 192 have a common surface area and a common shape.

[0065] The menu items of the exemplary napkin 100 are arranged by category. Each of the menu items of the first portion 174 is part of the same category of menu items as each other menu item of the first portion 174. Each of the menu items of the second portion 176 is part of the same category of menu items as each other menu item of the second portion 176. Each category is a collection of menu items of the same type. In the illustrated example, the categories include an Appetizers category separated from categories containing entrees. In the illustrated example, the categories include a Beverages category separate from categories containing food. In the illustrated example, the categories include Appetizers, Beverages, Desserts, Salads, Pasta, and Burgers.

[0066] In the illustrated example, the category of the menu items of the first portion 174 is different from the category of the menu items of the second portion 176. In some examples, the menu items of a category may span more than one portion 160 of the menu 150. For example, a menu 150 may include a category, such as an Entree category, with more menu items than another category, such as an Appetizers category, and the category with more menu items may span more portions 160 than the category with fewer menu items.

[0067] In some examples, at least some of the portions 160 include a category heading describing the category. As exemplified, the first portion 174 includes a first category heading 194 describing the first category to which the first menu items belong. The second portion 176 includes a second category heading 196 describing the second category to which the second menu items belong. The second category heading 196 is different from the first category heading 194.

[0068] The exemplary first panel 170 is an upper middle panel. The first panel 170 is adjacent the top edge 126 and separated from each of the right edge 122 and the left edge 124 by at least one intervening panel 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the first portion 174 of the menu 150 is an initial portion of the menu 150 that is meant to be viewed first by a user. The exemplary initial portion continues menu items of an initial category. The initial category is a food category listing food menu items that a user can expect to receive faster than other food menu items of the menu 150 (e.g., faster than entree menu items). The illustrated initial category is the Appetizers category. Arranging the initial portion of the menu on an upper middle panel 112 allows the initial portion to be presented on a top face 198 of the napkin 100 when the napkin 100 is in the folded configuration (Figure 2). In the exemplary embodiment, the initial portion of the menu 150 is presented with a restaurant logo 200 and without any other advertisement 184. It will be understood that in other examples, menu items and/or categories may be arranged in other ways on the napkin sheet 110.