Disposable, compactable, shape-restorable packages for storing and

Abstract

A disposable, compactable package for reliably dispensing a stack of sheet products even after the package has been deformed or compacted. The package comprises a top wall and a bottom wall comprised of a resiliently deformable material. The top and bottom walls are spaced from and oriented generally parallel to one another. They are connected to one another about their peripheries by means of a thinner more easily deformable substantially continuous tube or hoop which is also comprised of resiliently deformable material. The substantially continuous tube or hoop, which is preferably integrally formed with either the top wall, defines the side walls of the package. The tube, which may be of any desired cross-sectional shape, is also produced from material having a sufficient resilient memory that it easily and resiliently deforms when the external force is applied to the package, yet by virtue of its tubular configuration and its resilient memory exhibits a strong tendency to self-restore once the external applied force is removed. The package, which is preferably rectangular, includes a preformed dispensing aperture or means for providing a dispensing aperture in its top or its bottom wall. The dispensing aperture is smaller than the cross-sectional profile, i.e., the cross-sectional 'footprint', of the sheet products contained within the stack to retain the sheet products inside the package throughout the package's useful life. The sheet products may be in discrete or continuous form.