Illinoisan Invents "Microbuddies"

60-year-old John Esparza of Collinsville, IL has had his application accepted to receive a patent for round paper towels (Actual patent application), which he calls "microbuddies" and bills as the next "must-have" in every kitchen.

It's common practice to cover food with a paper towel to keep in moisture or to minimize splatters. Esparaza came up with the idea when suqare paper towels would fall off covered sandwiches as the revolving plate spun. Personally, Chicagoist has no prob just folding the corners under the food or plate.

Of course, Esperaza notes other key benefits to his new invention. Rather than coming on a roll, they would be packaged in a box (like Kleenex, we imagine?). "By packaging them individually, Esparza said, they are safer than square paper towels on a roll." Huh? We're not so sure about that, and he doesn't bother to elaborate...