Dispenser For Sheet Products

Abstract

A dispenser includes a housing having a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall. A first aperture has a first portion located in a center of the dispensing wall and the second portion that is located in the side wall and intercommunicates with the first portion. A second aperture is independent of the first aperture and has at least a first portion located in the dispensing wall.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a dispenser for sheet products such as wipers, napkins, facial tissues, towels, and the like. More specifically, the disclosure relates to carton-type dispensers for sheet products.

Carton-type dispensers for sheet products such as wipers and tissues are well known in the art. Such sheet products may be supplied dry, with lotion, or moistened. The sheet products are generally rectangular in shape and are supplied as, for example, interleaved, discrete sheets or separably connected. Dispensers for such sheet products typically are in a carton form (e.g., a box form) and have an opening, typically at the top, through which individual articles or sheets are removed by the user. The desire for increased convenience led to sequential or “pop-up” dispensers. In a pop-up dispenser, a sheet product usually extends through an opening to an elevation above that of the dispenser. The user grasps the exposed portion of the sheet product, without the necessity of inserting fingers through the opening. In pop-up dispensing, each sheet product has a leading portion that is first to pass through the opening, and a trailing portion that later passes through the opening. In an interleaved arrangement, the trailing portion of a first sheet product to be dispensed overlaps the leading portion of the next sheet product to be dispensed. As the first sheet product is withdrawn by the user, the leading portion of the next sheet product is pulled through the opening for later dispensing. The sheet products are folded against one another in a variety of configurations so that the friction of the trailing portion of the withdrawn sheet against the succeeding sheet pulls the leading portion of the succeeding sheet through the opening.

One problem frequently encountered in pop-up dispensers is the transition from the reach-in dispensing mode in which the product is shipped to the pop-up dispensing mode preferred by the user, as well as recovery from the dispenser of sheet products that have fallen back in order to reinitiate the pop-up sequence. Typically, the opening through which the sheet product is dispensed is sized large enough to allow the user to reach his or her fingers therethrough to grasp the sheet product and begin the pop-up dispensing process. However, the opening is also typically sized to be small enough to constrict the sheet products dispensed therethrough, so that a sheet product may be separated from succeeding sheet products. Fallback is exacerbated with relatively tall dispensers that are often preferred by the user for economic reasons. The usable height of the dispenser is often limited to the length of the overlap of the interfolded sheet product. This limitation occurs due to the leading and trailing portions of adjacent sheet products unfolding inside a package taller than the overlap, resulting in the second sheet product falling back into the dispenser. Furthermore, fallback can occur as a consequence of the sheet product being impregnated with another substance, such as moisture, lotion, cleansing composition, and the like. When the sheet product is impregnated it is heavier and its surface friction may be reduced, therefore making it more susceptible to falling back.

A common problem among carton-type dispensers involves the issue of “double pull.” This occurs when more than one sheet product comes out when the leading sheet product is withdrawn. Additionally, the problem of “streaming” can occur in carton-type dispensers. Streaming occurs when the user pulls the first sheet product out, and subsequent sheet products are also withdrawn, with separation of the following ones sometimes occurring.

All of these situations are defined as quality defects, and they are considered to be major inconveniences to the user. A continual need exists in the art for dispensers that eliminate these problems and improve the performance of dispensers, especially carton-type dispensers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a housing, a first aperture and a second aperture. The housing of the dispenser includes a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall. The first aperture has an intercommunicating first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located in the dispensing wall and the second portion being located in the side wall, wherein the first portion is located generally in the center of the dispensing wall. The second aperture is independent of the first aperture, with at least a first portion being located in the dispensing wall.

In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a housing, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The housing includes a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall. The first aperture is located at least in the dispensing wall. The second aperture is independent of the first aperture with at least a first portion being located in the dispensing wall, wherein the second aperture comprises a generally circular portion intercommunicating with an elongated slot portion.

In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a housing, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The housing includes a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall. The first aperture has an intercommunicating first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located in the dispensing wall and the second portion being located in the side wall. The second aperture is independent of the first aperture, with a first portion being located in the dispensing wall and a second portion being located in the end wall and intercommunicating with the first portion.

In one embodiment, a dispenser includes a housing and an aperture. The housing includes a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall. The aperture having an intercommunicating first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located in the dispensing wall and the second portion being located in the side wall, wherein the first portion is located generally in the center of the dispensing wall, and the second portion extends along the side wall a distance less than or equal to half a height of the side wall.

The above described and other features are exemplified by the following Figures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the exemplary drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dispenser for sheet products that illustrates one mode of operation of the dispenser.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 1 that illustrates another mode of operation of the dispenser.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 1 that illustrates yet another mode of operation of the dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a blank form suitably used to define the embodiment of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispenser for sheet products.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 depicting a different dispensing mode of operation than that illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a blank form used to define the embodiment of the dispenser of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a mounting bracket.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispenser for sheet products.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dispenser for sheet products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a dispenser for, among other things, sheet products comprising one or more apertures that are configured to minimize or eliminate the problems encountered in the prior art dispensers (e.g., “fallback”, “double-pull”, “streaming”, and the like). While the dispenser is discussed hereinafter as being a disposable carton-type dispenser for convenience in discussion, it is to be understood that in various embodiments the dispenser may be refillable. In other words, the dispenser may be disposable or refillable. Further, in various embodiments, the dispenser may be used in dispensing dry sheet products or moisture-impregnated sheet products.

As used herein, the term “disposable” dispenser refers to a dispenser intended to be discarded after the sheet products supplied therewith are depleted, that is, the dispenser is not intended to be restocked with such articles. In contrast, the term “refillable” refers to a dispenser that may be restocked with sheet products after the supply has been depleted.

The term “sheet products” is inclusive of natural and/or synthetic cloth or paper sheets. Further, sheet products can include both woven and non-woven articles. Examples of sheet products include, but are not limited to, wipers, napkins, tissues, and towels.

The term “moisture-impregnated sheet products” is defined to include articles impregnated with at least one substance. Suitable impregnating substances include, but are not limited to, water, a surface cleaner, a cleaning composition capable of attracting particulate matter, a medicament, skin cleanser, skin moisturizer, skin lotion and antiseptic.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a dispenser, generally designated 10, is illustrated. The dispenser 10 may be portable and lightweight, a rigid container, a semi-rigid container, a flexible container, or any combination of the foregoing, and the like. The materials for the dispenser can vary depending on the desired application, that is, whether the dispenser is intended to be disposable or refillable. Suitable materials for the dispenser include, but are not limited to, paperboard product and plastics (e.g., a polyolefin such as polypropylene).

Paperboard products may be particularly useful for making a low cost disposable container. Suitable paperboard products include, but are not limited to, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, fiberboard, and composite materials. In addition, the paperboard can be combined or treated with one or more additional materials in order to improve the strength, water resistance, colorfastness or other characteristics as desired. By way of example only, the paperboard can be coated or impregnated with one or more resins or polymeric materials such as waxes, polyolefins, polyvinylidine chlorides, polyvinyl chlorides, and the like. In addition, paperboard product can comprise, in whole or in part, laminate or multi-layer materials such as, for example, two or more layers of paperboard bonded together. In one embodiment, the dispenser 10 may be formed from a single sheet of paperboard blank stock 6, which is cut along its perimeter and pressed and/or scored along fold lines 8 and adapted to be folded into a one-piece rectangular container, generally shown in FIG. 1.

The dispenser 10 can comprise a size and shape corresponding to the desired shape of the sheet products and the desired volume of the sheet products. Suitable shapes for the dispenser include, but are not limited to, parallelepiped shapes, cylindrical shapes, and polygonal shapes. For example, the dispenser may be generally in the shape of an elongated box. In one embodiment, the dispenser 10 has an elongated box shape defined by six walls. More particularly, the dispenser comprises two side walls disposed adjacent to two end walls 14, a bottom wall 15 located adjacent to all of the side walls 12 and end walls 14, and a dispensing wall 16 located on the opposite end from the bottom wall 15 and is adjacent to all of the end walls 14 and side walls 12 of the dispenser 10. The terms side walls, end walls, bottom wall and dispensing wall are used merely for convenience in discussion and do not necessarily represent spatial orientation relative to the user. For example, in some embodiments the dispensing wall 16 may be located at the “bottom” of the dispenser 10 relative to a user when the dispenser is mounted, for example, on a wall. Further, it is to be understood that in some embodiments, there will be no differences between the term “side wall” and the term “end wall”, e.g., a square container has equally shaped walls.

In one embodiment, the dispensing wall 16 has a first aperture 20 located generally in the center of the dispensing wall 16. In other embodiments, the first aperture 20 may be off-center. In one embodiment, the first aperture 20 is connected to an elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 defining an elongated sheet product retainer on a side wall 12. In other words, the first aperture 20 is disposed in at least two walls of the dispenser (e.g., the dispensing wall 16 and the side wall 12 and/or end wall 14). The elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 comprises a shape that aids in mitigating or eliminating fallback of the sheet product into the dispenser 10. In other words, the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 is adapted to retain a portion of sheet product when the sheet product is pulled through the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 (FIG. 2). Suitable shapes for the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 include, but are not limited to, U-shaped and V-shaped.

In one embodiment, the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 extends along a side wall 12 in a direction away from the dispensing wall 16, that is, in a direction toward the bottom wall 15. The length that the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 extends along the side wall 12 is less than the entire height of the side wall 12, more specifically a distance less than or equal to half the height of the side wall 12, and even more specifically a distance less than or equal to a quarter of the height of the side wall 12. In one embodiment, the length that the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22 extends along the side wall 12 is a distance less than or equal to an eighth of the height of the side wall 12. The height of the side wall is defined as the distance between the dispensing wall 16 and the bottom wall 15.

The first aperture 20 is shown as being substantially a parallelogram, i.e., opposite side edges of first aperture 20 are generally parallel to each other (e.g., substantially diamond shaped). In other embodiments, first aperture 20 may comprise other suitable shapes including, but not limited to, semi-circular, oval, ellipse, polygon, and non-axisymmetric shapes. In one embodiment, the first aperture 20 is sized large enough to allow the user to reach his or her fingers therethrough to grasp the sheet product 4, thereby allowing the user to begin the pop-up dispensing process or allow the user to retrieve sheet product 4 that may have fallen back into the dispenser 10.

The dispenser 10 may also have a second aperture 30. The location of the second aperture 30 relative to first aperture 20 may vary depending on the desired use or user preference. For example, the second aperture 30 may be located near a corner of the dispensing wall 16, that is, the second aperture 30 may be located next to an end wall 14 and a side wall 12. In this configuration, the second aperture 30 may be referred to as a “corner” aperture. Other locations of the second aperture 30 are discussed in greater detail below in relation to other embodiments. For example, the second aperture can be located off-center relative to a center of the dispensing wall 16 and/or located along a central axis.

In one embodiment, the second aperture 30 is generally “key-hole” in shape. More particularly, the key-hole shape of the second aperture 30 can include a generally circular aperture with an elongated, slotted sheet product retainer portion 32. In one embodiment, the elongated, slotted sheet product retainer portion 32 is directed toward the corner of the dispenser 10. In other embodiments, the elongated, slotted sheet product retainer 32 can be directed toward side wall 12 or toward end wall 14. In one embodiment, the second aperture 30 can have a size substantially less than that of the first aperture 20, wherein “substantially less than” is defined as at least 50 percent smaller in size relative to the first aperture 20. The elongated, slotted sheet product retainer 32 comprises a shape that aids in mitigating or eliminating fallback of the sheet product into the dispenser 10. In other words, the elongated, slotted sheet product retainer portion 32 is adapted to retain a portion of sheet product when the sheet product is pulled through the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 32 (FIG. 1). Suitable shapes for the elongated, slotted sheet product retainer portion 32 include, but are not limited to, U-shaped and V-shaped.

The elongated, slotted sheet product retainer structure 32 includes a pair of side walls, disposed sufficiently close to one another to grasp and retain individual sheet products that are at least partially removed or dispensed from the dispenser 10, i.e., in a pop-up position. It is to be understood that although described as generally key-hole shaped, second aperture 30, in other embodiments, may be any of a variety of different shapes including semi-circular, oval, square, or rectangular.

In one embodiment of making the dispenser 10, the first aperture 20 and second aperture 30 are formed by a material removal process. Apertures 20, 30 are defined upon user removal of blank portions 40, 42, respectively. Blank portions 40, 42 (shown in FIG. 4) may be formed during manufacturing via a die cut process or similar known paperboard processing technologies. Prior to use, the blank portions 40, 42 are removed by a user to provide access to the sheet products 4. Blank 6 may comprise a paperboard product and/or a petroleum-based plastic material.

The sheet products 4 are disposed within the dispenser 10 such that they are releasably attached to each previous and subsequent sheet product (except, respectively, for the first and last) by any releasable attachment means that allows easy separation to occur as the sheet product is being dispensed. Suitable releasable attachment means include, but are not limited to, friction, cohesion, or other forces that releasably attach adjacent articles. Perforations upon the articles may serve to provide releasable detachment between adjacent articles. Where articles are interleaved, releasable attachment results from friction or cohesion between adjacent articles. One skilled in the art can readily determine the appropriate configuration without undue experimentation to assure separation of the articles without undue tearing as well as assuring that the article is dispensed through the dispenser aperture(s) to assure availability of the succeeding article in the pop-up mode.

In one method of use, the user may withdraw the sheet products 4 through a pulling motion directed upward and through the second aperture 30 toward the dispenser corner. FIG. 1 illustrates the sheet product 4 partially extending through second aperture 30. In this manner, the subsequent sheet product 4 is retained within the elongated, slotted sheet product retainer portion 32. This embodiment may be particularly beneficial to prevent fall back when the sheet product 4 has been depleted to a location proximate the bottom surface 15. In another method of use, the user may withdraw the sheet product 4 through first aperture 20 as depicted in FIGS. 2-3. As depicted in FIG. 2, the sheet product 4 may be retained by elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22. As depicted in FIG. 3, the sheet product 4 may simply be accessed through first aperture 20. It is envisioned that during the life of the product, individual sheet products 4 may be passed through the first aperture 20 and/or the second aperture 30 depending on, for example, user preference, and the like.

Advantageously, the dispenser 10 reduces or eliminates the problems associated with previous disposable sheet product dispensers (e.g., carton-type dispensers). The problems of fall-back, double pull, multiple pulls, and streaming are either eliminated or reduced through use of second aperture 30 and/or retainer structure defined by elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, an embodiment of a dispenser, generally designated 50 is illustrated. For ease in discussion, only those differences between dispenser 10 (FIGS. 1-4) are discussed in order to highlight desirable features of dispenser 50. In comparison to dispenser 10, this embodiment does not include a second aperture 30. Nevertheless, the problems of fall-back, double pull, multiple pulls, and streaming are either eliminated or reduced through use of retainer structure defined by elongated, slotted end aperture portion 22. In various alternative embodiments, the dispensing wall 16 may be convex or concave rather than planar. Without wanting to be bound by theory, dispenser 50 may be particularly useful for applications where the dispenser 50 is wall mounted.

Numerous mounting brackets are known in the art and believed suitable for use with the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., dispenser 50). In one embodiment, one or more slits 17 can be provided in the dispensing wall 16. Mounting bracket 44, such as generally depicted in FIG. 8, has a mounting surface 46 for attaching mounting bracket 44 to a wall or other surface (not shown). When attached to a wall, mounting surface 46 will lie substantially flush against the wall. Mounting bracket 44 further includes a pair of plates 48 that extend vertically and parallel with mounting surface 46. Slit openings 17 can be sized and spaced to accept plates 48. Dispenser 50 (FIG. 5) can then be placed upon plates 48 of mounting bracket 44, wherein plates 48 extend upwardly into the interior area of the dispenser 50, substantially flush with the inside of one of side wall 12, via slits 17.

In one embodiment of making the dispenser 50, the first aperture 20 is formed by a material removal process. Aperture 20 is defined upon user removal of blank portion 40. Blank portions 40 (shown in FIG. 7) may be formed during manufacturing via a die cut process or similar known paperboard processing technologies. Prior to use, the blank portion 40 is removed by a user to provide access to the sheet products 4. Additionally, as part of the manufacturing process, slits 17 are cut into the blank 6. Blank 6 may be a paperboard product and/or a petroleum-based plastic material as discussed above in relation to dispenser 10.

FIG. 5 depicts one mode of use of the dispenser 50 wherein the sheet products 4 are dispensed through first aperture 20 and held within the retainer structure defined by an elongated, slotted end portion 22. FIG. 6 depicts another mode of use of the dispenser 50 wherein the sheet products 4 are dispensed in a conventional manner through first aperture 20. FIG. 7 illustrates a blank form 6 in top plan view suitable for construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a dispenser, generally designated 60 is illustrated. For ease in discussion, only those differences between dispensers 10, 50 (FIGS. 1-8) are discussed in order to highlight desirable features of dispenser 60. In this embodiment, the location of the second aperture 30 relative to first aperture 20 is varied compared to the locations discussed in relation to FIGS. 1-4 of dispenser 10. More particularly, in this embodiment, the second aperture 30 is not disposed near a corner. Rather, second aperture 30 is disposed along a central axis 19 such that the second aperture 30 is disposed between two side walls 12 and is disposed proximate to an end wall 14. Without wanting to be bound by theory, it is believed that this location of second aperture 30 can perform equally as well as a corner location.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a dispenser, generally designated 70 is illustrated. For ease in discussion, only those differences between dispensers 10, 50, 60 (FIGS. 1-8) are discussed in order to highlight desirable features of dispenser 60. In this embodiment, the location of the second aperture 30 relative to first aperture 20 is varied compared to the locations discussed in relation to dispensers 10 and 60. More particularly, the second aperture 30 is connected to an elongated, slotted end aperture portion 33 defining an elongated sheet product retainer on end wall 14. In other words, the second aperture 30 is disposed in at least two walls of the dispenser (e.g., the dispensing wall and the end wall 14). The elongated, slotted end aperture portion 33 comprises a shape that aids in mitigating or eliminating fallback of the sheet product into the dispenser 70. In other words, the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 33 is adapted to retain a portion of sheet product when the sheet product is pulled through the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 33. Suitable shapes for the elongated, slotted end aperture portion 33 include, but are not limited to, U-shaped and V-shaped.

In each of the embodiments of dispensers disclosed, the problems of fall-back, double pull, multiple pulls, and streaming are either eliminated or reduced through use of second aperture and/or retainer structure defined by elongated, slotted end aperture portion. The dispensers allow for single pull and ease of use to the user. It is further noted that while the dispensers have been discussed for use with sheet products, it is to be understood that the advantages obtained for sheet products may also be realized for other products including, but not limited to, plastics (e.g., plastic bags), and cloths.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising: a housing including a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall, a first aperture having an intercommunicating first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located in the dispensing wall and the second portion being located in the side wall, wherein the first portion is located generally in the center of the dispensing wall, and a second aperture being independent of the first aperture with at least a first portion being located in the dispensing wall.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second aperture comprises a generally circular portion intercommunicating with an elongated slot portion.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the elongated slot portion is aligned in a direction extending toward a corner of the dispenser, the corner being defined by the intersection of the dispensing wall, the side wall and the end wall.

4. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the elongated slot portion includes a pair of generally parallel side walls.

5. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the elongated slot portion comprises a U-shape or a V-shape.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a paperboard product.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second aperture is disposed along a central axis.

8. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising sheet products disposed in the housing.

9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the sheet products are interleaved and/or releasably attached to each other.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing is disposable.

11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second aperture comprises a second portion being located in the end wall and intercommunicating with the first portion.

12. A dispenser, comprising: a housing including a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall, a first aperture being located at least in the dispensing wall, and a second aperture being independent of the first aperture with at least a first portion being located in the dispensing wall, wherein the second aperture comprises a generally circular portion intercommunicating with an elongated slot portion.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the elongated slot portion is aligned in a direction extending toward a corner of the dispenser, the corner being defined by the intersection of the dispensing wall, the side wall and the end wall.

14. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the elongated slot portion includes a pair of generally parallel side walls.

15. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the elongated slot portion comprises a U-shaped or a V-shape.

16. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a paperboard product.

17. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the second aperture is disposed along a central axis.

18. A dispenser, comprising: a housing including a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall, a first aperture having an intercommunicating first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located in the dispensing wall and the second portion being located in the side wall, and a second aperture being independent of the first aperture with a first portion being located in the dispensing wall and a second portion being located in the end wall and intercommunicating with the first portion.

19. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second aperture comprises a generally circular portion as the first portion and an elongated slot portion as the second portion.

20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein the elongated slot portion is aligned in a direction extending toward a corner of the dispenser, the corner being defined by the intersection of the dispensing wall, the side wall and the end wall.

21. A dispenser, comprising: a housing including a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall, and an aperture having an intercommunicating first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located in the dispensing wall and the second portion being located in the side wall, wherein the first portion is located generally in the center of the dispensing wall, and the second portion extends along the side wall a distance less than or equal to half a height of the side wall.

22. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein the distance is less than or equal to a quarter of the height of the side wall.