Towelette Dispenser

Abstract

A towelette dispenser is provided with a lid. The lid has a central aperture for allowing access to a roll of towelettes maintained within a tub receiving the lid therein. The lid includes an inwardly tapered annular surface extending towards the tub. A gap segment is configured in the annular surface to define an entrance. The gap segment travels through the surface structure to a capturing element configured to exert a force on a towelette to permit separation of one towelette from supply of interconnected towelettes. The gap segment is further configured to travel upwardly along the surface structure in a direction away from the entrance towards the capturing element, such that the capturing element is offset and upwardly positioned along the surface structure from the entrance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention herein resides in the art of dispensing devices and, more particularly, to devices adapted for maintaining and allowing for the separate dispensing of interconnected towelettes or “wipes.” Specifically, the invention relates to a novel integrally configured dispensing lid that allows for ease of threading the leading towelette into the separating mechanism.[0002]It has become increasingly popular to employ towelettes or “wipes”. Typically, a towelette or wipe is a fibrous piece of material that is impregnated or saturated with a cleanser or treatment, such as disinfectant, detergent, solvent, wax or polish.[0003]While such towelettes have previously been maintained in containers in a fan fold arrangement, where the towelettes are separate and independent of each other, the most common and utilitarian type presently employed finds the towelettes forming a continuous web and being separable from each other by means of perforations or the like. Typica...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a towelette dispenser with a tub and lid that can hold a bulk supply of interconnected towelettes. The towelettes are separable from each other by perforations and can be captured one after another using a mechanism. The mechanism includes a gap segment that allows the towelette to separate from the supply while being captured. The surface structure of the dispenser tapers inwardly and downwardly towards the tub, and the mechanism is positioned off the entrance of the gap segment. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a convenient and efficient way to dispense towelettes in a compact space while maintaining their freshness.

Problems solved by technology

Several problems have characterized the prior art devices.

Such a process has typically been found to be complex and given to error and frustration by the user.

Moreover, the prior art towelette dispensers have not been given to a simplicity in design that provides a mechanism that ensures that the leading edge of the next towelette to be dispensed is stuffed within the container or tub and not in the way of the lid or cap when it is to be closed and sealed.

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