A sheet dispenser for pop-up dispensing

Abstract

A sheet dispenser includes a plurality of walls with a dispensing wall having an opening. A stack of individual folded tissue products is disposed within an interior of the plurality of walls and is dispensable through the opening of the dispensing wall. A ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening is between 1.6:1 and 1.4:1 such that the opening is configured for pop-up dispensing of the stack of individual folded tissue products through the opening.

Description

[0001] A SHEET DISPENSER FOR POP-UP DISPENSING

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Tissue products, such as facial tissue paper, are often interfolded into stacks or clips and placed into a container. A user may reach through an opening in the container to grab one sheet of the tissue product and remove the sheet from the container through the opening. In certain containers, upon removal of one sheet, a subsequent sheet is partially dispensed such that an exposed portion of the subsequent sheet extends from the opening of the container. Such "pop-up” sheet dispensing is convenient for many applications since the next sheet is readily presented for quick access.

[0004] Known containers for pop-up sheet dispensing have drawbacks. For instance, pop-up sheet dispensing can become unreliable as the height of the container increases and / or the stack height of the remaining sheets decreases. Thus, the partially dispensed sheet can fall back into the container through the opening and be difficult to access. Certain known containers for pop-up sheet dispensing include a plastic film window that holds the partially dispensed sheet in position. However, the sustainability of such plastic films is an important consumer consideration. In addition, the opening and the plastic film can be damaged, which can limit or prevent pop-up sheet dispensing.

[0005] An improved container for dispensing tissue products would be useful. For instance, a container for pop-up sheet dispensing that is made from sustainable materials would be useful. Moreover, a container for pop-up sheet dispensing that does not include a plastic film across a dispensing opening would be useful.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a sheet dispenser for sheet-material, such as facial tissues. The sheet dispenser included features for facilitating pop-up dispensing of the sheetmaterial through an opening in a dispensing wall of the sheet dispenser. Moreover, the opening may be sized and shaped for pop-up dispensing of the folded tissue products through the opening For instance, the opening may have a length along a lateral direction and a width along a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the lateral direction. A ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening may be selected to assist with pop-up dispensing of the stack of individual folded tissue products through the opening. The ratio may be between 1 6:1 and 1.4:1. In pop-up dispensing, an end of a tissue product can extend from an interior of the sheet dispenser, through the opening, to outside of the sheet dispenser for pop-up dispensing. In particular, the sheet dispenser may provide improved dispensing and while balancing between fallbacks into the sheet dispenser and tearing. As an example, the plume of tissue product extending through the opening may extend more than two and half centimeters (2.5 cm) above the sheet dispenser, preferably more than seven and half centimeters (7.5 cm), such as more than ten centimeters (10 cm) above the sheet dispenser. The sheet dispenser may provide such cosmetically pleasing plumes, e.g., without a plastic film baffle supporting the plume of tissue product extending through the opening. However, in example embodiments, a paper baffle may be adhered to the dispensing wall at the opening. The paper baffle may advantageously assist with supporting the end of a tissue product that extends from the interior of the sheet dispenser, through the paper baffle at the opening, to outside of the sheet dispenser for popup dispensing.

[0008] In one example embodiment, a sheet dispenser includes a plurality of walls defining an interior and including a dispensing wall with an opening. The dispensing wall defines a lateral direction and a transverse direction. The lateral direction is perpendicular to the transverse direction. The opening of the dispensing wall has a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction. A stack of individual folded tissue products is disposed within the interior of the plurality of walls and is dispensable through the opening of the dispensing wall. A ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening is between 1.6:1 and 1.4:1 such that the opening is configured for pop-up dispensing of the stack of individual folded tissue products through the opening.

[0009] In another example embodiment, a sheet dispenser includes a plurality of walls defining an interior and including a dispensing wall with an opening. The dispensing wall defines a lateral direction and a transverse direction. The lateral direction is perpendicular to the transverse direction. The opening of the dispensing wall has a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction. A ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening is between 1 .6:1 and 1 .4:1 . A first edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a second edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and the first and second edges of the dispensing wall are linear. A third edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a fourth edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction, and the third and fourth edges of the dispensing wall are arcuate. A stack of individual folded tissue products is disposed within the interior of the plurality of walls and is dispensable through the opening of the dispensing wall. A paper baffle is attached to the dispensing wall at the opening.

[0010] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carton for tissue products according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top, plan view of the example carton of FIG. 1 ;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a top, plan view of a blank for making the example carton of FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 4 is top, plan view of a baffle and an opening of the example carton of FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of the baffle of FIG. 4;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial top, plan view of the baffle of FIG. 5; and

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side, section view of the example carton of FIG. 1 .

[0019] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

[0020] DEFINITIONS

[0021] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, "an”, "the” and "said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B" is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin.

[0022] As used herein, “sheet-material” is a flexible substrate, which is useful for household chores, cleaning, personal care; health care, food wrapping, and cosmetic application or removal. Non-limiting examples of suitable substrates for use with the dispenser include nonwoven substrates; woven substrates; hydro-entangled substrates; air-entangled substrates; paper substrates comprising cellulose such as tissue paper, toilet paper, or paper towels; waxed paper substrates; coform substrates comprising cellulose fibers and polymer fibers; wet substrates such as wet wipes, moist cleaning wipes, moist toilet paper wipes, and baby wipes; film or plastic substrates such as those used to wrap food; shop towels; and metal substrates such as aluminum foil. Furthermore, laminated or plied together substrates of two or more layers of any of the preceding substrates are also suitable. As used herein, “wet sheet-material” includes substrates that are either wet or pre-moistened by an appropriate liquid, partially moistened by an appropriate liquid, or substrates that are initially dry but intended to be moistened prior to use by placing the substrate into an appropriate liquid such as water or a solvent. Non-limiting examples of suitable wet substrates include a substantially dry substrate (less than 10% by weight of water) containing lathering surfactants and conditioning agents either impregnated into or applied to the substrate such that wetting of the substrate with water prior to use yields a personal cleansing product. Such substrates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,931 entitled Cleansing Products Having A Substantially Dry Substrate, issued to Fowler et al. on Nov. 9, 1999. Other suitable wet sheet-materials can have encapsulated ingredients such that the capsules rupture during dispensing or use. Examples of encapsulated materials include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,757 entitled Encapsulated Materials, issued to El-Nokaly on Jun. 1 , 1993, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,555 entitled Encapsulated Cosmetic Compositions, issued to El-Nokaly on Feb. 4, 1997. Other suitable wet sheet-materials include dry substrates that deliver liquid when subjected to in-use shear and compressive forces. Such substrates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,121 ,165 entitled Wet- Like Cleaning Articles, issued to Mackay et al. on Sep. 19, 2000. Other suitable wet sheet-materials include those having a formulation that can be heated in a microwave oven to create a warm wet wipe.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] In general, the present subject matter is directed to a sheet dispenser for sheet-material, including tissue products, such as facial tissues. The sheet dispenser may include features for facilitating pop-up dispensing of folded tissue products within the sheet dispenser through an opening in a dispensing wall of the sheet dispenser. The sheet dispenser may include a plurality of walls. For instance, the sheet dispenser may include six walls in a cubic arrangement or rectangular prismatic arrangement. The opening may be sized and shaped for pop-up dispensing of the folded tissue products through the opening. For example, the opening may have a length along a lateral direction and a width along a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the lateral direction. A ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening may be between 1.6:1 and 1.4:1 , e.g., to assist with pop-up dispensing of the stack of individual folded tissue products through the opening. Moreover, in example embodiments, such sizing of the opening may advantageously support an end of a tissue product that extends from an interior of the sheet dispenser, through the opening, to outside of the sheet dispenser for pop-up dispensing. In particular, the ratio may provide improved dispensing and while balancing between fallbacks into the sheet dispenser and tearing. As an example, the plume of tissue product extending through the opening may extend more than two and half centimeters (2.5 cm) above the sheet dispenser, preferably more than seven and half centimeters (7.5 cm), such as more than ten centimeters (10 cm) above the sheet dispenser. The sheet dispenser may provide such cosmetically pleasing plumes, e.g., without a plastic film baffle supporting the plume of tissue product extending through the opening. However, in example embodiments, a paper baffle may be adhered to the dispensing wall at the opening. The paper baffle may advantageously assist with supporting the end of a tissue product that extends from the interior of the sheet dispenser, through the paper baffle at the opening, to outside of the sheet dispenser for pop-up dispensing.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser 10 for sheet material, such as facial tissues. As may be seen in FIG. 1 , the dispenser 10 may include a carton 12 with a plurality of walls 20. In example embodiments, carton 12 may be formed from a blank 24 (FIG. 3). Moreover, blank 24 may be formed from a sheet material, such as cardboard, carton stock, paper board, plastic, and / or metal, that is cut to form the shape of the blank 24. In addition to the walls 20, the blank 24 may also include tabs 60 for joining the walls 20 together. The blank 24 may be folded about fold lines, and the tabs 60 may be secured to interior portions of the walls 20 with adhesive. Other construction techniques known to those of skill in the art of carton construction can be used to form the carton 12.

[0027] The carton 12 may have any suitable shape or arrangement. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the carton 12 includes six walls 20. Moreover, the six walls 20 may be arranged in a cubic shape or rectangular prism shape. However, the carton 12 may have other shapes in alternative example embodiments. For example, the carton 12 may have a triangular prismatic shape, a pyramidal shape, or other shapes depending upon the desired arrangement. Thus, e.g., the carton 12 may have other two, three, four, five, seven, or more walls 20 in other example embodiments. It will be understood that the shape of carton 12 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only.

[0028] As may be seen in FIG. 1 , the carton 12 may define a lateral direction L, a transverse direction T, and a vertical direction V. The lateral direction L, the transverse direction T, and the vertical direction V may be mutually perpendicular and orthogonally oriented. In other example embodiments, the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T may be perpendicular to each other but not oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction V, e.g., depending upon the arrangement of the carton 12.

[0029] Carton 12 defines an interior 14 for containing a plurality of sheets 50. For instance, the sheets 50 may be interfolded for pop-up dispensing and formed into a stack 52. As shown in FIG. 7, the interfolded sheets 50 may be arranged in the stack 52 within the interior 14 of the carton 12. The sheets 50 may be, for instance, facial tissues, paper towels, industrial wipers, laboratory wipers, wet wipes, and the like. It should be understood that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular type of sheets. The stack 52 of sheets 50 may be C-folded, V-folded, Z-folded, tab-bonded, or configured with respect to one another by any mechanism known in the art.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, the carton may include an opening 30 for dispensing of sheets 50 from the interior 14 of the carton 12. For example, a top sheet 56 of sheets 50 in the stack 52 may extend through the opening 30 such that a plume 54 of the top sheet 56 extends upwardly, e.g , along the vertical direction V, through the opening 30 away from the carton 12. The opening 30 may be defined by a dispensing wall 22 of the walls 20, which may correspond to the top wall of the carton 12 in example embodiments. The top sheet 56 may be the closest sheet 50 in the stack 52 to the dispensing wall 22 and opening 30, e.g., along the vertical direction V. As discussed in greater detail below, the carton 12 may be configured for pop-up sheet dispensing of the sheets 50, e.g., such that the plume 54 of the top sheet 56 is held above the opening 30.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the opening 30 of the dispensing wall 22 may have a length LO, e.g., along the lateral direction L. The opening 30 of the dispensing wall 22 may also have a width WO, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The length LO and the width WO may be selected to facilitate pop-up sheet dispensing of the sheets 50 from the interior 14 of the carton 12 through the opening 30. For example, a ratio of the length LO of the opening 30 to the width WO of the opening 30 may be between 1.6:1 and 1.4:1. Such ratios between the length LO of the opening 30 to the width WO of the opening 30 may advantageously facilitate pop-up dispensing of the stack 52 of sheets 50 through the opening 30. Moreover, the ratios may support the top sheet 56 at the opening 30 such that the plume 54 of top sheet 56 extends upwardly along the vertical direction V through the opening 30 by no less than two and half centimeters (2.5 cm), such as no less than seven and half centimeters (7.5 cm), such as no less than ten centimeters (10 cm) above the dispensing wall 22. Thus, the ratios may provide a pleasant cosmetic appearance for the plume 54, e.g., while also limiting or preventing retraction of the plume 54 back into the interior 14 of the carton 12 and / or with limiting or preventing tearing of the sheets 50 during dispensing through the opening 30.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing wall 22 may have a length LG, e.g., along the lateral direction L. The dispensing wall 22 may also have a width WC, e.g., along the transverse direction T. In example embodiments, the length LO of the opening 30 may be no less than twenty percent (20%) and no greater than sixty percent (60%) of the length LC of the dispensing wall 22. The width WO of the opening 30 may be no less than forty percent (40%) and no greater than sixty percent (60%) of the width WC of the dispensing wall 22. Such sizing of the opening 30 relative to the dispensing wall 22 may assist with providing a desirable area of surface ornamentation on the dispensing wall 22 while also providing the pop-up sheet dispensing of the sheets 50 described above. The length LC of the dispensing wall 22 may also be oriented substantially parallel to the sheet fold direction of the stack 52 of sheets 50.

[0033] In example embodiments, the length LO of the opening 30 may be no less than nine centimeters (9 cm) and no greater than thirteen centimeters (13 cm), such as about eleven centimeters (11 cm). The width WO of the opening 30 may be no less than four centimeters (4 cm) and no greater than eight centimeters (8 cm), such as about six centimeters (6 cm). In example embodiments, the length LC of the dispensing wall 22 may be no less than eight centimeters (8 cm) and no greater than thirty centimeters (30 cm), such as about twenty-one and a half centimeters (21 .5 cm) or about twelve centimeters (12 cm). The width WC of the dispensing wall 22 may be no less than eight centimeters (8 cm) and no greater than eighteen centimeters (18 cm), such as about twelve centimeters (12 cm).

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the dispensing wall 22 may include various edges that form the opening 30. Moreover, the dispensing wall 22 may include a first edge 130, a second edge 132, a third edge 134, and a fourth edge 136. The first edge 130, the second edge 132, the third edge 134, and the fourth edge 136 may be substantially arranged in a quadrilateral shape, e.g., and be connected to by rounded corners. The first edge 130 of the dispensing wall 22 may be positioned opposite the second edge 132 of the dispensing wall 22 about the opening 30, e.g., along the lateral direction L. The third edge 134 of the dispensing wall 22 may be positioned opposite the fourth edge 136 of the dispensing wall 22 about the opening 30, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The first edge 130, the second edge 132, the third edge 134, and the fourth edge 136 may have suitable shapes. For example, the first and second edges 130, 132 of the dispensing wall 22 may be linear, and the third and fourth edges 134, 136 of the dispensing wall 22 may be arcuate. It will be understood that the edges of the dispensing wall 22 forming the opening 30 may have other shapes in other example embodiments.

[0035] The carton 12 may also include a cover 40. Cover 40 may be attached to the dispensing wall 22 over the opening 30. Thus, the cover 40 may overlay opening 30. In example embodiments, the cover 40 may be formed by forming a perforated tear-line in the blank 24. Moreover, the shape of the cover 40 may correspond to or complement the shape of the opening 30. Thus, e.g., the opening 30 may be formed in or revealed on the dispensing wall 22 when a user removes or detaches the cover 40 from the dispensing wall 22. The cover 40 may also be referred to as a "surfboard”. In example embodiments, the cover 40 may be removeable by the user via a thumb hole opening 42. The user may insert a digit into the thumb hole opening 42 to and pull upwardly along the vertical direction V in order to tear the cover 40 from the dispensing wall 22.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 2, and 4 through 7, a baffle 100 may be attached to the dispensing wall 22 at the opening 30. For example, the baffle 100 may be adhered to an inner surface of the dispensing wall 22, e.g., that faces the interior 14 of the carton 12. The baffle 100 may include or be formed of a paper sheet 110. Thus, the baffle 100 may advantageously be formed from a more sustainable material than conventional plastic film baffles. Thus, e.g., the baffle 100 may be free of a plastic film in example embodiments.

[0037] The paper sheet 110 defines a dispensing opening 116, e.g., that extends through the paper sheet 110 at a center portion of the paper sheet 110. The dispensing opening 116 is configured for dispensing of sheets 50 from the interior 14 of the carton 12. For example, the top sheet 56 may extend through the baffle 100 at the dispensing opening 116 such that the plume 54 of the top sheet 56 extends upwardly, e.g., along the vertical direction V, through the dispensing opening 116 away from the baffle 100. As discussed in greater detail below, the baffle 100 may be configured for pop-up sheet dispensing of the sheets 50 from the carton 12, e.g., such that the plume 54 of the top sheet 56 is held above the opening 30.

[0038] The paper sheet 110 may include a plurality of lobes 115, namely at least four lobes 115, at the dispensing opening 116, including a first lobe 120, a second lobe 122, a third lobe 124, and a fourth lobe 126. Each of the lobes 115 extends from a proximal portion to a distal portion. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6: the first lobe 120 extends from a proximal portion 140 to a distal portion 141 , e.g., along the lateral direction L; the second lobe 122 extends from a proximal portion 142 to a distal portion 143, e.g., along the lateral direction L; the third lobe 124 extends from a proximal portion 144 to a distal portion 145, e.g., along the transverse direction T; and the fourth lobe 126 extends from a proximal portion 146 to a distal portion 147, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The lobes 115 may extend inwardly towards the central portion of the paper sheet 110, e.g., from an outer portion of the paper sheet 110. The outer portion of the paper sheet 110 may be uncut or unperforated in example embodiments. In contrast, the central portion of the paper sheet 110 may be cut to form the dispensing opening 116 and the lobes 115. The lobes 115 may advantageously assist with limiting or preventing retraction of the plume 54 back into the interior 14 of the carton 12 and / or with limiting or preventing tearing of the sheets 50 during dispensing through the opening 30.

[0039] The lobes 115 may each have a length between the proximal portion to the distal portion of each lobe 115. For example, the first lobe 120 may have a length LL between the proximal portion 140 and the distal portion 141 , e.g., along the lateral direction L. In example embodiments, the length LL of the first lobe 120 may be no less than one and a half centimeters (1.5 cm) and no greater than two and a half centimeters (2.5 cm). The second lobe 122 may have a similar length, e.g., along the lateral direction L between the proximal portion 142 and the distal portion 143. As another example, the fourth lobe 126 may have a width WL between the proximal portion 146 and the distal portion 147, e.g., along the transverse direction T. In example embodiments, the width WL of the fourth lobe 126 may be no less than one and three-tenths centimeters (1 .3 cm) and no greater than two and three-tenths centimeters (2.3 cm). The third lobe 124 may have a similar width, e.g., along the transverse direction T between the proximal portion 144 and the distal portion 145.

[0040] The first lobe 120 may be positioned opposite the second lobe 122 at the dispensing opening 116, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Conversely, the third lobe 124 may be positioned opposite the fourth lobe 126 at the dispensing opening 116, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The third and fourth lobes 124, 126 may be disposed between the first and second lobes 120, 122, e.g., along the lateral direction L.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the first lobe 120 may define a first arcuate cutline 160 with the third and fourth lobes 124, 126. The second lobe 122 may define a second arcuate cutline 162 with the third and fourth lobes 124, 126. The third lobe 124 may define a sinusoidal outline 164 with the fourth lobe 126. The cutlines 160, 162, 164 may form the dispensing opening 116 and the lobes 115 in the paper sheet 110. Such cutlines may advantageously assist with limiting or preventing retraction of the plume 54 back into the interior 14 of the carton 12 and / or with limiting or preventing tearing of the sheets 50 during dispensing through the opening 30.

[0042] The lobes 115 may be deformable at the dispensing opening 116. For example, in a normal arrangement, the lobes 115 may be positioned over the dispensing opening 116. Moreover, the lobes 115 may be positioned generally coplanar with one another in the normal arrangement, e.g., such that the proximal and distal portions of the lobes 115 are positioned at a common height along the vertical direction V. Conversely, the lobes 115 may be deformed away from the dispensing opening 116 in a dispensing arrangement. Moreover, the lobes 115 may be deflected upwardly in the dispensing arrangement, e.g., such that distal portions of the lobes 115 are positioned above the proximal portions of the lobes 115 along the vertical direction V.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the paper sheet 110 may have a length LB, e.g., along the lateral direction L. The paper sheet 110 may also have a width WB, e.g., along the transverse direction T. In example embodiments, the length LB of the paper sheet 110 may be no less than nine centimeters (9 cm) and no greater than eighteen centimeters (18 cm), such as about twelve centimeters (12 cm). The width WB of the paper sheet 110 may be no less than eight centimeters (8 cm) and no greater than thirteen centimeters (13), such as about ten centimeters (10 cm).

[0044] In example embodiments, the paper sheet 110 may extend between a first end portion 111 and a second end portion 112, e.g., along the lateral direction L. The length LB of the paper sheet 110 may be defined between the first and second end portions 111 , 112, e.g., along the lateral direction L. The paper sheet 110 may extend between a first side portion 113 and a second side portion 114, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The width WB of the paper sheet 110 may be defined between the first and second side portions 113, 114, e.g., along the transverse direction T. The paper sheet 110 may be substantially quadrilateral in example embodiments.

[0045] The proximal portion 140 of the first lobe 120 may be positioned at the first end portion 111 of the paper sheet 110, and the proximal portion 142 of the second lobe 122 may be positioned at the second end portion 112 of the paper sheet 110. The distal portion 141 of the first lobe 120 may form at least a portion of the first arcuate cutline 160. The distal portion 143 of the second lobe 122 may form at least a portion of the second arcuate cutline 162. The proximal portion 144 of the third lobe 124 may be positioned at the first side portion 113 of the paper sheet 110, and the proximal portion 146 of the fourth lobe 126 may be positioned at the second side portion 113 of the paper sheet 110. The distal portion 145 of the third lobe 124 may form at least a portion of the sinusoidal cutline 164. The distal portion 147 of the fourth lobe 126 may form at least a portion of the sinusoidal cutline 164.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, in example embodiments, the first arcuate cutline 160 and the second arcuate cutline 162 may each include a first linear segment 150, a second linear segment 152, and a curved segment 154, respectively. The first linear segment 150 may be oriented at about forty-five degrees (45°), e.g., with respect to the lateral direction L. The second linear segment 152 may also be oriented at about forty-five degrees (45°), e.g., with respect to the lateral direction L. The curved segment 154 may extend between and connect the first and second linear segments 152, 154.

[0047] As may be seen in FIG. 4, end portions of the first and second arcuate outlines 160, 162 may extend from the dispensing opening 116 under the dispensing wall 22, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Thus, the end portions of the first and second arcuate cutlines 160, 162 may be disposed under the dispensing wall 22. Such positioning of the end portions of the first and second arcuate cutlines 160, 162 may advantageously assist with limiting or preventing tearing of the baffle 100, e.g., when the cover 40 is removed by the user via the thumb hole opening 42 and / or when the user removes the top sheet 56 through the opening 30. The first arcuate cutline 160 and / or the second arcuate cutline 162 may be inset from outer edges of the paper sheet 110 by no less than one centimeter (1 cm) and no greater than three centimeters (3 cm) in certain example embodiments. The sinusoidal outline 164 may have an amplitude and a wavelength. As an example, the amplitude of the sinusoidal outline 164 may be no greater than five millimeters (5 mm). The wavelength of the sinusoidal outline 164 may be no less than ten millimeters (10 mm) and no greater than sixty millimeters (60 mm). The sinusoidal outline 164 may extend no less than one (1) wavelength between the first and second lobes 120, 122, e.g., along the lateral direction L. Such parameters of the sinusoidal cutline 164 may advantageously assist the lobes 115 with pinching or gripping the sheets 50 such that the lobes 115 limit or prevent retraction of the plume 54 back into the interior 14 of the carton 12 and / or limit or prevent tearing of the sheets 50 during dispensing through the baffle 100.

[0048] It will be understood that the baffle 100 may include nick marks in the cutlines in the paper sheet 110. For instance, the paper sheet 110 may include a nick mark between the first and third lobes 120, 124 at the first arcuate cutline 160 (e.g., at the junction between the first linear segment 150 and the curved segment 154). As another example, the paper sheet 110 may include a nick mark between the first and fourth lobes 120, 126 at the first arcuate cutline 160 (e.g., at the junction between the second linear segment 152 and the curved segment 154). As another example, the paper sheet 110 may include a nick mark between the third and fourth lobes 124, 126 at the sinusoidal cutline 164. Other nick marks between the lobes 115 may also be included as an alternative or in addition to the example nick marks described above.

[0049] As noted above, the baffle 100 may be adhered to the carton 12, e.g., the dispensing wall 22 at the opening 30. For instance, the outer portion of the paper sheet 110 may be adhered to the inner surface of the dispensing wall 22 that faces the interior 14 of the carton 12. The dispenser 10 may be configured for pop-up dispensing of the sheets 50 from the interior 14 of the carton 12. The sizing and shape of the opening 30 in the dispensing wall 22 and / or the sizing and shape of the baffle 100 may facilitate the pop-up dispensing.

[0050] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims. EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] First example embodiment: A sheet dispenser, comprising: a plurality of walls defining an interior and comprising a dispensing wall with an opening, the dispensing wall defining a lateral direction and a transverse direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction, the opening of the dispensing wall having a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction; and a stack of individual folded tissue products disposed within the interior of the plurality of walls and dispensable through the opening of the dispensing wall, wherein a ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening is between 1.6:1 and 1.4:1 such that the opening is configured for pop-up dispensing of the stack of individual folded tissue products through the opening.

[0052] Second example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of the first example embodiment, wherein the plurality of walls is formed from a paperboard blank that is folded to form the plurality of walls.

[0053] Third example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of the first example embodiment or the second example embodiment, wherein the plurality of walls is six walls, and the dispensing wall is one of the six walls.

[0054] Fourth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of first through third example embodiments, wherein: the dispensing wall has a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction; and the length of the opening is no less than twenty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the length of the dispensing wall, and the width of the opening is no less than forty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the width of the dispensing wall.

[0055] Fifth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through the fourth example embodiments, wherein the length of the opening is about forty percent of the length of the dispensing wall, and the width of the opening is about fifty percent of the width of the dispensing wall.

[0056] Sixth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of first through the fifth example embodiments, wherein the length of the opening is no less than nine centimeters and no greater than thirteen centimeters, and the width of the opening is no less than four centimeters and no greater than eight centimeters.

[0057] Seventh example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through sixth example embodiments, wherein the length of the opening is about eleven centimeters, and the width of the opening is about six centimeters.

[0058] Eighth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through seventh example embodiments, wherein: a first edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a second edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and the first and second edges of the dispensing wall are linear; and a third edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a fourth edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction, and the third and fourth edges of the dispensing wall are arcuate.

[0059] Nineth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through eighth example embodiments, further comprising a paper baffle attached to the dispensing wall at the opening.

[0060] Tenth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through nineth example embodiments, wherein: the paper baffle defines a dispensing opening through the paper baffle; the paper baffle comprises four lobes at the dispensing opening, each of the four lobes extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion; a first lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a second lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and a third lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a fourth lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction; the first lobe defines a first arcuate cutline with the third and fourth lobes, and the second lobe defines a second arcuate cutline with the third and fourth lobes; and the third lobe defines a sinusoidal outline with the fourth lobe.

[0061] Eleventh example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through tenth example embodiments, wherein: a first linear segment oriented at about forty-five degrees with respect to the lateral direction; a second linear segment oriented at about forty-five degrees with respect to the lateral direction; and a curved segment that extends between and connects the first and second linear segments.

[0062] Twelfth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through eleventh example embodiments, wherein end portions of the first and second arcuate cutlines extend from the dispensing opening under the dispensing wall.

[0063] Thirteenth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the first through twelfth example embodiments, further comprising a cover attached to the dispensing wall over the paper baffle and the dispensing opening, the cover and the dispensing wall defining a thumb hole opening for removing the cover from the dispensing wall.

[0064] Fourteenth example embodiment: A sheet dispenser, comprising: a plurality of walls defining an interior and comprising a dispensing wall with an opening, the dispensing wall defining a lateral direction and a transverse direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction, the opening of the dispensing wall having a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction, wherein a ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening is between 1.6:1 and 1.4:1 , wherein a first edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a second edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and the first and second edges of the dispensing wall are linear, and wherein a third edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a fourth edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction, and the third and fourth edges of the dispensing wall are arcuate; a stack of individual folded tissue products disposed within the interior of the plurality of walls and dispensable through the opening of the dispensing wall; and a paper baffle attached to the dispensing wall at the opening.

[0065] Fifteenth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of the fourteenth example embodiment, wherein the plurality of walls is formed from a paperboard blank that is folded to form the plurality of walls.

[0066] Sixteenth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of the fourteenth example embodiment or the fifteenth example embodiment, wherein: the dispensing wall has a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction; and the length of the opening is no less than twenty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the length of the dispensing wall, and the width of the opening is no less than forty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the width of the dispensing wall. Seventeenth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the fourteenth through sixteenth example embodiments, wherein the length of the opening is no less than nine centimeters and no greater than thirteen centimeters, and the width of the opening is no less than four centimeters and no greater than eight centimeters.

[0067] Eighteenth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the fourteenth through seventeenth example embodiments, wherein: the paper baffle defines a dispensing opening through the paper baffle; the paper baffle comprises four lobes at the dispensing opening, each of the four lobes extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion; a first lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a second lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and a third lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a fourth lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction; the first lobe defines a first arcuate cutline with the third and fourth lobes, and the second lobe defines a second arcuate cutline with the third and fourth lobes; and the third lobe defines a sinusoidal cutline with the fourth lobe.

[0068] Nineteenth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the fourteenth through eighteenth example embodiments, wherein end portions of the first and second arcuate cutlines extend from the dispensing opening under the dispensing wall. Twentieth example embodiment: The sheet dispenser of any one of the fourteenth through nineteenth example embodiments, further comprising a cover attached to the dispensing wall over the paper baffle and the dispensing opening, the cover and the dispensing wall defining a thumb hole opening for removing the cover from the dispensing wall.

Claims

What Is Claimed:1 . A sheet dispenser, comprising: a plurality of walls defining an interior and comprising a dispensing wall with an opening, the dispensing wall defining a lateral direction and a transverse direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction, the opening of the dispensing wall having a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction; and a stack of individual folded tissue products disposed within the interior of the plurality of walls and dispensable through the opening of the dispensing wall, wherein a ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening is between 1 .6:1 and 1.4:1 such that the opening is configured for pop-up dispensing of the stack of individual folded tissue products through the opening.

2. The sheet dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of walls is formed from a paperboard blank that is folded to form the plurality of walls.

3. The sheet dispenser of claim 2, wherein the plurality of walls is six walls, and the dispensing wall is one of the six walls.

4. The sheet dispenser of claim 1 , wherein: the dispensing wall has a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction; and the length of the opening is no less than twenty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the length of the dispensing wall, and the width of the opening is no less than forty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the width of the dispensing wall .

5. The sheet dispenser of claim 4, wherein the length of the opening is about forty percent of the length of the dispensing wall, and the width of the opening is about fifty percent of the width of the dispensing wall.

6. The sheet dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the length of the opening is no less than nine centimeters and no greater than thirteen centimeters, and the width of the opening is no less than four centimeters and no greater than eight centimeters.

7. The sheet dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the length of the opening is about eleven centimeters, and the width of the opening is about six centimeters.

8. The sheet dispenser of claim 1 , wherein: a first edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a second edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and the first and second edges of the dispensing wall are linear; and a third edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a fourth edge of the dispensing wall about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction, and the third and fourth edges of the dispensing wall are arcuate.

9. The sheet dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a paper baffle attached to the dispensing wall at the opening.

10. The sheet dispenser of claim 9, wherein: the paper baffle defines a dispensing opening through the paper baffle; the paper baffle comprises four lobes at the dispensing opening, each of the four lobes extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion; a first lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a second lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and a third lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a fourth lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction; the first lobe defines a first arcuate cutline with the third and fourth lobes, and the second lobe defines a second arcuate cutline with the third and fourth lobes; and the third lobe defines a sinusoidal cutline with the fourth lobe.11 . The sheet dispenser of claim 10, wherein: a first linear segment oriented at about forty-five degrees with respect to the lateral direction; a second linear segment oriented at about forty-five degrees with respect to the lateral direction; and a curved segment that extends between and connects the first and second linear segments.

12. The sheet dispenser of claim 10, wherein end portions of the first and second arcuate cutlines extend from the dispensing opening under the dispensing wall.

13. The sheet dispenser of claim 9, further comprising a cover attached to the dispensing wall over the paper baffle and the dispensing opening, the cover and the dispensing wall defining a thumb hole opening for removing the cover from the dispensing wall.

14. A sheet dispenser, comprising: a plurality of walls defining an interior and comprising a dispensing wall with an opening, the dispensing wall defining a lateral direction and a transverse direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction, the opening of the dispensing wall having a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction, wherein a ratio of the length of the opening to the width of the opening is between1.6:1 and 1.4:1 , wherein a first edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a second edge of the dispensing wall about the opening along the lateral direction, and the first and second edges of the dispensing wall are linear, and wherein a third edge of the dispensing wall is positioned opposite a fourth edge of the dispensing wall about the opening along the transverse direction, and the third and fourth edges of the dispensing wall are arcuate; a stack of individual folded tissue products disposed within the interior of the plurality of walls and dispensable through the opening of the dispensing wall; and a paper baffle attached to the dispensing wall at the opening.

15. The sheet dispenser of claim 14, wherein the plurality of walls is formed from a paperboard blank that is folded to form the plurality of walls.

16. The sheet dispenser of claim 14, wherein: the dispensing wall has a length along the lateral direction and a width along the transverse direction; and the length of the opening is no less than twenty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the length of the dispensing wall, and the width of the opening is no less than forty percent and no greater than sixty percent of the width of the dispensing wall.

17. The sheet dispenser of claim 14, wherein the length of the opening is no less than nine centimeters and no greater than thirteen centimeters, and the width of the opening is no less than four centimeters and no greater than eight centimeters.

18. The sheet dispenser of claim 14, wherein: the paper baffle defines a dispensing opening through the paper baffle; the paper baffle comprises four lobes at the dispensing opening, each of the four lobes extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion; a first lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a second lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the lateral direction, and a third lobe of the four lobes is positioned opposite a fourth lobe of the four lobes about the dispensing opening along the transverse direction; the first lobe defines a first arcuate cutline with the third and fourth lobes, and the second lobe defines a second arcuate outline with the third and fourth lobes; and the third lobe defines a sinusoidal outline with the fourth lobe.

19. The sheet dispenser of claim 18, wherein end portions of the first and second arcuate cutlines extend from the dispensing opening under the dispensing wall.

20. The sheet dispenser of claim 19, further comprising a cover attached to the dispensing wall over the paper baffle and the dispensing opening, the cover and the dispensing wall defining a thumb hole opening for removing the cover from the dispensing wall.

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