Interfolded sheet dispenser having a starter sheet pull-out system

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing interfolded disposable sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a removable top that is releasably attached to the first sheet in the stack contained in the container. In accordance with the present invention, when the removable top is pulled off the container, the first sheet in the stack is partially withdrawn from the container. After being partially withdrawn, however, the sheet releases from the removable top.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A dispenser for dispensing sheets comprising: 
 a dispensing container housing a stack of disposable sheets that are to be withdrawn one after another, the sheets being arranged such that, once a top sheet is withdrawn from the container, an underlying sheet is individually presented for subsequent use, the dispensing container including a removable panel that, once removed, uncovers an opening for withdrawing the sheets, the removable panel being configured to be completely removed and separated from the dispensing container, the removable panel being attached to a top sheet in the stack of sheets, wherein, when the removable panel is removed and separated from the dispensing container, the top sheet is partially pulled through the opening of the dispensing container.    
     
     
         2 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises a slit.  
     
     
         3 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the top sheet has a first end and second end, the second end being interfolded with another sheet in the stack, the first end being attached to the removable panel and being folded upon itself in an amount sufficient for the top sheet to be partially removed from the dispensing container when the removable panel is removed.  
     
     
         4 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the first end of the top sheet is folded upon itself at least twice.  
     
     
         5 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the top sheet is mechanically attached to the removable panel.  
     
     
         6 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the top sheet is adhesively attached to the removable panel.  
     
     
         7 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a strip of double-sided adhesive tape that attaches the top sheet to the removable panel.  
     
     
         8 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the double-sided adhesive tape has a first side and second side, the first side being adhered to the removable panel, the second side being adhered to the top sheet, the first side having a greater adhesive strength than the second side.  
     
     
         9 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the stack of disposable sheets comprise interfolded facial tissues.  
     
     
         10 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing container is in the shape of a rectangular box.  
     
     
         11 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing container is in the shape of a square box.  
     
     
         12 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the removable panel is surrounded by perforations that attach the panel to the dispensing container.  
     
     
         13 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing container is made from paperboard.  
     
     
         14 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing container is made from a polymer.  
     
     
         15 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the disposable sheets comprise wet-wipes.  
     
     
         16 . A dispenser for dispensing wet-wipes comprising: 
 a dispensing container housing a stack of wet-wipes that are to be withdrawn one after another, the wet-wipes being arranged such that, once a top sheet is withdrawn from the container, an underlying sheet is individually presented for subsequent use, the dispensing container being made from a thermoplastic polymer, the dispensing container including a removable panel that, once removed, uncovers an opening for withdrawing the wet-wipes, the removable panel being adhered to the dispensing container and being configured to be completely removed and separated from the dispensing container, the removable panel being attached to a top wet-wipe and, wherein, when the removable panel is removed and separated from the dispensing container, the top wet-wipe is partially pulled through the opening of the dispensing container.    
     
     
         17 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the top wet-wipe is mechanically attached to the removable panel.  
     
     
         18 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the top wet-wipe is adhesively attached to the removable panel.  
     
     
         19 . A dispenser as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the dispensing container is in the shape of a rectangular box.