Abstract: A floss dispenser has an essentially cylindrical case, the case including a cylindrical wall with an inner surface and two opposite ends. The case further includes an opening formed in at least one end for receiving a spool having floss wrapped around a hub. A cap is received within the opening in the end of the case. The cap has an annular wall for receiving and centering the hub of the spool when the cap is sealing the opening of the case, and at least one opening formed therein through which floss is threaded out of the end of the case. For securely attaching the cap to the case, a first interlocking engagement member associated with the cap engages a mating second interlocking engagement member associated with the case. The arrangement is such that upon insertion of the cap into the open end of the case and rotating the cap, the first engagement member of the cap engages the second engagement member of the case for preventing the axial movement of the cap relative to the case.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved vial-type floss dispenser. The floss dispenser has a spool of floss mounted upright in a cylindrical container with a unique cap design that allows floss to be smoothly dispensed through the cap of the dispenser, essentially parallel to the axis of the spool of floss. Tangling and snagging problems previously encountered with top-dispense floss vials of this type are avoided by the improved cap design that allows the free spinning of the spool within the container. The top-dispense mechanism of the present invention enables the use of a number of other improved features, including a protective lid that fully covers an exposed leader of floss between uses.