DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR FLEXIBLE SHEETS

Abstract

A dispenser includes a plurality of walls that define a cavity configured to receive a plurality of flexible sheets, where at least one of the plurality of walls defines a dispensing opening. A dispensing mechanism is disposed at the dispensing opening, the dispensing mechanism having a first hinged flap and a juxtaposed second hinged flap, the first hinged flap having a first hinge with first and second opposing faces, and the second hinged flap having a second hinge with first and second opposing faces. At least one of the first hinge and the second hinge having at least one protrusion that extends from a respective first opposing face to make contact with a respective second opposing face when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity, the at least one protrusion limiting pivotal movement of the respective hinge in one direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/502,599 filed Jul. 14, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to flexible sheet dispensers and, more particularly, to a dispensing mechanism for flexible sheets.

Flexible sheet containers are well known and are used to store and dispense a wide range of products such as baby wipes, cleaning cloths, and the like. The flexible sheet containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and provide a convenient means to have flexible sheets, such as wipes, readily available. Certain flexible sheet containers include a large opening that enables a user to simply peel off a flexible sheet as needed. In other cases, the flexible sheet container includes an opening having a mechanism for retaining the flexible sheets. That is, as sheets are drawn through the opening, the mechanism provides some resistance. The mechanism grips a subsequent sheet as a sheet is being withdrawn. In this manner, the subsequent sheet is readily available.

The mechanism for retaining the flexible sheets must serve a dual purpose, first, providing access to the flexible sheet container to enable retrieval of an initial sheet or perhaps a stuck sheet, while also providing resistance on the sheets being withdrawn from the flexible sheet container. At present, these mechanisms take on a variety of forms. One form includes a slit created in a top portion of the flexible sheet container. The slit is usually formed in somewhat flexible material and is sized to enable one or more fingers to access the flexible sheet container. Side portions of the slit come together to grip the flexible sheets. In some cases each side portion includes a cut-out section that forms an opening that is configured to receive the flexible sheet. In other forms, the mechanism includes first and second winged portions that are pivotally mounted on the flexible sheet container through a living hinge. The winged portions are configured to deflect inward to provide access to the containers. When a flexible sheet is withdrawn, the wing member pivots together to provide resistance. In this manner, the wing member grips subsequent sheets. Often times, each wing member includes a cut-out portion that defines an opening for receiving the flexible sheets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the invention, a dispenser includes a plurality of walls that define a cavity configured to receive a plurality of flexible sheets, where at least one of the plurality of walls defines a dispensing opening. A dispensing mechanism is disposed at the dispensing opening, the dispensing mechanism having a first hinged flap and a juxtaposed second hinged flap, the first hinged flap having a first hinge with first and second opposing faces, and the second hinged flap having a second hinge with first and second opposing faces. At least one of the first hinge and the second hinge having at least one protrusion that extends from a respective first opposing face to make contact with a respective second opposing face when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity, the at least one protrusion limiting pivotal movement of the respective hinge in one direction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a dispenser includes a plurality of walls that define a cavity configured to receive a plurality of flexible sheets, where at least one of the plurality of walls defines a dispensing opening. A dispensing mechanism is disposed at the dispensing opening, the dispensing mechanism having a first hinged flap and a juxtaposed second hinged flap, the first hinged flap having a first hinge with first and second opposing faces, the second hinged flap having a second hinge with first and second opposing faces. At least one of the first hinge and the second hinge having at least one protrusion that extends from a respective first opposing face toward a respective second opposing face when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity, the at least one protrusion limiting pivotal movement of the respective hinge in one direction. The respective second opposing face having at least one mating recess, the at least one protrusion and the at least one mating recess each being cooperatively disposed with respect to each other so as to disengageably lock with each other when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a lower right perspective view of a flexible sheet container including a flexible sheet dispensing mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a lower right perspective view of the flexible sheet dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a lower right perspective view of the flexible sheet container of FIG. 1 illustrating the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism in an open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flexible sheet container of FIG. 1 taken through line 4-4 illustrating the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flexible sheet container in FIG. 4, illustrating a flexible sheet being pulled from a center portion of a roll of flexible sheets;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flexible sheet container in FIG. 5, illustrating the flexible sheet being withdrawn through the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the flexible sheet container in FIG. 6, illustrating the flexible sheet being disconnected from the roll of flexible sheets;

FIG. 8 is a detail plan view of the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism of FIG. 2 acting upon a flexible sheet from the roll of flexible sheets;

FIG. 9 is a detail plan view of an alternative lid having a flexible sheet dispensing mechanism alternative to that depicted by FIG. 8, with an integrally connected cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the integrally arranged lid and cover of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is partial detail plan view of an alternative lid having a flexible sheet dispensing mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a section view of a portion of the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is partial detail plan view of another alternative lid having a flexible sheet dispensing mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a section view of a first portion of the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a section view of a second portion of the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is partial detail plan view of yet another alternative lid having a flexible sheet dispensing mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 17 is a section view of a portion of the flexible sheet dispensing mechanism of FIG. 16.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3 a flexible sheet container constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is indicated generally at 2, and is alternatively herein referred to as a dispenser. Flexible sheet container 2 includes a side wall 4, a bottom wall 5, and a top wall or lid 6 that collectively define an internal storage cavity 7 within which is positioned a roll of flexible sheets 8 (FIG. 4). In the exemplary embodiment shown, top wall 6 includes a dispensing opening 10 that is provided with a dispensing mechanism 20. Dispensing mechanism 20 includes a frame element 24 having an outer edge portion 27 and an inner edge portion 30. Dispensing mechanism 20 is further shown to include a first flap 33 and a second flap 37.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, first flap 33 includes a first end portion 44 that is secured to frame element 24 through a living hinge 45 formed from a flexible or elastic material such as, a thermoplastic in the form of polypropylene. First end portion 44 extends to a second end portion 47 that is provided with a plurality of tooth elements 49-51. Tooth elements 49-51 extend laterally outward from and are substantially coplanar with first flap 33. Each tooth element 49-51 includes a corresponding tip portion 55-57, which, as will be discussed more fully below, establishes a respective pinch point 60-62. In any event, tooth element 49 is spaced from tooth element 50 so as to define a first notch portion 64 while tooth element 51 is spaced from tooth element 50 so as to define a second notch portion 65. First flap 33 is also shown to include a stop member 70. Stop member 70 limits outward rotational movement of flap 33 in a manner that will be discussed more fully below. Towards that end, stop member 70 includes a stop element 72 that is mounted to first flap 33 and a stop portion 73 that is fixedly mounted relative to frame element 24.

In further accordance with the exemplary embodiment, second flap 37 includes a first end section 78 that is pivotally mounted to frame element 24 through a living hinge 79 formed from a flexible or elastic material such as, thermoplastic in the form of polypropylene. First end section 78 extends to a second end section 81 that is provided with a plurality of tooth members 83 and 84. In a manner similar to that described above, tooth members 83 and 84 extend laterally outward from a substantially coplanar with second flap 37. In a manner also similar to that described above, each tooth member 83, 84 includes a corresponding tip portion 87 and 88 which, as will be described more fully below, define respective pinch points 91 and 92. As best shown in FIG. 2 tooth member 83 is spaced from tooth member 84 so as to define a notch section 95. Also, second flap 37 is provided with a stop member 98. Stop member 98 limits rotational movement of second flap 37 about living hinge 79. Towards that end, stop member 98 includes a stop element 99 that is fixedly mounted to second flap 37 and a stop portion 100 that is fixedly mounted relative to frame element 24.

While first and second flaps 33, 37 are disclosed herein having respective living hinges 45, 79 that provide pivotal attachment of the flaps 33, 37 relative to frame element 24, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not so limited, and that flexible joints absent detailed structure defining a living hinge may be used in place of the living hinges thereby resulting in the first and second flaps 33, 37 being flexibly coupled to the frame element 24 while still providing the utility herein described.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, first and second flaps 33 and 37 are selectively shiftable between a first position such as shown in FIG. 2 and a second position such as shown in FIG. 3. In the first position, first and second flaps 33 and 37 are substantially coplanar and extend across dispensing opening 10. With this arrangement, first and second tooth members 83 and 84 register with first and second notch portions 64 and 65. Similarly, tooth elements 49-51 extend towards second flap 37 with tooth member 50 registering with notch section 95. With this arrangement, tip portions 55-57 nearly contact second end portion 81 of second flap 37 so as to define pinch points 60-62 while tip portions 87 and 88 of tooth members 83 and 84 nearly contact second end portion 47 of first flap 33 to define pinch points 91 and 92. While tip portions 55-57 and tip portions 87 and 88 are described as nearly contacting corresponding second and first flaps 37 and 33, it should be understood that other configurations, such as direct contact between the tip portions and opposing flaps or overlapping of the tip portions fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiment. In addition to defining pinch points 60-62 and 91-92, tooth elements 49-51 and tooth members 83, 84 interleave in order to define a plurality of gaps 102-109 (FIG. 8) as well as additional open areas (not separately labeled) on either side of first and second flaps 33 and 37. As will be discussed more fully below, pinch points 60-62 and 91, 92 and with gaps 102-109 facilitate the dispensing of flexible sheets from the roll of flexible sheets 8.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the roll of paper sheets 8 resides within storage cavity 7 of flexible sheet container 2. When a flexible sheet is desired flaps 33 and 37 are deflected into storage cavity 7. At this point, a flexible sheet 124 is withdrawn from a center portion (not separately labeled) of the roll of flexible sheets 8 as shown in FIG. 5. As best shown in FIG. 6, flexible sheet 124 is guided through dispensing opening 10 causing first and second flaps 33 and 37 to return to the first position. Stop members 70 and 98 prevent flaps 33 and 37 from additional rotation beyond the first position. Flexible sheet 124 is passed through gaps 102 and 109 such that pinch points 60-62 and 91-92 apply a frictional force as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The frictional forced applied by pinch points 60-62 and 91, 92 facilitates separation of flexible sheet 124 from a subsequent flexible sheet 134. In addition to the application of frictional force to flexible sheet 124, tooth elements 49-51 and tooth members 83, 84 may engage perforations (not separately labeled) provided on the roll of flexible sheets 8 to further enhance separation of flexible sheet 124 from subsequent flexible sheet 134. With this arrangement, flexible sheet 124 remains substantially within storage cavity 7.

By minimizing contact between dispensing mechanism 20 and flexible sheet, for example 124, liquid entrained within the flexible sheet remains substantially in place. More specifically, liquid, such as antibacterial fluid, disinfectant, or other solutions are not pressed or squeegeed from flexible sheet 124 upon withdrawal from flexible sheet container 2. Gaps 102-109 as well as additional open areas (not separately labeled) within dispensing opening 10 ensure that a substantial portion of the liquid remains in entrained within flexible sheet 124.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9-10, which depicts in general form an alternative top wall or lid 206 to that of lid 6 depicted in FIG. 1. In connection with the numerous figures depicted herein, it should be noted that reference numerals used in connection with the alternative embodiment of lid 206 have reference numerals that are higher than the reference numerals of similar features depicted in FIGS. 1-8 by a count of 200. That is, the element depicted by reference numeral (6) in FIG. 1 relates to the element depicted by reference numeral (206) in FIGS. 9-10. Different structural features associated with alternative lid 206 are described in detail below.

In FIGS. 9-10, the lid 206 is connected to a cover 400 via a tether 402, which has an integrally arranged living hinge 404 that permits the cover 400 to be folded over onto the lid 206. A cylindrically arranged raised rib 406, integrally formed with the cover 400, mates with a cylindrically arranged stepped wall 408, integrally formed with the lid 206, in a snug-fit manner to effectively seal the cover 400 to the lid 206 when the two are fit together. The lid 206 engages with the side wall 4 of FIG. 1 in a similar manner to that described above to define an internal storage cavity 7 of the dispenser 2.

Lid 206 includes a dispensing mechanism 220 disposed at a dispensing opening 210, where the dispensing mechanism 220 includes a first hinged flap 233 and a juxtaposed second hinged flap 237. Similar to the dispensing mechanism 20 depicted in FIGS. 1-8, dispensing mechanism 220 of FIG. 9 also includes a first stop member 270 on the first hinged flap 233, and a second stop member 298 on the second hinged flap 237, with each stop member 270, 298 having a respective stop element 272, 299, and a respective stop portion 273, 300.

Alternative embodiments of stop members 270, 298 having alternative features will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11-17, which depict lids having reference numerals 206′, 206″, 206′″ to signify a correlation with lid 206 of FIGS. 9-10. The alternative embodiments of FIGS. 11-12, FIGS. 13-15, and FIGS. 16-17, each include a first hinged flap 233 having a first hinge 245 with first and second opposing faces 310, 312. The second hinged flap 237 depicted in FIG. 9 also has a second hinge 279 with first and second opposing faces, which are also herein referred to by reference to reference numerals 310, 312 of FIGS. 11-17.

In each of the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 11-17, the first and second opposing faces 310, 312, of each respective first and second hinge 245, 279, include a proximal end 314 and a distal end 316, with the respective first and second opposing faces 310, 312 being flexibly joined at the respective proximal end 314 via a living hinge.

In the alternative embodiment of lid 206′ depicted by FIGS. 11-12, an engagement member in the form of a plurality of protrusions 318 is disposed at the distal end 316 of the first hinge 245. In an embodiment, the second hinge 279 also has an engagement member in the form of a plurality of protrusions similarly configured and disposed. In an embodiment, protrusion 318 has a rounded tip that tapers back towards the second opposing face 312 (as illustrated in FIG. 12). However, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular configuration for protrusion 318, as long as the configuration performs as disclosed herein. As such, all other configurations that are suitable for the purposes disclosed herein are considered within the scope of the invention. During dispensing of a sheet product 124 from dispenser 2 equipped with alternative lid 206′, first and second hinged flaps 233, 237 are driven closed to a first substantially horizontal and coplanar first position (as depicted in FIG. 2) by frictional interaction with the sheet product being dispensed, which in turn biases the plurality of protrusions 318 against the first opposing face 310 of each respective hinge 245, 279, thereby preventing excessive outward flexing of the first and second hinged flaps 233, 237 during a dispensing operation.

In the alternative embodiment of lid 206″ depicted by FIGS. 13-15, an engagement member in the form of a first set of protrusions 320 extends from a respective first opposing face 310 toward the respective second opposing face 312, and a second set of protrusions 322 extends from a respective second opposing face 312 toward the respective first opposing face 310. The first and second sets of protrusions 320, 322 are disposed with respect to each other so as to mesh with each other when a flexible sheet 124 is dispensed from the cavity 7 of the dispenser 2. With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 in combination, it can be seen that the living hinge 245 extends between the first and second opposing faces 310, 312 with an undercut 324 extending underneath the second set of protrusions 322, thereby allowing the first hinged flap 233 (and second hinged flap 237 when similarly configured) along with the second set of protrusions 322 to flex relative to living hinge 245 when a flexible sheet 124 is being retrieved from within the dispenser 2. During dispensing of a sheet product 124 from dispenser 2 equipped with alternative lid 206″, first and second hinged flaps 233, 237 are driven closed to a first substantially horizontal and coplanar first position (as depicted in FIG. 2) by frictional interaction with the sheet product being dispensed, which in turn biases the end of the second set of protrusions 322 against the first opposing face 310 where the distance “D” therebetween is sufficiently small to prevent excessive outward flexing of the first and second hinged flaps 233, 237 during a dispensing operation.

In the alternative embodiment of lid 206′″ depicted by FIGS. 16-17, an engagement member in the form of a protrusion 326 extends from a respective first opposing face 310 toward the respective second opposing face 312. On the respective second opposing face 312, a pocket 328 is formed for receiving the protrusion 326. In an embodiment, the protrusion 326 and mating pocket 328 form a ball and socket snap-fit engagement member. However, it should be appreciated that other configurations other than a ball and socket configuration are possible, and are considered within the scope of the invention. The protrusion 326 and pocket 328 are disposed with respect to each other so as to reversibly lock with each other when a flexible sheet 124 is dispensed from the cavity 7 of the dispenser 2. During dispensing of a sheet product 124 from dispenser 2 equipped with alternative lid 206′″, first and second hinged flaps 233, 237 are driven closed to a first substantially horizontal and coplanar first position (as depicted in FIG. 2) by frictional interaction with the sheet product being dispensed, which in turn biases the protrusion 326 into the pocket 328 and against the back wall of the pocket 328, thereby preventing excessive outward flexing of the first and second hinged flaps 233, 237 during a dispensing operation. The reversible snap-fit locking action provided by protrusion 326 and pocket 328 serves to hold the first and second hinged flaps 233, 237 in the closed and substantially coplanar position until disengaged by a user reaching into the dispenser to retrieve another flexible sheet 124.

In view of the foregoing descriptions relating to FIGS. 11-17, it should be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention more generally includes a first hinge 245 and/or a second hinge 279 each having an engagement member that extends from a respective first opposing face 310 of the hinge to engage with a respective second opposing face 312 of the hinge when a flexible sheet 124 is dispensed from a cavity 7 of a dispenser 2 having a lid 206′, 206″, 206′″ suitably equipped with such engagement member, where the engagement member limits pivotal movement of the respective hinge in one direction, the outward dispensing direction.

In view of the descriptions associated with FIGS. 1-8, FIGS. 9-10, and FIGS. 11-17, it should be appreciated that any of lids 206, 206′, 206″ and 206′″ can be used in place of lid 6 of FIGS. 1-8 to form dispenser 2, and that all prior descriptions of pinch points between teeth and notches is equally applicable to lids 206′, 206″, 206′″, as lid 206 is also depicted having at least one tooth element 250 and at least one notch portion 264 at a distal end of the first flap 233, and at least one tooth member 283 and at least one notch section 295 at a distal end of the second flap 237. As such, when the first and second flaps 233, 237 of alternative lids 206, 206′, 206″, 206′″ are disposed in the first substantially horizontal position, tooth element 250 registers with tooth member 283, tooth element 250 nests within notch section 295, and tooth member 283 nests within notch portion 264. Such registration and nesting facilitates passage of a flexible sheet being dispensed through the dispensing opening 210, and facilitates separation of the flexible sheet being dispensed from a subsequent flexible sheet remaining substantially within the cavity 7.

Pinch points associated with tooth element 250 and notch section 295, tooth member 283 and notch portion 264, as well as other teeth and notches illustrated in FIG. 9 but not separately enumerated with reference numerals, should be clearly recognized by comparing FIG. 9 with FIG. 2. As such, no further description of pinch points as they relate to FIG. 9 is considered necessary for a complete and proper understanding of the invention. Material considered suitable for lid 6 having dispensing mechanism 20 is also considered suitable for lids 206, 206′, 206″, 206′″ having dispensing mechanism 220.

In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that some of the embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following advantages: a dispenser equipped with a dispensing mechanism having an engagement member that serves to prevent excessive outward flexing of first and second hinged flaps during a dispensing operation, thereby facilitating passage of a flexible sheet being dispensed through the dispensing opening, and separation of the flexible sheet being dispensed from a subsequent flexible sheet remaining substantially within the dispenser cavity; and, a dispenser equipped with a dispensing mechanism having an engagement member that limits pivotal movement of a hinged flap of the dispensing mechanism in the dispensing direction, thereby reducing stress reversals at the dispensing mechanism to prolong the life of a living hinge providing the flexing action during use of the dispenser.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser, comprising:

a plurality of walls that define a cavity configured to receive a plurality of flexible sheets, at least one of the plurality of walls defining a dispensing opening; and

a dispensing mechanism disposed at the dispensing opening, the dispensing mechanism comprising a first hinged flap and a juxtaposed second hinged flap, the first hinged flap comprising a first hinge having first and second opposing faces, the second hinged flap comprising a second hinge having first and second opposing faces, at least one of the first hinge and the second hinge comprising at least one protrusion that extends from a respective first opposing face to make contact with a respective second opposing face when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity, the at least one protrusion limiting pivotal movement of the respective hinge in one direction.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

each of the first hinge and the second hinge comprises a respective at least one protrusion that extends from a respective first opposing face to make contact with a respective second opposing face when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a first at least one protrusion, and wherein at least one of the first hinge and the second hinge comprises:

a second at least one protrusion that extends from a respective second opposing face toward a respective first opposing face.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

the first and second opposing faces of each respective first and second hinge comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the respective first and second opposing faces being flexibly joined at the respective proximal end.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein:

the at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed at the distal end of the respective hinge.

6. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein:

the at least one protrusion comprises a first set of protrusions extending from a respective first opposing face toward the respective second opposing face, and further comprises a second set of protrusions extending from a respective second opposing face toward the respective first opposing face, the first and second sets of protrusions being disposed with respect to each other so as to mesh with each other when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity.

7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

the first hinged flap comprises a first end portion flexibly mounted relative to the dispensing opening that extends to a second end portion;

the second hinged flap comprises a first end section flexibly mounted relative to the dispensing opening that extends to a second end section;

when the first and second flaps are in a first position, the second end portion of the first flap is disposed adjacent the second end section of the second flap to substantially close off access to the cavity; and

when the first and second flaps are in a second position, the second end portion of the first flap and the second end section of the second flap are inwardly spaced apart from each other to provide access to the cavity.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein when the first and second flaps are in the first position, the first and second flaps are substantially coplanar.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

hinge ends of respective first and second hinged flaps define proximal ends, and openable ends of respective first and second hinged flaps define distal ends;

the distal end of the first flap comprising at least one tooth element;

the distal end of the second flap comprising at least one tooth member;

when the first and second flaps are in a first position, the at least one tooth element registers with the at least one tooth member to facilitate passage of a flexible sheet being dispensed through the dispensing opening, and to facilitate separation of the flexible sheet being dispensed from a subsequent flexible sheet remaining substantially within the cavity; and

when the first and second flaps are in a second position, the at least one tooth element is spaced apart from the at least one tooth member to provide access to the cavity.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein:

the at least one tooth element includes a first tooth element, a second tooth element, and a third tooth element, the first tooth element being spaced from the second tooth element thereby defining a first notch portion, and the third tooth element being spaced from the second tooth element thereby defining a second notch portion;

the at least one tooth member includes a first tooth member and a second tooth member, the first tooth member being spaced from the second tooth member thereby defining a notch section;

when the first and second flaps are in the first position, the first and second tooth members nest within the first and second notch portions, and the second tooth element nests within the notch section.

11. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein:

when the first and second flaps are in the first position, the at least one tooth element registers with the at least one tooth member to form at least one pinch point and at least one gap that facilitates passage of a flexible sheet being dispensed through the dispensing opening, and facilitates separation of the flexible sheet being dispensed from a subsequent flexible sheet remaining substantially within the cavity;

12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

the first hinge and the second hinge are each pivotally mounted relative to the dispensing opening through a living hinge formed from a plastic material.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of walls defining the dispensing opening defines a lid, and further comprising:

a cover integrally formed with the lid via a living hinge;

wherein one of the lid and the cover comprises a stepped wall; and

wherein the other of the lid and the cover comprises a raised rib configured to mate with the stepped wall to form a snug-fit seal between the cover and the lid when the cover is folded over about the living hinge onto the lid.

14. A dispenser, comprising:

a plurality of walls that define a cavity configured to receive a plurality of flexible sheets, at least one of the plurality of walls defining a dispensing opening; and

a dispensing mechanism disposed at the dispensing opening, the dispensing mechanism comprising a first hinged flap and a juxtaposed second hinged flap, the first hinged flap comprising a first hinge having first and second opposing faces, the second hinged flap comprising a second hinge having first and second opposing faces, at least one of the first hinge and the second hinge comprising at least one protrusion that extends from a respective first opposing face toward a respective second opposing face when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity, the at least one protrusion limiting pivotal movement of the respective hinge in one direction;

the respective second opposing face comprising at least one mating recess, the at least one protrusion and the at least one mating recess each being cooperatively disposed with respect to each other so as to disengageably lock with each other when a flexible sheet is dispensed from the cavity.

15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein:

the first hinged flap comprises a first end portion flexibly mounted relative to the dispensing opening that extends to a second end portion;

the second hinged flap comprises a first end section flexibly mounted relative to the dispensing opening that extends to a second end section;

when the first and second flaps are in a first position, the second end portion of the first flap is disposed adjacent the second end section of the second flap to substantially close off access to the cavity; and

when the first and second flaps are in a second position, the second end portion of the first flap and the second end section of the second flap are inwardly spaced apart from each other to provide access to the cavity.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein when the first and second flaps are in the first position, the first and second flaps are substantially coplanar.

17. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein:

hinge ends of respective first and second hinged flaps define proximal ends, and openable ends of respective first and second hinged flaps define distal ends;

the distal end of the first flap comprising at least one tooth element;

the distal end of the second flap comprising at least one tooth member;

when the first and second flaps are in a first position, the at least one tooth element registers with the at least one tooth member to facilitate passage of a flexible sheet being dispensed through the dispensing opening, and to facilitate separation of the flexible sheet being dispensed from a subsequent flexible sheet remaining substantially within the cavity; and

when the first and second flaps are in a second position, the at least one tooth element is spaced apart from the at least one tooth member to provide access to the cavity.

18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein:

the at least one tooth element includes a first tooth element, a second tooth element, and a third tooth element, the first tooth element being spaced from the second tooth element thereby defining a first notch portion, and the third tooth element being spaced from the second tooth element thereby defining a second notch portion;

the at least one tooth member includes a first tooth member and a second tooth member, the first tooth member being spaced from the second tooth member thereby defining a notch section;

when the first and second flaps are in the first position, the first and second tooth members nest within the first and second notch portions, and the second tooth element nests within the notch section.

19. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein:

when the first and second flaps are in the first position, the at least one tooth element registers with the at least one tooth member to form at least one pinch point and at least one gap that facilitates passage of a flexible sheet being dispensed through the dispensing opening, and facilitates separation of the flexible sheet being dispensed from a subsequent flexible sheet remaining substantially within the cavity;

20. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein:

the first hinge and the second hinge are each pivotally mounted relative to the dispensing opening through a living hinge formed from a plastic material.

21. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the at least one of the plurality of walls defining the dispensing opening defines a lid, and further comprising:

a cover integrally formed with the lid via a living hinge;

wherein one of the lid and the cover comprises a stepped wall; and

wherein the other of the lid and the cover comprises a raised rib configured to mate with the stepped wall to form a snug-fit seal between the cover and the lid when the cover is folded over about the living hinge onto the lid.