Abstract: An adaptive towelette dispensing device is provided. The device is operable in conjunction with a container storing a plurality of dried, compressed, individually wrapped, preferably sealed towelettes. The adaptive towelette dispensing device is contemplated to include one or more reservoirs adapted to receive additives, one or more pumps configured to transfer additives through a conduit to be incorporated into a dispensed solution. The adaptive towelette dispensing device is further contemplated to include a towelette releasing mechanism, a towelette chute, a towelette dispensing mechanism, and a controller.

Abstract: A plush toy system comprises a foam inner, formed into a character shape, made with a compressible foam. A flexible outer covering surrounds the foam inner and has an inner surface for contacting the foam inner. The foam inner and the flexible outer covering combine to form a plush toy. The system may include a package having at least one open side through which the plush toy traversed when compressed to fill an interior space of the package. In use, when the plush toy is compressed and contained within the package, upon opening of the at least one open side the plush toy at least partially expands out of the at least one open side of the package. When removed completely from the package the plush toy expands to the natural size of the plush toy, preferably three times its size or more when compressed.

Abstract: Described is a retractable bagging station for use in a retail store. The bagging station includes a frame and a bag dispenser retractably coupled to the frame. The bag dispenser holds and dispenses shopping bags. The bag dispenser is retractably coupled to the frame such that the bag dispenser extends out of and retracts into the frame. The bagging station is retractable into the frame so that the bagging station can be stored in a retracted position under a counter, for example, when the bagging station is not needed. When the bagging station is needed, it can be extended out from the frame to be used. The bagging station can be mounted under a counter of a checkout station, for example, so the bagging station can be used at the checkout station when needed.

Abstract: A paper towel cabinet includes a first side wall and a second side wall, a pivotally mounted front wall defining a door, a back wall extending between the side walls, and a paper towel tray having an opening to provide access to paper towels. The paper towel cabinet also includes a module assembly comprising a first module having a front surface extending transversely relative to the first side wall and toward the second side wall. When the door is in an open position, the front surface prevents paper towels leaning toward the door from falling out of the cabinet. The cabinet also includes a bar mounted proximate to the opening and having a length extending between the side walls. The bar is positioned between a stack of paper towels and the opening when the stack of paper towels is placed on the paper towel tray.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tissue paper supply case comprising a case body for containing tissue paper, a lid having a slot-like take-out hole for taking out the tissue paper therethrough, a platform member mounted within the case body for placing the tissue paper thereon, and means for energizing the platform member from the bottom of the case body toward the lid, wherein the lid is provided on its inner surface with a plurality of lid projections formed in parallel rows to the take-out hole on both sides of the take-out hole, which lid projections are tapered each having a protrusion height becoming larger with increasing distance from the take-out hole, and the platform member is provided on its upper surface with a plurality of platform projections formed in parallel rows to the take-out hole on both sides of the position facing the take-out hole, which platform projections are tapered each having a protrusion height becoming larger with increasing distance from the position facing the take-out hole and wherein the p

Abstract: An improved napkin device is set forth. The device includes a front face adapted for opening to load napkins therein. A first downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a first side face, and a second downwardly angled steel rod is fixed to a second side face. Each of the steel rods has a substantially circular cross section. A plate adapted to slide along the first and second steel rods until it reaches a stop, disposed perpendicular to the first and second side faces of the device is provided. The stop is connected to the first and second side faces. The plate comes to rest at the stop as it slides along the first and second steel rods.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a body portion defining an inner cavity arranged to support a stack of sheet products and a faceplate attached to the body portion. The faceplate portion is arranged to support and dispense the sheet products, has an opening comprising a rectangular portion with a centrally disposed arcing triangular portion having a centrally disposed arced apex, the rectangular portion extends from an upper edge of the faceplate to the arced apex, the opening is arranged to expose a plurality of the sheet products on one end of the body portion through the rectangular portion and to expose a planar surface of a single sheet product through the arcing triangular portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a holder for a sandwich that covers and protects the sandwich, and that allows an end of the sandwich to be exposed to the user while gripping the shell/housing. The holder includes an advancing mechanism that allows the sandwich end to be variably directed through an open end of the holder's shell/housing so that a portion to be eaten is exposed exclusively, while the remainder of the sandwich remains covered and isolated from the user's hands. In an illustrative embodiment, the holder and advancing mechanism is particularly suited to a small child's hands and associated motor skills. A flexible strip can extend from an actuation mechanism, such as a roller spool with an external knob assembly, around a plurality of guides to form a sling around a sandwich-holding base. Rotating the knob in an advance direction cause the strip to be drawn in, thereby raising the base.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A dispenser for containing and holding a stack of absorbent products includes a dispensing opening through which the products are dispensable and a manually graspable member that is graspable by a user from outside the dispenser and manipulatable to move the stack when the stack is in a depleted state from a retracted position relative to the dispensing opening to a position adjacent to the dispensing opening. The dispenser includes a stack moving member having a first configuration conforming to faces of the dispenser that are transverse to one another and a second configuration forming a ramp between those faces and extending towards the dispensing opening. The stack moving member is reconfigurable from the first configuration to the second configuration to move the stack when the stack is in a depleted state from a retracted position relative to the dispensing opening to a position adjacent to the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A product including a stack of a: plurality of interfolded sheets assembled from a folded sheet material. The stack having a first side, a second side, a plurality of first side folded sheets and a plurality of second side folded sheets. A majority of the first side folded sheets folded into a first fold configuration and a majority of the second side folded sheets folded into a second fold configuration. Within the stack, the first fold configuration is different than the second fold configuration. In one embodiment, the first side folded sheets were V-folded and the second side folded sheets were Z-folded. In another embodiment, the first side folded sheets were V-folded and the second side folded sheets were C-folded.

Abstract: A dispenser includes an upper member having a slot and a lower member attached to the upper member thereby forming a housing, the lower member having an outer surface; a stack of sheets assembled in a fan-fold configuration disposed in the housing; and a polymeric holding film having a first surface attached to the outer surface of the lower member. The holding film having a flexural modulus less than about 50 MPa, as measured according to ASTMD790 standard, and a roughness parameter, Ra of less than about 1 micrometer, as calculated according to ASME B46.1 standard.

Abstract: A paper towel cabinet includes an enclosure and an opening that includes first edge a second edge. The cabinet further includes a dispenser module configured to be housed in the enclosure. The dispenser module includes a pair of generally parallel side walls defining a channel having a dispensing end, and a bar extending between the side walls proximate to the dispensing end. When the dispenser module is disposed in the enclosure with the dispensing end disposed at the opening, the bar extends along the opening between the first edge and the second edge of the opening. When a stack of paper towels is placed in the channel, the bar is disposed between a stack of paper towels and the opening. The paper towel cabinet may also include a bar extending along the opening between the first edge and the second edge without having a dispenser module. The bar may be formed at any one of the first edge or second edge of the opening by an inwardly curved surface formed by any one of the first edge and the second edge.

Abstract: A large capacity napkin dispenser for in counter mounting includes: (a) an elongate housing having a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving a stack of napkins; (b) a faceplate with a dispensing aperture, the faceplate being hinged to the housing so as to be movable between an open position for re-loading and a closed position for dispensing; (c) a movable support member mounted in the housing; (d) biasing means for urging the movable support toward the faceplate so that the stack of napkins is advanced to the aperture as it is depleted; and (e) sequestered means for locking the faceplate in the closed position. The locking means includes release means located adjacent the inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser, thereby eliminating the need for a key.

Abstract: A dispenser having a first member rotatably engaging a second member to form a cavity from which sheets such as flat bags may be dispensed via a lineal aperture and a sheet-guiding member extending from the first member into the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is a portable device designed to hold and dispense wafers used in the containment and disposal of spent chewing gum. The device is small and can be sized to fit in a person's pocket. The wafers are stacked, loaded, and housed in a chamber. When loading, the hinged lid is opened and a stack of wafers are inserted. An elevation spring and associated elevation pad propel the wafers in a position to be dispensed. The wafers are then dispensed by the user who pulls them through a lid opening. Once dispensed, the user wraps the wafer around the spent chewing gum and then disposes.

Abstract: An assembly for dispensing sterile lancets one at a time from a clip holding a plurality of lancets is described. The assembly is configured to dispense the lancets easily and conveniently under laboratory conditions where the lancet user is gloved and must manipulate the dispenser using only one hand while holding the animal being bled in the other. The assembly and its components are made of polycarbonate and rubber and are therefore capable of being sterilized by steam autoclaving methods or by other means of sterilization.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser with a springless means for urging napkins therein toward an opening in the front face of the dispenser. The front face has two side edges with each side edge connected a side wall of the dispenser and each side wall has at least one inclined guide that is sloped downwardly toward the front face. The means for urging napkins comprises a generally vertical plate having at least one nub on each side edge, with each nub associated with an inclined guide of one of the side walls, so that the plate urges the napkins disposed in the structure to move toward the opening in the front face through which the napkins can be withdrawn from the napkin dispenser independent of a spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicaments dispensing container (e.g., a cassette or tray), which hold one or more types of medicaments, and configured for secure and intelligent dispensing of the medicaments. In one embodiment, a container for dispensing medicaments includes: a housing for storing an aggregate of medicament units stored loosely with respect to one another; an outlet defined in the housing to dispense the medicament units; and a compressible medium located within the housing and configured to expand so as to move the medicament units toward the outlet for dispensing.

Abstract: A dispenser for a pad of repositionable notes is provided. The dispenser includes (a) a base having opposing interior and exterior surfaces; (b) a cover having opposing interior and exterior surfaces and two slots disposed substantially orthogonal to one another, the slots being sized to allow for dispensing individual repositionable notes from the pad, the cover disposed on the base forming a cavity; and (c) a biasing mechanism disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly adapted for dispensing gloves, which includes a dispenser. The dispenser has a housing which forms an inner surface and an internal compartment configured to hold a stack of gloves, and at least one dispensing opening. A stack of gloves disposed in the dispenser on a glove positioner and the glove positioner biases the stack of gloves toward the dispensing opening and a portion of the housing such that the glove positioner controls the stack of gloves and space in the internal compartment of the dispenser to prevent gloves from moving out of the stack and into the space to permit easy and reliable withdrawal of each glove therefrom.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing folded sheet products from a stack of folded sheet products, includes: an open-ended body, a front panel provided with a dispensing opening, a rear panel, and a transverse panel located between the front and rear panels. The dispenser further includes a support member for receiving the stack of the folded sheet products and at least one locking mechanism located between the support member and at least one longitudinal wall of the open-ended body.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement including an elongated strip of packaged safety protection devices disposed at an interior of the dispenser, a drive arrangement configured to advance and rupture the strip of packaged safety protection devices and to release the safety protection devices therefrom at the demand of a user, a waste arrangement configured to receive and retain the strip of packaging after release of the safety protection devices.

Abstract: A lever, in its gooseneck-shaped top part, has a non-circular, curvilinear internal configuration with a wide gap toward the outside and a perpendicular anchoring ridge in the widest part oriented toward the inside to work together with a span ring made of an elastomer material arranged on an end piece of the receiving end of the mandrel of a spool of material, and a counterweight device, comprising a counterweight cam that works together with the lever with each turn of a drum.

Abstract: A gravity-feed dispenser includes an internal blocker assembly to prevent folded sheet from falling away from the dispensing aperture. A preferred embodiment includes a spring biased blocker arm which cooperates with a spring biased guide plate to maintain the napkins in position throughout dispensing of the stack, especially when the stack is depleted and of insufficient weight to urge the remaining sheets into position. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is provided with a convertible support, suitable for mounting the dispenser on either a wall or a countertop with a quick release mounting bracket.

Abstract: A dispenser having a faceplate that can be removed and attached to the housing of the dispenser without the use of tools. The dispenser may have a track system. The track system may be positioned in or removed from the dispenser without the use of any tools. The dispenser, including the housing and/or the track system, may be curved. The faceplate may be angled away from the surface upon which the dispenser is positioned. The faceplate may also be curved away from the housing to form an interior surface in the faceplate. The interior may have features for desired dispensing characteristics.

Abstract: A dispenser for a pad of repositionable notes is provided. The dispenser includes (a) a base having opposing interior and exterior surfaces; (b) a cover having opposing interior and exterior surfaces and two slots disposed substantially orthogonal to one another, the slots being sized to allow for dispensing individual repositionable notes from the pad, the cover disposed on the base forming a cavity; and (c) a biasing mechanism disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing rubber bands is disclosed, the dispenser comprising a lower container and an upper container. The lower container is open at a top end thereof and comprises at least one side wall and one bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upward facing inner surface. The upper container is likewise open at a top end thereof, and comprises at least one side wall and one bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an aperture therein and a downward-facing outer surface. The lower container encompasses a larger volume than the upper container, the difference between the volume of the two containers being essentially the storage volume for rubber bands. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gravity-feed dispenser includes an internal blocker assembly to prevent folded sheet from falling away from the dispensing aperture. A preferred embodiment includes a spring biased blocker arm which cooperates with a spring biased guide plate to maintain the napkins in position throughout dispensing of the stack, especially when the stack is depleted and of insufficient weight to urge the remaining sheets into position. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is provided with a convertible support, suitable for mounting the dispenser on either a wall or a countertop with a quick release mounting bracket.

Abstract: A container for individually dispensing plastic bags provided in a stack. The container is formed from a blank that is cut and formed with appropriate fold lines, such that when assembled, the container includes a bottom wall, spaced, opposing sidewalls, and spaced, opposing front and back walls. The bottom wall, sidewalls, and front and back walls define a receptacle for receiving a stack of bags. The container further includes an interior flap extending between the front and back walls. The flap is biased in a direction toward one of the front and back walls such that the flap engages the stack of bags and helps to maintain the stack in a desired orientation within the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for dispensing individual paper products that includes a housing, a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening, a means for elevating paper products, and a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing. The plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the means for elevating paper products. The container may be included in a system for dispensing paper products that further includes a cartridge containing paper products. The cartridge defines a dispensing opening and a second opening wherein the means for elevating paper products extends through the second opening into the interior area of the cartridge to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening. The cartridge and container may be configured wherein the second opening is formed by removal of a removable portion during the process of inserting the cartridge into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting an individual in installing shoe coverings. The apparatus comprises a shoe covering casing and an outer casing in which the shoe covering casing is placed. A plurality of shoe coverings are placed within the shoe covering casing and are mounted so that an individual merely needs to place their foot down into the shoe covering casing and move their foot forward, causing a shoe covering to envelop the foot (preferably with a shoe on it). A mounting mechanism within the shoe covering casing continually sets the top shoe covering on the stack of shoe coverings into a position readily capable of accepting shoes so that the shoe coverings can easily envelop these shoes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for dispensing individual paper products that includes a housing, a cover hingedly or removably attached to the housing wherein the cover defines a dispensing opening, a means for elevating paper products, and a plunger disposed in the interior area of the housing. The plunger is urged toward the dispensing opening by the means for elevating paper products. The container may be included in a system for dispensing paper products that further includes a cartridge containing paper products. The cartridge defines a dispensing opening and a second opening wherein the means for elevating paper products extends through the second opening into the interior area of the cartridge to contact the paper products and urge the paper products toward the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A tape dispenser/applicator device for dispensing and applying tape to packages. The tape dispenser/applicator device includes a housing member having side walls and open top and bottom ends; and also includes a tape cartridge being removably disposed in the housing member and being adapted to store a stack of strips of adhesive tape therein; and further includes a plunger assembly being removably mounted to the housing member and being adapted to dispense the strips of adhesive tape from the tape cartridge and to apply the strips of adhesive tape selectively; and also includes a holder member being removably mounted upon the bottom end of the housing member.

Abstract: A dispensing box, and more particularly a device for holding a stack of individual sheets of flexible paper (e.g., coupons, recipes, rebates) or individual product samples for in-store advertising and promotion. The dispensing box has a resilient insert which pushes the stack towards an opening in the dispenser that is constructed in such a way that individual items may be gripped and removed one at a time while the remaining stack of items is retained within the dispenser.

Abstract: An improved coupon dispenser is disclosed comprising a rigid housing assembly that includes a front cover and a mating rear housing section engaged together to provide a storage chamber for a stack of folded coupon sheets. The front cover is provided with a rounded dispensing mouth having a rectangular opening formed therein between upper and lower panel surfaces that extend across the mouth in separate inclined planes. The front cover is further provided with a plurality of internal ribs integrally formed and extending longitudinally through the chamber on all sides, the ribs along the upper chamber being curved and tapered at the dispensing mouth leading to the opening. A P-shaped pusher member engaged to the rear housing section and mounted on a coil spring is disposed for travel longitudinally through the chamber of the front cover to urge the coupons forwardly toward the opening in the dispensing mouth guided along by the internal ribs.

Abstract: A box contains a spring or other biasing member and a stack of individual, non-interleaved flexible sheets, such as coupons, booklets or other promotional items. The spring is disposed between the stack of sheets and a bottom wall to push the stack of sheets toward an opening in a top wall of the dispenser. The spring imparts a bend in the stack so that the folded end of the sheet adjacent the opening is spaced from the stack and extends through the opening to allow for individual sheets to be dispensed one at a time.

Abstract: There is provided a multiple layer baffle structure for dispensing a wipe therethrough. The structure includes at least a first layer having a first length and a first width and a first dispensing orifice; and, at least a second layer having a second length and a second width and a second dispensing orifice, where the first layer is disposed over the second layer and at least partially contacts the second layer proximate the dispensing orifices and the first layer is distinct from the second layer so as to be movable relative to the second layer and the wipe may be dispensed sequentially through the first dispensing orifice and the second dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A curl reducing adapter kit for a napkin dispenser used for dispensing interfolded napkins including an enclosure with a dispensing wall defining a dispensing slot and a slidably mounted, biased pressure carriage adapted to advance a stack of napkins in the enclosure toward the dispensing wall includes a tongue for mounting about the dispensing wall such that the tongue projects into the dispensing slot and narrows the slot. The tongue further includes a plurality of friction tabs configured to project inwardly into the enclosure from the upper inner lip of the dispensing slot and frictionally engage the napkins to limit bulge through the slot.

Abstract: A cassette (10) for storing media in sheet form is described. The cassette (10) has urging means (26) for urging a stack of media items (34) to one end (24) of the cassette (10), such as a media pick area (22). The cassette (10) also has sensing means (52) for determining the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining in the cassette (10). The cassette (10) includes display means (50) for displaying to an external viewer, such as a replenisher, an indication of the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining within the cassette (10).

Abstract: A package for dispensing sheet material from a stack includes a novel biasing device for urging the stack of sheet material toward an opening in one side of the package. The biasing device is comprised of a flat sheet of material sized and shaped to be located within the package beneath the stack of sheet material. An elastomeric element having an unstressed length that is less than a diameter of the flat sheet of material is stressed and positioned between opposite edges of the flat sheet of material. As stress is relieved from the elastomeric element, the elastomeric element draws the opposite edges together and elevates a central portion of the sheet of material in the form of an arch to urge the stack toward the opening as the stack of sheet material is depleted.

Abstract: A diaper storage and dispensing device and method is disclosed including a housing having an interior within which a stack of diapers is stored. The diapers are preferably stacked on top of a movable platform. The housing includes an access aperture through which the device can be stocked with diapers. The movable platform is preferably under tension in order to press the diapers upward. A dispensing opening is located toward the top of the device. The top diaper is aligned with the dispensing opening, and a diaper displacement mechanism operates to advance a single diaper at least partially out through the dispensing opening. The displacement mechanism is operated by a user pressing on a lever such as a foot pedal. After the diaper is removed, the next diaper in the stack is aligned with the displacement mechanism and the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A package for dispensing sheet material from a stack includes a novel biasing device for urging the stack of sheet material toward an opening in one side of the package. The biasing device is comprised of a flat sheet of material sized and shaped to be located within the package beneath the stack of sheet material. An elastomeric element having an unstressed length that is less than a diameter of the flat sheet of material is stressed and positioned between opposite edges of the flat sheet of material. As stress is relieved from the elastomeric element, the elastomeric element draws the opposite edges together and elevates a central portion of the sheet of material in the form of an arch to urge the stack toward the opening as the stack of sheet material is depleted.

Abstract: An improved product holding and dispensing a container for housing and dispensing products is provided. The container having a moveable product frame, wherein a consumer is enabled to move the frame, as product units are removed, to maintain the product in its packaged order. The container comprises: a base having a front wall, a back wall and side walls a moveable frame adapted to support the products inside the base. The frame includes a back wall and a member, wherein an area of the member extends through the base to allow the member to be grasped and pulled to cause the back wall of the frame to move away from the back wall of the base.

Abstract: A package for dispensing sheet material from a stack includes a novel biasing device for urging the stack of sheet material toward an opening in one side of the package. The biasing device is comprised of a flat sheet of material sized and shaped to be located within the package beneath the stack of sheet material. An elastomeric element having an unstressed length that is less than a diameter of the flat sheet of material is stressed and positioned between opposite edges of the flat sheet of material. As stress is relieved from the elastomeric element, the elastomeric element draws the opposite edges together and elevates a central portion of the sheet of material in the form of an arch to urge the stack toward the opening as the stack of sheet material is depleted.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing individual sheets of a paper product from a stack of sheets includes an external housing having a bottom opening. A module is slidably received in the compartment through the bottom opening. The module is sized for receipt of a stack of the folded paper products. The module is moveable vertically within the compartment between a loaded position wherein the module is inserted substantially entirely within the compartment, and a refill position wherein the module is slid vertically down and out of the compartment a sufficient distance for reloading the module with a refill stack of the sheets. A latch mechanism releasably holds the module within the housing at the loaded position.

Abstract: A sheet article dispenser includes a housing and a double-acting spring designed to urge a stack of sheet articles toward an access opening in the housing to allow only the outermost sheet to be removed one at a time. The double-acting spring includes a thin flexible panel and a resilient band. The panel has opposite ends flanking a middle section. The ends each have a pair of lateral notches at opposite edges for receiving the resilient band. The ends are flexed inwardly to form an S-shaped structure with arcuate surfaces on each side of the middle section that can deform elastically.

Abstract: A modular dispenser of sheet products including an open-ended case (10), a front panel (20), and a rear panel (30) is characterized in that the open-ended case is fitted with first longitudinal ribs (11, 12) by means of which the front and rear panels are kept in place on the open-ended case. In particular, the open-ended case includes a set of ribs providing the function of guidance, assembly and closing.

Abstract: A W-stacked pads of tape strips dispensable at a low peel angle, comprising a plurality of superimposed tape strips longitudinally reversed so as to align the first end of each tape strip with the second end of an immediately overlaying and an immediately underlying tape strip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tissue paper case structure having an appropriate stacking restriction, comprising a case body and a lifting plate; wherein the case body has a corresponsive protruding member being disposed at a predetermined position on sidewalls at the top section; the lifting plate being disposed in the interior of the case body, and has a plurality of latch holes on both sides of the lifting plate; and the above structure constitutes the case structure. In addition, the lifting plate is placed into the case body so that both sides of the lifting plate pass through the upper flange of the protruding member at a predetermined height, and it allows a stack of neatly folded tissue paper sheets being placed in the case body, and a lid is used to cover the case body, so that the user can draw the tissue paper out from the opening of the lid.