Plurality of Integrally Interconnected Wipes for Use in Dispenser

The present application is a continuation application and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/398593, filed on Aug. 10, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/565,927, filed on Oct. 12, 2017, which is a national-phase entry, under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US15/57173, filed on Oct. 23, 2015, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/154,961, filed on Apr. 30, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

There is a variety of storing and dispensing containers in the market for wipes. Wipes have been made from a variety of materials which can be dry or wet when used. Wet wipes can be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Typically, wet wipes have been stacked in a container in either a folded or unfolded configuration. For example, containers of wet wipes have been available wherein each of the wet wipes stacked in the container has been arranged in a folded configuration such as a c-folded, z-folded or quarter-folded configuration as are well known to those skilled in the art. Sometimes each folded wet wipe is interfolded with the wet wipes immediately above and below it in the stack of wipes. In an alternative configuration, the wet wipes have been placed in a container in the form of a continuous web of material that includes perforations adapted to allow for separation of individual wet wipes from the web upon the application of a pulling force. Such wet wipes have been used for baby wipes, hand wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes and the like.

Conventional packages of wipes have typically been designed to be positioned on a flat surface such as a countertop, table or the like. Such conventional packages have often included a plastic container, tub or package which provides a sealed environment for the wet wipes to ensure that they do not become dirty or overly dry. Some of the conventional packages have also been configured to provide “one-at-a-time” dispensing of each wet wipe which can be accomplished using a single hand after the package has been opened. Such single-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing is particularly desirable because the other hand of the user or care giver is typically required to be simultaneously used for other functions. For example, when changing a diaper product on an infant, the care giver typically uses one hand to hold and maintain the infant in a desired position while the other hand is used to dispense a baby wipe to clean the infant.

“Pop-up” configurations of wet wipe dispensers can advantageously help provide the aforementioned single-handed, “one-at-a-time” dispensing. In “pop-up” configurations, when a wipe is removed from the dispenser, the wipe pulls along the leading end of the succeeding wipe in the package, by virtue of the succeeding wipe being in operative contact with the leading wipe such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection along a line of weakness. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the trailing end of the leading wipe breaks free from the leading end of the succeeding wipe, and the leading end of the succeeding wipe is left protruding from the package. In this way, the leading end of the succeeding wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for grasping and subsequent withdrawal from the package, and what was previously the succeeding wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

Historically, two malfunctions can occur during the operation just described. In one scenario, as the leading wipe is withdrawn, the leading wipe may not properly release from the succeeding wipe, with the result that the succeeding wipe is pulled too far or even entirely out of the package. A situation in which one or more succeeding wipes are in a single pull operation withdrawn from the package by virtue of being in operative contact with the leading wipe is referred to herein as “multiples.” Multiples can result from excessively strong or geometrically ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g., too much adhesive or insufficient web perforations), or can result from a dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold in place the succeeding wipe to allow the leading wipe to break free (e.g., too large of a dispensing orifice).

In another scenario, as the leading wipe is withdrawn, the succeeding wipe, after breaking free from the leading wipe, may not be readily accessible for subsequent dispensing. For example, although the leading end of the succeeding wipe may momentarily protrude from the package as it follows the leading wipe during withdrawal of the leading wipe, the leading end of the succeeding wipe often subsequently falls back through the dispensing orifice into the dispensing container—herein referred to as a “fallback.” Fallbacks can result from insufficiently strong or geometrically ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g., not enough adhesive or an excessively weak line of weakness), or can result from a dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold the leading edge of the succeeding wipe in an outwardly protruding manner (e.g., too large of a dispensing orifice). Occasionally, the succeeding wipe may entirely fail to exit the package as the leading wipe is withdrawn, such as when the connection between the leading wipe and the succeeding breaks prematurely (i.e.; before the leading wipe is fully withdrawn).

As a result, what is lacking in the art is a stack of wipes connected to one another in a manner that provides improved “pop-up” dispensing.

In a first embodiment, the invention provides a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes that collectively define a web. The web has a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction extending parallel to the right and left edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and left edges. The web defines a right side transversely between the centerline and the right edge and defines a left side transversely between the centerline and the left edge. The plurality of wipes includes at least a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right side major tie and a left side minor tie. The right side major tie and the left side minor tie together connect the first wipe to the second wipe. The right side major tie and the left side minor tie each have a width extending in the transverse direction, and the width of the right side major tie is greater than the width of the left side minor tie. A second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie and a right side minor tie. The left side major tie and the right side minor tie together connect the second wipe to the third wipe. The left side major tie and the right side minor tie each have a width extending in the transverse direction. The width of the left side major tie is greater than the width of the right side minor tie.

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes that collectively define a web. The web has a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction extending parallel to the right and left edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and left edges. The web defines a right side transversely between the centerline and the right edge and defines a left side transversely between the centerline and the left edge. The web includes a plurality of transverse intermittent cut lines. The cut lines are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction to define individual wipes. Each cut line defines a major tie and a minor tie, and the major tie and the minor tie are on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline. The major tie and the minor tie each have a width extending in the transverse direction, and the width of the major tie is greater than the width of the minor tie. The major ties in longitudinally successive cut lines are on alternating right and left sides of the longitudinal centerline, such that a plurality of major ties are arranged on the web in a zig-zag pattern in the longitudinal direction.

In a third embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of the first or second embodiment wherein each major tie is between about 2 and 10 millimeters wide.

In a fourth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of the first or second embodiment wherein each major tie is between about 0.5 and 3 millimeters wide.

In a fifth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of any one of the first through fourth embodiments wherein each major tie is at least three times as wide as each minor tie.

In a sixth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of any one of the first through fifth embodiments wherein each major tie abuts a web edge.

In a seventh embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of any of the first through fifth embodiments wherein no major tie abuts a web edge.

In an eighth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of any of the first embodiment or third through seventh embodiments wherein the right side major tie is spaced from the right edge by at least 2 millimeters, and wherein the left side major tie is spaced from the left edge by at least 2 millimeters.

In a ninth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of any of the first embodiment or third through eighth embodiments wherein the first transverse intermittent cut line defines at least two left side minor ties, and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut line defines at least two right side minor ties.

In a tenth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of the ninth embodiment wherein the first transverse intermittent cut line defines at least three left side minor ties, and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut line defines at least three right side minor ties.

In an eleventh embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of any of the first embodiment or third through tenth embodiments wherein the first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right side minor tie, and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side minor tie.

In a twelfth embodiment, the invention provides a dispenser containing the plurality of wipes of any of the first through eleventh embodiments, the dispenser and plurality of wipes together adapted to provide pop-up dispensing of wipes.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the invention provides a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes that collectively define a web. The web has a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction extending parallel to the right and left edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and left edges. The web defines a right side transversely between the centerline and the right edge and defines a left side transversely between the centerline and the left edge. The plurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right side major tie that connects the first wipe to the second wipe, and the right side major tie has a width extending in the transverse direction. A second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie that connects the second wipe to the third wipe, and the left side major tie has a width extending in the transverse direction.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality of wipes of the thirteenth embodiment wherein the first wipe and the second wipe are connected to each other only within the right side of the web, and wherein the second wipe and the third wipe are connected to each other only within the left side of the web.

The present invention will be more fully understood and further features will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts of the packages depicted in the drawings are referred to by the same reference numerals.

Referring to, a pluralityof integrally interconnected wipes collectively define a web. The web has a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal directionextending parallel to the right edgeand the left edges, a transverse directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a longitudinal centerlineextending in the longitudinal directionand positioned midway between the right edgeand the left edge. The web defines a right sidetransversely between the centerlineand the right edge, and the web defines a left sidetransversely between the centerlineand the left edge. As shown in the Figures, the pluralityof wipes includes at least a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe.

In particular embodiments, as representatively illustrated in, a first transverse intermittent cut lineextends across the web. The first transverse intermittent cut linepartitions the webinto two longitudinally adjacent wipes—namely, the first wipeand the second wipe. The first transverse intermittent cut linedefines a right side major tie, and in particular embodiments a left side minor tie. The right side major tieand the left side minor tietogether connect the first wipeto the second wipe. The right side major tiehas a width, and the left side minor tiehas a width. Both widths,extend in the transverse direction. The width of the right side major tieis greater than the widthof the left side minor tie

In particular embodiments, a second transverse intermittent cut lineextends across the web. The second transverse intermittent cut linepartitions the webinto two longitudinally adjacent wipes—namely, the second wipeand the third wipe. The second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie, and in particular embodiments a right side minor tie. The left side major tieand the right side minor tietogether connect the second wipeto the third wipe. The left side major tiehas a width, and the right side minor tiehas width. Both widths, extend in the transverse direction. The widthof the left side major tieis greater than the widthof the right side minor tie. Note that the cut lines,may be straight, wavy, zig-zag, or otherwise non-straight. Also, the cut lines,may travel a path that is parallel to the transverse direction, or that is not parallel to the transverse direction, such as tilted relative to the transverse direction.

In particular embodiments, such as that representatively illustrated in, the right side major tieis spaced from the right edgeby at least 1 millimeter, more particularly at least millimeters, still more particularly at least 5 millimeters, and still more particularly at least millimeters, and the left side major tieis spaced from the left edgeby at least 1 millimeter, more particularly at least 3 millimeters, still more particularly at least 5 millimeters, and still more particularly at least 10 millimeters. In other embodiments, such as that representatively illustrated in, the right side major tieabuts the right edge, and the left side major tieabuts the left edge.

In particular embodiments (), the first transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least two left side minor ties,, and the second transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least two right side minor ties,. In particular embodiments (), the first transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least three left side minor ties,,, and the second transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least three right side minor ties,,. In particular embodiments, the first transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least one right side minor tie, and the second transverse intermittent cut linedefines at least one left side minor tie

In particular embodiments, the width/of each major tie/is between about 2 and 15 millimeters wide, and more particularly between about 2 and 10 millimeters wide. In particular embodiments, the major tie is more than 3 millimeters wide, more particularly more than 4 millimeters wide, still more particularly more than 5 millimeters wide, and still more particularly more than millimeters wide. Additionally or alternatively, in particular embodiments, the width/of each minor tie/is between about 0.5 and 3 millimeters wide. In particular embodiments, the minor tie is less than 3 millimeters wide, more particularly less than 2 millimeters wide, and still more particularly less than 1 millimeter wide. In particular embodiments, the width/of each major tie/is at least three times greater that the width/as each minor tie/.

In another aspect of the invention, a dispensercontains the pluralityof integrally interconnected wipes described above. The dispenserand pluralityof wipes are together adapted to provide pop-up dispensing of wipes. Examples of dispensers suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the present invention include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,690 B1; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2014/0174974 A1; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2014/0001072 A1; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2014/0374432 A1, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

The dispensercan include any suitable number of individual wipes depending upon the dispenser size and intended end use. For example, the dispenser can be configured to include a stack of wipes which can include at least about 5 wipes and desirably from about 8 to about 320 individually wipes, and more desirably from about 16 to about 64 wipes. The size and shape of the stack of wipes is dependent upon the size and shape of the dispenser and vice versa.

In particular embodiments, the pluralityof integrally interconnected wipes are arranged in a stack, as representatively illustrated in. The example shown inemploys an accordion-like stack. The individual wipes can be connected together at transverse intermittent cut lines,as described above. The transverse intermittent cut lines can be provided by means known to those skilled in the art, such as perforations, indentations, or cuts in the web of material. For example, the cut lines can be provided in the web of material by passing the web of material between a die cutter roll and an anvil roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse intermittent cut lines are position in the middle of the stack of fold wipes, which is advantageous when dispensing from dispensers with centrally located dispensing orifices. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the intermittent cut lines can be positioned “off center,” or at the edge of the stack.

The purpose, in particular embodiments, of the major ties described above is to deliver enhanced pop-up dispensing. The purpose of the minor ties is to facilitate commercial manufacture of the wipes. Specifically, it is common for wipe products to be formed as very long, continuous webs or sheets. Examples of suitable materials are described below. After the continuous sheet is formed, the sheet typically travels through additional processing steps, including, for example, drying, calendaring, embossing, wrinkle removing, slitting, perforating, and winding. During such additional processing steps, the continuous sheet generally is under both longitudinal and lateral tension. If adjacent wipes were integrally interconnected only by the major ties described herein, consistent, reliable handling of the continuous sheet would be compromised, because the major ties alone would not provide sufficient strength and integrity to the continuous sheets for commercial, high-speed, tensioned processing. Introduction of the minor ties as described herein allows for more robust handling of the continuous sheets during the manufacturing. In this way, the major and minor ties together allow for the practical commercial manufacture of an optimized pop-up dispensing experience.

Another way to articulate key features of particular embodiments of the invention is as follows. The webincludes a plurality of transverse intermittent cut lines (e.g.,,). The cut lines are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal directionto define individual wipes (e.g.,//). Each cut line (e.g.,/) defines a major tie (e.g.,/) and a minor tie (e.g.,/), and the major tie and the minor tie are on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline. The widthof the major tieis greater than the widthof the minor tie. The major ties (e.g.,/) in longitudinally successive pluralities of cut lines (e.g.,,) are on alternating right and left sides (,) of the longitudinal centerline. In this way, a plurality of major ties are arranged on the webin a “zig-zag” pattern in the longitudinal direction, as representatively illustrated in.

The pluralityof wipes integrally interconnected as heretofore described can in particular embodiments deliver an improved dispensing experience. As the leading cornerof a wipe at the top of a stack, such as, referring to, wipe, is pulled by the user, a chain of events begins. First, the one or more minor tiesare torn as the wipeis pulled upward from the stack. As the one or more minor tiesare torn, the wipebegins to tilt to the side, or even assume a diamond shape, as representatively illustrated in. As the succeeding wipebegins to lift from the stack, in particular embodiments the stackand/or dispenserare configured to promote a tearing of the major tie, thus fully releasing wipefrom the web.

Referring to, the present invention includes in particular embodiments a plurality of stacked, interconnected wipesthat collectively define a stack. The stackhas a right end, a left end, a transverse directionextending between the right endand the left end, a longitudinal directionperpendicular to the transverse direction, and a longitudinal centerlineextending in the longitudinal directionand positioned midway between the right endand left end. The stackdefines a right sidetransversely between the longitudinal centerlineand the right endand defines a left sidetransversely between the longitudinal centerlineand the left end. In the exemplary embodiments shown in, each of the wipes is folded in half in the longitudinal direction.shows a top view of the stack of folded wipes of. The leading edgeof the wipe on the top of the stackcan be seen in.

As representatively illustrated in, in particular embodiments, each wipe is connected to at least one other wipe on only one of the right sideand the left sideof the stack via a connection. In particular embodiments, such as those depicted in, immediately successive connections in a stacked directionare on alternating right and left sides,of the stack. In other embodiments, such as those depicted in, immediately successive connections in a stacked directionare on the same side of the stack (e.g., the right side as shown in).depicts several interconnected wipes from the stack shown in, anddepicts several interconnected wipes from the stack shown in, with the interconnected plurality in each case unfolded and fully extended to show various features.

For example, referring to, in particular embodiments, a plurality of wipesincludes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A right-side connectionconnects the first wipeto the second wipein the right sideof the stack. The first wipeis connected to the second wipeonly on the right sideof the stack. Also, a left-side connection connects the second wipeto the third wipein the left sideof the stack. The second wipebeing connected to the third wipeonly on the left sideof the stack.

In another example, referring to, in particular embodiments, a plurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first right-side connectionconnects the first wipeto the second wipein the right sideof the stack. The first wipe is connected to the second wipeonly on the right sideof the stack. Also, a second right-side connectionconnects the second wipeto the third wipein the right sideof the stack. The second wipeis connected to the third wipeonly on the right sideof the stack.depicts several interconnected wipes from a stack somewhat similar to the one shown in, with the interconnected plurality unfolded and fully extended to show various features.

In particular embodiments, such as those representatively illustrated in, a majority of wipe-to-wipe connections in the stackof wipes are integrally formed with a wipe. For example, the connectionsandcan each include three bridging strips. The bridging strips,, andcollectively define the right-side connection, and the bridging strips,, andcollectively define the left-side connection. The number of bridging strips can be varied depending on the dispensing mechanics necessitated by the specific configuration and construction of the wipes—and in particular embodiments, the dispenser—involved. In particular embodiments, each connection,includes from 2 to 10 and more particularly from 3 to 8 bridging strips. Preferably, in particular embodiments, each bridging strip is from 1 to 5 millimeters in transverse with, and more preferably each bridging strip is from 1.5 to 3 millimeters in transverse width. In other embodiments, no wipe-to-wipe connection in the stack is integrally formed with a wipe. For example, referring to, the connectionsandare accomplished via energy bonding. Example of suitable energy bonding included ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, or pressure bonding. The bonding could also be accomplished via a bonding material, such as adhesive.

The stack has a widthmeasured in the transverse direction. The right-side connection has an effective widthextending in the transverse direction, and the left-side connection has an effective widthextending in the transverse direction. The “effective width” is the distance in the transverse direction between the two furthest-apart points of connectivity that connect immediately successive wipes in a stack within a single side,of the stack. Thus, in no case can the effective width of a connection be greater than half of the stack transverse width. Preferably, the effective width of a connection is considerably less than half of the stack transverse width. For example, in particular embodiments, referring to, the right-side connection effective widthand the left-side connection effective widthare each at most 10 percent of a stack transverse width. In another example, referring to, the first right-side connection effective widthand the second right-side connection effective widthare each at most 10 percent of a stack transverse width.

In particular embodiments, an entirety of each right-side connectionin the stackis closer to the stack right endthan to the longitudinal centerlineof the stack, and an entirety of each left-side connectionin the stackis closer to the stack left endthan to the longitudinal centerlineof the stack, as representatively illustrates in. In other embodiments, an entirety of each connection in the stackis closer to a single stack end—such as, for example, the stack right end—than to the longitudinal centerlineof the stack, as representatively illustrated in.

In particular embodiments, a dispensercontains the plurality of interconnected wipes. The dispenserand plurality of wipesare together adapted to provide pop-up dispensing of the wipes. The dispenserdefines a dispensing orifice, through which wipes can be extracted from the dispenser. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orificeis centered in the transverse direction, as in the examples of. In other examples, the dispensing orificeis transversely offset from the longitudinal centerlineof the stack of wipescontained therein by at least 25 percent of the stack transverse width, as representatively illustrated in the example of FIG. in which the orificeis offset toward the left endof the stack. Of course, the orificecould alternatively be offset toward the right endof the stack(which could in particular embodiments be advantageous for use in conjunction with a stack of wipes in which all wipe-to-wipe connections were on the right sideof the stack, such as the stackrepresentatively illustrated in).

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of dispensing wipes. The method includes providing a stack of wipes, as representatively illustrated in. The stackhas a first end (such as a right end), a second end (such as a left end), a transverse direction extending between the first endand the second end, a longitudinal directionperpendicular to the transverse direction, and a longitudinal centerlineextending in the longitudinal directionand positioned midway between the first endand second end. The stack defines a first side (such as right side) transversely between the longitudinal centerlineand the first endand defines a second side (such as left side) transversely between the longitudinal centerlineand the second end.

Each wipe in the stackis generally rectangular in shape, and each wipe defines four corners. For example, referring to, wipedefines corners///, and wipedefines corners///. In another example, referring to, wipedefines corners//, and wipedefines corners///. The method in particular embodiments further includes providing a dispenser. The dispenserhas a dispensing orificethrough which wipes can be extracted from the dispenser.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment outlined in, the method can further include grasping a presented cornerof a leading wipe, and pulling the presented cornerof the leading wipeto withdraw the leading wipeout of the dispenser. As the leading wipeis withdrawn, the leading wipereleases from a succeeding wipesuch that a presented corner of the succeeding wipeprotrudes from the dispensing orifice. No wipe corner other than the presented corner protrudes from the dispensing orifice. “Presented corner” as used herein means the corner of the wipe that protrudes away from the stack and through the dispensing orifice of the dispenser, so that user may readily grasp it.

In particular embodiments, the presented cornerof the leading wipeand the presented cornerof the succeeding wipeoriginate from opposite sides/of the stack. Preferably in such embodiments, each wipe in the stackis connected to at least one other wipe on only one of the right sideand the left sideof the stack via a connection. In other words, each wipe in the stack is connected to at least one other wipe on either the right sideof the stackor the left side of the stack, but not on both sides. Immediately successive connections,in a stacked directionalternate from the right sideto the left side, as suggested by the embodiments shown in. Preferably, each right-side connectionin the stackis closer to the stack right endthan to the longitudinal centerlineof the stack, and each left-side connection in the stackis closer to the stack left endthan to the longitudinal centerlineof the stack.

For example, referring toand, in particular embodiments of the method, the presented cornerof the leading wipecorresponds to the cornerof the third wipein, and the presented cornerof the succeeding wipecorresponds to the cornerof the second wipein. In such an embodiment, as the presented corner(corner) of the leading wipe(wipe) is pulled and withdraw out of the dispenser, the leading wipe(wipe) releases from the succeeding wipe(wipe) such that a presented corner(corner) of the succeeding wipe(wipe) protrudes from the dispensing orifice. The presented corner(corner) of the leading wipe(wipe) and the presented corner(corner) of the succeeding wipe(corner) originate from opposite sides/of the stack. Specifically, the corneroriginates from the right sideof the stack, and the corneroriginates from the left sideof the stack. Note that when corneris the presented corner, the three remaining corners (,,) of wiperemain inside the dispenser, such that corner, and only corner, is presented. Similarly, when corneris the presented corner, the three remaining corners (,,) of wiperemain inside the dispenser, such that corner, and only corner, is presented outside of the dispenser.

In other embodiments, the presented cornerof the leading wipeand the presented corner of the succeeding wipeeach originate from the same side of the stack (such as from the right side, or from the left side). Preferably in such embodiments, each wipe in the stackis connected to at least one other wipe on only the first sideof the stack via a connection. Immediately successive connections,in a stacked directionare all on the first sideof the stack, as suggested by the embodiments shown in. Preferably, each connectionin the stack is closer to the stack first endthan to the longitudinal centerlineof the stack.

For example, referring toand, in particular embodiments of the method, the presented cornerof the leading wipecorresponds to the cornerof the third wipein, and the presented cornerof the succeeding wipecorresponds to the cornerof the second wipein. In such an embodiment, as the presented corner(corner) of the leading wipe(wipe) is pulled and withdraw out of the dispenser, the leading wipe(wipe) releases from the succeeding wipe(wipe) such that a presented corner(corner) of the succeeding wipe(wipe) protrudes from the dispensing orifice. The presented corner(corner) of the leading wipe(wipe) and the presented corner(corner) of the succeeding wipe(corner) originate from the same side of the stack. Specifically, the corneroriginates from the right sideof the stack, and the corneroriginates from the right sideof the stack. Note that when corneris the presented corner, the three remaining corners (,,) of wiperemain inside the dispenser, such that corner, and only corner, is presented. Similarly, when corneris the presented corner, the three remaining corners (,,) of wipe remain inside the dispenser, such that corner, and only corner, is presented outside of the dispenser.

The structures and methods described above can in particular embodiments deliver a number of useful features. First, the mechanism of dispensing just described can present a corner of the next wipe in the stack to the user, which offers certain accessibility benefits in certain applications. Second, due to the way the wipe tips to the side, or “deforms” into a general “diamond-like” shape, the variability in dispensing force can be better controlled, making dispensing more reliable and predictable (such as by reducing the undesirable “fall backs” or “multiples” described earlier). Third, the force required to dispense a wipe is in particular embodiments of the present invention lower than in many conventional configurations, which desirably allows more wipes to be dispensed from a dispenser before the dispenser (often made of relatively light polymers) begins to lift off the surface on which it rests. Finally, the pop-up dispensing configuration described herein reduces tearing of the wipes, due to the fact, it is believed, that vector forces are oriented “diagonally” from corner to corner, as opposed to purely in a machine direction or cross-machine direction (one or both of which may be weaker than the “diagonal” direction).