Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a folded product dispensing system and blank for making the same. The system is constructed from light-weight materials and includes a hanging means which enables positioning and repositioning of the dispenser in a variety of locations. The blank includes a pair of side flaps that support the dispenser, as well as an aperture forming flap.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/686,162 filed on Jun. 1, 2005, pending. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to a folded product dispenser. More particularly the invention relates to a folded product dispenser constructed from a blank that is easily folded into a three-dimensional configuration.  
         [0003]     Folded products are increasingly being used by consumers in a variety of locations other than the historical places such as bathrooms, kitchens, and stationary work areas. Consumers are multitasking due to increasingly complex lifestyles. As a result, consumers are in need of easily accessible products that historically have only been located within stationary locations such as kitchens, stationary work areas and bathrooms. Whether paper towels are used to clean a dirty surface, including the user&#39;s hands, or metal foil sheets are used to cover an orifice, consumers require that such products are more easily accessible.  
         [0004]     Paper toweling is one such product that consumers may purchase in a number of different forms, including rolls and folded stacks. Paper towel rolls can be convenient, mostly when used in conjunction with a paper towel roll dispenser, which can be cumbersome or inconvenient to install. Paper towel rolls are not easily movable when used in conjunction with a traditional and permanent metal or plastic paper towel roll dispenser. When placed on an end dispensing device the roll may be easily tipped, resulting in the roll being contaminated with undesirable substances such as liquid and solid contaminants, which could result in a substantial portion of the roll being unusable. When placed in a wall mounted dispensing device the circular cross section of paper roll towel dispenser allows for the roll to continue rolling and require additional hand contact to separate the desired number of towels. Often unwanted movement of the roll results in the roll coming in contact with undesirable substances such as liquid and solid contaminants, which could result in a substantial portion of the roll being unusable.  
         [0005]     In one exemplary use, existing roll towel usage in the trucking industry is plagued with the product rolling around on the floor of the vehicle, being stepped on or absorbing moisture; and therefore, destroying the product. It would be advantageous for a dispenser in a trucker&#39;s environment to be attached to any flat surface, and easily repositioned based upon the needs of the user. This may offer convenience and a totally usable product. The use as a folded towel temporary dispenser in portable lavatories offers additional levels of consumer sanitary options that currently do not exist. When used as a facial tissue dispenser it is often found that forces needed to extract the facial tissue from the container are greater then the weight/resistance of the facial tissue dispensers, thereby requiring the use of the second hand to hold the carton in place to extract the facial tissue from the carton, therefore contaminating the dispenser surface. This is especially important in school classrooms where carton surface contamination facilitates the propagation of microorganisms. It is often that traditional tissue dispensers require two hands to extract the tissue from the carton, therefore contaminating the dispenser surface. Often it is the case that a wall or surface-mounted dispensers can eliminate the second hand contamination effect. The temporary use as a napkin dispenser allows organized dispensing on the side of a van, for example, at tailgate parties unaffected by the wind.  
         [0006]     Often it is the case that traditional folded product dispensers are not easily repositionable and are attached to the base surface with permanent fixtures such as screws or bolts making it impractical to reposition. At times folded products may be needed by the user, but contamination occurs where the product cannot be dispensed through the use of only one hand. Furthermore, it is often the case that folded product dispensers require a greater amount of force to extract the product than the gravitational forces exerted upon the dispenser. It would be desirable for a folded product dispenser to be easily repositionable in a semi-permanent manner.  
         [0007]     Typically folded products, such as paper towels, are advantageous over those in a roll configuration. This is often due to folded products which require a smaller amount of space for the same amount of product. More often than not, folded paper towel dispensers available are permanently positioned on walls and immovable surfaces, which are primarily in work areas, kitchens and bathrooms. These dispensers are generally fixed to walls through permanent hanging means such as screws, nails, or the like. The dispensers attached to another object or wall in this manner are not intended to be easily repositioned.  
         [0008]     It would be desirable to have a light-weight folded product dispenser that may be easily repositionable. It would be further desirable if the dispenser would be manufactured from a cost effective material allowing graphic changes reflecting consumer trends.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In one preferred embodiment the invention is directed to a repositionable folded product dispensing system having a trapezoidal polyhedral structure with a first trapezoidal side, a second rectangular side, a third trapezoidal side, a fourth rectangular side, a top side and a bottom side, the first trapezoidal side connected to the second rectangular side, the second rectangular side connected to the third trapezoidal side, the third trapezoidal side opposite the first trapezoidal side and connected to the fourth rectangular side, the fourth rectangular side opposite the second rectangular side. The top side is connected to the first, second, third, and fourth sides, and the bottom side is at least partially opposing the top side and connected to the first, second, third, and fourth sides. The bottom side is formed from an overlay of at least one bottom side flap and at least one aperture-forming flap. A product dispensing aperture is disposed on the bottom side of the trapezoidal polyhedral structure. The system further includes a hanging means disposed on a side of the trapezoidal polyhedral structure for hanging the trapezoidal polyhedral structure in at least semi-permanent relation to a structure.  
         [0010]     In an alternative preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to a folded product dispenser having a first section with a main portion, a top flap portion disposed at a first end of the first section, a bottom flap portion disposed at a second end portion of the first section, a top portion junction, and a bottom flap portion junction. The top flap and the bottom flap are opposably disposed and the bottom flap has an elongated product dispensing aperture having at least two symmetrical ends. The system further includes a second section connected to the first section at a section junction, the second section having a trapezoidal shaped main portion, a top flap portion disposed at a first end of the second section, a bottom flap portion disposed at a second end of the second section, a top flap junction and a bottom flap junction, the bottom flap junction forming a first obtuse angle with respect to the first section bottom flap junction. The bottom flap portion having a first cutout at a first end that is substantially the shape of the two symmetrical ends. The system also includes a third section connected to the second section at a section junction, the third section having a main portion, a top flap portion disposed at a first end of the third section, a bottom flap portion disposed at a second end of the third section, and a tab portion connected to a first end of the bottom end flap portion at a tab portion junction. Additionally, a fourth section is connected to the third section at a section junction, the fourth section having a trapezoidal shaped main portion, a top flap portion disposed at a first end of the fourth section, a bottom flap portion disposed at a second end of the fourth section, a top flap junction and a bottom flap junction, the bottom flap junction forming a second obtuse angle with respect to the third section bottom flap junction, wherein the bottom flap portion having a second cutout at a first end that is substantially the shape of the two symmetrical ends. The system also includes a tab portion connected to a third end of the fourth section, the tab portion for securing in overlapping fashion the fourth section to the first section, and the third section has a width substantially the same as the first section and a length in a range of about 70%-90% of the first section length. The top flap portions form a product dispenser top face, the bottom flap portions form a product dispenser bottom face and define an opening in the bottom face for dispensing product, and the first, second, third and fourth section main portions form a continuous surface.  
         [0011]     In an alternative preferred embodiment the invention is directed to a repositionable six-sided polyhedral structure capable of dispensing folded product, the structure having at least one aperture-forming flap and at least one side flap having a contoured edge. The at least one aperture-forming flap and the at least one side flap are co-planar in an overlay relationship, and the overlay relationship partially creates an aperture through which folded product positioned within an interior of the structure may be dispensed.  
         [0012]     In one aspect, the present invention generally provides a folded product dispenser comprising a trapezoidal polyhedral structure having a first and third opposing trapezoidal sides connected to a second and fourth opposing rectangular sides, a top side connected to the first, second, third, and fourth sides at a first end, and a bottom side partially opposing the top side and connected to the first, second, third, and fourth sides at a second end. The top side is formed from an overlay of at least two flaps and the bottom side is formed from at least one first end side flap and at least one bottom flap. Additionally, a hanging means is disposed on a side of the dispenser, and a dispensing aperture is disposed on the bottom side of the dispenser. The dispensing aperture is formed from a partial overlay relationship between at least one first end side flap and at least one bottom flap.  
         [0013]     Advantageously, the folded product dispenser can be secured in any number intended or desired positions via, by way of example, a plurality of orifices, and from that position, used for storing and dispensing product from within the interior of the dispenser. The dispenser is constructed from a blank such that the dispenser includes an angled wall having a product dispenser opening formed therein. The angled wall facilitates dispensing by a user when the dispenser is in an intended product-dispensing position. The angled wall includes an interior side that can supports folded product. In a preferred embodiment, the product within the dispenser is positioned in folded, overlay relationship so as to facilitate dispensing of the product (i.e., when a single piece of folded product that is positioned for dispensing is pulled, so as to be dispensed, by a user, another piece of folded product is subsequently positioned for dispensing.  
         [0014]     In some embodiments of the invention folded product are included with the dispenser and the dispenser has a use-up indicator for identifying when the folded product has or will soon be expired. In a further embodiment, the product contained within the dispenser is folded paper towels that do not exceed a total count of 225. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only. The drawings illustrate a best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.  
         [0016]     In the drawings:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a folded product dispenser having folder product contained therein according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a flat-wise view of a blank for making a folded product dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a left side view of the folded product dispenser of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the folded product dispenser of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the folded product dispenser taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1  illustrating folded product positioning, and folded product ready to be dispensed from the dispenser according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     Reference will now be made in greater detail to various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention and not meant as a limitation of the invention. The present invention is shown and described in its intended use and orientation. An aperture is shown facing a downward direction, but the invention is not limited to such orientation. In addition, in discussing the particular embodiments of the dispensing cartons shown and described herein, reference is made to “top”, “bottom”, “side” and so forth. However, such terms have been used in reference to the dispensers as depicted in the accompanying drawings. It is expressly noted that, during use, the dispenser could be rotated upon any number of axis adjusted, re-oriented or otherwise positioned as desired. Terms denoting position should not be used in any limiting sense.  
         [0023]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a dispenser  10  is provided for use in dispensing folded product  12 . The dispenser  10  is a six-sided polyhedral structure that has opposing trapezoidal shaped sides  14 , 16  (See  FIG. 2 ) and opposing rectangular shaped sides  18 , 20  (see  FIG. 2 ). In connection with all four sides  14 , 16 , 18 , 20  and defined by edge  22  is a bottom side  24 . In connection with all four sides  14 , 16 , 18 , 20  and defined by an edge  26  is a top side  28 . Disposed in the bottom side  24  is a product dispensing aperture  30 . The periphery of aperture  30  is defined by an edge  31 .  
         [0024]     The dispenser  10  is oriented for dispensation of product  12  from the downward facing aperture  30 . A bottom side  24  is angled downward from front side  18  to back side  20 . The downward angle of the side  24  facilitates dispensation of the product  12 , which can be accessed more easily by the user. As a result of the angled bottom side  24 , the back side  20  has a greater length than that of the front side  18 . Front side  18  and back side  20  have substantially the same width, which is related to the dimensions of the folded product  12 . The length of the sides  18 , 20  are also related to the dimensions of the folded product  12 . A thicker product  12  may require more space within the dispenser  12 , and therefore a greater length than a thinner product  12  for the same number of folded products. Back side  20  preferably has a length in the range of 8 to 12 inches and front side  18  preferably has a length in the range of about 6 to 10 inches.  
         [0025]     It should be noted that the slope or angle, if any, of side  24  aids in the dispensing of folded product  12 . Through gravity and the angled side  24  the folded product  12  moves downward more easily within the dispenser  10  as the product  12  is removed through the aperture  30 . It should be noted that the aperture  30  is preferably an elongated semi-oval shape and extends from a point proximal to side  14  to a point proximal to side  16 . Aperture  30  is centered upon bottom side  24  and is defined by an edge  31 . The bottom side  24  is connected with sides  14 , 16 , 18 , 20 , this connection prevents the folded product  12  from prematurely being dispensed.  
         [0026]     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , a blank  32  is depicted for making a folded product dispenser  10 . The substantially flat blank  32  has a first section  34 , second section  36 , third section  38 , fourth section  40 , and tab portion  42 . The first section  34  has a main portion  20  with a top flap  44  disposed at a first end  46  and connected to the main portion  20  at a fold line junction  48 . A bottom flap  50  is disposed at a second end  52  and connected to the main portion  20  at a fold line junction  54 . Disposed in the bottom flap  50  is a product dispensing aperture  30 . The aperture  30  is defined by an aperture edge  31 . The aperture edge  31  has two substantially symmetrical ends  30   a , 30   b.    
         [0027]     The second section  36  is connected to the first section  34  at a fold line junction  56 . The second section  36  has a main portion  16 , a top flap portion  58  and a bottom flap portion  60 . The top flap portion  58  is disposed at a first end  62  and connected to the main portion  16  at a fold line junction  64 . The bottom flap portion  60  is disposed at a second end  66  and connected to the main portion  16  at a fold line junction  68 . The bottom flap portion  60  has a contoured edge  70 , a first flap extension  72  and a second flap extension  74 . The contoured edge  70  has a substantially c-shaped contour and defines the periphery of flap  60 . Edge  70  is shaped substantially the same as the aperture end  30   b , which facilitates the overlay relationship of the aperture-forming flaps  50 , 80  with flaps  60 , 102 , and aperture  30 . The edge  70  and aperture edge  31  can vary in shape and size from the embodiment described herein. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser  10  can include a perf (not show), which the consumer removes from the dispenser  10  along perforated edge  31 . The perf is manufactured from the same materials as the remainder of the blank  32  and can be coplanar with either sides  24 ,  50 , and alternatively with both sides  24 ,  50 . The perf is formed from die cutting the blank  32  along edge  31  to form perforations (not shown) and is configured to prevent product  12  from prematurely leaving the dispenser  10 .  
         [0028]     The third section  38  is connected to the second section  36  at a fold line junction  76 . The third section  38  has a main portion  18 , a top flap portion  78 , a bottom flap portion  80 , and a securing tab  82 . The top flap portion  84  is disposed at a first end  86  and connected to the main portion  18  at a fold line junction  88 . Disposed at a second end  90  is the bottom flap portion  80 . The bottom flap portion  80  is connected to the main portion  18  at a fold line juncture  92 . Disposed in the bottom flap portion  84  is a product dispensing aperture  30 . The aperture  30  is defined by an aperture edge  31 , the edge  31  having symmetrical ends  30   a , 30   b . A securing tab  82  is connected to the bottom flap portion at a fold line juncture  94 . Disposed in the securing tab  82  are two hanging apertures  96 .  
         [0029]     The fourth section  40  is connected to the third section  38  at a fold line junction  98 . The fourth section contains a main portion  14 , a top flap portion  100 , and a bottom flap portion  102 . The top flap portion  100  is disposed at a first end  104  and connected to the main portion  14  at a fold line junction  106 . The bottom flap portion  102  is disposed at a second end  108  and connected to the main portion  16  at a fold line junction  110 . The bottom flap portion  102  is defined by a contoured edge  112 , a first flap extension  1   14  and a second flap extension  116 . The contoured edge  112  has a substantially c-shaped contour and defines an edge of the first flap extension  114  and second flap extension  116 . Edge  112  is shaped substantially the same as aperture end  30   a , which facilitates the overlay relationship of the aperture-forming flaps  50 , 80  with flaps  60 , 102  and aperture  30 . The edge  112  and aperture edge  31  can vary in shape and size from the embodiment described herein.  
         [0030]     A tab portion  42  is connected to the fourth section  40  at a fold line junction  118 . The tab portion  42  has a width in the range of about 0.5 to 1.5 inches and a length in the range of about 5 to 8 inches. In a alternative embodiment the width of tab  42  has a width in the range of about 0.6 to 0.8 inches and a length in the range of about 6 to 7 inches.  
         [0031]     The blank  32  and dispenser  10  may be constructed from a variety of lightweight cost-effective materials that provide for a significantly low cost per unit. Sulfite bleached virgin board stock, recycled clay coated news-back, cover-weight paper stock, cardboard, recycled paper or any light-weight and cost effective pressed fibrous material known in the art may be used. Furthermore, the exterior surface of the dispenser  10  may contain an additive treatment (not shown), such as a wax layer, brushed metallic coating, or a variety of other print options such as but not limited to, flexo printing, offset printing, gravure printing, silk screen printing, and a variety of other decorative treatments to enhance the decorative appearance of the dispenser. Such treatments also aid in the protection of the product  12  from undesirable liquids by making saturation of the dispenser more difficult. In addition, metallic coatings give the appearance of a higher valued metal dispenser while printed graphics offer seasonal and consumer color and graphics trends all evoking an appearance of a more costly dispenser. A cost effective dispenser  12  that has the appearance of a more costly unit is an advantage to the cost-conscious consumer.  
         [0032]      FIGS. 3 and 4  show the constructed dispenser  10  from a side view and rear view, respectively. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the dispenser has an angled bottom side  24  that extends from the front side  18  to the rear side  20 . The angled side  24  aids in dispensation of the product  12 . The angle of side  24  with respect to side  18  can be measured by the angles α,β formed by lines Ψ,Ω. Line Ω is drawn perpendicular to side  18  and line Ψ is coplanar with side  24 . Angle β and angle α are vertical angles with equal degree measurements. Angles α,β represent the difference between a perpendicular bottom side (not shown) and the angled side  24  of the present invention. Lines and angles are depicted in  FIG. 3  for clarification purposes only. In one embodiment the angles α,β are in a range of about 15 to 25 degrees. In an alternative embodiment the angles α,β are in a range of about 19 to 20 degrees.  
         [0033]     Now referring to  FIG. 5 , the dispenser  10  may be adhered to a variety of surfaces through an attaching means  120 . The attaching means  120  is depicted in  FIG. 5  as a bolt-like structure that extends through the attaching means apertures  96  and at least two of the attaching means apertures  122 . The bolt-like attaching means  120  may extend into wall  124  or alternatively attach to a surface  124  through use of an adhesive. After the blank  32  has been folded and assembled into the dispenser  10 , apertures  120  and at least two apertures  122  line up (See  FIG. 4 ) so as to provide a means for attaching the dispenser  10  to a surface  124 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Alternatively, the dispenser  10  may be attached to a surface  124  through use of an alternative attaching means (not shown). The alternative attaching means may be in the form of a hook having a non residue leaving adhesive. One example of an attaching means suitable for use in the present invention is sold by  3 M under the product designation “Command Strip Hooks”. In yet another alternative embodiment, attaching means  120  may be in the form of double sided adhesive strips, such as 3M “Command Strips.” Other pressure sensitive adhesives having non-residue leaving qualities may also be satisfactory for attaching and detaching the dispenser  10  when desired by the user. In an alternative embodiment, glue assists (not shown) may be disposed on the sides adhesively joined together. The glue assists are die cut slits that penetrate the surface of the sides that are adhesively joined. The glue assists provide a means for the adhesive to penetrate the dispenser  10  material and aid in forming a more secure bond between the joined sides. The glue assists can be formed in a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations.  
         [0034]     The attaching means  120  allows the dispenser  10  to be easily repositioned upon a variety of surfaces  124  whenever a user so chooses. However, once attached to a surface  124 , the dispenser  10  remains in semi-permanent connection with the surface  124 . Dispenser  10  is affixed to the surface  124  in a semi-permanent state because it remains affixed until the user desires it to be repositioned and affixed to another surface, or the user desires to discard the dispenser  10 . Once the dispenser  10  is repositioned and affixed to a surface, product  12  may continue to be dispensed through the aperture-forming flaps  80 , 50 .  
         [0035]     Advantageously, the folded product dispenser  10  can be secured (e.g., hung) in any number of intended positions and/or environments (e.g., a trucking environment) in a temporary or semi-permanent fashion. That is, the dispenser can be secured until such time as product contained within the container is fully dispensed and then the dispenser can be removed from its intended position and discarded. Alternatively, the dispenser  10  can be configured so as to be refillable and reused.  
         [0036]     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the blank  32  as shown is constructed through a die cut means or stamped through a variety of processes known in the art. The blank  32  may be configured into a folded product dispenser  10  through a variety of steps. Preferably the blank  32  is folded along junctures  56 ,  76  until side  20  is substantially parallel with side  18 . The blank  32  is further folded along juncture  28  until flap  44  is proximal to side  18  and substantially perpendicular to side  20 . Flap  50  is folded proximal to side  18  at juncture  54 , such that side  18  and flap  50  form an angle greater than 90 degrees. The blank  32  is further folded along junctures  64 , 68  such that flaps  58 , 60  form an overlay relationship respectively with flaps  44 , 50 . Flap  60  through cutout  70  does not cover aperture  30  of flap  50 . The blank  32  is then folded along juncture  98  so that side  14  is substantially parallel with side  16 . The blank  32  is further folded along junctures  106 , 110  such that flaps  100 , 102  form and overlay relationship respectively with flaps  44 , 50 . The tab  42  may then be adhered to side  20  following a fold along juncture  118 . Following attachment of the tab  42  to side  20 , the blank  32  may be folded along juncture  92  causing side  24  to be placed in an overlay relationship with side  50  and flaps  58 , 60 , 100 , 102 . It should be noted that when flaps  60 , 102  are placed in an overlapping relationship with sides  24 , 50  the contoured edges  70 , 112  allow for aperture  30  to be unimpeded by the flaps  24 , 50 . Such a relationship provides needed support for the downward force of the product  12  while not impeding dispensation of the product  12 . Blank  32  is then folded along juncture  88  until flap  84  is placed in an overlay relationship with flap  44 . Once this is accomplished side  28  is formed. The blank  32  is finally folded along juncture  94  until flap  82  is placed in an overlay relationship with side  20 . It should be noted that tab  42  and flap  82  are configured such that when they are in an overlay relationship with side  20  they do not overlap. After assembly of the dispenser  10  the junctures  48 , 64 , 88 , 106  form a continuous edge  26  of top side  28 . Junctures  54 , 68 , 92 , 110  form a continuous edge  22  of bottom side  24 .  
         [0037]     Paper towels  12  preferably would be configured in an overlapping manner to aid in dispensing of the product (see  FIG. 5 ) and would preferably have a maximum count of about  225 . The preferred limitation of the product  12  count furthers the compact and easily movable dispenser  10 .  
         [0038]     Tab  42  and flap  82  may be adhered (see  FIG. 5 ) to side  20  through use of a common adhesive (not shown). Adhesives may include a variety of permanent and temporary adhesives suitable for use with the paper materials used to construct the blank  32 . A releasable adhesive may be used in between flaps  44 , 84  in order to maintain direct communication between the flaps while allowing for product  12  to be added from top side  26 . In an alternative embodiment, a use-up window (not shown) may be placed in any of the sides  14 , 16 , 18 , 20  to indicate near expiration of the product  12 . Such a window may be in the form of an elongated cut out extending partially proximal to the top side  28  to the bottom side  24 . Clear plastic material may be used to cover such an indicator in order to prevent contamination of the product  12 .  
         [0039]     The dispenser  10  may have a decorative motif decorated with graphics (not shown) to project the content of the dispenser  10 . The dispenser  10  may be configured to dispense folded paper towels, napkins, facial tissue, folded tin foil, folded wax paper, folded non-woven hand towels as the folded product  12 . The dispenser  10  can include graphics that that can reflect consumer trends, and the cost effective nature of the dispenser  10  provides more graphical options to the consumer concerned with consumer trends. The dispenser  10  is designed to be mounted on any flat wall surface  124  using an attachment means. For example, the dispenser  10  can serve as a shop towel dispenser in service trucks and inside semi tractor-trailer cabs. The dispenser  10  may also serve as a napkin dispenser at parties on a refrigerator, or in a car at a tailgate party, while advantageously being repositionable after the party or tailgating event. As a further example, the dispenser  10  may be a repositionable hand towel dispenser  10  for children. Advantageously, the dispenser  10  may be repositioned to a desired height as the children grow. Campers and picnickers will find the light-weight repositionable dispenser  10  to be highly useful in the woods or public parks where hand towels or other folded products such as metal foil are not readily available.  
         [0040]     In general, while the present invention has been shown and described in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention.