Abstract:
A re-usable dispenser for interfolded cloth sheets is disclosed. The dispenser includes a re-usable top housing that is moves relative to a re-usable bottom housing as the cloth sheets are depleted and a replaceable refill housing including refill cloths.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    This invention relates to a dispenser for inter-folded cloth sheets. More particularly, the invention is directed to a dispensing system including a floating top and a refill housing. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Individual sheets are frequently dispensed from a stack of interfolded or C-folded sheets. A stack of sheets is generally dispensed from an enclosed dispenser provided with an elongate opening along a surface. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,594 shows an oblong dispenser including a flat stack of sheets formed into an arch-shaped folded stack. One section of the topmost sheet extends out of the opening to be grasped and dispensed by a user. Pulling the topmost sheet out of the box causes one section of the next paper towel to protrude from the opening. This method of “pop-up” sheet dispensing is convenient for many applications, since the next sheet is readily presented for quick access. 
         [0007]    However, as the stack becomes smaller, a larger and larger gap is formed between the opening and the top of the stack, and the pop-up sheet dispensing feature can become unreliable. Frequently, a plastic element in fitted to the opening in an attempt to prevent the adjacent sheets from becoming disconnected from the topmost sheet. Unfortunately, disconnection still occurs frequently, and the user must reach through the opening to pull the next sheet from the box. Various attempts have been made to overcome this problem. 
         [0008]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,860 shows a dispenser for inter-folded sheets that includes a cartridge with a stack of inter-folded food service sheets secured to a generally planar rectangular core. U.S. Pat. No. 3,145,840 shows a boxlike dispenser that has an upper section and a lower section that are severable. However, these dispensers are generally disposed after one use creating large amounts of waste, and there is either still a gap between the topmost sheet and the opening or it is easy to pull the top of the dispenser off when removing a sheet. 
         [0009]    Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a re-usable dispenser that solves the problem of sheets falling to the bottom of the dispenser and remains in one piece when a sheet is removed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The foregoing needs can be met with a dispenser according to the invention. In one example embodiment the dispenser includes a bottom housing. The bottom housing includes a base trim and a bottom sidewall extending away from the base trim. The bottom sidewall has a bottom sidewall height. The dispenser also includes a top housing. The top housing includes a top panel and a top sidewall extending from the top panel. The top side wall has a top sidewall height, and the top panel has a dispensing opening. The dispenser also includes a refill housing. The refill housing includes a refill base, a refill support extending away from the refill base, a refill sidewall extending away from the refill base, and a plurality of refill cloths. The refill cloths are formed into a generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack rests on the refill support, and the refill housing is nested within the bottom housing. The top panel of the top housing rests on a top of the U-shaped stack. The top housing is partially nested within the bottom housing such that the top housing moves relative to the bottom housing as the refill cloths are depleted. 
         [0011]    In one form, the dispenser also includes a means for maintaining a connection between the bottom housing and the top housing. The means for maintaining a connection between the bottom housing and the top housing is a guide slot and a guide pin that travels in the guide slot. Either the guide track or the guide pin is located on an outer surface of the top sidewall, and the other of the guide track and the guide pin is located on the inner surface of the bottom sidewall. 
         [0012]    In a second form, the dispenser may also include a groove and a tab. Either the groove or the tab is located on an outer surface of the top sidewall, and the other of the groove and the tab is located on the inner surface of the bottom sidewall. The grove and the tab extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis which extends along the bottom sidewall away from the base trim. The tab can slidably engage the groove as the top housing moves relative to the bottom housing. 
         [0013]    In a third form, the dispenser can include a top trim and a flip top. The flip top includes a lid connected to a flange by a hinge. The flange is affixed to the top trim, and the flip top is dimensioned to seal an opening in the top trim. 
         [0014]    In a fourth form, the top housing of the dispenser is transparent. 
         [0015]    In a fifth form, the top sidewall height and the bottom sidewall height of the dispenser are such that the top housing rests on the base trim when the refill cloths are depleted. 
         [0016]    In a sixth form, the dispenser is substantially rectangular. 
         [0017]    In a seventh form, the dispenser is oblong. 
         [0018]    In an eighth form, the refill support of the dispenser has a refill support height that is substantially equal to the bottom sidewall height. 
         [0019]    In a ninth form, the bottom housing of the dispenser has an opening surrounded by the base trim and the refill housing is installed through the opening. 
         [0020]    In a second aspect, the invention provides a dispenser including a bottom housing. The bottom housing includes a base trim and a bottom sidewall, which extends away from the base trim, The bottom sidewall has a bottom sidewall height. The dispenser also includes a top housing. The top housing has a top panel and a top sidewall, which extends away from the top panel and has a top sidewall height. The top panel has a dispensing opening. The dispenser also includes a refill housing. The refill housing includes a refill base, a refill support which extends away from the refill base, a refill sidewall which extends away from the refill base, and a plurality of refill cloths. The refill cloths are formed into a generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack rests on the refill support. The refill housing is nested within the bottom housing. The top panel of the top housing rests on a top of the U-shaped stack and the bottom housing is partially nested within the top housing such that the top housing moves relative to the bottom housing as the refill cloths are depleted. 
         [0021]    In a second form, the dispenser may also include a groove and a tab. Either the groove or the tab is located on an inner surface of the top sidewall, and the other of the groove and the tab is located on the outer surface of the bottom sidewall. The grove and the tab extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis which extends along the bottom sidewall away from the base trim. The tab can slidably engage the groove as the top housing moves relative to the bottom housing. 
         [0022]    In a third form, the dispenser can include a top trim and a flip top. The flip top includes a lid connected to a flange by a hinge. The flange is affixed to the top trim, and the flip top is dimensioned to seal an opening in the top trim. 
         [0023]    In a fourth form, the top housing of the dispenser is transparent. 
         [0024]    In a fifth form, the top sidewall height and the bottom sidewall height of the dispenser are such that the top housing rests on the base trim when the refill cloths are depleted. 
         [0025]    In a sixth form, dispenser is substantially rectangular. 
         [0026]    In a seventh form, the dispenser is oblong. 
         [0027]    In an eighth form, the refill support of the dispenser has a refill support height that is substantially equal to the bottom sidewall height. 
         [0028]    In a ninth form, the bottom housing of the dispenser has an opening surrounded by the base trim and the refill housing is installed through the opening. 
         [0029]    In a third aspect, the invention provides a refill housing for installation in a holder of a dispenser. The refill housing includes a refill base, a refill support extending from the refill base, a refill sidewall extending from the refill base, and a plurality of refill cloths. The refill cloths are formed into a generally U-shaped stack by folding a flat stack about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack rests on the refill support. 
         [0030]    In a second form, the refill base of the refill housing includes a pair of spaced apart raised surfaces. Each raised surface supports an end of the U-shaped stack. 
         [0031]    In a third form, the raised surfaces of the refill base are at least partially angled with respect to the refill base. 
         [0032]    In a fourth form, the top of the U-shaped stack of refill cloths extends above a top edge of the refill sidewall. 
         [0033]    In fifth form, the refill support has a refill support height and the refill sidewall has a refill sidewall height. The refill support height is substantially equal to the refill sidewall height. 
         [0034]    The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the detailed description which follows. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention including a closed flip top. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention including an open flip top. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a refill housing in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation, fragmentary view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1  showing the flip top of the dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a top elevation, fragmentary view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 1  showing a groove and tab of the dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of a dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
       [0049]    Like reference numerals will be used to refer to like parts from Figure to Figure in the following description of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0050]    The invention is described in detail below with reference to several embodiments. Such exemplification is for purposes of explanation and discussion only and is not intended to limit in any way the scope of the invention. 
         [0051]    Looking at  FIGS. 1 to 8 , there is shown an example embodiment of a dispenser (indicated generally at  10 ) for dispensing cloth sheets  88 . The dispenser  10  is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a bottom housing (indicated generally at  20 ), a flip top lid (indicated generally at  40 ), a top housing (indicated generally at  60 ), and a refill housing (indicated generally at  80 ). The bottom housing  20 , flip top lid  40 , and top housing  60  may be fabricated from metallic materials, ceramic materials, or various transparent, translucent, or pigmented polymeric materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. In one example embodiment, the bottom housing  20 , flip top lid  40 , and top housing  60  comprise a pigmented polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Each section of the dispenser  10  will be described individually below. 
         [0052]    As indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bottom housing  20  includes a base trim  24  and a bottom sidewall  22 . In a preferred embodiment, both the base trim  24  and the bottom sidewall  22  are substantially rectangular in shape, however, it is contemplated that the base trim  24  and the bottom sidewall  22  could be other shapes such as oblong. The base trim  24  is designed to fit snugly around the bottom edge of the bottom sidewall  22 . The bottom sidewall may include a groove  26  extending downward from the top edge of the bottom sidewall  22  for aiding positioning of the other sections of the dispenser. The groove  26  may be located on the surface of the bottom sidewall  22  or the groove  26  may be an opening in the bottom sidewall  22  as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0053]    As illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 6 , the flip top lid  40  includes a top trim  42  and a flip top  44  connected to a flange  46  by a hinge  48 . The flange is affixed to the top trim. The flip top lid  40  also includes a catch  50  attached to the underside of the flip top  44 , a latch  52  attached to the top trim  42 , and a release button  54  for opening the flip top  44 . 
         [0054]    The top housing  60  is better illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 . The top housing  60  includes a top panel  62  and a top sidewall  64 . In a preferred embodiment, the top panel  62  and the top sidewall  64  are substantially rectangular in shape, however, the top panel  62  and the top sidewall  64  could be other shapes such as oblong. The top panel  62  and the top sidewall  64  are preferably substantially the same shape as the base trim  24  and the bottom sidewall  22 . In a preferred embodiment, the top sidewall  64  is dimensioned such that it can fit inside of the bottom sidewall  22 , however, the top sidewall  64  may also be dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall  22  fits inside the top sidewall  64 . The top panel  62  includes an opening  66 . 
         [0055]    In a preferred embodiment, the top panel  62  also includes a tab  68  for slidably engaging groove  26  on the bottom sidewall  22  as shown in greater detail in  FIG. 7 . However, the tab  68  could be located on either the bottom sidewall  22  or the top sidewall  64 . The groove would then be located on the other of the bottom sidewall  22  or the top sidewall  64 . If the top sidewall  64  is dimensioned such that it can fit inside of the bottom sidewall  22 , the tab  68  would be located on either the inner surface of the bottom sidewall  22  or the outer surface of the top sidewall  64 . If the top sidewall  64  is dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall  22  can fit inside of the top sidewall  64 , the tab  68  would be located on either the outer surface of the bottom sidewall  22  or the inner surface of the top sidewall  64 . 
         [0056]    Turning to  FIGS. 3-5 , the refill housing  80  includes a refill base  82 , a refill sidewall  84  and a refill support  86 . The refill base  82 , refill sidewall  84  and refill support  86  may be fabricated from metallic materials, ceramic materials, or various transparent, translucent, or pigmented polymeric materials, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. In one example embodiment, the refill base  82 , refill sidewall  84  and refill support  86  comprise a transparent polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. 
         [0057]    The refill housing  80  also includes a plurality of refill cloths  88 . Preferably, the refill housing  80  includes 10-50 refill cloths  88 ; more preferably the refill housing  80  includes 20-40 refill cloths  88 ; and most preferably the refill housing  80  includes 30 refill cloths  88 . The refill cloths  88  may be arranged such that the individual cloths are V-folded, W-folded, or Z-folded. 
         [0058]    In order to create a V-folded stack, the individual sheets are folded into two panels and interlocked such that a portion of the leading panel of the next sheet in a flat stack is positioned between the two panels of the preceding sheet. This configuration enables pop-up because withdrawing one sheet from the dispenser pulls at least a portion of the next sheet out of the dispenser. 
         [0059]    In order to create a Z-folded stack, individual sheets are folded into three panels and interlocked such that a portion of a leading panel of the next sheet in a flat stack is positioned between a center panel and a trailing panel of the preceding sheet. The configuration causes the withdrawal of one sheet from a dispenser to pull at least a portion of the next sheet out of the dispenser for easier access to the next sheet. In order to provide for more controlled dispensing of a cloth, such as the predictable consistent delivery of a horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to the last cloth, certain Z-folded stacks are beneficial. For example, it is preferred that the leading panel of the folded stack have a width that is 1% to 95% of the width of the center panel of the folded stack, and that the trailing panel of the folded stack have a width that is 1% to 100% of the width of the center panel of the folded stack. Preferably, the leading panel of the folded stack has a width that is 10% to 60% of the width of the center panel of the folded stack; and more preferably, the leading panel of the folded stack has a width that is 20% to 40% of the width of the center panel of the folded stack. In one non-limiting form, the leading panel of the folded stack has a width that is 30% of the width of the center panel of the folded stack. 
         [0060]    W-folded stacks are created by folding individual sheets into four panels and positioning the leading panel and a first center panel of a subsequent sheet between a second center panel and a trailing panel of the preceding sheet. This interlocked position can provide more reliable pop-up dispensing because more surface area of the sheets is in contact to prevent fallback into the dispenser when the dispenser is nearly empty. 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIG. 8 , the flat stack of V, Z, or W-folded refill cloths is then formed into a generally U-shaped stack of refill cloths  88  by folding the flat stack about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack of refill cloths  88  is placed in the refill housing  80  so that the bend of the U rests on the refill support  86 . 
         [0062]    The dispenser  10  is constructed by inserting the refill housing  80  into an opening in the bottom of the bottom housing  20 , so that the refill housing  80  is nested within the bottom housing  20 . The top housing  60  is placed on top of the refill housing  80  such that the underside (not shown) of the top panel  62  rests on the topmost refill cloth. The flip top lid  40  is then placed on the top edge of the bottom sidewall  22  such that it covers the top housing  60 . 
         [0063]    Turning now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a second example embodiment of the dispenser  110  is described. The dispenser  110  is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a bottom housing (indicated generally at  120 ), a top housing (indicated generally at  160 ), and a refill housing similar to refill housing  80  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8 . Each section will be described individually below. 
         [0064]    The bottom housing  120  includes a base trim  124  and a bottom sidewall  122 . In a preferred embodiment, both the base trim  124  and the bottom sidewall  122  are substantially rectangular in shape, however, it is contemplated that the base trim  124  and the bottom sidewall  122  could be other shapes such as oblong. The base trim  124  is designed to fit snugly around the bottom edge of the bottom sidewall  122 . The bottom sidewall  122  may include a groove  126  extending downward from the top edge of the bottom sidewall  122  for aiding positioning of the other sections of the dispenser. The groove  126  may be located on the surface of the bottom sidewall  122  or the groove  126  may be an opening in the bottom sidewall  122  as shown in  FIGS. 9-10 . 
         [0065]    The top housing  160  includes a top panel  162  and a top sidewall  164 . In a preferred embodiment, the top panel  162  and the top sidewall  164  are substantially rectangular in shape, however, it is contemplated that the top panel  162  and the top sidewall  164  could be other shapes such as oblong. The top panel  162  and the top sidewall  164  are preferably substantially the same shape as the base trim  124  and the bottom sidewall  122 . In a preferred embodiment, the top sidewall  164  is dimensioned such that it can fit inside of the bottom sidewall  122 , however, the top sidewall  164  may also be dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall  122  fits inside the top sidewall  164 . The top panel  162  includes an opening  166 . In a preferred embodiment, the top panel  162  also includes a tab  168  for slidably engaging groove  126  on the bottom sidewall  122 . 
         [0066]    The refill housing of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-10  is similar to refill housing  80  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8 . In this regard, the refill housing of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-10  includes a refill base  182 , a refill sidewall (similar to  84  in  FIGS. 1-8 ) and a refill support (similar to  86  in  FIGS. 1-8 ). The refill housing of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-10  also includes a plurality of refill cloths  188 . The refill cloths  188  may be arranged such that the individual cloths are V-folded, W-folded, or Z-folded. The flat stack of V, Z, or W-folded refill cloths is then formed into a generally U-shaped stack of refill cloths  88  by folding the flat stack about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack of refill cloths  188  is placed in the refill housing of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-10  so that the bend of the U rests on the refill support as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8 . 
         [0067]    The dispenser  110  is constructed by inserting the refill housing into an opening in the bottom of the bottom housing  120 , so that the refill housing is nested within the bottom housing  120 . The top housing  160  is placed on top of the refill housing as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8  such that the underside (not shown) of the top panel  162  rests on the topmost refill cloth  188 . 
         [0068]    Turning now to  FIGS. 11-14 , a third example embodiment of the dispenser  210  is described. The dispenser  210  is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a bottom housing (indicated generally at  220 ), a top housing (indicated generally at  260 ), and a refill housing (indicated generally at  280 ). Each section will be described individually below. 
         [0069]    The bottom housing  220  includes a base trim  224  and a bottom sidewall  222 . In a preferred embodiment, both the base trim  224  and the bottom sidewall  222  are substantially rectangular in shape, however, the base trim  224  and the bottom sidewall  222  could be other shapes such as oblong. The base trim  224  is designed to fit snugly around the bottom edge of the bottom sidewall  222 . The bottom sidewall  222  may include a guide slot  228  extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis along the bottom sidewall  222  away from the base trim  224  for aiding positioning of the other sections of the dispenser. The guide slot  228  may be located on the surface of the bottom sidewall  222  or the guide slot  228  may be an opening in the bottom sidewall  222  as shown in  FIGS. 11-14 . 
         [0070]    The top housing  260  includes a top panel  262 , a top sidewall  264 , and a top trim  242 . In a preferred embodiment, the top panel  262  and the top sidewall  264  are substantially rectangular in shape, however, the top panel  262  and the top sidewall  264  could be other shapes such as oblong. The top panel  262  and the top sidewall  264  are preferably substantially the same shape as the base trim  224  and the bottom sidewall  222 . In a preferred embodiment, the top sidewall  264  is dimensioned such that it can fit inside of the bottom sidewall  222 , however, the top sidewall  264  may also be dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall  222  fits inside the top sidewall  264 . The top panel  262  includes an opening  266 . In a preferred embodiment, the top panel  262  also includes a guide pin  270  for slidably engaging guide slot  228  on the bottom sidewall  222 . The guide pin  270  may be movable inward for releasing the top housing  260  from the bottom housing  220 . In one non-limiting example form, the top housing  260  weighs 5 to 5000 grams. 
         [0071]    The guide pin  270  could be located on either the bottom sidewall  222  or the top sidewall  264 . The guide slot  228  is then located on the other of the bottom sidewall  222  or the top sidewall  264 . If the top sidewall  264  is dimensioned such that it can fit inside of the bottom sidewall  222 , the guide pin  270  is located on either the inner surface of the bottom sidewall  222  or the outer surface of the top sidewall  264 . If the top sidewall  264  is dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall  222  can fit inside of the top sidewall  264 , the guide slot  228  is located on either the outer surface of the bottom sidewall  222  or the inner surface of the top sidewall  264 . 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , the refill housing  280  includes a refill base  282 , a refill sidewall  284  and a refill support  286 . The refill housing  280  also includes a plurality of refill cloths  288 . The refill cloths  288  may be arranged such that the individual cloths are V-folded, W-folded, or Z-folded. The flat stack of V, Z, or W-folded refill cloths is then formed into a generally U-shaped stack of refill cloths  288  by folding the flat stack about a transverse fold axis. The U-shaped stack of refill cloths  288  is placed in the refill housing  280  so that the bend of the U rests on the refill support  286 . The refill base  282  may have a pair of spaced apart raised surfaces  290  such that the raised surfaces  290  support the edges of the U-shaped stack of refill cloths  288 . 
         [0073]    The dispenser  210  is constructed by inserting the refill housing  280  into an opening in the bottom of the bottom housing  220 , so that the refill housing  280  is nested within the bottom housing  220 . The top housing  260  is connected to the bottom housing  220  by means of securing the guide pin  270  in the guide slot  228  of the bottom sidewall  222 . The top housing is positioned on top of the refill housing  280  such that the underside (not shown) of the top panel  262  rests on the topmost refill cloth  288 . Preferably, the underside of the top panel  262  is smooth, and may be flat or curved. 
         [0074]    Looking at  FIG. 11 , the opening  266  in the top housing  260  has a minor axis  267  and a major axis  269 . When the top housing  260  is positioned on top of the refill housing  280  such that the underside (not shown) of the top panel  262  rests on the topmost refill cloth  288 , the topmost refill cloth  288  will contact the underside of the top panel  262  of the top housing  260 . Certain contact regions between the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  of the top housing  260  are beneficial. For example, it is preferred that a contact length of the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  measured in the direction of the minor axis  267  is 1% to 400% of the length of the minor axis  267 . More preferably, the contact length of the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  measured in the direction of the minor axis  267  is 1% to 100% of the length of the minor axis  267 ; more preferably, the contact length of the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  measured in the direction of the minor axis  267  is 1% to 75% of the length of the minor axis  267 ; and even more preferably, the contact length of the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  measured in the direction of the minor axis  267  is 1% to 50% of the length of the minor axis  267 . Also, it is preferred that the width of the topmost refill cloth  288  is greater than the length of the major axis  269 . These contact lengths provide for more controlled dispensing of the refill cloths  88 , such as the predictable consistent delivery of a horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to the last cloth. 
         [0075]    It is also preferred that the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  have a contact area of 1% to 90% of the area of the underside of the top panel  262 . 
         [0076]    More preferably, the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  have a contact area of 1% to 70% of the area of the underside of the top panel  262 ; more preferably, the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  have a contact area of 5% to 50% of the area of the underside of the top panel  262 ; and even more preferably, the topmost refill cloth  288  and the underside of the top panel  262  have a contact area of 5% to 25% of the area of the underside of the top panel  262 . These contact areas provide for more controlled dispensing of a cloth, such as the predictable consistent delivery of a horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to the last cloth. 
         [0077]    Still referring to  FIG. 11 , certain dimensions of the opening  266  in the top housing  260  can provide for more controlled dispensing of a cloth, such as the predictable consistent delivery of a horseshoe-shaped cloth from the first to the last cloth . For instance, the inner edges of the opening  266  at the opposed ends of the major axis  269  are preferably arced at a radius of 1″ to 100″, more preferably, 1″ to 50″, more preferably, 1″ to 25″, and more preferably, 5″ to 15″. 
         [0078]    Turning now to  FIG. 12 , it is preferred that the bottom sidewall  222  of the bottom housing  220  and the top sidewall  264  of the top housing  260  are transparent so that the refill sidewall  284  of the refill housing  280  can be seen by a user. Specifically, the outer surface of the refill sidewall  284  of the refill housing  280  can be decorated with customized graphics, and the transparent top sidewall  264  and refill sidewall  284  allow a user to see the graphics. A user can then select a refill housing  280  having colors that match the interior of the user&#39;s home, and the transparent top sidewall  264  and refill sidewall  284  allow the colors to show through. 
         [0079]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , the refill housing  280  is shown with the refill cloths  288  spaced from an inner surface of the refill sidewall  284  of the refill housing  280 . However, it is preferred that the refill cloths  288  have a contact area with end panels  291  of the refill sidewall  284  of the refill housing  280 . For example, it is preferred that the refill cloths  288  contact 5% to 50% of the area of end panels  291  of the refill sidewall  284  of the refill housing  280 ; more preferably, the refill cloths  288  contact 10% to 30% of the area of end panels  291 ; and more preferably, the refill cloths  288  contact 15% to 25% of the area of end panels  291 . 
         [0080]    Still referring to  FIG. 14 , it is preferred that the refill support  286  has an upper end  293  of greater width than the lower end of the refill support  286 . This provides for enhanced dispensing compared to a support having a plate shape. For example, the upper end  293  can have a somewhat upside down U-shape or the somewhat upside down V-shape. The refill support  286  provides for constant interface force between the underside of the top panel  162  and the topmost refill cloth  188 . However, it is contemplated that a spring can be subsitituted for the refill support  286  to provide the constant interface force. 
         [0081]    Having described the construction of example embodiments of dispensers  10 ,  110 ,  210  for dispensing refill cloths  88 ,  188 ,  288 , the operation of the dispensers  10 ,  110 ,  210  can now be described. A significant problem with many conventional dispensers is that the sheets fall into the dispenser causing the user to have to reach into the dispenser to get a new sheet. Additionally, most conventional dispensers are designed for only one use, which creates a large amount of waste. The dispensers  10 ,  110 ,  210  of the present invention solve both of these problems. 
         [0082]    With regards to the first embodiment described above, the dispenser  10  is ready for use after it has been assembled. A user can withdraw a refill cloth  88  by pressing the button  54  to open the flip top  44 . When the button  54  is pressed, the latch  52  releases the catch  50  and the flip top  44  opens. The tab  68  on the top sidewall  64  is slidably engaged with the groove  26  on the bottom sidewall  22  such that the top housing  60  slides down into the bottom housing  20  until it rests on the top sheet of the refill cloths  88 . When a user removes a refill cloth  88  from the dispenser  19 , the top housing  60  slides down into the bottom housing  20 . As the refill cloths  88  are depleted, the top housing  60  continues to slide down further into the bottom housing  20  until the bottom edge of the top housing  60  meets the refill base  82  or the underside of the top panel  62  meets the refill support  86 . This effectively solves the problem of fall back into the dispenser because the top refill cloth  88  always touches the opening  66  in the top panel  62 . This provides easy access to the refill cloths  88 . 
         [0083]    When the refill cloths  88  are depleted, the refill housing  80  is removed from the opening in the bottom of the bottom housing  20 . A new refill housing  80  can then be inserted into the bottom of the bottom housing  20  for continued use with less waste than disposing of the entire dispenser  10 . 
         [0084]    With respect to the second embodiment described above, the dispenser  110  operates in the same manner, except it does not include a flip top  44 . The tab  168  on the top sidewall  164  is slidably engaged with the groove  126  on the bottom sidewall  122  such that the top housing  160  slides down into the bottom housing  120  until it rests on the top sheet of the refill cloths  188 . As the refill cloths  188  are depleted, the top housing  160  continues to slide down further into the bottom housing  120  until the bottom edge of the top housing  160  meets the refill base or the underside of the top panel  162  meets the refill support. 
         [0085]    In a different embodiment, the top housing  60  is dimensioned such that the bottom sidewall  22  fits inside the top sidewall  64 . In this embodiment, the tab  68  on the top sidewall  64  is slidably engaged with the groove  26  on the bottom sidewall  22  such that the top housing  60  slides down around the bottom housing  20  until it rests on the top sheet of the refill cloths  88 . As the refill cloths  88  are depleted, the top housing  60  continues to slide down further around the bottom housing  20  until the bottom edge of the top housing  60  meets the base trim  24  or the underside of the top panel meets the refill support  86  or the top edge of the bottom sidewall  22 . When the dispenser  10  is dimensioned such that the bottom edge of the top housing  60  meets the base trim  24 , the base trim  24  provides a lip around the bottom of the dispenser  10  that facilitates the lifting of the top housing  60  when the refill housing  80  is replaced. The base trim  24  allows a user to firmly grasp the bottom housing  20  while lifting the top housing  60  rather than struggling to separate the bottom housing  20  from the top housing  60 . 
         [0086]    In the third embodiment described above, the dispenser  210  includes a guide slot  228  located in the bottom sidewall  222  and a guide pin  270  located on the outer surface of the top sidewall  264 . The dispenser  210  is constructed such that the guide pin  270  fits in the guide slot  228  to control the position of the top housing  260  with respect to the bottom housing  220 . The guide pin  270  on the top sidewall  264  is slidably engaged with the guide slot  228  on the bottom sidewall  222  such that the top housing  260  slides down into the bottom housing  220  until it rests on the top sheet of the refill cloths  288 . As the refill cloths  288  are depleted, the top housing  260  continues to slide down further into the bottom housing  220  until the bottom edge of the top housing  260  meets the refill base  282 , the underside of the top panel  262  meets the refill support  286 , the guide pin  270  reaches the bottom of the guide slot  228 , or the top trim  242  meets the top edge of the bottom sidewall  222 . In a preferred embodiment, the length of the guide slot  228  is such that it does not inhibit movement of the guide pin  270  before the bottom edge of the top housing  260  meets the refill base  282  or the underside of the top panel  262  meets the refill support  286 . The inclusion of a guide pin  270  and a guide slot  228  in this embodiment of the dispenser  210  also prevents removal of the top housing  260  from the bottom housing  220  as the guide pin  270  will stop at the top edge  299  of the guide slot  228 . 
         [0087]    Any of the dispensers  10 ,  110 ,  210  can be manufactured to provide for controlled dispensing forces. For example, refill cloth  288  dispensing forces of 10% to 90% of the weight of the fully loaded dispensers  10 ,  110 ,  210  are preferred, with 20% to 80% being more preferred, and with 30% to 60% being more preferred. 
         [0088]    Thus, the invention provides dispensers that allow for one handed, consistent and uniform delivery from the first to the last refill cloth. 
         [0089]    Certain embodiments of the invention has been described in considerable detail. Many modifications and variations to the described embodiments are possible. 
         [0090]    Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the embodiments described.