BACKGROUND

[0001] There are a variety of storing and dispensing containers in the market, particularly those for storing and dispensing cleaning articles. Cleaning articles, particularly 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 placed in containers in the form of a continuous web of material which includes perforations to separate the individual wet wipes and which is wound into a roll. Cleaning articles, such as wet wipes have been used for baby wipes, hand wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes, and the like.

[0002] Many containers can include an orifice through which at least a portion of the wipe is threaded such that it can be held in place and easily grabbed by a user. However, dispensing orifices on such containers suffer from many drawbacks. For instance, certain orifices are unsuitable for holding the wipe in place requiring the user to reach into the container to access the wipe, thus contaminating the other wipes in the container and also soiling the user’s hand. Other orifices, however, can cause premature tearing of the wipes prior to dispensing, which causes user frustration and contributes to product waste.

[0003] As such, improved dispensing structures and containers for articles, such as wipes, are needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In response to the aforementioned needs, a sealing and dispensing structure for a container is disclosed. The structure includes a floor defining a bottom of the sealing and dispensing structure and a perimetric flange adjoined to the floor at an interior bottom, the perimetric flange and the floor at least partially defining a side and a bottom of a dispensing structure. The structure includes an access orifice extending through at least a portion of the floor for accessing the articles stored in the container. The structure includes a dispensing orifice extending through the floor for individually dispensing one or more articles from the container, the dispensing orifice comprising a perimeter having a first portion comprising at least two indentations extending away from the perimeter towards the access orifice and a second annular portion. An outer lid is provided having a size and shape adapted to mate with and seal an interior top of the perimetric flange and form a top of the dispensing structure when in a closed position.

[0005] A container for storing and dispensing articles is also provided. The container includes a housing for storing articles and a sealing and dispensing structure. The sealing and dispensing structure includes a floor defining a bottom of the sealing and dispensing structure and a perimetric flange adjoined to the floor at an interior bottom, the perimetric flange and the floor at least partially defining a side and a bottom of a dispensing structure. The structure includes an access orifice extending through at least a portion of the floor for accessing the articles stored in the container. A dispensing orifice extending through the floor for individually dispensing the articles from the container is provided. The dispensing orifice comprising a perimeter having a first portion comprising at least two indentations extending away from the perimeter towards the access orifice and a second annular portion. The structure includes an outer lid having a size and shape adapted to mate with and seal an interior top of the perimetric flange and form a top of the dispensing structure when in a closed position.

[0006] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be more fully understood and further features will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the disclosure and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts of the containers depicted in the drawings are references by the same reference numerals. [0008] FIG. 1 representatively shows a top view of the dispensing structure with the outer lid each in an open position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 representatively shows a top down view of the dispensing structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [0001] FIG. 3 representatively shows a cross sectional view of a container according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0002] FIG. 4 representatively shows a top down view of a portion of the dispensing structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0003] FIG. 5 representatively shows atop down view of a dispensing orifice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 6 representatively shows a top down view of a dispensing orifice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 7 representatively shows atop down view of a dispensing orifice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 8 representatively shows a top down view of a dispensing orifice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 9 representatively shows a top down view of a dispensing orifice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 10 representatively shows a top down view of a dispensing orifice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 11 representatively shows a top down view of a dispensing orifice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 12 representatively shows a top down view of a dispensing orifice corresponding to Nozzle 2.

[0011] FIG. 13 representatively shows a top down view of a dispensing orifice corresponding to Nozzle 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] As noted, current nozzles for dispensing articles include a variety of dispensing orifices. However, current nozzles suffer from many drawbacks. For instance, multi-angled dispensing is desired by the end user. When dispensing a wipe, many users tend to grab the leading edge of the wipe and pull the wipe towards a front

3

RECTIFIED SHEET RULE 91 ISA/KR many users tend to grab the leading edge of the wipe and pull the wipe towards a front of the container typically at a dispensing angle ranging anywhere from about 20° to about 80°. Accordingly, nozzles currently on the market include ribs or slits situated along the front perimeter of the nozzle, which facilitate tearing of the cleaning article along preformed perforations. However, these nozzles suffer in that vertical dispensing, such as dispensing at substantially a 90° angle, is not facilitated. Further, the user is limited to having to pull the wipe forward in order to access the ribs or slits to tear the wipe from the others located in the container. Similarly, placement of the ribs or slits in the front of the orifice often leads to critical failure of the nozzle where the leading edge of the nozzle is not held in place and, instead, falls back into the container. Such critical failure requires the user to reach into the container to rethread the wipe, which contaminates other wipes in the container and also soils the user’s hands.

[0024] The dispensing orifice of the present disclosure offers numerous technical benefits. Of particular importance, the present inventors have discovered that through particular control of the size and features of the dispensing orifice, multi-angled dispensing can be achieved. For example, wipes can be removed from the present dispensing structure from angles ranging from 0°, such as vertical removal, all the way up to 90°. Additionally, the perforations of the wipe can be tom against any portion of the perimeter of the dispensing nozzle enabling the user to remove wipes from any position. For instance, the user can pull the wipe against the nozzle towards the front, back, and/or sides. Additionally, the dispensing orifice disclosed herein consistently holds the leading edge of the wipe such that critical failure is reduced or eliminated.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a dispensing structure 200 is depicted that can be disposed on the housing 300 of a container 100 as specifically shown in FIG. 3. The dispensing structure includes a dispensing orifice 230 and an access orifice 240. The dispensing structure 200 includes a floor 210 defining a bottom of the dispensing structure 200 and a perimetric flange 220 adjoined to the floor 210 at an inner bottom. The perimetric flange 220 is configured to be coupled to a housing for storing articles, as will be further discussed hereinbelow. [0026] The dispensing structure 200 includes an outer lid 250. The outer lid 250 is sized and shaped to mate with and seal the top of the inner perimeter 222 of the perimetric flange 220. In particular embodiments, the inner perimeter 222 of the perimetric flange 220 is circular and the outer lid 250 is also circular and has a diameter fractionally smaller than the diameter of the inner perimeter 222 of the perimetric flange 220. In this manner, the edge of the outer lid 250 contacts with and seals to the inner perimeter 222 of the perimetric flange 220. The seal between the edge of the outer lid 250 and the inner perimeter 222 of the perimetric flange 220 may be maintained merely by the friction or pressure between the edge of the outer lid 250 and the inner perimeter 222 of the perimetric flange 220.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the outer lid 250 may be secured in the closed position by an outer lid latch 254 that engages a receiving notch 226 for the outer lid latch 254 on the perimetric flange 220. The outer lid latch 254 reversibly engages the receiving notch 226 for the outer lid latch 254 on the perimetric flange 220 and locks the outer lid in a closed position. The consumer may then disengage the outer lid latch 254 from the receiving notch 226 for the outer lid latch 254 on the perimetric flange 220 to open the outer lid 250. Such notches and latches of this type are known in the art.

[0028] In particular embodiments, the outer lid 250 is attached to the perimetric flange 220 by any means that allows the outer lid to be reversibly moved from the open position to the closed position. Such means are known in the art, and include hinges (e.g., living hinges), flexible bands extending from the outer lid 250 to the perimetric flange 220, and chain-type linkages. As exemplified in FIGS. 1-2, the outer lid 250 is connected to the perimetric flange 220 by an outer lid hinge 252 having an outer lid hinge axis X. In operation, the outer lid hinge 252 allows the outer lid 250 to be reversibly rotated around the outer lid hinge axis X from the open position to the closed position and back. The hinge may include a mechanism that biases the outer lid 250 into either the open position or the closed position. Essentially, if the consumer leaves the outer lid 250 in a position between the open position and the closed position, then the outer lid 250 will automatically default the open position or the closed position, whichever is closest to the position the outer lid 250 was left by the consumer. [0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a container 100 having the dispensing structure 200 disposed thereon. Specifically, the outer lid 250 is shown in a closed position thus sealing the container 100. Articles 400, such as cleaning articles or wipes, can be disposed in the housing 300 of the container 100 located generally under the floor 210 and the access orifice 240. The housing 300 can be rigid (such as a plastic tub) or flexible (such as a pouch). The articles 400 can be a variety of wiping articles, such as articles for home or industrial use or for personal use, such as personal hygiene wipes or baby wipes. The articles can be a variety of pliable type items, such as wipes, wet wipes, or other items where single-unit dispensing is desired.

[0030] The housing 300 of the present disclosure can be made from various materials and in various configurations. The housing 300 can be made of a flexible or a rigid material and my have any shape suitable to contain and store the articles 400. The housing 300 may be a rigid open-topped cylinder with a solid bottom. The housing 300 may be a flexible pouch made of polyester film laminated to polyethylene film. The polyester film can be reverse printed, so the printing is between the two film layers. Alternatively, a single-ply surface printed film can be used. A single-ply film can be composed of one or more layers of polyolefin and in particular embodiments formed in a coextrusion.

[0031] The housing and the perimetric flange can be unitary. As used herein, the term “unitary” means integral or forming a single structure. For example, the perimetric flange and the housing may be formed as a single piece which cannot be separated without destroying the integrity of the container. Thus, the housing may simply be a portion of the container adapted to contain the articles. In other embodiments, the housing and the perimetric flange are separate pieces, the perimetric flange is adapted to connect to the housing, and the perimetric flange and the housing are connected.

[0032] The articles 400 (e.g., wipes or wet wipes), can be arranged in the housing 300 in any manner which provides convenient and reliable one at a time dispensing and which assists the articles 400 in not becoming dirty and/or overly dry. For example, the articles 400 may be arranged in the container in a spiral wound configuration as is known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the articles 400 may be arranged in the housing 300 as a continuous web of interconnected wipes which are folded in an accordion-like stacked configuration or a roll. The individual articles 400 can be connected together along lines of frangibility, such as lines of perforations, to ensure that the trailing wipe is in position for grasping by the user after the leading wipe is removed. For example, the articles can be provided by a continuous web of material which has a series of lines of frangibility extending across the width of the web. In the alternative, the articles may be arranged in the container as a plurality of individual sheets arranged in a stacked configuration to provide a stack of wipes which may or may not be individually folded. The wipes may be individual wipes which are folded in a c-fold, Z-fold, quarter fold or other zigzag fold or interfolded or non-interfolded configurations as are known to those skilled in the art. The articles 400 may include a plurality of wipes stacked one on top of each other in a non-interfolded configuration, for “reach-in ¹ dispensing. The portion of the web of material between successive lines of frangibility provides each individual wipe. The lines of frangibility can be provided by means known to those skilled in the art such as perforations, indentations, or cuts in the web of material.

[0033] The container 100 of the present disclosure can include any suitable number of individual articles 400 depending upon the desired packaging and end use. For example, the container 100 can be configured to include articles 400 that include a stack of wipes which can include at least about 8 wipes and desirably from about 16 to about 320 individually wipes, and more desirably from about 16 to about 64 wipes. The size and shape of the roll or stack of wipes is dependent upon the size and shape of the container 100. Each wipe is in particular embodiments generally rectangular in shape and defines a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite end edges which can be referred to as a leading end edge and a trailing end edge. The leading end edge of each wipe is typically positioned in the container 100 to be grasped by a user thought the access orifice 240 and drawn though the dispensing orifice 230 to facilitate a removal of a single the wipe from the container. The removal of one wipe through the dispensing orifice 230 acts to draw a leading edge of the next wipe through the dispensing orifice 230 where it is may reside and be accessible to the user when next wipe is needed.

[0034] Materials suitable for the wipes of the present disclosure are well known to those skilled in the art. For wet wipes, these can be made from any material suitable for use as a moist wipe, including meltblown, coform, air-laid, bonded-carded web materials, hydroentangled materials, high wet-strength tissue and the like, and can comprise synthetic or natural fibers or combinations thereof. The wipes of the different aspects of the present disclosure can contain a liquid which can be any solution which can be absorbed into the wipes, thus making them “wet wipes.” The liquid contained within the wet wipes can include any suitable components which provide the desired wiping properties. For example, the components can include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances, or combinations thereof. The liquid can also contain lotions, ointments, and/or medicaments. The amount of liquid contained within each wet wipe can vary depending upon the type of material being used to provide the wet wipe, the type of liquid being used, the type of container being used to store the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe. Generally, each wet wipe can contain from about 150 to about 600 weight percent and desirably from about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquid based on the dry weight of the wipe for improved wiping. The housing 300 and/or dispensing structure 200 can be transparent or translucent to provide an indication of the quantity of wipes remaining in the container 100. The dispensing structure 200 and/or housing 300 can be made of any suitable material, including cardboard, paperboard, various polymers, copolymers, and mixtures, including, e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, and other polymers, or composite materials.

[0035] The dispensing structure 200 includes an access orifice 240 extending through at least a portion of the floor 210 for accessing the articles 400 stored in the housing 300. The access orifice 240 is any opening through the floor 210 of the dispensing structure 200 that allows the consumer to access the articles. For example, as noted, access to the articles is typically required only to being (or re-start in the instance of critical failure) the dispensing of the articles. Generally, the dispensing orifice 230 is too small to provide the access to the articles (i. e. , the consumers fingers will not fit through the dispensing orifice 230). Accordingly, while no particular shape is required, the access orifice 240 is of a size and shape to allow the consumer to reach through the floor 210 and grasp an article 400 from at least the top of the roll or stack of articles 400 stored in the housing 300. The opening of the access orifice 240 through the floor 210 defines an inner perimeter 242.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the access orifice 240 has a large surface area as compared to the surface area of the floor 210 of the dispensing structure 200. For example, access orifice 240 may have a surface area about 20% or greater of the total surface area of the floor 210 of the dispensing structure 200, preferably about 30% or greater or about 25% of greater or about 50% or greater.

[0037] In particular embodiments, a disposable seal (not shown) is provided. The disposable seal may be any means for sealing the dispensing orifice 230 and/or the access orifice 240 from the environment, and thus, sealing the articles 400 within the housing 300 before an article 400 is dispensed for the first time. The disposable seal is discarded after removal. Disposable seals of this type are known in the art. Exemplary disposable seals include films, perforated portions of the floor, and shrink wraps. Preferably the disposable seal is a film adhered to the floor 210 of the dispensing structure 200 configured to cover and seal the dispensing orifice 230 and the access orifice 240.

[0038] Now referring to FIGS. 4-5, the dispensing orifice 230 extends through the floor 210 and defines an opening in the floor 210 through which articles can be dispensed. The dispensing orifice includes a perimeter 231 that generally defines the opening of the dispensing orifice 230. The perimeter 231 has a first portion 232 and a second portion 233. The first portion 232 of the perimeter includes at least two indentations, such as a first indentation 234 and a second indentation 235 that extend generally from the perimeter 231 towards the access orifice 240. As shown, the first portion 232 of the dispensing orifice is generally closer to the access orifice 240 that the second portion 233 of the perimeter. Thus, the first indentation 234 and second indentation 235, which are situated on the first portion 232 are closer to the access orifice 240 as compared to the second portion 233 of the perimeter 231. The second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 is annular. The second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 comprises a majority of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 231. Notably, the second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 defines a majority of the perimeter 231, with the indentations 234,235 defining only a small amount of the perimeter 231. [0039] As shown, the first indentation 234 and second indentation 235 are triangular. Indeed, the indentations 234,235 can each have first areas 236,237 that are wider closest to the opening of the dispensing orifice 230 that taper down to ends 238,239 as shown. While the indentations 234,235 are shown as being triangular in shape, other shapes are also contemplated. For example, the indentations 234,235 can be ovular, circular, etc.

[0040] Specifically, the floor 210 can further include a slit 241 that extends from the access orifice 240 to the dispensing orifice 230. Specifically, to thread the dispensing orifice 230 the user can reach into the access orifice 240 to grab a leading edge of an article 400 contained therein and can then thread the leading edge of the article 400 through the slit 241 and into the dispensing orifice 230. The dispensing orifice 230 holds the leading edge of the article 400 in place until removal by a user. As shown, the first indentation 234 can be disposed on a first side of the slit 241 and the second indentation 235 can be disposed on a second side of the slit 241.

[0041] In embodiments, the dispensing orifice 230 has a relatively small surface area as compared to the surface area of the floor 210 of the dispensing structure 200 and/or the access orifice 240. For example, dispensing orifice may have a surface area of less than about 25% of the floor 210, such as less than about 20%, such as less than about 15%, such as less than about 10%, such as less than about 5%. In other exemplary embodiments, the ratio of the surface area of the access orifice 240 to the dispensing orifice 230 is about 4 to 1 or greater, preferably about 5 to 1 or greater or about 10 to 1 or greater.

[0042] The indentations 234,235 each form void areas VA1,VA2, respectively, that correspond to the area of space provided by the indentations 234,235. Such void areas VAI, VA2 are shown as the shaded region in FIG. 4. The dispensing orifice 230 can include a total void area, which includes the total void area of the dispensing orifice 230 including the void areas VAI, VA2 of the indentations 234,235 and the remaining void area VA3. The void areas VAI, VA2 of the indentations 234,235 are less than the total void area of the dispensing orifice 230. Further the void areas VA1,VA2 are less than the remaining void area VA3. For example, the ratio of the total void area of the dispensing orifice 230 to the void areas VA1,VA2 is from about 50: 1 to about 2: 1, such as from about 45: 1 to about 3: 1, such as from about 40: 1 to about 4: 1, such as from about 30: 1 to about 5: 1, such as from about 20: 1 to about 6: 1, such as from about 10: 1 to about 7: 1.

[0043] Other embodiments of the dispensing orifice are illustrated in FIGS. 6-11. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the dispensing orifice 230 include indentations 234,235 that are spaced further apart from the slit 241 as compared to those as illustrated in FIG. 4. However, similar to the dispensing orifice 230 of FIG. 4, the first indentation 234 and second indentation 235, which are situated on the first portion 232 are closer to the access orifice 240 as compared to the second portion 233 of the perimeter 231. The second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 is annular. The second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 comprises a majority of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 231, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 231. Notably, the second portion 233 of the perimeter 231 defines a majority of the perimeter 231, with the indentations 234,235 defining only a small amount of the perimeter 231.

[0044] The indentations 234,235 each form void areas that are less than the total void area of the dispensing orifice 230. Further the void areas of the indentations 234,235 are less than the remaining void area of the dispensing orifice 230. For example, the ratio of the total void area of the dispensing orifice 230 to the void areas formed by the indentations 234, 235 is from about 50: 1 to about 2: 1, such as from about 45: 1 to about 3: 1, such as from about 40: 1 to about 4: 1, such as from about 30: 1 to about 5: 1, such as from about 20: 1 to about 6: 1, such as from about 10: 1 to about 7: 1. [0045] FIG. 7 depicts an example dispensing orifice 330 disposed in a floor 310 that is substantially annular or circular in nature with no indentations. For example, the dispensing orifice 330 includes substantially annular perimeter that is continuous except where it is coupled to the slit 341. Furthermore, as shown, the slit 341 coupling the access orifice 340 to the dispensing orifice 330 is larger, extending more into the access orifice 340 as compared to the slit as shown in FIG. 4-5. However, similar to the dispensing orifice 230 of FIG. 4, the perimeter 331 of the dispensing orifice 330 is annular in nature. For example, the perimeters 331 as shown in FIGS. 7-8 are annular with respect to the entirety of the perimeter 331. Thus, similar to the perimeters as shown in FIGs. 4-5, the perimeters 331 include an annular perimeter that includesat least about 45% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 100% of the perimeter 331. Notably, the annular portion of the perimeter 331 defines a majority of the perimeter 331.

[0046] FIGS. 8-9 illustrate similar embodiments to that of FIG. 7, however, the perimeters 331 are more ovular in nature. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the ovular perimeter 331 is disposed in a horizontal manner, while in FIG. 9 the ovular perimeter 331 is disposed in a vertical manner. Similar to FIGS. 7-8, the perimeter 331 of the dispensing orifice 330 is annular in nature. For example, the annular portion of the perimeter can comprise a majority of the perimeter 331 such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 331, such as at least about 100% of the perimeter 331. Notably, the annular portion of the perimeter 331 defines a majority of the perimeter 331. [0047] FIG. 10 depicts a dispensing orifice 430 disposed in the floor 410 and an access orifice 440. A slit 441 connects the access orifice 440 and the dispensing orifice 430. The dispensing orifice 430 includes two indentations 434,435 disposed on each side of the slit 441. The indentations 434,435 are disposed on a first portion 432 of the perimeter 431. The indentations 454,453 each have ends that protrude towards the access orifice 440 and are rounded. The perimeter 431 of the dispensing orifice

430 also include a protrusion 437 located along a second portion 433 of the perimeter

431 that juts into the dispensing orifice 430. As shown, the protrusion 437 is a semicircle, however, the protrusion 437 can be any shape including rectangular, square, triangular, ovular, etc.

[0048] As shown, the first portion 432 of the perimeter 431 is generally closer to the access orifice 440 that the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431. Thus, the first indentation 434 and second indentation 435, which are situated on the first portion

432 are closer to the access orifice 440 as compared to the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431. The second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 is annular with the exception of the protrusion 437. Notably, the protrusion 437 is located within the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 and not the first portion 432.

[0049] The second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 comprises a majority of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 431, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 431. Notably, the second portion 433 of the perimeter 431 defines a majority of the perimeter 431, with the indentations 434,435 defining only a small amount of the perimeter 431.

[0050] The indentations 434,435 each form void areas that correspond to the area of space provided by the indentations 434,435. The dispensing orifice 430 can include a total void area, which includes the total void area of the dispensing orifice 430 including the void areas of the indentations 434,435 and the remaining void area of the dispensing orifice 430. The void areas of the indentations 434,435 are less than the total void area of the dispensing orifice 430. Further the void areas are less than the remaining void area of the dispensing orifice 430. For example, the ratio of the total void area of the dispensing orifice 430 to the void areas of the indentations 434,435 is from about 50: 1 to about 2:1, such as from about 45: 1 to about 3:1, such as from about 40: 1 to about 4:1, such as from about 30: 1 to about 5:1, such as from about 20: 1 to about 6: 1, such as from about 10:1 to about 7:1.

[0051] FIG. 11 depicts a dispensing orifice 530 disposed in the floor 510 and an access orifice 540. A slit 541 connects the access orifice 540 and the dispensing orifice 530. The dispensing orifice includes at least two indentations 534,535 disposed on each side of the slit 541. As shown, the first two indentations 534,535 are disposed on a top portion 532 of the perimeter 531 of the dispensing orifice 530. The first two indentations 534,535 generally point towards the access orifice 540. Additionally, at least two other indentations 536,537 are disposed on a bottom portion 533 of the perimeter 531. The first two indentations 534,535 can be of a similar shape or of a different shape as compared to the other two indentations 536,537.

[0052] As shown, the first portion 532 of the perimeter 531 is generally closer to the access orifice 540 that the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531. Thus, the first indentation 534 and second indentation 535, which are situated on the first portion 532 are closer to the access orifice 540 as compared to the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531. The second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 is annular with the exception of the protrusion 537. Notably, the protrusion 537 is located within the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 and not the first portion 532.

[0053] The second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 comprises a majority of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 45% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 50% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 55% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 60% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 65% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 70% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 75% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 80% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 85% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 90% of the perimeter 531, such as at least about 95% of the perimeter 531. Notably, the second portion 533 of the perimeter 531 defines a majority of the perimeter 531, with the indentations 534,535 defining only a small amount of the perimeter 451. [0054] The indentations 534,535 each form void areas that correspond to the area of space provided by the indentations 534,535. The dispensing orifice 530 can include a total void area, which includes the total void area of the dispensing orifice 530 including the void areas of the indentations 534,535 and the remaining void area of the dispensing orifice 530. The void areas of the indentations 534,535 are less than the total void area of the dispensing orifice 530. Further the void areas are less than the remaining void area of the dispensing orifice 530. For example, the ratio of the total void area of the dispensing orifice 530 to the void areas of the indentations 434,435 is from about 50: 1 to about 2:1, such as from about 45: 1 to about 3:1, such as from about 40: 1 to about 4:1, such as from about 30: 1 to about 5:1, such as from about 20: 1 to about 6: 1, such as from about 10: 1 to about 7:1

EXAMPLES

[0055] Example 1

[0056] Nozzles were subjected to dispensing tests where a user would remove wipes utilizing the nozzle at a variety of angles. Pre-saturated wipes were loaded into containers and were dispensed from Nozzles as described in Table 1 below. Formulation A was pre-saturated on the wipes. The nozzles tested are shown in FIG. 4 and 12-13. .

[0057] Failures for the nozzles were attributed to the following events: tear, improper perforation tearing, bunching, short tailing, excessive tailing, complete wiper attached to tail (CWAT), roping/streaming, and lost wiper. Tearing of the wipes included tearing along the longitudinal direction of the wipe that can be due to friction between nozzle structures and the wipe mateiral. Improper perforation tearing includes situations where the wipe was not adequately tom about the perforation line or where the wipe failed to tear at the perforation line. Bunching refers to the situation where more than one wipe attempts to come through the dispensing orifice, which can lead to a clogged orifice and other failures as noted herein. Short tailing refers to a situation where the tail end of the wipe remaining in the nozzle is too short for the user to grasp to remove the wipe from the container. Similarly, excessive tailing includes situations where too much of the tail is left in the dispensing orifice, which lead to improper closure of the container and drying out of the wipe. CWAT refers to a dispensing failure when one wiper is dispensed, a complete wiper is attached to the tail of another wiper in the cannister. Roping or streaming also covers situations where the wipes are not adequately tom at the perforation and multiple wipes come through the dispensing orifice. Lost wipe situations refer to those where no tail is left in the dispensing orifice for the user to grab. A lost wipe situation can also be referred to as a critical failure of the nozzle since rethreading of the wipe is required.

[0058] The overall failure rate for each nozzle is indicated in Table 1 below.

[0059] As shown, when wipes were pre-saturated with Formulation A Nozzle 1 and Nozzle 2 has a similar failure rate, however, the overall failure rates for both Nozzle 1 and Nozzle 2 were much lower when compared with Nozzle 3.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] Nozzles 1 and 2 were then saturated with Formulation B and were subjected to the same dispensing tests as described in Example 1. The overall failure rate for each nozzle is indicated in Table 2 below.

[0062] As shown, when wipes were pre-saturated with Formulation B Nozzle 1 had a significantly lower failure rate as compared to Nozzle 2.

[0063] Example 3 [0064] Nozzles 1 and 2 were saturated with Formulation C and were subjected to the same dispensing tests as described in Example 1. The overall failure rate for each nozzle is indicated in Table 3 below.

[0065] As shown, when wipes were pre-saturated with Formulation C, Nozzle 1 has a significantly lower failure rate as compared to Nozzle 2.

[0066] Accordingly, Nozzle 1 was able to maintain an overall low failure rate as compared to other Nozzles (e.g., Nozzles 2 and 3) even when different cleaning formulations were applied.

[0067] These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.