Apparatus for multi dosing of wipe at point of dispensing

In one example, a wipe dispensing system includes a housing that defines an internal wipe storage area, a mixing element having an opening that communicates with the wipe storage area, a fluid reservoir disposed within the housing, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir, a nozzle in communication with the pump and located proximate the opening of the mixing element such that an outlet of the nozzle is in communication with the opening of the mixing element, and a pump actuation mechanism operably connected with the pump and responsive to initiation of the dispensation of a wipe from the wipe dispensing system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/604,497, entitled ON DEMAND WET WIPE DISPENSER, and filed the same day herewith. The aforementioned application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally concern disposable wipe dispensing devices and associated components and methods. More particularly, at least some embodiments of the invention relate to a dispensing device that separately stores disposable wipes from multiple interior reservoirs that each hold a respective fluid. The action of withdrawing a wipe from the dispensing device causes operation of respective pumps associated with each fluid reservoir so that fluid from each of the fluid reservoirs is directed onto the wipe as the wipe is being dispensed from the dispensing device.

BACKGROUND

Various wipe dispensing devices exist that store multiple wipes which can be dispensed one at a time by a user. Typically, the wipes are stored in the dispensing device pre-wetted with a fluid of some type. While this approach has been satisfactory in some respects, problems nonetheless remain in the art.

For example, the chemicals in the fluid used to pre-wet the wipes can degrade such that the efficacy of the fluid is reduced, or eliminated, with the passage of time. This is particularly likely to occur in the common circumstance where the wipes are dispensed only occasionally and the wipe fluid thus has a relatively long residence time in the dispenser.

A related problem is that, over time, the fluid and the wipe substrate may chemically interact with each other in such a way that the efficacy of the wipe and/or the fluid is compromised. Again, this problem may be of particular concern in the case where the wipes have a relatively long residence time in the dispenser.

As should be evident from the foregoing examples, another problem with typical wipe dispensing systems is that they lack flexibility in terms of the chemical formulations that can be employed. That is, typical wipe dispensing systems are constrained to a limited number of types of chemical formulations for the fluid, since the fluid is required to remain relatively efficacious over a long period of time, and cannot have adverse interactions with the wipe substrate material. Corresponding restrictions are imposed on the wipes as well. That is, the wipes must be made of a substrate material that does not significantly degrade when exposed to the fluid for long periods of time.

Typical wipe dispensing systems lack flexibility in other regards as well. For example, it is sometimes the case that a fluid combination is relatively more efficacious than its individual components considered separately. However, such fluid combinations may be efficacious for only a limited period of time. Consequently, it may not be practical to use wipes pre-wetted with such fluid combinations in typical wipe dispensing systems, since the fluid on the wipe may reside in the dispensing system for a period of time longer than its useful life.

In light of problems such as those noted above, it would be useful to provide a wipe dispensing system that enables use of various combinations of fluids. It would also be useful to provide a wipe dispensing system that enables relatively long term storage of the wipes and fluids without material degradation of either.

ASPECTS OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

Embodiments within the scope of the invention may be effective in overcoming one or more of the problems in the art, although it is not required that any embodiment resolve any particular problem(s). In general, embodiments of the present invention concern disposable wipe dispensing systems and associated components and methods. More particularly, at least some embodiments of the invention relate to a dispensing device that separately stores disposable wipes from multiple interior reservoirs that each hold a respective fluid. The action of withdrawing a wipe from the dispensing device causes operation of respective pumps associated with each fluid reservoir so that fluid from each of the fluid reservoirs is directed onto the wipe as the wipe is being dispensed from the dispensing device.

In one example embodiment, a wipe dispensing system is provided that is configured to hold wipes and one or more fluids in such a way that the wipes and each of the one or more fluids can be stored in isolation from the others within a housing of the wipe dispensing system. Some more particular embodiments include the wipes and fluids. The wipe dispensing system further includes one or more pumps disposed within the housing, and each pump is configured and arranged to pump a respective one of the fluids when the fluid is present in the housing. The pumps are configured and arranged to operate substantially simultaneously. A pump actuation mechanism is operably connected with the pumps and with a container in which the wipes are stored such that in response to initiation of the dispensation of a wipe from the container, the pump actuation mechanism is operated and causes the pumps to each dispense a respective fluid onto the wipe as the wipe is dispensed.

Advantageously then, this example embodiment of the invention is directed to a wipe dispensing system configured to operate such that the wipes are dosed with one or more fluids at the point of dispensation from the wipe dispensing system. Moreover, only a single action, that is, initiation of the dispensation of the wipe, is needed to both dispense and dose the wipe at the same time. Further, the wipe is dosed with each of the fluids at the same time. Finally, each of the fluids, as well as the wipes, can be stored within a respective container of the wipe dispensing system so that all of the fluids and wipes are isolated from each other until the time that a wipe is dispensed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments.

A. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments

Directing attention now toFIGS. 1 and 2, details are provided concerning a wipe dispensing system, one example of which is denoted generally at100. In general, various materials can be used in the construction of components of the wipe dispensing system100. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, metal, Teflon® (PTFE), nylon, and rubber.

In more detail, the wipe dispensing system100includes a housing102, and a lid104configured to mate with the housing102. The housing102and lid104can be made of plastic and/or any other suitable material(s). As shown inFIG. 1, the housing102and lid104are removable from the wipe dispensing system100so as to enable refilling of wipes and fluids. In other embodiments, the wipe dispensing system100can be a single use system that can be discarded or recycled after the wipes and/or fluids have been exhausted.

The housing102and lid104can each include various elements. For example, the housing102can include one or more windows102awhich can enable access to, and/or viewing of, components disposed in the interior of the housing102. While not specifically illustrated, the housing102can be configured, such as with fasteners and/or other components, to be wall mounted, tabletop mounted, or free-standing. As well, the lid104includes a slot104aby way of which wipes (not shown) can be dispensed from the wipe dispensing system100, and the lid104further includes a protruding circular wall104bconfigured to interface with a mixing bowl frame (discussed below).

With continued reference toFIG. 1in particular, the wipe dispensing system100is configured to store, within the housing102, both wipes and one or more fluids that can be used to dose the wipes. In the particular, and non-limiting, example ofFIG. 1, the wipe dispensing system includes a first fluid reservoir106and a second fluid reservoir108. It should be understood that in other example embodiments, one of which is disclosed herein and discussed below, only a single fluid reservoir is provided. In still other example embodiments, more than two fluid reservoirs are provided. More generally, any number ‘n’ (where ‘n’≥1) of fluid reservoirs can be provided in various other embodiments. In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the fluid reservoirs106and108can be located on the exterior of the housing102.

The fluid reservoirs106and108are isolated from each other so that the respective fluids stored in those reservoirs106and108do not mix with each other unless and until they are dosed onto a wipe. Put another way, the fluid reservoirs106and108are not in fluid communication with each other but instead comprise elements of respective, independent, fluid systems. The independent fluid systems, discussed in more detail below, are configured such that any mixing of the fluids prior to dosing is substantially, or completely, foreclosed. This arrangement may be advantageous as it permits the use of fluid combinations, unavailable in conventional systems, which may remain efficacious for only a short period of time after its component fluids are combined with each other. As well, the component fluids may retain their potency for a relatively longer period of time when stored separately from each other.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the wipe dispensing system100is further configured to store a supply of wipes110within the housing102. Storage of both the wipes110and fluids within the housing102enables a relatively compact, self-contained, assembly that is easy to use and maintain.

In some embodiments, the supply of wipes110can be in the form of a roll, such as a continuous roll for example, where perforations are provided between successive wipes so that the wipes can be retained together during manufacturing, but easily separated as they are dispensed. In these embodiments, the roll that includes the wipes110can be positioned on end within the housing102, as shown inFIG. 1. As well, the roll and wipes110can be configured so that wipes are successively dispensed beginning at the center of the roll. This configuration of the wipes110is provided only by way of example however, and any other configuration of a group of multiple wipes that is compatible with the dispensing and dosing functionalities disclosed herein can alternatively be used.

It will be apparent from the foregoing discussion ofFIG. 1that the wipes110are isolated from the respective fluids contained in the fluid reservoirs106and108unless and until the wipes110are dosed with those fluids. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the wipes110and the fluids are all stored in isolation from each other until the time that the wipe is dosed with the fluids. This storage arrangement for wipes and fluids employed in embodiments of the invention may be advantageous in a variety of regards.

To illustrate, isolation of the wipes and fluids permits the use of fluids and fluid combinations that may otherwise degrade, and/or be degraded by, the wipe substrate material if, as is typically the case in conventional wipe dispensing systems, the wipe and fluid(s) were stored in contact with each other for a relatively long period of time. Likewise, wipe substrate materials can be used that would otherwise degrade, and/or be degraded by, the fluid(s) if, as is typically the case in conventional wipe dispensing systems, the wipe and fluid(s) were stored in contact with each other for a relatively long period of time. As well, fluid combinations including fluids that, when combined, may be efficacious only for a relatively short period of time can be used since those fluids are not combined with each other until dosed onto a wipe. Such fluid(s)-wipe combinations enabled by embodiments of the invention may be relatively more efficacious than the fluid-wipe combinations employed in conventional wipe dispensing systems and/or may provide functionality and results previously unattained in conventional wipe dispensing systems. Thus, embodiments of the invention can enable, or provide, a wide range of combinations of wipes and fluid(s), many, if not all, of which are not available or even feasible in conventional wipe dispensing systems.

As further indicated inFIG. 1, the example wipe dispensing system100includes a mixing bowl frame105that includes a bowl cover107and partially houses the wipes110. Finally, a pump frame109is provided that generally supports one or more fluid pumps. The aforementioned components, and others, are discussed in more detail below.

B. Aspects of an Example Fluid System

With continued attention toFIG. 1, and directing attention now toFIGS. 3a-3e, details are provided concerning fluid dispensing systems employed in various embodiments of the invention, where one example of such a fluid dispensing system is denoted generally at200. In general, the fluid dispensing system200includes multiple fluid reservoirs, such as fluid reservoirs202and204, each configured to hold a volume of fluid and isolated from each other so that fluid in one of the fluid reservoirs cannot enter the other fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoirs202and204can take various forms, such as flexible bladders or pouches, or rigid containers, for example, and the fluid reservoirs202and204are configured and arranged so that the volumes of fluid contained in the fluid reservoirs202and204have a static pressure head imposed by gravity when the wipe dispensing system100is oriented as shown inFIG. 1. As well, the fluid reservoirs202and204can be removable from the wipe dispensing system100for refilling or disposal.

The fluid dispensing system200further includes multiple pumps, such as pumps206and208. Each pump206and208is arranged for fluid communication with a respective fluid reservoir202and204. In general, the pumps206and208serve to pump fluid from the fluid reservoirs202and204, respectively, to a location where the fluids are dosed onto a wipe. Any suitable pump can be employed, and the pump and its components can be made of any material(s) compatible with the fluid to be pumped, examples of which include any type of plastic. In one example embodiment, one or both of the pumps206and208is a rolling diaphragm pump, examples of which are manufactured by Bellofram (www.bellofram.com). Details concerning these example pumps are disclosed in Appendix A hereto (Bellofram Rolling Diaphragm Design Manual), which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. Pumps made by other manufacturers could alternatively be used however and, as well, any other pumps of comparable functionality could be substituted for the rolling diaphragm pumps.

In some particular embodiments, and with reference to the example pump206ofFIGS. 3cand 3din particular, one or more of the pumps can take the form of a diaphragm pump which, in general, moves fluid from the fluid reservoir202through a discharge line by reciprocal motion of a flexible diaphragm206a. In particular, the diaphragm206adefines a fluid chamber206bof variable volume, and the diaphragm206ais connected to a piston206cconfigured and arranged for reciprocal motion (up and down inFIG. 3c) so that as the piston206cmoves back and forth, the volume of the fluid chamber206bchanges in response. The piston206cincludes a fluid passageway206dthat communicates with the interior of the fluid chamber206band with a fluid conduit209that is connected to the piston206c.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the lower end of the diaphragm206ais attached to the piston206c, while the upper end of the diaphragm206ais connected to a pump frame210and, more particularly, is substantially disposed within a housing210adefined by the pump frame210. As shown, a portion of the pump frame210is engaged with a spout212to which the reservoir202is attached. An upper end of the pump frame210includes threads210bconfigured to engage corresponding threads212aof the spout212so that the spout212, and attached fluid reservoir202, can be releasably connected/disconnected to/from the pump frame210. In some example embodiments, the spout212and pump frame210can be connected and disconnected with a relatively short turn, such as about 90 degrees for example.

The spout212further includes a check valve214that can control fluid communication between the chamber206band the fluid reservoir202. Other types of backflow preventers could be used in place of the check valve214. In the illustrated example, the check valve214includes a ball214amovably confined within a housing214b. When the ball214ais positioned as shown inFIG. 3c, the ball214ablocks an opening212bof the spout212so that fluid flow between the reservoir202and the chamber206bis prevented. When the ball214amoves to a position in the housing214bwhere the opening212bis no longer blocked, fluid can flow between the reservoir202and chamber206bby way of one or more openings214cin the housing214b. Further details concerning the operation of the pump206and associated components are disclosed elsewhere herein.

With continued reference toFIGS. 3a-3e, it can be seen that the fluid conduit209extends upward and interfaces with a mixing bowl frame, one example of which is denoted generally at300and disclosed inFIGS. 4a-4e. The mixing bowl frame300can be made of any suitable material, including plastic. The mixing bowl frame300can at least partly define a wipe storage area for a supply of wipes110which may be stored in a rolled up form.

Among other things, the mixing bowl frame300is connected to the piston206cso that reciprocal motion of the piston206ccan be effected with a corresponding motion of the mixing bowl frame300. The mixing bowl frame300and piston206ccan be integrally formed with each other, although that is not necessarily required.

As indicated inFIGS. 4band 4cfor example, the mixing bowl frame300includes a mixing bowl302that communicates with fluid connections304that can be integral with the mixing bowl302. In this way, fluid exiting each of the fluid connections304enters the mixing bowl302where the fluids are partly, or completely, mixed before being dosed onto a wipe as the wipe exits the dispenser opening306. Aspects of the mixing bowl such as the size (depth and diameter) and shape can be selected as desired. For example, various different embodiments of a mixing bowl can be configured such that a portion of the mixing bowl has a parabolic shape, elliptical shape, or a spherical shape. In at least some embodiments, the mixing bowl is coated with, or comprises, a hydrophobic material that may help to reduce the amount of fluid from the nozzles that remains in the mixing bowl.

With reference now toFIGS. 4dand 4e, a mixing bowl cover308is provided that aids in preventing the escape of fluids present in the mixing bowl302, and also prevents entry of foreign matter into the mixing bowl302. The mixing bowl cover308can include an opening308a(see, e.g.,FIG. 5b) by way of which wipes110can be dispensed. As shown, the edges of the opening308acan be radiused or otherwise configured to prevent damage to the wipes110as they are being dispensed.

The mixing bowl cover308can be removable from the mixing bowl frame300and includes one or more nozzles310that each include a nozzle outlet312configured for fluid communication with the mixing bowl302. Each of the nozzles310houses a check valve314that comprises a biasing element314a, such as a spring, and a ball314b. The biasing element314abiases the ball314binto a closed position, that is, a position where the ball314bblocks a fluid passageway304so that flow between the fluid conduit209and the nozzle outlet312is prevented except when the fluid conduit209is sufficiently pressurized with fluid from the fluid reservoir202.

Aspects of the nozzles310such as the configuration, number, orientation, size of nozzle outlet, shape of nozzle outlet, and position can be selected as desired. Two or more nozzles can be the same as each other, or may differ from each other in one or more of the aforementioned aspects. For example, in some embodiments, two or more nozzles can be placed adjacent to each other so that neither nozzle is contaminated with fluid from the other. Alternatively, two nozzles, or groups of nozzles can be diametrically opposed to each other. Advantageously, and as shown inFIGS. 4dand 4efor example, a nozzle can be positioned relative to the mixing bowl such that no back flow, that is ingestion of fluid into the nozzle, from any other nozzles can occur.

In general, one or more nozzles can be configured and arranged, relative to a wipe dispensing path, such that fluid from the nozzles is distributed relatively evenly on a wipe as the wipe is dispensed. This even distribution can avoid disparities in concentration of the fluids on the wipe, and thus contribute to the relatively consistent performance of the wipe when it is employed by the user.

As another example, the nozzles can be arranged to point downward toward the bottom of the mixing bowl or, alternatively, the nozzles can be arranged to direct a stream of fluid substantially horizontally. As a further example, the relationship Q=VA (volume rate=velocity×area) can be used to select a size of the nozzle outlet that will enable a particular velocity for a given volume of fluid exiting that nozzle outlet per unit time.

In this latter circumstance, the pressure of the fluid in the fluid conduit209overcomes the bias imposed by the biasing element314aso as to move the ball314bupward, thus unblocking the fluid passageway304and allowing fluid to flow from the fluid conduit209into the mixing bowl302by way of the nozzle outlet312. When the pressure of the fluid in the fluid conduit209decreases sufficiently, the biasing element314areturns the ball314bto a position where the ball314bblocks the fluid passageway304.

A fluid connection between the fluid conduit209and the fluid passageway304can be effected by way of a sleeve316. As shown inFIG. 4e, the sleeve316can be sized and configured to receive a portion of the fluid conduit209, and a lower end of the fluid passageway304. An upper end of the fluid passageway314(see, e.g.,FIG. 4c) can be received in the nozzle310, as shown inFIG. 4e.

C. Aspects of Fluid System Actuation Mechanism

With continued attention now toFIGS. 3c, 3d, and 4a, and directing attention as well toFIGS. 5aand 5b, details are provided concerning the mixing bowl frame300as it concerns the operation of the pumps206and208. For the sake of clarity, the following discussion will refer primarily to pump206, but it should be understood that such discussion is equally germane to pump208and, moreover, the pumps206and208can be operated simultaneously in connection with the mixing bowl frame300.

As best shown inFIGS. 3cand 3d, the mixing bowl frame300is connected to the piston206c. Thus, motion can be imparted to the piston206cby moving the mixing bowl frame300. More specifically, the piston206ccan be moved up and down, so as to pump fluid from the reservoir202to the mixing bowl302, by moving the mixing bowl frame300up and down. In various embodiments of the invention, this motion of the mixing bowl frame300can, in general, be effected by dispensing a wipe110from the wipe dispensing system. The mixing bowl frame300can include one or more openings317which enables the mixing bowl frame300to move relative to the fluid conduits, including fluid conduit209.

In more detail, and with particular reference toFIGS. 5aand 5b, the mixing bowl frame300includes a funnel318disposed in the interior of the mixing bowl frame. As shown, the funnel318is oriented in an inverted manner and includes an opening318alocated proximate the dispenser opening306. In at least some embodiments, the opening318atakes the form of a circular orifice, although other geometries could be used. The inverted orientation of the funnel318enables the funnel318to serve as a guide for wipes110being dispensed from the wipe dispensing system. The opening318aand/or the dispenser opening306can be sized to present resistance to the movement of the wipes110out of the wipe dispensing system. This relatively tight fit, which can be an interference fit, may also help to ensure that fluids present in the mixing bowl302are absorbed by a wipe110before those fluids can exit the mixing bowl302and drip onto the supply of wipes110stored beneath the funnel318. Thus, in some instances, the discharged fluid(s) can accumulate in the mixing bowl302and then be absorbed by the wipe110as the wipe110passes through the mixing bowl302.

For example, one or both of the opening318aand the dispenser opening306can be small in diameter, relative to a diameter of a wipe110when the wipe110is configured and oriented as shown inFIG. 5b. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the resistance presented to the wipes110can be increased with the addition of a device having a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as a rubber ring disposed about the opening318aand/or the dispensing opening306. Rubber, silicone, or similar resilient materials, may be particularly useful as they can provide a relatively high level of resistance to the wipe110without damaging or otherwise compromising the integrity of the wipe110as it is dispensed.

In general, any device(s) and/or configuration(s), such as the aforementioned examples of rings and small diameter openings such as circular orifices, that resist dispensation of a wipe110to the extent that dispensation of the wipe110results in the upward movement of the mixing bowl frame300, may be referred to herein as constituting a resistance element. Such resistance elements are example structural implementations of a means for resisting wipe dispensation. The foregoing structures are provided only by way of example however, and any other structure(s) of comparable functionality may alternatively be employed.

Among other things, and as noted, one function of such a means for resisting wipe dispensation is to cause movement of the mixing bowl frame300as the wipe110is dispensed. In particular, such a means may cause a lifting upward of the mixing bowl frame300as the wipe110is dispensed. As noted herein in the discussion of the pumps206and208, this upward motion of the mixing bowl frame300operates the pumps206and208such that fluid from a reservoir202is withdrawn from the fluid reservoir202and pumped to the mixing bowl302, as described elsewhere herein. That is, the pumps206and208are automatically operated in response to movement of the mixing bowl frame300. After a volume of fluid, which can be a fixed volume, is dispensed from the fluid reservoir202, the mixing bowl frame300can return to the position shown, for example, inFIG. 3cin preparation for the next wipe110dispensing event.

With regard to the volume of fluid dispensed during a wipe dispensing event, that volume can be a function of a number of variables, including the pressure exerted by the pump, the internal diameter of the fluid conduit, and the volume of the fluid chamber. By appropriately selecting the fluid system components, a relatively high degree of accuracy can be obtained with regard to the amount of fluid dispensed. As well, the duration of time over which the fluid is dispensed can be about the same amount of time it takes for a wipe to be completely dispensed from the wipe dispensing system (e.g. 10 seconds or less, about 0.001 seconds to 5 seconds, 0.1 seconds to 3 seconds, etc.). Further, the wipe dispensing system can dispense fluid during an entire wipe dispensing event or during only part of the wipe dispensing event. The amount of time taken by the dosing process can be adjusted in various ways such as, for example, by adjusting the dose amount. Thus, a relatively small dose amount may be dispensed before the wipe dispensing event is completed, while a relatively larger dose amount may be dispensed during all, or nearly all, of the wipe dispensing event. Moreover, the fluid dispensing system can be configured so that dosing of the wipe is completed before the wipe is completely dispensed. In this way, there is adequate time for the wipe to absorb all of the dispensed fluid, thereby helping to ensure that there is no fluid remaining that could drip downward onto the supply of wipes that have not yet been dispensed.

As well, variables such as the pressure, velocity, and flow rate of the fluid can vary depending upon the rate at which the wipe is dispensed. For example, if the wipe is gradually dispensed at a relatively consistent rate, the pressure, velocity and flow rate of the fluid may likewise be relatively consistent over the wipe dispensation process. On the other hand, if the wipe is dispensed at a rate that varies, the pressure, velocity and flow rate of the fluid may correspondingly vary over the wipe dispensation process. For example, those parameters may start at relatively low values and then quickly move to higher values if the wipe is dispensed quickly. Thus, regardless of the manner in which the wipe is dispensed during a wipe dispensing event, the wipe dispensing system is able to respond and adjust to the wipe dispensing event and adequately dose the wipe with the fluid(s).

With continued reference now to the Figures, simply the weight of the mixing bowl frame300may be adequate in some embodiments to return the mixing bowl frame300, under the influence of gravity, to the position indicated inFIG. 3c. In other embodiments, one or more biasing elements320such as springs for example can be configured and arranged to bias the mixing bowl frame300into the position shown inFIG. 3c. By way of illustration, and with continued reference toFIG. 3c, one or more biasing element(s)320can be provided that is positioned between the pump frame210and mixing bowl frame300so that the biasing element320tends to bias the mixing bowl frame300downward into the position shown inFIG. 3c. Where such a biasing element320is provided, the resistance offered by the resistance element320should be such that, in a dosing operation, the mixing bowl frame300could move upward to overcome the bias imposed by the biasing element320in response to the initiation of dispensation of a wipe110, but the resistance offered by the resistance element should not be so great that damage, such as tearing for example, would occur to the wipe110during the dispensing and dosing process.

As explained in the present disclosure, including the foregoing discussion concerning operation of the pumps206and208, the combination of the mixing bowl frame300and one or more of the pumps206and208is an example structural implementation of a means for automatic dosing of a wipe, with one or more fluids, at the point of dispensing of the wipe. Moreover, such a means functions to dose the wipe as the wipe is being dispensed. The foregoing structures are provided only by way of example however, and any other structure(s) of comparable functionality may alternatively be employed.

When a means for resisting wipe dispensation is provided in the mixing bowl frame, the mixing bowl frame constitutes an example structural implementation of a means for simultaneously operating multiple pumps. The foregoing structures are provided only by way of example however, and any other structure(s) of comparable functionality may alternatively be employed.

Various aspects of the fluid dispensing system can be modified to achieve corresponding effects. For example, in one illustrated embodiment, each pump has the same size and configuration and is activated at about the same time by the mixing bowl frame. However, in other embodiments, different pump types and pump arrangements can be employed to achieve other effects. For example, the pumps can be selected and arranged to provide for sequential dosing of two or more fluids on a wipe during a wipe dispensing process. In more detail, the pumps can be configured and arranged to be operated in sequence by a single motion of the mixing bowl frame. Such effects can additionally, or alternatively, be achieved with modifications to the size and configuration of the mixing bowl frame. As another example, variables such as the piston diameter and stroke length can be varied to change the flow rate at which a fluid is dispensed, as well as the volume of the dispensed fluid.

D. Operation of a Fluid Dispensing System

With reference to the various Figures discussed above, details are now provided concerning some operations of an example wipe dispensing system. While the following discussion refers to a single pump and fluid reservoir, the described operations can also be performed in connection with multiple pumps and respective fluid reservoirs and, as such, multiple fluids can be dosed onto a wipe substantially simultaneously. Alternatively, multiple fluids can be dosed onto the wipe one after another, but close in time (e.g. within 10 seconds or less of one another, within 5 seconds or one another, etc.). In another embodiment, the multiple fluids may be mixed immediately prior to being dosed on the wipe (e.g. mixing fluids within 5 minutes or less of being dosed on wipe, mixing fluids within 2 minutes or less of being dosed on wipe, mixing within 30 seconds or less of being dosed on a wipe, etc.).

Initially, the wipe dispensing system can be in a ‘ready’ state where the wipe dispensing system is able to dispense a wipe on demand. See, e.g.,FIG. 3c. In the ‘ready’ state, a portion of the wipe may extend out of the opening defined in the mixing bowl cover so that the wipe can be readily grasped by a user. Finally, in the ‘ready’ state, a fluid chamber associated with the pump may be partly, or completely, filled with a fluid that is to be dosed onto a wipe, and part of an associated fluid conduit downstream of the fluid chamber and downstream of an associated pump may also be filled with the fluid.

The fluid chamber and/or other components of the pump can be sized to provide a dose of a particular volume. Where multiple pumps and fluid chambers are provided, the dose volume provided by each can be the same, or may be different. Because the pumps can provide relatively precise dosage amounts, the ability to select dose sizes and, thus, dosing ratios for multiple fluids, enable the chemistry of a particular fluid, or combination of fluids, to be tuned, for example, to a desired pH, color, and/or concentration. For example the ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid maybe 20:1 to about 0.1:1, 10:1 to about 1:10, 5:1 to about 0.5:5, 2:1 to about 1:1, etc.

In any case, the user can then grasp the wipe and begin to pull the wipe from the wipe dispensing system. In response to initiation of the dispensation of the wipe, the wipe begins to move out of the wipe dispensing system. Due to the configuration and arrangement of the resistance element, movement of the wipe out of the dispensing system causes a corresponding upward movement of the mixing bowl frame.

Because the mixing bowl frame is connected, directly or indirectly, to one or more pump pistons, the pump piston moves upward in unison with the mixing bowl frame. This upward motion of the pump piston, to which the diaphragm is attached, exerts pressure on the fluid in the fluid chamber, causing the check valve in the spout to seal the fluid chamber so that fluid in the fluid chamber cannot enter the fluid reservoir. Under the influence of the pressure exerted by the upward movement of the piston, the fluid in the fluid chamber thus exits the fluid chamber by way of the fluid passageway of the piston. Because the fluid passageway is connected to the nozzle in the mixing bowl by a fluid conduit, the fluid passing out of the fluid chamber flows through the fluid conduit to the nozzle, and the nozzle directs the flow of fluid onto the wipe as the wipe is exiting the wipe dispensing system, and/or the fluid is directed by the nozzle into the mixing bowl where the fluid then comes into contact with the wipe as the wipe passes through the mixing bowl.

Dosing of the wipe may be completed at about the same time that the wipe has been substantially, or completely, dispensed from the wipe dispensing system. Thus, after most or all, of the pressurized fluid dose has exited the nozzle, the wipe may have been completely dispensed from the wipe dispensing system, and the mixing bowl frame then freely returns to the ‘ready’ state described above. As well, depressurization of the fluid dispensing system, occurring as a result of discharge of the pressurized fluid from the nozzle, releases the back pressure on the check valve in the spout and as a result, fluid can freely flow from the fluid reservoir into the fluid chamber in preparation for the next wipe dispensing and dosing event.

E. Aspects of Some Example Methods

With continued reference to the Figures, and directing attention now toFIG. 6, details are provided concerning a method of use of an example wipes dispensing system, where one example of such a method is denoted generally at400.

The method400can begin when dispensation of a wipe is initiated402. This initiation402can occur when, for example, a user grasps a portion of the wipe that protrudes from a wipe dispensing system and begins to withdraw the wipe from the wipe dispensing system. The wipe may be dry, or un-dosed, prior to the initiation402of the dispensation of the wipe.

After initiation402of the wipe dispensation, the user can continue to withdraw the wipe404from the wipe dispensing system. The wipe may be progressively dosed by one or more fluids as a result of the withdrawal of the wipe404from the wipe dispensing system. Thus, the process404can involve movement of a wipe that is wet in one portion, such as the portion that has been withdrawn from the wipe dispensing system, and dry in another portion, such as the portion that has not passed into the mixing bowl.

At406, the user completes the dispensation of the wipe from the wipe dispensing system. For example, the user may have fully withdrawn the wipe from the wipe dispensing system. At this juncture, the wipe has been dosed with one or more fluids such that a substantial portion of the wipe has been wetted with the fluid(s). Thus, the process406can involve completion of the dispensation of a fully dosed wipe from the wipe dispensing system.

With continued reference to the Figures, and directing attention now toFIG. 7, details are provided concerning a method of operation of an example wipes dispensing system, where one example of such a method is denoted generally at500. While the following discussion generally refers to a fluid dispensing system that includes a single pump and fluid reservoir, it should be understood that the method can involve the operation of multiple fluid dispensing systems, which may operate simultaneously or nearly simultaneously with each other.

The method500can begin by isolating501one or more fluids and a supply of wipes from each other. Next, the method500advances to responding502to initiation of a wipe dispensing event. The response502can include pressurization of one or more fluids that are each stored in a respective fluid chamber in isolation from each other. Such pressurization can be in addition to pressurization of the fluid that naturally occurs as a result of a static pressure head imposed on the fluid by gravity. At about the same time, or subsequent to, the pressurization502of the fluid in the fluid chamber, an associated fluid reservoir can be isolated504so that the pressurized fluid does not reenter the fluid reservoir.

When the fluid reservoir has been isolated504, the pressurized fluid can then be directed506out of a nozzle and then dosed508directly onto a wipe and/or directed into a mixing bowl where the fluid can then come into contact with the wipe. In either case, the fluid exiting506the nozzle can be mixed507with one or more other fluids prior to dosing508of a wipe and/or as part of the dosing process. That is, the fluid(s) can each be dosed individually onto the wipe, or the fluids can first be mixed together and the mixture of fluids then dosed508onto the wipe. As well, the dosing508process can be performed substantially simultaneously with dispensation of the wipe such that the dosing508, with one or more fluids, occurs at the point of dispensing of the wipe. That is, mixing of the fluid takes place on-demand as the wipe is dispensed, and not before. Finally, dispensation and dosing of the wipe can be performed as a single action by a user.

As a result of the dosing508of the wipe, any remaining fluid in the fluid conduit that has not been dosed508onto the wipe is depressurized510. After depressurization, any remaining fluid may be pressurized, if at all, only by static pressure head imposed on the fluid by gravity. Contemporaneously with the depressurization510, fluid flow between a fluid reservoir and a fluid chamber can be reestablished512so that the fluid chamber can be refilled514in preparation for the next wipe dispensing event.

F. Example Wipe Materials and Fluid Chemistries

In connection with embodiments such as those disclosed herein, a variety of different wipe substrate materials and dosing fluids can be employed. The scope of the invention is not limited to any particular substrate materials, dosing fluids, or combinations of these and, as such, the substrate materials and fluids discussed below are provided only by way of illustration, and not limitation.

Some general examples of wipe substrates include one or more of the following, in any combination: dry (un-dosed); wet (pre-dosed); dry (pre-dosed); wet or dry pre-dosed with fluid(s) and/or particles; synthetic; non-synthetic, such as cellulose for example; and, blends of synthetic and non-synthetic. Some particular embodiments of the invention allow the use of, for example, cellulose wipes with oxidants that are currently not possible due to chemical and/or wipe degradation.

As noted herein, embodiments of the invention may be advantageous in that, for example, the wipe dispensing system enables new chemistry that can be delivered onto a surface by a wipe. The chemical combinations are enabled as the fluids are mixed as the wipe is dispensing, therefore the fluids are in contact with each other for a substantially shorter period of time than in the case of traditional wet wipes.

In addition, embodiments of the invention implement the separation of both fluids from the wipe until the time that the wipe is dispensed. As a result, the problem of modification of the fluid when stored with the wipe over a long period of time is avoided. As an example, sodium hypochlorite exhibits higher stability at a relatively high pH. However, the micro efficacious profile of sodium hypochlorite is lower at the higher pH. Thus, example embodiments of the invention enable the activation of stable sodium hypochlorite into the less stable, yet highly efficacious, hypochlorous acid.

Sample Formula 1:

Sample Formula 2:

Sample Formula 3:

Alternatives to the described fluid components above are an oxidant in one fluid reservoir, with organic components in a water based fluid in a second fluid reservoir. Example organic component include, but are not limited to fragrances, surfactants, and polymers. Another multi-fluid combination that is enabled by example embodiments of the invention is chemistry that is stable as a concentrate but desired use is as a diluted version.

It should be noted that as used here, the term ‘fluid’ is intended to be broad in scope. As such, that term embraces any material, and any combination of two or more materials, that can be employed by a fluid dispensing system, examples of which are disclosed herein. Moreover, materials of various viscosities and other properties can be used. As such, examples of materials include fluids having a room temperature viscosity about the same as water, as well as lotions, slurries, soaps, ointments, and other materials whose room temperature viscosity may be greater than that of water.

Where combinations of materials are employed in an embodiment, any ratio or percentage of those materials can be employed. By way of illustration, if two fluids are employed in an embodiment, the percentage (e.g., by volume) of the first fluid can be anywhere in the range of about 1% to about 99% and, accordingly, the percentage (e.g., by volume) of the second fluid can be anywhere in the range of about 99% to about 1%.

As will be apparent from the foregoing discussion and examples, the wipe dispensing system can be configured to dispense a fluid combination whose pH is different from the respective pH values of the constituent components. For example, where one of the components is a relatively stable bleach, that component can be combined with one or more other fluids at about the time that dispensation of the wipe is initiated. The combined fluid thus produced can have a pH that renders it more active than the bleach component alone.

G. Example Alternative Embodiments

With attention now toFIG. 8, details are provided concerning an example alternative embodiment. In general, the alternative embodiment may have the same principles of operation of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-7. The primary difference between the embodiments is that the alternative embodiment is limited to a single fluid reservoir, while the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-7includes multiple fluid reservoirs. As such, only selected differences between the embodiments are discussed below.

With particular regard now toFIG. 8, and example wipe dispensing system600is disclosed that includes only a single fluid reservoir602. As shown, the fluid reservoir602, along with other components of the wipe dispensing system600can be enclosed by a housing604. A removable lid606can be provided that releasably engages the housing604. A mixing bowl frame608and a pump frame610can operate to cause the discharge of fluid from the fluid reservoir602into a mixing bowl (not shown) that communicates with a portion of the housing604where a supply of wipes612is stored. The wipes612can thus be dosed in a manner similar to that disclosed in connection with the other embodiments disclosed herein.