Abstract:
Wipes dispensing systems are disclosed herein. The wipes dispensing system may include an inverted dockable wipes container with a wipes dispesing mechanism configured to rest upside-down on a dock. This wipes dispensing system allows excess cleaning solvent to be contained in the reservoir of the dock. The wipes dispensing system may include a wipes dispensing and cleaning system configured as a dockable wiping handle and a base for housing a stack of individual wipes. This wipes dispensing and cleaning system allows the user to selectively use a wipe without directly contacting the wipes or any solvent/cleaning agent via the user&#39;s hands.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefits of and priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 62/146,940 filed on Apr. 13, 2015, entitled “Wipes Dispensing System”; and 62/280,421 filed on Jan. 19, 2016, entitled “Wipes Dispensing System.” The entire disclosures of the applications listed above are hereby incorporated by reference, in their entirety, for all that they teach and for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In recent years, consumers have increasingly turned to disposable wet wipes as a convenient means for sanitizing surfaces, spot cleaning, and other cleanup tasks. However, current wipes dispensing systems, such as the systems  500  and  502  depicted in  FIG. 3 , are either inelegant and cumbersome to use or suitable only for tissues and other dry wipes. Systems similar to the system  500  in particular, such as U.S. Pre-Grant Publication 2010/0078443 to Hoefing et al., generally use one or more apertures formed in flexible plastic members at the top of the canister through which the end of a perforated string of wipes is fed and accessed by users. However, these systems are ineffectual as they fail to reliably secure the end of the string of wipes at the top of the canister, and as a result, the end of the wipes drops down into the canister. This requires the user to have to inconveniently and, in some cases, painfully stuff his or her hand into the container to grab the end of the roll and reset it into the dispensing aperture. It also introduces dirt and bacteria into the canister and covers the user&#39;s hand in harsh cleaning solvent. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The innovative wipes solutions described herein address the deficiencies of the background art. In one innovative aspect, an example wipes hub includes an inverted dockable wipes container with a wipes dispensing mechanism configured to rest upside-down in a dock that can be placed on any surface. This configuration allows any excess cleaning solvent to drip into the reservoir. It also advantageously uses gravity to retain the roll of wipes included in the dockable wipes container near the dispensing mechanism, which reduces the chance of the end of the wipes roll from detaching from the dispensing mechanism and dropping down into the wipes canister. This system can replace the conventional industrial wipes canister that is usually hidden in a closet or sink cabinet with an aesthetically pleasing configuration that unobtrusively sits on the counter, work surface, or shelf. 
         [0004]    In another innovative aspect, an example wipes dispensing and cleaning system includes a dockable wiping handle and a base for housing a stack of individual wipes. Each wipe, when situated on top of the stack, is automatically attachable to the wiping handle when the wiping handle is docked into the base. The handle advantageously allows the user to obtain a wipe without having to grab the wipes with his or her hand. The handle also allows the user to conveniently and more effectively clean and/or scrub the surface being sanitized. Contact with the wipe during removal from the handle and disposal is also minimal as the user only has to grab an edge of the wipe, or in some cases a tab attached to the edge, and pull the wipe away from the handle and discard it. This compact system can conveniently be placed in a drawer or cabinet and quickly accessed to sanitize surfaces while minimizing user contact with the wipes themselves. 
         [0005]    The above aspects are provided by way of illustration and numerous other aspects, features, and advantages are also possible and contemplated. 
         [0006]    The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
         [0007]    The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably. 
         [0008]    It shall be understood that the term “means,” as used herein, shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6 or other applicable law. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves. 
         [0009]    It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. 
         [0010]    The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  shows various non-limiting embodiments of the wipes dispensing systems in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 2-5  show various views of the hub of wipes dispensing systems in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6-8  show loading and dispensing wipes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  shows an environment in which the wipes dispensing system is used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 10A-11  show a wipes dispensing and cleaning system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  show various perspective views of the wipe fastening mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 12C-E  illustrate end views of the wipe dispensing mechanism during actuation in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  show the support side of the mechanism illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-E  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
           [0020]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  show detail perspective views of a peripheral or seal protrusion in various positions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 
         [0023]    The present disclosure describes innovative solutions for dispensing wipes.  FIG. 1  depicts various non-limiting embodiments of these solutions, such as wipes hub  100 , wipes hub  100 ′, and wipes dispensing and cleaning system  200 . 
         [0024]      FIGS. 2-5  provide various additional views of the example hub  100  and/or the hub  100 ′. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the wipes hub  100  includes a dockable canister  102 . While not visible, the dockable canister  102  includes an internal chamber for housing the wipes  300 . The wipes may be comprised of a wet substrate or a dry substrate (e.g., be wet wipes or dry wipes). In some embodiments, the dockable canister  102  is openable to allow a user to refill the wipes  300 . 
         [0025]    On a bottom side  140 , the dockable canister  102  includes a dispensing mechanism  142  for dispensing the wipes  300  serially. In the depicted embodiment, the dispensing mechanism  142  includes an aperture  144  formed in a bottom surface  146  of the bottom side  140 . The next available wipe  300  protrudes through the aperture  144  for easy access and gripping by the user. 
         [0026]    The dockable canister  102  is dockable on a dock  104  of the wipes hub  100 . Compared to many conventional dispensing systems, the canister  102  is inverted when docked on the dock  104 . In its docked position, the wipes  300  housed in the canister  102  rest on an upward-facing internal surface associated with the dispensing mechanism  142  due to gravity. This keeps the wipes from continually tugging away from the dispensing mechanism  142 , helping to ensure that the end-most wipe stays fed through the dispensing mechanism  142  and accessible to the user. 
         [0027]    The dock  104  includes a coupling portion  150  configured to sealably couple to at least a portion of the bottom side  140  of the dockable canister  102  that includes the dispensing mechanism  142 . The dock  104  conveniently retains and secures the dockable canister  102  when docked on the dock  104 , which allows users to remove the canister  102 , pull out a wipe  300  from the dispensing mechanism  142 , and place the canister  102  back onto the dock  104 . 
         [0028]    In the depicted embodiment, the coupling portion  150  includes a receiver  152  and the bottom side  140  of the canister  102  includes a corresponding protrusion  134  where the protrusion  134  is configured to sealably insert into and decouple from the receiver  152 , although it should be understood that other configurations for providing a sealable coupling are also possible and contemplated, such as where the canister  102  and the base  104  include one or more compatible coupling elements and/or geometries. For instance, the canister  102  may include the receiver  152  and the base  104  includes the protrusion  134 , both the canister  102  and the base  104  include corresponding protrusions and recesses, the canister  102  and the base  104  may be threaded and may be twistably engaged/screwed together, etc. 
         [0029]    As shown, the receiver  152  may include a ridge  154  forming an edge of the recess  156  of the receiver  152  that is configured to insert into a corresponding recess  136  formed in part by an inner side of the protrusion  134 . This assembly can help to secure the canister  102  when placed on the dock  104 . 
         [0030]    The dock includes a reservoir  170  for accommodating a portion of a next accessible wipe  300  protruding from the dispensing mechanism  142 . The reservoir  170  is capable of collecting residual cleaning solvent from the wipes when the dockable canister  102  is docked on the dock  104 . Undocking the dockable canister  102  from the dock  104  exposes the dispensing mechanism  142  of the dockable canister  102 , and thus the next-accessible wipe  300  to a user. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  depicts example dimensions of the wipes hubs  100  and  100 ′ relative to other conventional solutions. It should be understood that hub  100 ′ accommodates fewer and/or smaller wipes than hub  100 , but may include one or more of the same features and advantages of the hub  100  described herein. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 4 and 5  depict two example environments  600  and  602  in which the hubs  100  and  100 ′ may be used. As shown, the hubs  100  and  100 ′ may be conveniently and unobtrusively placed on surfaces  402  and  404 , respectively, for convenient access and use by nearby users. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  depicts an example wipes dispensing and cleaning system  200 . As shown, the example wipes dispensing and cleaning system  200  may include a base  204  to house a stack of individual wipes  302  and a dockable wiping handle  202  dockable on the base  204 . 
         [0034]    As shown further in  FIG. 7 , the handle  202  includes a wipes fastening mechanism  203 . In some embodiments, the wipes fastening mechanism  203  includes compatible fastening surfaces  208  and  306 . For instance, as shown a bottom side  205  of the dockable wiping handle  202  includes a bottom surface  206  having a fastening surface  208  configured to removably adhere to a fastening surface  306  of a top-most wipe  304  when the dockable wiping handle  202  is docked on the base  204 . This advantageously allows users to reload an empty wiping handle  202  with a wipe  302  by placing the handle  202  in the base  204 . For instance, once a wipe  302  attached to the wiping handle  202  is used for cleaning by the user  800  and peeled from the bottom side  205  of the wiping handle and discarded, the wiping handle  202 , when docked on the base  204 , is automatically reloaded. For instance, when docked, the fastening surface  208  of the wiping handle  202  adheres to a corresponding upward surface  306  of the next top-most wipe  302  housed in the base  204 . In an embodiment, the surfaces  208  and  306  may include hook and loop or another suitable fastening means for removably adhering the surfaces together. 
         [0035]    In further embodiments, instead of or in addition to using compatible adhering surfaces, such as hook and loop, the wipe fastening mechanism  203  may include a mechanical fastening device that extends around and grips the outer-most wipe along at least a portion of the cleaning side of the wipe, or another suitable mechanism. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment where the wipes are wet wipes, to prevent the wet wipes  302  from drying out, the dockable wiping handle  202  may sealably couple with the base  204 . For instance, the dockable wiping handle  202  may include a first coupling portion  230  and the base may include a second coupling portion  250 , where the first coupling portion  230  is configured to sealably couple to and decouple from the second coupling portion  250  when the wiping handle is docked on the base. As a further example, the dockable wiping handle may include a peripheral protrusion  232  that extends around a periphery of the handle  202 , such as a seal, that seals against an inner wall of the base  204 , although other configurations are possible, such as one where the base includes a raised portion that sealably contacts against a sidewall of the handle  202 . 
         [0037]    Since the dockable wiping handle  202  sealably docks with the base  204  when docked, the dockable wiping handle  202  or the base  204  may include a pressure release mechanism (now shown) that releases positive air pressure/back pressure caused when the wiping handle is sealably docked on the base by the user to allow the dockable wiping handle  202  to properly seat with the base  204 . In addition, the pressure release mechanism can also release negative air pressure caused when undocking the wiping handle  202  from the base  204 , and allow the user to more easily remove the wiping handle  202  during use (e.g., prevent the user from having to pry the handle  202  off of the base  204 ). 
         [0038]    The walls of the base  204  form a cavity  170  shaped to house the stack of wipes  302 . The shorter the stack of wipes  302  is in the base  204 , the lower the wiping handle  202  sits when docked to the base  204 , as illustrated in the different perspectives  700 ,  702 , and  704  shown in  FIG. 8 . In some configurations, the base  204  may attach to the handle  202 , or vice-versa, and the user may detach the handle  202  from the base  204  by performing an action (e.g., applying pressure to an unlocking mechanism, etc.). 
         [0039]    While the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 6-8  shows a variation where the wipes  302  are loaded into and dispensed onto the handle  202  from the base  204 , it should be understood that in a further embodiment, the wipes  302  may be loaded into a corresponding cavity formed in the body of the handle  202  and suitably shaped to accept and retain the wipes. In this embodiment, the handle  202  includes a dispensing mechanism configured to allow the user to remove the outer-most wipe (bottom-most relative to a surface) of the stack of wipes  302  housed in the handle  202 . For instance, the handle  202  may include a lip (continuous, discontinuous, etc.) around the opening of the cavity in which the wipes  302  are placed that retains the wipes  302  and allows the wipes  302  to be removed one-by-one from the handle  202  after use, although other variations are also possible and contemplated. 
         [0040]    In this further embodiment, the base may act as a bottom cover for the handle  202 , and a seal in the case of wet wipes, when placed in the base  204  and may be correspondingly shaped. 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  depicts an example environment  900  in which the system  200  may be used. As shown, the system  200  may be conveniently and unobtrusively placed on the surfaces  406  for convenient access and use by nearby users. 
         [0042]    While a rectangular handle  202  and base  204  are depicted in the figures, it should be understood that the handle  202  and/or the base  204  may have any suitable, form or shape, and may be larger and/or smaller than the embodiments depicted without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, the hubs  100  and  100 ′, and/or components thereof, may take different forms and have different sizes without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A-11 , a wipes dispensing and cleaning system  1000  is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to the embodiments previously described, the wipes dispensing and cleaning system  1000  may include a handle  1002  and a base  1004 . The handle  1004  may seat, or otherwise interconnect, with the base  1004 . In one example, the base  1004  may include a cavity  170  that is configured to receive at least one of a portion of the handle  1002  and one or more wipes  302 . 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the wipes dispensing and cleaning system  1000  may include at least one seal protrusion  1032  that can be engaged with a feature of the system  1000 . The seal protrusion  1032 , when engaged, may serve to separate the environment around the wipes  302  from the ambient environment surrounding the system  1000 . In the case of wet wipes  302 , this separation can allow the environment around the wipes  302  to remain moist for prolonged periods of time, even in dry climates and surroundings. In some embodiments, the seal protrusion  1032  may be configured as a compliant or flexible material that is a part of, or connected to, the handle  1002 . The seal protrusion  1032  may contact a portion of the base  1004 , or the walls thereof upon seating or removing the handle  1002  from the base  1004 . Additional details regarding the peripheral protrusion  232  and/or the at least one seal protrusion  1032  are described in conjunction with  FIGS. 14A and 14B . 
         [0045]      FIG. 11  shows an exploded view of the wipes dispensing and cleaning system  1000  shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . In some embodiments, the wipes dispensing and cleaning system  1000  may include a wipe fastening mechanism  1200 . The wipe fastening mechanism  1200  may be connected to the handle  1002  via one or more fastening elements  1116 . Additionally or alternatively, the wipe fastening mechanism  1200  may be contained within the body of the handle  1002  such a wipe contact area or surface is exposed along at least one side of the handle  1002 . In one embodiment, the handle  1002  may include an actuation feature, or button  1104 , that is configured to actuate a movement or an action associated with the wipe fastening mechanism  1200 . The button  1104  may be retained in the handle  1002  via one or more features  1112  disposed in an opening  1108  of the handle  1002 . The handle  1002  may include one or more features similar to those described in conjunction with the other Figures. 
         [0046]    While the base  1004  may be manufactured as a single part, it is contemplated that the base  1004  may be made from a number of parts. For instance, the base  1004  may include a wipe container part  1004 A and an end closure part  1004 B. Multi-part construction can provide a number of advantages including reduced manufacturing costs, providing various weighting options, enhanced material selections, and the like. For instance, manufacturing costs may be decreased in a multi-part construction by reducing the material thicknesses and using less material in each part. Moreover, the multi-part construction can allow for post mold processing such as adding weight material to an interior of the multi-part base  1004 . For instance, the wipe container part  1004 A may be molded as a thin wall molded piece to include the reservoir  170 . The nature of the thin wall mold may provide a number of crevices and gaps in an open end of the wipe container part  1004 A. These crevices and gaps may be employed to contain a weight material (e.g., sand, shot, weighted spheres, metal, plastic, etc.). Once the weight material is added to the crevices and gaps, the end closure part  1004 B may be connected to the wipe container part  1004 A forming the base  1004 . The connection may include attachment of one part to the other via adhesive, interference fits, tongue-and-groove features, tab-and-slot features, ultrasonic welding, thermal welding, etc., and/or combinations thereof. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  show various perspective views of the wipe fastening mechanism  1200  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the wipe fastening mechanism  1200  may include a platform  1204  having a number of connection points  1208  configured to receive at least one actuating member. The at least one actuating member may be configured to selectively present one or more wipe contacting surfaces to a wipe  304  (e.g., a top-most wipe  304  in a stack of wipes  302  disposed in the base  1004 ). Each of the one or more wipe contacting surfaces may include hook-and-loop and/or other adhesive or fastening means for selectively adhering to a wipe  304 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 12A , the platform  1204  of the wipe fastening mechanism  1200  includes various sets of actuation connection points, or actuation protrusions  1208 A-C.  FIG. 12B  shows a perspective view of the wipe fastening mechanism  1200  having a transparent second actuation member  1220 . Although any of the components described herein may be made from opaque, transparent, and/or translucent materials, the second actuation member  1220  is shown in transparency to illustrate additional features of the mechanism  1200  (e.g., the spring  1216 , etc.). The actuation protrusions  1208 A-C may be disposed on a first side of the platform  1204 . In any event, the actuation protrusions  1208 A-C may include one or more engagement features configured to engage with an actuating member. In some embodiments, the engagement feature of each actuation protrusion  1208 A-C may serve to define a movement of the actuation member engaged therewith. For instance, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-E , each actuation protrusion  1208 A-C includes a circular rotational feature. Although illustrated as a hole disposed in the actuation protrusion  1208 A-C and configured to receive a rotational shaft member, it should be appreciated, that the circular rotation feature may be a shaft and the hole, or receiving feature, may be disposed in the actuation member. Additionally or alternatively, each actuation protrusion  1208 A-C may include its own geometry and/or configuration and the circular rotational feature may differ for each actuation protrusion  1208 A-C (e.g., the first actuation protrusion  1208 A may include a hole as its circular rotational feature, while the second actuation protrusion  1208 B may include a shaft as its circular rotational feature, and so on). 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the wipe fastening mechanism  1200  may include a first actuation member  1212 . The first actuation member  1212  may be configured to receive an actuation input provided by an external force. For instance, a user may apply a force to at least a portion of the first actuation member  1212  that imparts a movement to the first actuation member  1212 . As outlined above, this movement may be defined by a connection to a portion of the platform  1204 . For example, the first actuation member  1212  may be rotatably connected to a circular rotational feature of the first actuation protrusion  1208 A. In this example, when a user applies force to the first actuation member  1212 , the member  1212  may rotate about an axis of the circular rotational feature of the first actuation protrusion  1208 A. 
         [0050]    The movement of the first actuation member  1212  may be further defined or controlled by a restrictive force, a motion range limit, and/or via at least one other component of the wipe fastening mechanism  1200 . By way of example, a spring  1216  (as shown in  FIG. 12B ) may provide a restrictive force to counteract a force applied to the first actuation member  1212 . While shown as a leaf spring, it should be appreciated that the spring  1216  may include any configuration or shape that provides a counteractive force to a force applied by a user to the first actuation member  1212 . In some embodiments, the spring  1216  may be manufactured as a part of the platform. As another example, a movement of the first actuation member  1212  may be limited by an interconnection with other parts of the mechanism  1200  such as the second actuation member  1220  and the third actuation member  1224 . 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIGS. 12A-E , the first actuation member  1212  may be operatively connected to one or more other actuation members  1220 ,  1224 . In one embodiment, the first actuation member may connected to the actuation members  1220 ,  1224  via a linkage, a pin-in-slot connection, a pinned connection, a fastened connection, and the like, and/or combinations thereof. Upon applying a force to the first actuation member  1212 , causing the first actuation member  1212  to move, the connection may translate the movement to the connected second actuation member  1220  and third actuation member  1224 . Similar to the connection of the first actuation member  1212 , the second and third actuation members  1220 ,  1224  may be rotatably connected to circular rotational features of the second and third actuation protrusions  1208 B,  1208 C, respectively. Continuing the example above, when the movement of the first actuation member  1212  is translated to the second and third actuation members  1220 ,  1224 , at least one wipe contacting surfaces of each member  1220 ,  1224  may be withdrawn to a position within at least a portion of the handle  1002  and/or the wipe dispensing mechanism  1200 . This movement of the wipe contacting surfaces of each member  1220 ,  1224  from an exposed position to a concealed, or withdrawn, position may release a wipe  304  from the handle  1002  and/or wipe dispensing mechanism  1200 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 12C-E  illustrate end views of the wipe dispensing mechanism  1200  during actuation in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIGS. 12C-E  show a wipe dispensing mechanism  1200  releasing a wipe  304  from contact with the wipe contacting surfaces of each member  1220 ,  1224 . 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 12C , a wipe  304  is shown in contact with the wipe contacting surfaces of each member  1220 ,  1224  and supported against a support side  1260  of the wipe dispensing mechanism  1200 . In one embodiment, the support side  1260  of the wipe dispensing mechanism may be a surface of the platform  1204 . In any event, the support side  1260  may be configured to support the wipe  304  (e.g., during cleaning, etc.) such that the wipe  304  substantially conforms to a shape of the support side  1260  of the mechanism  1200  (e.g., a flat surface, an arcuate surface, an undulated surface, etc., and/or combinations thereof). As a force  1228  is applied to the first actuation member  1212 , the member  1212  may begin to translate or move about an axis of rotation of the first actuation protrusion in a rotation direction  1232 . This movement of the first actuation member  1212  may translate to one or more of the second and third actuation members  1220 ,  1224  via an interconnection  1226 . 
         [0054]    The force  1228  applied to the first actuation member  1212  continues in  FIG. 12D  increasing the movement of the member  1212  in the rotational direction  1232 . This movement translates to the second and third actuation members  1220 ,  1224 , causing the second actuation member  1220  to rotate about an axis of rotation of the second actuation protrusion in second rotation direction  1236 , while the third actuation member  1224  is caused to rotate about an axis of rotation of the third actuation protrusion in third rotation direction  1240 . This rotational movement causes the wipe contacting surfaces of each member  1220 ,  1224  to lift in a first and second direction  1244 ,  1248  away from the wipe support surface of the mechanism  1200 . For instance, the wipe contacting surfaces of each member  1220 ,  1224  are moved from an exposed, or wipe contact, position to a withdrawn, or wipe release, position. The movement separates the wipe  304  from the wipe contacting surfaces the support surface of the mechanism  1200  and as a result the wipe is caused to detach from the mechanism  1200 . In one example, where a gravity vector is shown along arrow  1252 , the wipe  304  may be released by the movement of the actuation members  1212 ,  1220 ,  1224  as described herein, and the wipe  304  may fall away from mechanism  1200  and handle  1002  (e.g., in the direction of the gravity vector). 
         [0055]      FIG. 12E  shows an exaggerated movement of the second and third actuation members  1220 ,  1224  relative to the support side of the mechanism  1200 . The wipe contacting surfaces  1270  of the members  1220 ,  1224  are shown in their withdrawn positions and the wipe  304  is shown as falling further from the support side  1260  of the mechanism  1200 . 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the support side  1260  of the mechanism  1200  is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the support side  1260  of the mechanism  1200  includes at least one wipe support surface  1316  having one or more relieved portions or openings  1312  disposed therein. In some embodiments, the openings  1312  may be configured to receive at least one wipe contacting surface  1308 A-D of an actuation member (e.g., the second and third actuation members  1220 ,  1224 , etc.). 
         [0057]      FIG. 13A  shows an example of the support side  1260  of the mechanism  1200  configured to receive a wipe  304 .  FIG. 13A  may correspond to the position of the elements as described in conjunction with  FIG. 12C . In particular, the support side  1260  may include one or more exposed wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D. Each wipe contacting surface  1308 A-D may include hook-and-loop and/or other adhesive or fastening means for selectively adhering to a wipe  304 . The wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D and/or the fastening means, may be flush with the wipe support surface  1316  when in position to receive a wipe  304 . In some embodiments, the wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D and/or the fastening means, may be under flush with the wipe support surface  1316  or contained at least partially within the platform  1204 , handle  1002 , or other portion of the mechanism  1200  when in position to receive a wipe  304 . In other embodiments, the wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D and/or the fastening means, may be raised such that the wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D sit in a position set apart from the wipe support surface  1316  (e.g., proud of the surface  1316 ) and outside of a portion of the mechanism  1200  when in position to receive a wipe  304 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 13B  shows an example of the support side  1260  of the mechanism  1200  configured to release a wipe  304 .  FIG. 13B  may correspond to the position of the elements as described in conjunction with  FIG. 12D  and/or  FIG. 12E . As shown, the first actuation member  1212  has received force  1228  causing the other actuation members  1220 ,  1224  to move and lift the wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D from a “wipe contact” position to a “wipe release” position. In this wipe release position, the wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D are contained at least partially within the platform  1204 , the mechanism  1200 , and/or the handle  1002 . Lifting the wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D away from the wipe support surface  1316  causes an attached wipe  304  to detach from the wipe contacting surfaces  1308 A-D and separate from the handle  1002 . 
         [0059]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  show detail perspective views of a peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  in various positions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As provided above, the peripheral protrusion  232  or seal protrusion  1032  may be operatively coupled with at least a portion of the handle  1002  or other feature of the cleaning system  1000 . The peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may extend outwardly, or away, from a center of the handle providing a flexible or movable protrusion feature. This offset peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be configured to engage with or contact at least one inner wall of the base  104 ,  1004  when the handle  1002  is at least partially disposed within the base  104 ,  1004 . When in contact with the inner wall of the base  104 ,  1004  a sealed volume may be defined between the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  of the handle and the cavity  170  or interior of the base  104 ,  1004 . In some embodiments, this sealed volume may provide a temporary, or semi-permanent, sealed environment for one or more wet wipes contained therein. Among other things, the sealed environment may prevent the wet wipes from drying out (e.g., by maintaining a humid or moisture-rich environment in the sealed volume. 
         [0060]      FIG. 14A  shows a detail perspective view of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  in an undeformed, unflexed, or default shape in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The default shape may correspond to a shape of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  when it is separated or apart from the base  104 ,  1004 . The peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be molded, shaped, or otherwise formed to maintain a flanged surface that projects or extends some distance beyond an outer periphery of the handle  1002 . The peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be manufactured from a compliant, pliable, or flexible material or combination of materials. For instance, the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be made from one or more plastic, rubber, silicone, polymer, synthetic, natural fiber, etc., and/or the like. In some embodiments, the flexibility may be built into a hinge, mechanism, or other feature associated with the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032 . In this latter embodiment, the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be made from a rigid material or materials. As shown in  FIG. 14A , the platform  1204  or bottom of the handle  1002  is resting on a surface  406 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 14B  shows a detail perspective view of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  in a deformed, flexed, or sealing shape in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The sealing shape may correspond to a shape of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  when it is in contact with or engaging a portion of at least one inner wall or cavity  170  of the base  104 ,  1004 . In one example, the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be configured to flex, pivot, and/or otherwise move in a downward direction  1404  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 14B ) when being removed from the base  104 ,  1004 . Among other things, the flexibility and/or the shape of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may prevent a suction force or vacuum created in the sealed environment between the volume of a portion of the cavity and the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  from preventing removal of the handle  1002 . In one embodiment, as a user  800  pulls the handle  1002  from a base  104 ,  1004  with which the handle  1002  is engaged, the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may easily flex along the inner wall of the base allowing pressure to be equalized between the sealed environment and a volume outside of the sealed environment (e.g., such that the handle  1002  can be removed without lifting the base  104 ,  1004 ). Additionally or alternatively, the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be configured to flex or move upward (e.g., opposite the direction shown in  FIG. 14B ), for instance, when it is inserted into a base  104 ,  1004 . The insertion force of the handle  1002  into the base  104 ,  1004  may displace air from inside the cavity  170  of the base  104 ,  1004  along at least one path between the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  and at least one inner wall of the base  104 ,  1004 . 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may include features that assist in reducing friction between a portion of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  and an inner wall of a base  104 ,  1004 . As shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  or flange is shown as flexible. Additionally or alternatively, the surface under the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may include a radius, such that when the handle is lifted, the radius reduces the friction between a contacting surface and the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  allowing the handle  1002  to be picked up without the base  104 ,  1004  being lifted due to a suction force. Although shown as a radius, it should be appreciated that any arcuate, chamfered, broken edge, or other feature of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may allow the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  to move in a direction closer to the center of the handle  1002  (e.g., when a force is applied in a downward direction  1404  relative to the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032 ). In one embodiment, as the handle  1002  is removed from a base, an outer peripheral dimension of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be reduced. This reduction in size, or area, established by a perimeter of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032  may be due to a mechanical movement, a flexing, a pivoting, and/or a retraction of the peripheral or seal protrusion  232 ,  1032 . 
         [0063]    In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technology. It will be apparent, however, that the technology described herein can be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0064]    Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the term “embodiment” or “embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
         [0065]    In addition, it should be understood and appreciated that variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, implementations, and examples may exist, are contemplated, and are encompassed hereby. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiments, implementations, and examples, but by all embodiments, implementations, and examples, and other equivalents within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 
         [0066]    In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference letter or label. 
         [0067]    A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others. 
         [0068]    The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation. 
         [0069]    The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. 
         [0070]    Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.