WO2008147904A2

WO2008147904A2 - Touch-free wipe dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2008147904A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/064566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas J. Pollack; Jeffrey Swan; Craig Desrosiers
Original assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
Priority date: 2007-05-22
Filing date: 2008-05-22
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: WO2008147904A3

Abstract

A wipe dispenser includes a housing (22) having a chamber configured to contain a stack of wet wipes, a dispensing slot (42) in the housing and in communication with the chamber to allow a feed of the wet wipes to exit the chamber, a proximity sensor (106) responsive to an indication from a user to generate a signal to trigger dispensation of a sequential wet wipe in the feed of the wet wipes, and a nip roller (43) positioned adjacent the dispensing slot to engage the sequential wet wipe to advance the feed through the dispensing slot in accordance with the trigger signal from the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is configured to determine whether the user indication is within a predetermined distance of the proximity sensor to advance the feed for the dispensation of the sequential wet wipe without requiring user contact with the wipe dispenser.

Description

TOUCH-FREE WIPE DISPENSER

Cross-Reference To Related Application

JOOOl] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application entitled "Touch Free Wipe Dispenser," filed May 22, 2007, and having Serial No. 60/939,522, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

Background of the Disclosure

1. Field of the Dis closure

[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to wipe dispensers, and more particularly to touch-free wipe dispensers.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] When changing a child's diaper, a caregiver's hands can easily become soiled. The caregiver's hands can just as easily become dirty or contaminated while cleaning up the child, despite successful avoidance of any direct contact with the soil. The chance for spreading the contamination creates a dilemma. For instance, the caregiver may use oils or lotions during the diaper changing and, in so doing, touch the surfaces of a number of containers, tools and other objects. When the caregiver touches the items necessary to complete the diaper change operation, such as a new diaper, a lotion or cream container, or the like, the contamination or soil is very likely to be spread.

[0004] Also, when changing the diaper of a child, the child can be quite squirmy and difficult to contain. It is very important that the caregiver have a hand on or near the child at all times to prevent or avoid a potential fall from, for example, a changing table. Reaching for the necessary items can distract the caregiver from this responsibility.

[0005] Wet wipes have been used by caregivers as a disposable towelette to rapidly clean skin surfaces during a diaper change while minimizing the potential for contaminating contact. The wipes are often moistened with a solution to provide benefits beyond cleansing and cleaning, such as disinfection and skin care (e.g., via moisturizing lotion). Wet wipes are typically provided in a covered container, such as a tub, to retain the moisture.

[0006] The wet wipes are often folded and interleaved to interact with an orifice in the tub to provide a continuous stream of separable wipes. In these cases, a user pulling on a wipe causes the next wipe to partially protrude through the orifice to present an easy grasp in much the same manner that dry tissues are obtained from a tissue box. Unfortunately, this process can lead to prolonged exposure of the protruding wipe, resulting in an unsuitably dry wipe.

[0007] Usually the wipes are folded in a stacked arrangement. As a result of the weight and moisture of the stack, each wipe tends to adhere to itself and the substrate material of adjacent wipes. Consequently, once the caregiver pulls a wipe from the stack, the wipe typically remains at least partially adhered to one or more adjacent wipes. Even when the container has an orifice for wipe separation, two, three or more wipes are frequently released from the stack. The user must then separate these additional wipes from the first wipe, and attempt to return any unwanted wipes to the stack in the container.

[0008] For these reasons, a caregiver often needs to touch the next wet wipes to be obtained from the stack to return them to the container or to cover them with a Hd. Unfortunately, such contact with the next wipes can also increase the spread of soil or germs, especially when the wipes are not moistened with a disinfectant. This problem effectively discourages more widespread use of the wet wipes, as the next wipe will not be used for any purpose other than diaper changing.

[0009] Wipe dispensers have been designed to address contamination problems by reducing the number of times a caregiver needs to touch the dispenser in order to remove a wipe. Cottonelle is one of several commercial providers of wipes with a containment dispenser that opens with a push of a button. Once the button is pushed, a spring-loaded Hd opens and the caregiver has access to individual wipes. The user then pushes the lid closed. An example of this operation can be seen at the following website URL by clicking on "Popup Tub" icon: www. cottonelle. com/products/folded. asp.

[0010] These known solutions still require the caregiver to touch the dispenser two or more times during each use — at least once to open the dispenser and at least once to close the dispenser. Each touch still creates the possibility of spreading germs, soil, and other contamination. For example, if the caregiver has some contamination or soil on their hands and he or she pushes the button to get a wipe, that soil can be spread to the button and to the Hd when it is closed. When a user goes for a clean wipe in the future, the existing soil, bacteria, germs, etc. on the button and lid can be spread further. Additionally, when opening and closing these types of reduced touch dispensers to get a wipe, the caregiver still needs to direct a certain amount of attention to the dispenser. This can lead to an unnecessary distraction between caregiver and child. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a touch-free wipe dispenser constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure to incorporate a number of aspects thereof.

[0013] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the touch-free activation and operation of the exemplary wipe dispenser of FIG. 1 for automated dispensation and retraction of a wet wipe through a dispensing slot.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the exemplary wipe dispenser of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment having a nip roller assembly in snap-fit engagement with a pair of doors and/or gearing blocks.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the exemplary wipe dispenser of FIG. 1 taken along lines 5-5 and in accordance with one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a sectional, exploded view of an exemplary wipe dispenser in accordance with an embodiment having a housing window to provide a user with an indication of the number of remaining wipes.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the exemplary wipe dispenser of FIG. 1 taken along lines 7-7 and in accordance with an embodiment having a nip roller assembly in snap-fit engagement with a pair of doors and a gearing block.

[0018] FIG. 8 is another sectional view of the exemplary wipe dispenser shown in FIG. 7 to depict a feed of wet wipes to be advanced through the nip roller assembly.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of exemplary control circuitry and other electronic components to provide various functionality of a wipe dispenser in accordance with several aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an exemplary procedure implemented by a microprocessor of the control circuitry of FIG. 9 to provide automated dispensation and retraction functions of the disclosed wipe dispensers. Detailed Description of the Disclosure

[0021] The disclosure is generally directed to devices configured to provide automated, touch-free dispensation of wet wipes. The touch- free wipe dispensers disclosed herein generally facilitate cleaner diaper changes with less possibility for distraction of the caregiver. The disclosed wipe dispensers generally involve the detection of a user indication, such as the placement of a hand within a designated area or region around the dispenser. A proximity sensor or other sensing element is configured to provide the detection functionality, which then triggers the dispensation of a wet wipe for the user to grab and use without requiring the user to touch or contact the wipe dispenser with a hand that may be soiled by the diaper change.

[0022] The disclosed wipe dispensers can also reduce the amount of time that the caregiver is distracted from the task at hand, which is to change the diaper and maintain control of the squirmy, wiggly child. The disclosed wipe dispensers involve only a wave of the hand and a quick grab of the exposed wet wipe. This benefit helps the caregiver focus on the child.

[0023] For the reasons set forth herein, the disclosed wipe dispensers are useful in the home or in a nursery, and may be especially useful during use of a public diaper changing station. Moreover, with a dramatically reduced possibility of contamination of the wipe dispenser or the next wipe(s), the disclosed wipe dispensers are well-suited for uses beyond skin cleansing during diaper changes. That is, the same stack of wet wipes can now be safely accessed for both diaper changes and other uses.

[0024] In some cases, the automated aspects of the disclosed wipe dispensers are also generally directed to retraction of a partially extended wet wipe. Retraction can help save wet wipes from undesired drying. Retraction can also avoid the contamination resulting from a user trying to limit the drying of a wipe by pushing it back into a container. This aspect and other features and aspects of the disclosed wipe dispensers address problems and challenges not faced by touch-free dispensers of dry, rolled paper towels, such as the enMotion towel dispensers commercially available from Georgia-Pacific LLC (for more information, please see, for example, the following link or website URL: www.gp.com/awayfromhome/enmotion).

[0025] The disclosed wipe dispensers generally utilize a nip roller arrangement or assembly to advance (or retract) a feed of wet wipes through a dispensing slot. As described below, the feed of wet wipes is positioned for engagement by a nip roller. Once the nip roller and the feed of wet wipes are in place, the nip roller applies pressure to the feed so that rotation of the nip roller advances the feed.

[0026] The disclosed devices are generally compatible with a variety of commercially available, off-the-shelf wet wipes, which are generally arranged in a stack of interleaved or interfolded towelettes. The manner in which the towelettes, or sheets, are arranged in the stack may vary considerably, but generally the wet wipes are folded in a pattern that involves some degree of overlap to form a web. Although described in connection with a stack of interleaved, non-connected wipes, the disclosed devices are also well-suited for use with other web arrangements of stacked wet wipes, including for instance a continuous strip of wipes having perforations to define individual towelettes. Any manner or mechanism may be utilized with the disclosed devices to readily separate the web into individual wet wipes or towelettes.

[0027] One advantage resulting from the configuration of the disclosed devices is that the nip roller assembly facilitates the separation of the wet wipes. Adjacent wet wipes tend to adhere to one another due to the compression of the wipes in the stack and the effect of the moisture solution on the substrate material of each wipe. The adherence can otherwise force a user to separate adjacent wipes using two hands. With the disclosed devices, in contrast, the nip roller assembly can engage the next wet wipe in the event that it reaches the dispensing slot as a result of the user pulling on the current wipe. In this way, the pressure and friction provided by the nip roller assembly effectively provide the force applied by the second hand to retain the next wet wipe in the sequence, even as a force is applied to the current wipe to separate it from the feed. This separation of the feed can be especially useful in situations when the caregiver has only one free hand, such as when the user is holding an infant with one hand while trying to obtain a wet wipe.

[0028] Turning now to the drawing figures, an exemplary wipe dispenser indicated generally at 20 includes a housing 22 with a top face 24 and an instrumentation panel 26. The housing 22 generally defines an interior chamber (not shown) for storage of a plurality of wet wipes interlocked, interweaved, or otherwise interconnected with one another, and folded into a stack. Any one of the faces of the housing 22 may have a panel or cover dedicated to accessing and loading the chamber. For example, the bottom of the housing 22 may have a removable panel to provide such access. In this case, the top face 24 has an opening or aperture 27 in which a pair of adjoining doors 28A and 28B are disposed. The doors 28A and 28B are arranged to open from the middle or center of the aperture 27 from a closed position in which the doors 28 A and 28B are aligned with the remainder of the top face 24 to form a generally flat surface, generally closing the aperture 27. To those ends, the doors 28A and 28B are pivotable about respective, spaced apart hinges 30A and 30B disposed in parallel along the top face 24. In this example, each hinge 3OA, 30B is inset within a respective groove 32A, 32B in the top face 24. As a result, the doors 28A and 28B lie roughly in the plane of the top face 24. Door handles 34 project upwardly and outwardly from this plane, and each door 28A, 28B, to assist a user in opening and closing the doors 28A, 28B.

[0029] The instrumentation panel 26 in this example is disposed on an inclined surface 36 offset from the top face 24 and the aperture 27. The positioning and arrangement of the instrumentation panel 26 may vary considerably from that shown, but generally the instrumentation panel 26 includes a sensor window or panel section 38 to provide an area with an unobstructed view of, or access to, the space above the top face 24. The lack of obstruction is generally directed to detecting a user hand or other indication within a predetermined distance of sensors (not shown) disposed at or behind the window 38. The inclined nature of the surface 36 also positions the sensor window 38 at a height above the top face 24 so that the sensors can be oriented at an angle or otherwise directed toward the space above the top face 24. The instrumentation panel 26 may also include any number of user interface elements, for input or output, including, for instance, visual indicators (not shown) and user select buttons and switches (not shown). For example, one or more user select buttons or switches may be provided to support selection of an operational mode for the wipe dispenser 22, as further described below.

[0030] When the doors 28A and 28B are closed, respective ends 4OA and 4OB of the doors 28A and 28B meet at a wipe dispensing slot indicated generally at 42. The dispensing slot 42 may present a gap or groove of a predetermined or variable spacing through which a web or feed of wet wipes can be provided. In some cases, one or both of the doors 28A and 28B is biased in the direction of the other door to close the gap when no wet wipe is present. In this way, the moisture of the wet wipes is contained within the housing 22. More generally, moisture retention is provided by a variably or minimally sized gap.

[0031] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a nip roller assembly 43 is positioned at or adjacent the dispensing slot 42. The nip width is generally aligned with the dispensing slot 42 and configured to create and maintain a desired amount of pressure and friction on the wet wipes passing through the dispensing slot 42. In this example, the nip roller assembly 43 includes a pair of rollers 44 oriented in parallel along the top face 24 on either side of the dispensing slot 42. The rollers 44 may, but need not, be held in position at the ends 4OA, 4OB of the doors 28A, 28B via a snap-fit or other engagement with the doors 28 A, 28B. More generally, the rollers 44 engage a web or feed of wet wipes to advance the next wet wipe through the dispensing slot 42. The number, position, size, length, and other characteristics of the rollers 44 may vary and still support this feeding operation. For instance, the nip roller assembly 43 may have only a single nip roller that applies pressure to the wet wipes relative to a wall or other stationary surface.

[0032] In this example, each end 4OA, 40B of the doors 28A, 28B has one or more tabs 46 to provide an anti-jamming feature. Each tab 46 extends laterally from the ends 4OA, 4OB toward the dispensing slot 42. In this example, each door 28A, 28B has two tabs 46 positioned along the ends 4OA and 40B such that the tabs 46 of the door 28A are adjacent and opposed to the tabs 46 of the door 28B. While the positioning along the doors 28 A, 28B may vary, each tab 46 partially covers one of the rollers 44 so that an advancing wet wipe cannot wrap around the roller 44 and return into the chamber. To this end, the tabs 46 may be disposed within circumferential grooves (see, e.g., FIG. 4) so that the wet wipes are engaged by the roller 44 (rather than, for example, the tabs 46) as the wipes advance through the dispensing slot 42.

[0033] The shape and configuration of the housing 22 may vary considerably from the example shown. For instance, the housing 22 may have a different number of doors associated with the dispensing slot 42. In fact, the housing need not have a door associated with the dispensing slot 42. m some cases, only a single door is used. Moreover, the locations of the dispensing slot 42 and any doors associated therewith may vary from the top face 24. Still further, the housing 22 need not have a generally fiat, top face. One example of an alternative configuration would dispose the dispensing slot 42 at a ridge formed by two sloping (i.e., non-flat) surfaces rising upward from the edges of the housing 22. hi that case, one or more doors can be positioned such that, when closed, the door follows the slope of the corresponding surface.

[0034] FIG. 2 depicts the wipe dispenser 20 during the automated dispensation of a wet wipe 50 via the dispensing slot 42. After the wipe dispenser 20 is loaded with a stack of interleaved wet wipes, and the web or feed is engaged by the nip roller assembly 43, a proximity sensor or other detection device (see, e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6) in the instrumentation panel 26 (or the sensor section 38) detects the presence of a user hand in the proximity of the housing 22. The proximity sensor may be sensitive to motion, light, heat, etc. that is placed near the slot (e.g., within a predetermined distance of the detection device). The sensor is thus configured to sense the appropriate stimuli and trigger the dispensation of the wipe 50 without requiring user contact with the wipe dispenser 20. In this way, the wipe 50 is exposed through the slot automatically and presented for grabbing by the caregiver. The proximity sensor or detector may utilize a variety of different detection schemes or technologies, including various optical (e.g., IR, visual, etc.) techniques and other technologies that detect an interruption or other change in an electromagnetic signal or field (e.g., capacitive detection). Still other examples may utilize audio detection techniques to detect a user command or other indication. More generally, if the sensor determines that a user is waving a hand or providing some other gesture or indication within a predetermined range of the proximity sensor, a signal or other indication is generated to direct the dispensation of the next wipe in the sequence of the web or feed.

[0035] As described with examples below, the nip roller assembly 43 is driven electromechanically to advance the sequential wipe 50 through the dispensing slot 42. To this end, the nip roller assembly 43 rotates to direct the wipe 50 upward in the direction shown. In some cases, control electronics may be utilized to direct a drive mechanism (see below for examples) to advance the wipe 50 a desired amount. Alternatively or additionally, the extent to which the wipe 50 is advanced may be determined mechanically. Further sensing may also be utilized to direct how far the wet wipe 50 is advanced and other operational characteristics, including to what extent, if any, the following wet wipe in the feed is also advanced through the dispensing slot 42. The proximity sensor relied upon to detect the user indication may be configured to detect the presence and/or position of the advancing wipe as well. Other examples include a sensor dedicated to detecting the presence and position of the wipe(s).

[0036] With reference now to FIG. 3, the wipe dispenser 20 may be configured to also retract unused wipes still engaged by the nip roller assembly 43. hi these cases, a non- retrieved wipe 52 is retracted if a predetermined time has elapsed since the wipe 52 was advanced. For example, a user could be given 15 seconds to grab the advanced wipe before retraction occurs. In this way, the wet wipe 52 is not exposed for a prolonged period of time and instead returned to the chamber of the wipe dispenser 20 to retain its moisture. Such automated retraction can also address any false positives that led to an erroneous wipe dispensation. To these ends, the control electronics are configured to direct the drive mechanism to rotate the nip roller assembly 43 such that the wipe 52 is drawn back through the dispensing slot 42 in the direction shown. Further details regarding these automated operations are provided below with exemplary drive mechanisms, control electronics, etc.

[0037] FIG. 4 depicts the exemplary wipe dispenser 20 in greater detail. The housing 22 is shown with the doors 28A and 28B and other components in exploded view to reveal a wipe chamber indicated generally at 54. The shape and size of the chamber 54 may vary considerably, as desired. In some cases, guides or partitioning walls (not shown) may be disposed within the chamber 54 to position or orient the stack of wipes laterally, longitudinally, or otherwise, hi that way, the chamber 54 may be adjusted to accommodate differently sized wet wipes (or wet wipe stacks), and therefore remain compatible with a variety of different brands and types of commercially available wet wipes.

[0038] In this example, the doors 28 A and 28B engage the rollers 44 via clips indicated generally at 56. Each clip 56 includes a respective one of the tabs 46 and a corresponding projection 58 that, together, form a C-shaped clasp extending downward from the door. Each clasp is configured to rotatably engage one of a plurality of narrowed or grooved portions 60 of the rollers 44. To that end, the engagement may include or involve bearings to avoid restricting the rotation of the roller 44. The grooved portions 60 are also sized and shaped to complement the tabs 46 so that the tabs 46 do not interfere with the rolling engagement of the wet wipes. For example, once snapped into engagement with the roller 44, the grooved portions 60 have a depth that exceeds or at least matches the thickness of the tabs 46. In this way, the tabs 46 are matched to the grooved portions 60 so as to avoid radially extending beyond the remainder of the roller 44.

[00391 Gripping portions 62 of the rollers 44 are disposed adjacent or between the narrowed portions 60. The gripping portions 62 of the rollers 44 may be formed from, or include an outer layer of, closed-cell friction foam, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or any other one or more elastomeric, rubberized or rubber-like materials for providing friction, compression and gripping properties without absorption of the moisture. In some cases, the gripping portions 62 are provided by overmolding in a dual-injection molding process, hi those and other cases, each roller 44 may be formed as an injection-molded clam shell that is either sonic welded or otherwise fastened together. The gripping portions 62 may alternatively correspond with rubber bands that are snapped or pulled onto shafts 64 of the rollers 44. [0040] The configurations of the rollers 44 and the clips 56 may vary considerably from that shown in FIG. 4. For instance, the clips 56 need not form C-shaped clasps, and need not include matching projections from the doors. The clips 56 may thus include dissimilar projections from the doors. In one example, the projection 58 is not rounded like the tabs 46, but nonetheless retains the roller 44 in snap-fit engagement with the door. In other examples, the rollers 44 are not rotatably engaged by clips or clasps, but rather held in position via slots in the housing 20 (or other structural component therein), such as those described below in connection with an exemplary drive system having bearing or gearing blocks. In those cases, the tabs 46 may constitute the only engagement between the doors and the rollers.

[0041] An exemplary drive system is now described with continued reference to FIG. 4. In this case, the rollers 44 engage one another via spur gears or other gearing 66 so that only one of the rollers 44 needs to be driven by a drive mechanism indicated generally at 68. To that end, the driven one of the rollers 44 has a gear 70 at a driven end thereof to be engaged by the drive mechanism 68. The gearing 66, the gear 70 and any gears of the drive mechanism 68 may be disposed in respective slots of gear or bearing blocks 72 and 74. Each block 72, 74 may be shaped or configured to snap or otherwise snugly fit into respective recesses or compartments 76, 78 in the housing 22 at opposite ends of the chamber 54. In this way, the rollers 44 are driven and positioned in a stable, robust manner that also provides a moisture barrier to protect components of the drive system and device electronics. Bearing seals 80 on each end of the rollers 44 may also be used to retain moisture in the chamber 54 and to prevent moisture from reaching the gearing.

[0042] The example of FIG. 4 also depicts one approach to positioning the nip roller and door assembly for operation. Generally speaking, at least one of the rollers 44 is biased toward the other roller 44 to create the pressure in the nip width. In this example, a spring- biased bar 82 is disposed in a matching groove 84 in the corresponding side of the chamber 54 so that the door 28A and its corresponding roller 44 are pushed toward the other roller 44 and the door 28B. A variety of spring bias arrangements may be used, but in this example slotted rods 86 and springs 88 act on the bar 82. These components of the exemplary bias arrangement are shown as installed in FIG. 8 in connection with a description of an anti-pinch aspect of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 5 depicts the exemplary wipe dispenser 20 in schematic form to highlight aspects of the drive and control systems, as well as the operational functionality provided thereby. In this example, the drive system 68 includes a DC motor 90 coupled via a drive shaft 92 to a gear train 94. The motor 90 is disposed within a chamber indicated generally at 96 that is separated from the chamber 54 by a wall 98. In this way, humidity or moisture in the chamber 54 arising from a stack 100 of wet wipes is prevented from reaching the motor 90 and other electronic components of the wipe dispenser 20. The humidity and moisture content of the chamber 54 may be heightened, controlled or maintained by the presence of water in a reservoir 102 in communication with the chamber 54.

[0044] The drive system 68 may include a clutch or slip mechanism 104 to allow the rollers to rotate when a wipe is pulled by a user. A variety of different mechanical coupling mechanisms may be used for this purpose in connection with the example shown. Alternatively, the drive system 68 includes a non-mechanical coupling, such as an electromagnetic coupling. In one example, a pair of magnets (not shown) are disposed on opposite sides of a wall to establish a magnetic coupling that drives the rollers. The wail can provide the moisture barrier or seal described above as well.

[0045] The chamber 96 also contains the sensor and control electronics of the wipe dispenser 20. An optical sensor 106 is disposed at or on the window 38 and includes a light detector such as a photodiode or photodiode array to detect the user gesture or other indication within a predetermined proximity of the instrumentation panel 26. In this example, another optical sensor 108 is provided to determine the extent to which a wet wipe has exited the chamber 54. Optional sensor technologies and techniques for either the sensor 106 or the sensor 108 include motion detection using infrared (IR) imaging, radio frequency (RF) modulation, capacitive sensing, visible light changes, pitch-catch light beams, and the like. Once the sensor 106 detects motion near the sensor, such as the motion of the caregiver's hand, the sensor 106 can provide a trigger signal or other indication via wiring 110 to cause the drive system 68 to advance the feed and thereby extend a wipe from the slot. As described above, with this feature, the user can then grab the wipe without touching any other surface.

[0046] The sensor 108 may be generally configured to determine the position of a sequential wipe. In some cases, the sensor 108 may be directed to detect that the wipe is advanced an appropriate, predetermined amount during a dispensation event, as well as detect that the wipe is retracted fully when appropriate during a retraction event. In alternative designs, a single sensor may be relied upon to detect the user indications and track the progress and positioning of the wet wipe feed. [0047] In this example, the chamber 96 includes an electronics area for control circuitry 112 and a power supply 114. This area may be defined and separated from the rest of the chamber 96 by walls 116 for further protection against moisture and humidity. The circuitry 112 and the power supply 114 are depicted schematically for ease in illustration, but may generally include any number of circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit boards or PCBs) or other hardware arrangements, as well as one or more compartments and structures to support batteries.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows the exemplary wipe dispenser 20 in an unassembled state to depict a number of optional features. The housing 22 may have a transparent window pane 118 to allow a user to view the stack (FIG. 5) of wet wipes. In this way, the window pane 118 provides a convenient way to view the remaining amount of wet wipes. To this end, the window pane 118 maybe located on any side of the housing 22 suitable for viewing the chamber 54. Additionally or alternatively, the wipe dispenser 20 may be equipped with a low-wipe sensor 120 to determine whether the wipe dispenser 20 is loaded with sufficient wet wipes. The sensor 120 may be disposed under, in, or on a floor 122 of the chamber 54 and be configured in a variety of ways to sense the wipe level. In one example, the sensor 120 includes an optical sensor with a photodiode or other optical detector positioned to receive or detect a light beam based on whether the weight of the wipes results in an obstruction for the light beam. An alternative weight-based arrangement can utilize a capacitance sensor involving a plate or other object that displaced by the weight (or absence) of the wet wipes. Still further examples include or involve a mechanical measurement or detection scheme. For instance, a mechanical switch may be displaced downward by the presence (i.e., weight) of the stack of wipes such that the dispensation of wipes eventually causes a spring or other bias element to overcome the remaining weight (or absence) of the stack, thereby moving the switch to a position indicative of a low- wipe level.

[0049] The example shown in FIG. 6 also provides a number of panels for accessing various components of the wipe dispenser 20. For example, access to the water reservoir 102 is provided via a removable panel 124. In that case, the panel 124 may be attached to the components of the reservoir 102 to provide a convenient mechanism for refilling the reservoir 102 with water. Another panel 126 may be removable to provide access to the chamber 54. Removing the panel 126 may provide a useful approach to refilling the chamber 54 with wet wipes, especially in cases where the dispensing slot is not provided with doors (as in one of the examples described above). Yet another panel 128 may provide access to the electronics chamber 96, which may be useful for replacing batteries in the power supply 114. Each of these panels may be affixed to the housing 22 with any desired fastener, including for example screw fasteners, clips, brackets, and the like.

[0050] FIG. 7 depicts one example of how the doors 28A and 28B and the rollers 44 can be removably engaged with the housing 22. Such removable engagement may be useful to provide an opportunity for cleaning the rollers 44 as well as loading the chamber 54 with wipes. In this case, a number of retaining nibs 130 positioned in slots or grooves 132 and 134 provide a snap- or press-fit engagement to mount the door 28B and its associated roller 44 in position, thereby providing a ground or base portion of the nip roller assembly. In contrast, the door 28A and the nip roller 44 are retained within grooves 136 and 138, which are L- shaped to provide for lateral displacement via the spring-loaded bias assembly described above in connection with FIG. 4. Here, shown as installed, the bar 82 is biased by the springs 88 to push the door 28A into the groove 136, which in turn displaces the nip roller 44 within the groove 138. This displacement establishes the nip width, and the pressure and friction of the nip roller assembly. It also provides an anti-pinch feature, which may be useful in connection with automated retraction. More specifically, the spring-loaded nature of the nip roller 44 provides protection against situations where, for instance, a user is grabbing a wipe while it is retracted through the dispensing slot. If a child or caregiver has a finger pulled in between the rollers 44 as a result, the nip width opens to a gap resulting from the compression of the springs 88.

[0051] FIG. 8 depicts a technique for loading the wipe dispenser 20 with the stack 100 of wet wipes and starting the feed through the dispensing slot 42. At the outset, a user may open the doors 28 A and 28B as shown in phantom by pulling on the handles 34. The opening of the doors 28 A and 28B provides access to the chamber 54 for refilling, if necessary. To start the feed, the user may also then extend a top wipe 140 in the stack 100, pulling it upward before closing the door 28B. Laying the top wipe 140 over the roller 44 then allows the other door 28 A to be closed with the wipe disposed between the two rollers 44 in the dispensing slot 42 as shown. The drive mechanism 68 may then be triggered by the closing of the doors 28 A and 28B to adjust the extent to which the wipe extends beyond the dispensing slot 42. In that way, the feed is started, and the top wipe 140 becomes the next sequential wipe ready for dispensation.

[0052] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary control system indicated generally at 150 for supporting and implementing a number of the functions described above. The system 150 includes a controller 152, which may be disposed on one or more circuit boards, for directing the functionality via a number of input and output control signals. More specifically, an array 154 of sensors provide a number of signals and other indications to trigger actions or functions as described above. Examples of sensors in the array 154 include the proximity sensor, the wipe position sensor, and the wipe level sensor described above, as well as a low moisture or low humidity sensor (not shown). Other actions may be user-initiated via a number of user interface select buttons or switches 156. On the output side, the controller 152 directs the operation of the DC motor 90 and any other motors that may be utilized, including for example a motor (not shown) for dispensing lotion either internally within the chamber 54 or externally for a user to apply directly to skin. The controller 152 also provides control signals to one or more resistive heaters 158 that may be used to warm the wipes in the stack 100 or the water in the reservoir 102. Warming elements can be placed within the chamber 54 to warm the entire bulk of wipes or to warm a wipe as it is dispensed. The controller 152 may also direct any number of user interface elements 160, such as light indicators provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to provide status and other information to a user via, for instance, the instrumentation panel.

[0053] To support the foregoing functionality, the controller 152 includes a microprocessor 162 configured to implement one or more operational routines or procedures. The instructions or steps in the procedures may be internally stored as hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. In this example, information and data indicative of the procedures may be stored in a memory 164 that may be integrated with the microprocessor 162 to any desired extent. The controller 152 may also include a number of circuit elements or components utilized, directed or controlled by the microprocessor 162 during the implementation of the procedures, including, for instance, input and output interfaces 164 and 166, a motor controller 168, and one or more warmer drivers 170. Each one of these elements may, for example, be configured to respond to a control signal generated by the microprocessor 162 by directing power or signals to the external device or element involved in the implementation of the procedure.

[0054] The distribution and supply of power through the control system 150 may vary considerably, as desired, hi this example, an AC/DC power adapter 170 provides DC power to a voltage regulator 172, which, in turn, may provide power directly to the remainder of the controller 152, as well as other components of the system 150. The regulator 172 may also be directed by a user switch or the microprocessor 162 to charge a battery 174. To this end, a battery charger circuit 176 may control and develop a charging current for the battery 174 while also allowing the battery 174 to provide power to the system 150. Alternatively, power control switching in the regulator 172 or the battery charger 176 may allow the DC power from the AC/DC adapter to directly power the other components of the system 150. More generally, the controller 152 provides a switch or other control mechanism for switching between AC and battery power, including, for instance, when alkaline or other non- rechargeable batteries are used.

[0055] In an alternative example, the control system 150 relies on one or more switches rather than a microprocessor to control the automated wipe dispensation of the disclosed devices. For example, a switch may be configured to be triggered by the detection of a user indication, and remain engaged for a predetermined time to thereby allow power to drive the motor 90 to advance the wet wipe feed a selected amount. Alternatively or additionally, the switch may be configured to remain engaged for as long as the user indication remains detected. Thus, a user-selectable amount of advancement occurs.

[0056] The microprocessor 162 and, more generally, the controller 152 may be configured for operation in one of several user-selected modes. Generally speaking, the disclosed wipe dispensers can reside in multiple operational modes that provide various features and functionality. In one example, a dispenser can have an automated, touch-free dispensation mode in which a sensor waits to detect a user indication as noted above (i.e., a sense mode). Alternatively, a dispenser can have a one-touch, or manual, operation mode where a button is pressed, and a wipe is dispensed as a result. In this way, the user can override the automated aspect of the device. The modes may also govern what occurs after a wipe is dispensed. For instance, the sense mode may present different options to the user. After a caregiver grabs an exposed wipe and pulls it through the rollers, the next wipe may be automatically dispensed for grabbing (i.e., an automatic next wipe option). Another option may cause the controller 152 to standby for another indication before dispensing the next wipe. Still another option may to always retract the next wipe to the extent that it was partially exposed as a result of the previous dispensation. The disclosed dispensers can be configured to present these modes as available settings or choices, depending on the caregiver's preferences.

[0057] Still other operational modes may involve cutting power to one or more elements to conserve battery power during extended periods of non-use. In one example, the disclosed dispensers can be plugged in and powered from a standard 110 volt alternating current (AC) supply. Such a dispenser can be provided with a battery back-up if desired. In another example, the dispenser can be battery powered only and can be configured to run on disposable alkaline or other such batteries, rechargeable batteries, or both.

[0058] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary procedure for implementation by the microprocessor 162 for automated dispensation of wet wipes in accordance with several aspects of the disclosure. In this example, both automated dispensation and retraction are provided and supported via decision blocks 180 and 182. Further decision blocks 184, 186 and 188 direct the operation of the device in accordance with user-selected operational modes. In this way, the dispensation of wet wipes can be automated or manual, the device can enter a sleep mode, and the handling of a next wipe can depend on the selection of one of three options.

[0059] As referenced above, the disclosed wipe dispensers may include a lotion holder and/or a lotion warmer. The dispenser can be configured to dispense a lotion in a touch-free manner as well. Touch-free dispensation of the lotion may, for instance, be provided in accordance with known dispensation techniques, such as those described at the following link or website URL: http://www.lentek.com/Main/Main.asp?CategoryrD=5&SubCategoryID=19&ContentID=64 &.

[0060] One or more of the user interface elements 160 may be directed to providing nightlight or other illumination. In some cases, the disclosed wipe dispensers include a light near the slot to aid in dispensing. For example, the light may be contained within or near the same area in which the sensors are disposed. In addition or alternatively, the same light or a different or additional light can be configured to create a nightlight feature.

[0061] The exemplary touch-free wipe dispensers described above can be used in a manner that reduces the spread of contamination, diaper soil, dirt, germs, and the like, whether in a nursery, home, or public diaper changing center environment. The touch-free functionality avoids the minimum of two touches required by prior dispensers in order to obtain a wipe and to reseal or close the wipe container. The disclosed wipe dispensers can also be used in a manner that can reduce the amount of time that a caregiver's attention is distracted from the child. Thus, a child may be less likely to wiggle or squirm free during the process and fall from a changing table or area.

[0062] The disclosed touch-free wipe dispensers may be formed having many different materials, shapes, sizes, parts, and features within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the housing and other components may be or include injection- molded, plastic parts formed into objects of any size or shape, as desired.

[0063] The examples described above involve configurations in which wipes can be gripped, pulled, and fed between a nip roller assembly, through a slot, and out of the dispenser. Other, alternative dispensing mechanisms and techniques that are certainly possible and within the sprit and scope of the present invention. For instance, a nip roller assembly may be used to guide the wipes after a different mechanism (e.g., a clamp, hook, etc.) has already gripped, pulled or separated the wipes from the stack.

[0064] The devices described above are compatible with a variety of different types of wet wipes, including towels or towelettes of any size or shape. The wet wipes may be constructed of paper or cloth, with synthetic or natural fibers, or any combination thereof. Examples of natural fibers include polyolefin fibers, viscose fibers and cotton fibers. The wet wipes can be moistened with a number of different solutions, including aqueous compositions containing, for example, surfactants, preservatives, oils and scents. In these and other ways, the disclosed devices are not limited to any particular type of wet wipe material or solution, or any other physical attribute of the wet wipe. On the contrary, the above-described wipe dispensers are well- suited for use with wipes of varying thicknesses, from those having a thin, flushable substrate to those of a more durable thickness. For the reasons described above, the disclosed wipe dispensers can be configured to accept a specific size, brand, or type of wet wipe (e.g., interconnected, interleaved, etc.), as well as configured (or reconfigured) to accept a variety of different, commonly available wet wipes.

[0065] Although described above in connection with diaper changing, the disclosed devices are well-suited for use in a variety of different contexts and applications. Several applications involve wiping and cleansing skin apart from a diaper changing operation, such as when cleansing hands when soap and water are unavailable. Other contexts include makeup removal and application, as well as application of skin conditioners and other lotions. Applications also include the cleaning of surfaces other than skin, such as kitchen and bathroom surfaces, eyeglasses, shoes and industrial surfaces.

[0066] Although certain devices have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the' scope of permissible equivalents.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A wipe dispenser, comprising: a housing having a chamber configured to contain a stack of wet wipes; a dispensing slot in the housing and in communication with the chamber to allow a feed of the wet wipes to exit the chamber; a proximity sensor responsive to an indication from a user to generate a signal to trigger dispensation of a sequential wet wipe in the feed of the wet wipes; and a nip roller positioned adjacent the dispensing slot to engage the sequential wet wipe to advance the feed through the dispensing slot in accordance with the trigger signal from the proximity sensor; wherein the proximity sensor is configured to determine whether the user indication is within a predetermined distance of the proximity sensor to advance the feed for the dispensation of the sequential wet wipe without requiring user contact with the wipe dispenser.

2. The wipe dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a door disposed along a side of the housing and having a hinge carried by the housing such that the door opens to provide access to the chamber and closes to define the dispensing slot.

3. The wipe dispenser of claim 2, wherein the nip roller is in snap-fit engagement with the door.

4. The wipe dispenser of claim 2, wherein the door comprises a tab that engages the nip roller, the tab covering a portion of the nip roller to prevent the sequential wet wipe from wrapping around the nip roller during the dispensation.

5. The wipe dispenser of claim 4, wherein the nip roller comprises a circumferential groove in which the tab of the door is accepted.

6. The wipe dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism coupled to the nip roller and configured to be responsive to the trigger signal to rotate the nip roller.

7. The wipe dispenser of claim 6, further comprising a moisture barrier seal to retain moisture in the chamber and separate the drive mechanism and the chamber.

8. The wipe dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a wipe sensor to determine a position of the sequential wet wipe relative to the dispensing slot.

9. The wipe dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a microprocessor coupled to the proximity sensor to receive the trigger signal and configured to direct the nip roller to advance the feed.

10. The wipe dispenser of claim 9, wherein the microprocessor is further configured to direct the nip roller to retract the feed.

11. A wipe dispenser, comprising: a housing having a chamber configured to contain a stack of wet wipes; a nip roller assembly carried by the housing and positioned relative to the chamber to engage a feed of wet wipes from the stack; and a processor configured to direct the nip roller assembly to advance the feed for dispensation of a sequential wet wipe in the feed of the wet wipes; wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether a predetermined time period has elapsed since the dispensation of the sequential wet wipe for retraction of the sequential wet wipe into the chamber via the nip roller assembly to avoid moisture loss.

12. The wipe dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect an indication from a user to advance the feed for the dispensation of the sequential wet wipe and generate a trigger signal reflective of the user indication, wherein the processor is coupled to the proximity sensor to advance the feed in response to the trigger signal.

13. The wipe dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a dispensing slot in the housing and in communication with the chamber to allow the feed of wet wipes to exit the chamber.

14. The wipe dispenser of claim 13, wherein the nip roller assembly comprises a pair of rollers aligned with the dispensing slot.

15. The wipe dispenser of claim 13, wherein the nip roller assembly comprises a pair of rollers that define the dispensing slot.

16. A wipe dispenser, comprising: a housing having a chamber configured to contain a stack of wet wipes; a nip roller assembly carried by the housing and positioned relative to the chamber to engage a feed of wet wipes from the stack; a processor configured to control the nip roller assembly to advance the feed for dispensation of a sequential wet wipe in the feed of the wet wipes; and a user interface in communication with the processor and comprising a user select switch to direct the nip roller assembly to advance the feed for the dispensation of the sequential wet wipe.

17. The wipe dispenser of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether a predetermined time period has elapsed since the dispensation of the sequential wet wipe for retraction of the sequential wet wipe into the chamber via the nip roller assembly to avoid moisture loss.