WO2017158244A1

WO2017158244A1 - Dispenser for moistening and dispensing hygienic towels

Info

Publication number: WO2017158244A1
Application number: PCT/FI2017/050192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markku Oksman; Saku HELLE
Original assignee: Kleenu Oy
Priority date: 2016-03-18
Filing date: 2017-03-20
Publication date: 2017-09-21

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moistened hygienic towel dispenser having a housing (20) with a storage area (23) for towels, a door (26) configured to permit removal of towels from the storage area (23), a reservoir (25) for storage or mixing of a liquid agent, and a moistening system (27) within the housing configured to transport liquid from the reservoir (25) to the towels.

Description

DISPENSER FOR MOISTENING AND DISPENSING HYGIENIC TOWELS

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to moistened hygienic towel dispensers which provide for moistened towels on demand. Moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to at least some embodiments of the present invention comprise a housing having a storage area for towels, a door configured to permit removal of towels from the storage area, a reservoir for storage or mixing of a liquid agent, and a moistening system within the housing configured to transport liquid from the reservoir to the towels. Preferred embodiments have an opening in the housing to permit liquid to be introduced to the moistening system and thus distributed to towels contained within the dispenser.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wet wipes which are used for washing are typically moisturized in a manufacturing process and shipped pre-moistened. Current wipes also typically have trash generating or environmentally harmful materials i.e. different plastic, viscose etc. Wipes typically have a lot of chemicals included such as moisturizing liquid i.e. preservatives, alcohols etc. Further, such wipes are not typically compostable due materials or chemicals. Packaging quantities of presently available wet wipes may also compound the above issues as they are typically single packaged or packaged in groups of around ten.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moistened hygienic towel dispenser comprising a housing having a storage area for towels, a door configured to permit removal of towels from the storage area, a reservoir for storage or mixing of a liquid agent, and a moistening system within the housing configured to transport liquid from the reservoir to the towels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIGURES 1A - 1C show a cover for a moistened hygienic towel dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] FIGURE 1 A shows a side view of the cover.

[0007] FIGURE 1 B shows a top view of the cover.

[0008] FIGURE 1C shows a front view of the cover.

[0009] FIGURES 2A - 2D show a housing or insert according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] FIGURE 2 A shows a side view of the housing.

[0011] FIGURE 2B shows a top view of the housing.

[0012] FIGURE 2C shows a front view of the housing.

[0013] FIGURE 2D shows the inside of the housing.

[0014] FIGURES 3A - 3C show a housing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIGURES 4 A and 4B show a moistening system according to some embodiments of the claimed invention.

[0016] FIGURES 5A - 5G show a dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIGURE 6 shows a component breakdown of an automated dispenser according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] FIGURES 7 and 8A - 8C show a dispenser which can be installed in place according to another embodiment of the present invention. EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DEFINITIONS

[0020] The terms towel and wipe are used throughout the present specification to describe the dry product provided within the dispensers according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the terms towel and wipe used herein may refer to towels or wipes made from various products. For example, they may be made from paper or other compostable or renewable ingredients.

[0021] Liquid agent as used herein can mean, for example, water plus further sterilizing or hygienic ingredients. Such ingredients may be of natural origin. Liquid agents as described herein may have antibacterial or antiviral properties.

[0022] A dispenser according to embodiments of the present invention provides a hand wash solution in places where hand hygiene may otherwise be difficult to maintain. It also provides to save water and reduce necessary infrastructure by replacing standard water-soap-paper-drying washing. The moistened towels or wipes are moisturized in place of usage and thus have a longer shelf life. Further, when used with biodegradable towels, dispensers according to the present invention provide a very ecological solution to hand sanitation when waste disposal is complicated such as, for example, while camping or sailing.

[0023] Additionally, dispensers according to certain embodiments of the present invention may contain a filtering system which allows the use of water which is available in place.

[0024] Furthermore, at least some dispensers according to the present invention use moistened paper towels with all natural ingredients and thus avoid overuse of antibiotics and other chemicals. Water which meets certain sanitary requirements may be used to moisten wipes for use in hand sanitation. As such, certain dispensers according to the present invention allow for the use of filtered water and certain natural ingredients to provide for moistened hygienic towels. [0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figures

2 A - 2E there is provided a moistened hygienic towel dispenser comprising: a housing 20 having a storage area 23 for towels, a door 26 configured to permit removal of towels from the storage area 23, a reservoir 25 for storage or mixing of a liquid agent, and a moistening system 27 within the housing configured to transport liquid from the reservoir 25 to the towels.

[0026] As seen in Figure 2B, certain moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to the present invention have an opening 24 in the housing 20 for feeding liquid to the moistening system 27.

[0027] At least some moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to embodiments of the present invention are shipped prepackaged with towels in the storage area 23.

[0028] Figure 2D illustrates a moistening system employed within certain moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to the present invention. As seen, the moistening system 27 comprises slots between the reservoir 25 and storage area 23. These slots distribute liquid from the reservoir 25 to the storage area 23.

[0029] As illustrated in Figures 2 A, 2B and 2C, at least some moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to the present invention employ a door 26 which is a portion of the housing 20 configured to swing open. Within Figure 2A it can be seen that the door 26 swings open at a hinge represented by the dashed line. This hinge could be, for example, a depression scored in the wall of the housing. As seen in Figures 2B and 2C when the door 26 swings open, the storage area 23 of the housing is accessible to a user and the user may retrieve towels from the storage area 23. In at least certain embodiments the door 26 is further equipped with a tab 28 to assist a user in opening the door.

[0030] Figures 3A - 3C illustrate moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to certain embodiments of the present invention wherein the door 36 is a portion of a wall of the housing 30 configured to be pried open by a user. In some embodiments the door 36 is designed to be pried open by a user by perforating the wall of the housing along at least three edges of the door 36 as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figures 3A and 3B. When the door is configured to be pried open a void 39 can be provided in the material of the housing 30 to assist with opening the door as seen in Figure 3B.

[0031] In order to ensure that towels contained in a dispenser according to certain embodiments of the present invention are untampered with, a seal is provided, for example a quality or tamper evident seal. Certain moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to at least some embodiments of the present invention comprise a seal affixed between the door 26 and the rest of the housing 20. Such a seal is configured to be broken when a user opens the door 26. Within some embodiments this is accomplished by, for example, perforating the seal to make it easier to tear or by ensuring that the adhesive used to apply the seal allows for the seal to be peeled away by a user.

[0032] While the housing according to the embodiments of the present invention discussed above may act as a stand-alone dispenser, in at least some embodiments of the present invention the housing 20 acts as an insert for a cover 10 as illustrated in Figure 1A. As seen in Figure 2A, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a housing with a tab 28 to assist in removing the housing 20 from the cover 10. In such instances the housing 20 is inserted into the cover at an opening 16 in the cover to accept the housing 20 as seen in Figure 1C. Within at least some embodiments the sleeve or cover 10 is sufficient to keep the door 26 of the housing closed and the towels protected from the environment. In such embodiments it is not necessary to seal the door 26 shut as instead the sleeve 10 is sealed in place over the housing 20.

[0033] As seen in Figures IB and 2B, when provided as an insert and cover combination, certain dispensers according to the present invention are provided with an opening 14 in the cover 10 corresponding to the opening 24 in the insert portion or housing 20. The openings 14, 24 correspond in at least the fashion that when the housing or insert portion 20 is at a certain position within the cover 10 the openings 14 and 24 align so as to allow a user access to the reservoir 25. In such a fashion, towels provided within the storage area 23 are at once protected from the outside environment and yet easily moistened by a user at a time of desired use.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1A, 1C and 2A, certain dispensers according to at least some embodiments of the present invention provide for a housing with a slot 22 which is configured to depress upon inserting the housing 20 into the cover 10. In such instances the cover 10 is provided with a corresponding tab 12 which folds into the cover 10 when the housing 20 is inserted. As seen, the slot 22 and tab 12 interact to ensure that the housing 20 does not pull all of the way out of the cover 10. When such a slot and tab prevention mechanism is employed with a dispenser having a hole in the cover and insert, the slot and tab are configured to ensure that the insert slides out to a location where the hole of the insert aligns with the hole of the cover.

[0035] A slot 32 according to certain embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in more detail in Figures 3A and 3B. As seen, the slot 32 is provided with a tab 31. When the housing is assembled the tab 31 is inserted into the main body of the housing 30 and thus the slot 32 remains fixed in place. In at least some embodiments a housing tab 38 is supplied to assist with removing the insert from the cover.

[0036] As illustrated in Figure 3C, in at least some embodiments, placement of the opening 34 in the housing 30 is adjusted such that there is no need for a corresponding hole in a cover. When the housing 30 of Figure 3C is provided with a cover, the housing need only be slid out from the cover until the opening 34 is exposed to allow for liquid to be introduced to the dispenser. The slot and tab system described above would then be configured to allow the housing 30 to be withdrawn from the cover just enough to allow for the door 36 to be opened and liquid to be introduced to the opening 34. In at least some embodiments a tab 38 is provided to assist in withdrawing the housing 30 from a cover.

[0037] Certain moistened hygienic towel dispensers according to the present invention are provided with dry ingredients, for example natural ingredients, in the reservoir 25. These ingredients are then mixed with the liquid provided by a user at the time of use. This allows for a longer shelf life for the towels as they are not shipped in a pre-moistened state.

[0038] Some dispensers according to the present invention contain towels already impregnated with dry ingredients, such as cleansing, moisturizing, or other beneficial ingredients, for example, natural ingredients.

[0039] In at least some embodiments of the present invention employing natural ingredients the natural ingredients are derived from natural sources, for example, wood, plants, berries, leafs, fungus, moss, roots. Within some embodiments the natural ingredients are derived from seaweed or algae. Certain embodiments employ natural ingredients derived from animals. In some embodiments the natural ingredients have skin healing or treatment properties. In certain embodiments the natural ingredients may be in powder, grain, slurry, solid, viscous or liquid form.

[0040] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a self-contained moistened hygienic towel dispenser. Such a dispenser is shipped with liquid already in the reservoir 25. This liquid is separated from the storage area 23 by a seal. Within some embodiments the seal is configured to be broken by sliding the housing out of the cover. This could be accomplished, for example, by providing a bladder filled with fluid in the reservoir 25. The bladder would then be punctured or ruptured when a user opens the package. Certain dispensers having liquid already in the reservoir are provided with a mixture of natural ingredients and water, preferably filtered water.

[0041] According to certain embodiments of the present invention a portable dispenser is provided having a sleeve which slides over an insert. Openings are provided in both the sleeve and the insert. Prior to use, the opening in the sleeve does not align with the opening in the insert. When a user wishes to moisten the towels, the sleeve is slid across the insert until the openings align and liquid can be poured into the moistening system.

[0042] In certain embodiments it is preferred that the sleeve does not slide completely off of the insert. In such embodiments a stopper element is employed, similar to the tab 12 and slot 22 of Figures 1A and 2 A. The tab and slot allow for the insert to be placed inside the sleeve by depressing the tab which then interlocks with the slot when the insert is slid out of the sleeve.

[0043] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a moistening system 40 according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, slots 47 provide a controlled path from the reservoir 45. Such a moistening system uses gravity to distribute liquid from the reservoir 45 to towels placed below the moistening system 40. Within certain embodiments the slots are formed by punching rectangles into the base of reservoir 45. Some embodiments, as illustrated, only cut the rectangle on three sides so as to leave a raised portion. This raised portion assists in controlling the flow of liquid and ensuring that the liquid is distributed throughout the reservoir before being supplied to the towels below. This ensures a more even distribution of liquid and more evenly moistened towels.

[0044] As illustrated, dispensers according to certain embodiments are configured to moisten a plurality of towels in a storage area of the dispenser. This may be accomplished through many means and may use user-supplied liquid or a liquid already present within the dispenser.

[0045] In some embodiments the sleeve or cover of the dispenser is provided with custom advertisements or logos based on orders.

[0046] Certain dispensers according to at least some embodiments of the present invention are portable in that they may be easily carried by a user. In such embodiments it is advantages to provide the insert and sleeve separately. In such a case the inserts may be sold separately from the sleeve. This allows for the sleeve, for example, to have a customized appearance while the inserts are provided in bulk. Another option is for the sleeve to be of a more durable construction which allows for reuse of the sleeve with multiple inserts.

[0047] Certain embodiments of the portable dispenser have a sleeve which does not extend the full length of the insert. Such a sleeve may be provided without a hole as the length of the insert does not necessitate a hole to access the hole in the insert. The sleeve may be, for example, merely long enough to cover the hole of the insert.

[0048] Some embodiments of the portable dispenser include a fluid container within the dispenser which is ruptured via action of the sleeve. For example there may be a plastic bag within the moistening system and sliding the sleeve back and forth may cause the bag to rupture and thus spill the liquid within the bag into the moistening system.

[0049] In certain embodiments of the portable dispenser the dispenser is sealed to ensure that the sanitary nature of the towels is maintained until use. This can be accomplished, for example, with an adhesive label or sticker placed along the edge of the box such that the label is adhered to both the sleeve and the insert. A user then breaks or removes the label in order to move the sleeve, add liquid and access the moistened towels.

[0050] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a dispenser with a built in filter, moistening system and optionally a reservoir. The dispenser so equipped may be shipped with dry towels and liquid added by a user. Said liquid may be supplied by the user or shipped with the dispenser. This allows for weight saving and other storage benefits. With such a dispenser a user may provide water with an unknown purity which will be filtered so as to meet sanitary requirements. The water is then provided to the moistening system where natural ingredients may be added before the towels within the dispenser are moistened.

[0051] At least some moistened towel dispensers according to the present invention, similar to those shown in Figures 1 - 4, are designed to be easily carried by a user. For example, the dispensers of Figures 1 - 4 are approximately 13 cm by 8 cm and thus may be easily carried within one hand. Dispensers according to some embodiments of the present invention are designed to carry between 5 and 25 towels. The dispensers depicted within Figures 1 - 4 may also be resized to fit different purposes. For example, certain dispensers according to the present invention designed to provide larger wipes for cleaning of surfaces are as large as an A4 sheet of paper.

[0052] Figure 5A shows an exploded view illustrating the various parts of a moistened towel dispenser according to certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the housing consists of towel holding insert 51, housing body 55, and back wall 57. The towel holding insert 51 has rails to ensure proper mating with the housing body 55. The insert also has a slotted opening 52 for dispensing of the moistened towels. There is further illustrated the pusher plate 56 with a circular receiving groove matching the groove on the back wall 57 of the housing. The grooves provide a means for holding a spring in place between the back wall 57 and pusher plate 56. The pusher plate 56 and spring (not shown) ensure that towels are moved towards the slotted opening even when moistened.

[0053] Also shown in Figure 5A is the moistening system comprised of a reservoir for liquid dispersion 53 and a cover plate 54. The moistening system is also inserted into the housing body 55 in the appropriate slot. When both the moistening system and insert 51 are placed within the housing body 55 the holes in the reservoir 53 allow hygienic liquid to moisten towels held by the insert 51. The moistening system may be loaded through the hole in the cover plate 54. As discussed above the moistening system may be loaded with any liquid, however within certain embodiments natural ingredients are already present in the moistening system such that they would mix with the liquid when loaded.

[0054] As seen in Figure 5A, the moistening systems according to embodiments of the present invention have various methods for taking in liquids and distributing them throughout the system. At least some moistening systems according to certain embodiments of the present invention are designed to ensure that the liquid is spread evenly between all of the towels within the dispenser, for example, by having holes spaced throughout a plate forming the bottom of a reservoir for liquid.

[0055] As can be seen in Figure 5A at least some dispensers according to the present invention are configured such that the towel holding insert 51 and moistening system are easily removed and replaced. This allows for reuse of the dispenser and easy loading of both towels and liquids. Within certain embodiments the towel holding insert is held in place within the housing via indents, screws or other affixing means. Some embodiments also include a further hole in the housing such that liquids may be provided to the moistening system without requiring the removal of the moistening system itself.

[0056] The cross-sectional view of Figure 5B shows the internal compartment of the dispenser 50. As seen the dispenser 50 has room for storing of hygienic towels below a moistening system 53 at the top of the dispenser. The moistening system has holes for distributing liquid to the towels below via gravity. The moistening system may contain ingredients which mix with water when water is added by a user or the system may be for receiving water having pre-mixed ingredients. At the back of the container is the pusher plate 56 for pushing towels towards the dispensing end and slotted opening 52. A spring is placed between the pusher plate 56 and the back wall 57 of the housing.

[0057] Within Figure 5C the holes in the moistening system may be more clearly seen. Also a circular groove for receiving a spring can be seen on the back wall 57 of the container. This spring will then provide a force between the back wall 57 of the container and the pusher plate 56.

[0058] Within Figure 5D a similar circular groove may be seen on the back of the pusher plate 56 for receiving the spring. As shown, the pusher plate 56, with the force supplied by the spring, will ensure that towels are moved towards the dispensing end of the dispenser.

[0059] Figure 5E shows an external view of the dispenser of Figure 5A in an assembled condition. As seen, the dispenser has an opening for dispensing towels with an enlarged center portion to allow a user to grasp the towels.

[0060] The projected view of Figure 5F shows the same container as Figure 5E but rotated to show the sides of the container. [0061] The projected view of Figure 5G shows the same container as Figures 5E and

5F but rotated to show the rear of the container. As can be seen within certain embodiments the rear plate of the container is removable. In the illustrated instance the rear plate is affixed to the container using screws applied in the screw holes shown.

[0062] Within the filtering process according to certain embodiments of the present invention, natural ingredients are mixed to purified water and moisturizing of paper towels or other hygiene products is accomplished at once. As shown in the embodiment of Figures 5 A - 5G the reservoir 53 is such that the dispenser 50 may be placed with the reservoir 53 at the bottom and thus liquid is not dispensed. As such, wipes are ready to use after the dispenser 50 is turned to an operating position, with the reservoir 53 at the top of the dispenser 50 and gravity working to pull liquid out of the reservoir 53 and into the towel holding insert 51. In certain embodiments a seal is provided on the slotted opening 52 which is removed after the towels are moistened. The embodiments shown in Figures 5A - 5G provide for hundreds of washes using 50 or more wipes.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a component breakdown of an automated dispenser 60 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Within the dispensers there is provided a holder 62 for a roll of towels 61. Towels are feed from the roll 61 via a feeding mechanism 63. Within the illustrated embodiment the feeding mechanism 63 also houses the battery, however, it should be understood that the battery may be placed elsewhere within the housing or eliminated if electric power is supplied via another means. The feeding mechanism 63 takes towels from the roll 61 and guides them through the nozzles 65 which are used to moisten the towels before providing them to a user via the feed slot 64. As shown the nozzles 65 are provided with a liquid via pump 67. The pump 67 sources liquid from the liquid bag connector and valve 68 which in turn sources liquid from a provided liquid bag 69. A switch 66 is provided, for example a magnetic switch, for activating the system. At least certain embodiments of an automated dispenser according to the present invention allow for moistening of towels on demand.

[0064] As seen in Figure 6, within certain embodiments of the present invention, in order to ensure access to sanitary water, sealed bags containing clean water are provided for a dispenser. Certain bags according to some embodiments are designed similar to IV liquid bags to ensure that liquid may be loaded into the dispenser without contamination. The liquid within the bags may be, for example, sanitary water or water containing cleaning agents.

[0065] At least certain embodiments of an automated dispenser according to the present invention provide the ability to load them with a windshield washer type fluid bag and thus eliminate the need for plumbing and sinks. This solution cuts the need for water in places such as ships where water is a resource to be managed and limits cargo capacity. Further the automated dispensers provide a solution which is much more ecological as there are no complicated installations. Such dispensers could even eliminate the need for sinks and water taps in restrooms all together. The water used in such dispensers may be 1000 times less than what is used in a standard water-soap-paper-dry washing of hands.

[0066] A dispenser for installation in place according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8A - 8C. As can be seen in Figure 7, the dispenser 70 may be mounted on a wall for ease of operation. Figure 7 shows the scale of the dispenser 70 in relation to a user 72. Some embodiments of such a dispenser may also be stand-alone units wherein a stand is provided. A trash receptacle may also be provided with such a stand to accept used towels.

[0067] As also illustrated in Figure 7, certain dispensers are provided with a display

71. The display can be, for example, an e-ink display, touch screen, or a static display. Within certain embodiments the display is used to show instructions for use, advertisements or allow other interaction with a user.

[0068] Within certain embodiments of the present invention containing an automated moistening mechanism there is the possibility to dispense differently moisturized or just dry wipes as towels for drying. Some embodiments enable this functionality at the request of a user as provided via an input device, for example, push buttons containing graphics, a slider, or a display which is either a touch screen or linked to other input methods as illustrated above. In embodiments employing a screen, there is an option to display advertisement as well as provide usage instructions and options.

[0069] Certain embodiments of the present invention are equipped with a moistening mechanism which moistens towels individually. In some embodiments the mechanism uses gravity or a pump, for example a battery powered electric pump, to move liquid to contact the towels. In certain embodiments the mechanisms involves an electronic pump and nozzles which function similarly to an inkjet printer's print head when moistening the towels.

[0070] Some embodiments of the present invention moisten towels on a drop by drop basis. Certain embodiments involve a moistening mechanisms consisting of pipes having holes which allow for the controlled release of a liquid agent onto the towels.

[0071] Within some embodiments of the present invention a moistening mechanism sprays a liquid onto the towels.

[0072] Figures 8A - 8C show various views of the dispenser 80. As shown, there are two volumes. Within the illustrated embodiment the volumes are placed one atop the other, however it would be possible to relocate either volume to accommodate various installations of the dispenser. Also illustrated is a display 81 which is present on at least some embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] Some embodiments of a dispenser include a manually operated crank for use in locations without easy access to power. In such dispensers operation of a crank or other mechanism causes a pump to moisten a towel and dispense said towel.

[0074] Certain dispensers according to the present invention are provided with a UV light, such as a UV LED, in order to assist in sanitation of the inside of the dispenser. Such a UV light could be oriented to ensure that a liquid dispensing nozzle remains sanitary. The light may also be oriented to ensure that any portion of the dispenser exposed to moisture is also exposed to UV light.

[0075] Some dispensers according to the present invention are provided with communications and monitoring technology such as those which enable Internet of Things (IoT) functionality. These technologies are, for example, WLAN or 3G networks. With such a system the amount of towels and liquid remaining may be monitored. Said system would also allow for tracking of statistics regarding use of the dispenser. For example, if employed within the Helsinki - Vantaa Airport (HEL), a dispenser equipped with such monitoring systems could help determine the number of towels dispensed based on the origin of an arriving flight.

[0076] An automated dispenser according to at least some embodiments of the present invention is designed to provide high quality washing without the need for additional soap and water. Such a dispenser can replace ordinary water wash facilities such as a sink and soap dispenser in a bathroom. The dispensers can also be placed in any location independent of water and electricity availability by employing bags for liquid and batteries as discussed above. This results in easier installations and significantly less installation and running costs. Within certain embodiments the towels and liquid provided ensure that maintenance is required only after 1000 washes. In such instances maintenance is as easy as replacing a paper roll and liquid bag. Certain embodiments of an automated dispenser employing liquid bags and a battery power source ensure that the battery source lasts for at least several refills of the liquid and towels.

[0077] Certain embodiments of an automated dispenser according to the present invention are designed to work with a water source such as standard plumbing or a large reservoir. In certain instances the supplied water is filtered by a system of the dispenser in order to ensure that the water purity is sufficiently hygienic.

[0078] In some automated dispensers according to the present invention water is provided to a paper towel just before dispensing. The paper may be provided on a roll for ease of dispensing. Paper would then be fed from the roll, through a moistening system prior to dispensing. This moistening system could be spray nozzles. However the paper roll is maintained as dry.

[0079] At least some automated dispensers according to the present invention comprise: a housing having a storage area for towels, a slot configured to permit removal of towels from the storage area, a reservoir for storage or mixing of a liquid agent, and a moistening system within the housing configured to transport liquid from the reservoir to the towels. Said automated dispensers being characterized in that the moistening system further comprises an automated distribution mechanism configured to moisten individual towels as they are removed from the dispenser.

[0080] Certain automated dispensers according to the present invention contain an automated distribution mechanism comprising: a dispensing nozzle for spraying liquid onto the towels, and a pump configured to pump liquid from the reservoir to the dispensing nozzle. [0081] At least some automated dispensers according to the present invention employ an electric pump. As discussed above, certain automated dispensers employ a mechanical pump.

[0082] Within selected automated moistened hygienic towel dispensers of the present invention there is further comprised a filter positioned between the reservoir and the moistening system.

[0083] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for at least one of the following benefits:

Wipes are moisturized in place of usage

Compostable wipes may be used as they are not shipped wet and therefore do not degrade prior to use

Dispenser of wipes containing filtering systems allows use of any readily available water source

The amount of water used in cleaning minimal in comparison to normal water- soap-wash

Natural ingredients are mixed to purified water and moisturizing process of paper bunch is accomplished at once

[0084] Embodiments of the present invention provide a hand wash solution in places where hand hygiene is difficult to maintain or there is a need for quick and high quality wash comparable to water-soap-paper-drying. Within at least some embodiments the wipes are moisturized in place of usage and are compostable.

[0085] Certain embodiments of the present invention employ a filtering process in which natural ingredients are mixed with purified water. This mixture is then employed to moisturize towels, for example a group of towels which are moisturized at the same time.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a face mask.

Such a mask may be found in either an automated or manual dispenser. The face masks are moisturized with a similar liquid as the towels in the above mentioned embodiments. In certain embodiments moisturizing of the face masks takes place in much the same fashion as for the towels. [0087] Within certain embodiments of the present invention the towels have printed texture or graphics. Such textures or graphics may serve as an advertisement or provide information on hand washing. At least some embodiments of the present invention employ towels having textures or graphics which employ a reactive ink or labeling which allows for indication of hand wash quality. Such an indication may be based on, for example, the amount of time spent washing, pressure employed when washing, or even a mixing of sanitizing ingredients. Certain embodiments of the present invention employ towels having reactive labeling which provides an indication as to the presence of harmful agents such as bacteria, viruses etc.

[0088] Within certain embodiments of the present invention using natural ingredients, such as those containing lingnanes, it is found that the natural ingredients have skin healing properties.

[0089] It has been shown that water moisturized nonwoven cloth or paper can remove dirt as efficiently as soap-water wash but without chemical stress to the body. Cloth or paper can be used for any high hygiene use and even cleansing fruits. As such, moistened towel dispensers according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may offer an alternative to standard soap-water washing.

[0090] At least some dispensers according to the present invention are adapted to use rainwater. This is accomplished, for example, by employing a catchment system and filter to ensure that the captured water is purified before use. Certain embodiments of dispensers according to the present invention are adapted to use solar energy to increase the renewable nature of the dispenser.

[0091] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0092] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0093] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0094] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0095] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0096] The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

Cover

Tab

Opening to Reservoir

Opening to accept housing

Housing

Slot

Opening

Reservoir

Door

Moistening System

Door Tab

Housing

Tab for housing slot

Slot

Opening

Door

Housing Tab

Void in housing material

Moistening system

Reservoir

Slots

Moistened Towel Dispenser

Towel Holding Insert

Slotted Opening

Reservoir for Liquid Dispersion

Cover Plate for Reservoir

Housing Body

Pusher Plate

Back Wall of Housing

Automated Moistened Towel Dispenser

Roll of Towels

Roll Holder Feeding Mechanism with Battery

Feed Slot

Nozzles

Magnetic Switch

Pump

Liquid Bag Connector and Valve

Liquid Bag

Wall Mounted Moistened Towel Dispenser

Display

User

User's Bag

Dispenser

Display

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A moistened hygienic towel dispenser comprising:

- a housing (20) having a storage area (23) for towels,

- a door (26) configured to permit removal of towels from the storage area

(23),

- a reservoir (25) for storage or mixing of a liquid agent, and

- a moistening system (27) within the housing configured to transport liquid from the reservoir (25) to the towels.

2. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of claim 1 further comprising an opening (24) in the housing (20) for feeding liquid to the moistening system (27).

3. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the

storage area (23) contains towels.

4. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the

moistening system (27) comprises slots between the reservoir (25) and storage area (23).

5. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the door (26) is a portion of the housing (20) configured to swing open.

6. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the door (26) further comprises a tab (28) to assist a user in opening the door.

7. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the door (36) is a portion of a wall of the housing (30) configured to be pried open by a user.

8. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of claim 7 wherein the door (36) is

designed to be pried open by a user by perforating the wall of the housing along at least three edges of the door (36).

9. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of claim 7 or 8 wherein the door further comprises a void (39) in the material of the housing (30) to assist with opening the door.

10. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim further comprising a seal affixed between the door (26) and the rest of the housing (30), said seal being configured to be broken when a user opens the door (26).

11. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the

housing (20) acts as an insert for a cover (10).

12. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of claim 11 wherein the housing further comprising a tab (28) to assist in removing the housing (20) from the cover (10).

13. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of claim 11 or 12 wherein the housing has a slot (22) which is configured to depress upon inserting the housing (20) into the cover (10) and the cover (10) has a corresponding tab (12) which folds into the cover (10) when the housing (20) is inserted, the slot (22) and tab (12) ensuring that the housing (20) does not pull all of the way out of the cover (10).

14. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any of claims 11 - 13 wherein the cover (10) has an opening (14) which corresponds to the opening (24) in the housing (20).

15. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any preceding claim wherein the

reservoir (25) contains dry ingredients, such as natural ingredients, for mixing with water added to the reservoir (25).

16. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of any of claims 11 - 15 wherein the

reservoir (25) contains a liquid separated from the storage area (23) by a seal, the seal being configured to be broken by sliding the housing out of the cover.

17. The moistened hygienic towel dispenser of claim 16 wherein the reservoir (25) contains a mixture of natural ingredients and water, preferably filtered water.