SMART WIPES DEVICE

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a wipes device for dispensing warm wetted wipes. A wipes device includes a wipes dispensing structure configured to permit a user to remove a wetted wipe, a wipes housing configured to hold dry wipes, wherein the wetted wipe is accessible via the wipes dispensing structure, an evaporation device unit positioned relative to the wipes housing, a water container connected to the evaporation device unit, and an additive housing connected to the evaporation device unit, where the evaporation device unit is configured to the wet the dry wipes by vaporizing a combination of water from the water container and an additive from the additive housing for a defined event.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to cleansing products and in particular, devices for dispensing wetted wipes.

BACKGROUND

Wipes, such as baby wipes, are pre-moistened or wetted and then packaged for sale. As such, the shelf life or longevity is limited. Moreover, a variety of chemicals, preservatives, and the like are used for maintaining wipe wetness.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dispensing wetted wipes. In implementations, a wipes device includes a wipes dispensing structure configured to permit a user to remove a wetted wipe, a wipes housing configured to hold dry wipes, wherein the wetted wipe is accessible via the wipes dispensing structure, an evaporation device unit positioned relative to the wipes housing, a water container connected to the evaporation device unit, and an additive housing connected to the evaporation device unit, where the evaporation device unit is configured to the wet the dry wipes by vaporizing a combination of water from the water container and an additive from the additive housing for a defined event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and are incorporated into and thus constitute a part of this specification. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a device for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 2 is a view of a dry wipes package and a cartridge in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 3 is an example of the dry wipes cartridge of FIG. 2 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the dry wipes cartridge of FIG. 3 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 5 is an example of a device for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of an additive housing for the device of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 7A-7C are exploded views of the additive housing for the device of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 8A-8B are views of an additive pouch in relation to the additive housing of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 9 is a view of a water container for the device of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 10 is a view of the water container of FIG. 9 with respect to placement in the device of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 5 with cover removed in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 12A is a side view of the device of FIG. 5 with wetted wipe being removed in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 12B is a top view of FIG. 12A with wetted wipe being removed in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 13A-13D are views of using the device of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 14 is an example of a device for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 15A-15B are examples of a dry wipes cartridge for the device of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 16A-16C are examples of placement of a dry wipes cartridge in the device of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 17A-17D are examples of an additive and placement of the additive in the device of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 18A-18B are exposed views of the device of FIG. 14 for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 19A-19E are views of using the device of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 20 is an example of a device for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 21 is an example of a dry wipes cartridge for the device of FIG. 20 in accordance with implementations.

FIG. 22 is an example of a dry wipes cartridge for the device of FIG. 20 in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 23A-23D are examples of an additive and placement of the additive in the device of FIG. 20 in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 24A-24B are exposed views of the device of FIG. 20 for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations.

FIGS. 25A-25E are views of using the device of FIG. 20 in accordance with implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and descriptions provided herein may be simplified to illustrate aspects of the described embodiments that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein disclosed devices, processes, machines, manufactures, and/or compositions of matter, while eliminating for the purpose of clarity other aspects that may be found in typical similar devices, systems, compositions and methods. Those of ordinary skill may thus recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable or necessary to implement the devices, systems, compositions and methods described herein. However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art in light of the discussion herein.

Embodiments are provided throughout so that this disclosure is sufficiently thorough and fully conveys the scope of the disclosed embodiments to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific aspects, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. Nevertheless, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain specific disclosed details need not be employed, and that embodiments may be embodied in different forms. As such, the exemplary embodiments set forth should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The steps, processes, and operations described herein are thus not to be construed as necessarily requiring their respective performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as a preferred or required order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, in place of or in conjunction with the disclosed aspects.

Yet further, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, steps or aspects, these elements, steps or aspects should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element or aspect from another. Thus, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, step, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, step, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

The non-limiting embodiments described herein are with respect to devices for dispensing wetter wipes. These packages may be modified for a variety of applications and uses while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claims. The embodiments and variations described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope and spirit. The descriptions herein may be applicable to all embodiments of the device and the methods for making the devices.

Disclosed herein are implementations of devices for dispensing wetted wipes. The implementations shown are illustrative and other implementations are within the scope of the specification and claims described herein. For purposes of illustration, certain aspects, features, and the like are described with respect to implementations. These aspects, features, and the like are appropriately applicable to and interchangeable with other implementations described herein.

In implementations, a smart wipes device provides a mechanism for wetting dry wipes. The dry wipes can be scented with a variety of fragrances, conditioners, oils, and/or other additives (collectively “additives”) depending on the application. The additives can be provided in a variety of forms including, but not limited to, liquid capsules, pellets, and the like. The additive is mixed with water and vaporized for application to the dry wipes. Wetting or vaporization of the dry wipe can be activated by opening a lid of the smart wipes device, pushing a button on the smart wipes device, pulling a wipe out of the device, or other like mechanisms. In implementations, an evaporation device can be connected to sensors or actuators for initiating vaporization or wetting of a dry wipe.

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a smart wipes device 1000 for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations. The smart wipes device 1000 can include, but is not limited to, a wipe dispensing structure and mechanism 1100, replaceable wipes housing 1200, a vaporizing mechanism 1250, an evaporation device 1300, a power module 1400, and a water container 1500. In implementations, the smart wipes device 1000 can include an additives housing 1600. In implementations, the smart wipes device 1000 can include sensors 1700. In implementations, the smart wipes device 1000 can include a controller 1800. In implementations, the smart wipes device 1000 can include a user interface 1900. In implementations, the smart wipes device 1000 can include combinations of any of the aforementioned. In implementations, some of the wipe dispensing structure and mechanism 1100, the replaceable wipes housing 1200, the vaporizing mechanism 1250, the evaporation device 1300, the power module 1400, the water container 1500, the additives housing 1600, the sensors 1700, the controller 1800, and the user interface 1900 can be integrated with the other elements.

The wipe dispensing structure and mechanism 1100 is structured to enable a user to pull out, tear off, or otherwise obtain a wetted wipe, a heated wetted wipe, or the like from the smart wipes device 1000.

The replaceable wipes housing 1200 is structured to hold dry wipes in a variety of forms including in a pre-filled package, a roll, a wipes stack, and the like.

The vaporizing mechanism 1250 is structured to apply vaporized water and additive to a dry wipe. In implementations, the vaporizing mechanism 1250 is a ring vaporizer, a plurality of vapor nozzles and tubes, and the like. The evaporation device 1300 can be heating coils, ultrasonic transducers, heating pads, heating elements, or the like which vaporize the water and additive toward the vaporizing mechanism 1250. In implementations, the vaporizing mechanism 1250 and the evaporation device 1300 are integrated and can be referred to as an evaporation device unit. In implementations, the vaporizing mechanism 1250, the evaporation device 1300, or the evaporation device unit can be one or more piezoelectric atomizer transducers in the form or nozzles or ejectors which are configured or structured with respect to the smart wipes device 1000 as described herein. For example, an ejector or nozzle has a perforated metal layer attached to a piezo electric ceramic layer. When energy is applied to the piezo layer it vibrate at a very high frequency, which creates droplets and a vacuum like effect pulling the liquid through the perforated layer, essentially atomizing it into a smoke like mist. In implementations, a sponge layer, capillary tubes, other like mechanisms, and combinations thereof can be used to provide or facilitate introduction of a mixed water-additive solution.

The power module 1400 powers the smart wipes device 1000 and the elements contained therein. The power module 1400 can be a battery, configured for plugin power, or a combination thereof.

The water container 1500 is structured to hold water and fit with the smart wipes device 1000. The water container 1500 can include a valve for releasing water toward the evaporation device 1300. The water container 1500 can include alignment structures for guiding fitting into the smart wipes device 1000. In implementations, the water container 1500 is transparent.

The additives housing 1600 is structured to hold and release via a valve an additive toward the evaporation device 1300. In implementations, the additives housing 1600 is transparent.

The sensors 1700 can be lid sensors, lid actuators, button sensors, button actuators, and the like configured to sense if a lid or top on the smart wipes device 1000 is being opened, a button is being pushed, selected, actuated, and the like, and if so, to initiate vaporization of a dry wipe. The sensors 1700 can be deployed on the smart wipes device 1000. In implementations, the sensors 1700 can be integrated into elements of the smart wipes device 1000 as described herein. In implementations, the sensors 1700 can be integrated onto an outer surface of the smart wipes device 1000.

The controller 1800 can control operation of the smart wipes device 1000 and the elements therein based on default configurations, sensor input, and the like. In implementations, the controller 1800 can be controlled or set by an application on a user device via wireless communications.

The user interface 1900 can be used by a user to set the smart wipes device 1000, the controller 1800, and the like, see notifications from the smart wipes device 1000, and the like.

Operationally, a package of dry wipes is placed, inserted, or otherwise set in the smart wipes device 1000. Water is added to the water container 1500, which is then placed in the smart wipes device 1000. An additive is added to the water container 1500 or to the additives housing, as appropriate. The evaporation device and vaporizing mechanism apply vaporized water and additive to at least one dry wipe based on either the smart wipes device 1000 configuration, input or actuation received by the sensors 1700 due to a user pushing a button, opening and/or closing the lid or cover, removing a wetted wipe, or a combination of actions and inputs.

FIG. 2 is a view of a dry wipes package 2000 and an automated fitment or cartridge 2100 in accordance with implementations. The automated fitment or cartridge 2100 is placed on the dry wipes package 2000 to form a wipes cartridge 2200. FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the dry wipes cartridge 2200 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the dry wipes cartridge 2200. The automated fitment or cartridge 2100 includes a base 2110 with a pair of wings 2120 and 2130. The automated fitment or cartridge 2100 includes a pull tab or ring 2140 for opening a cover 2150, both being disposed on the base 2110. The automated fitment or cartridge 2100 includes guides 2160 and 2170 disposed on the base 2110 for placement on a smart wipes device as shown in FIG. 5. The base 2110 is centrally positioned on the dry wipes package 2000 and the pair of wings 2120 and 2130 clasp around the wipes package 2000. In implementations, the central point on the wipes package 2000 can be indicated by a perforated line on the wipes package 2000 as shown for example in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a device 5000 for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations. The device 5000 includes some or all of the elements and/or components of FIG. 1.

The device 5000 includes a housing 5100 including a cover 5110, an additive housing 5120, and a water housing 5130. As shown, a dry wipes cartridge 5200 is already inserted onto the cover 5110 as described herein. An additive pouch, package or container 5500 can be inserted into the additive housing 5120. A water container 5600 can be positioned in the water housing 5130. FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the additive housing 5120 for the device 5000 of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 7A-7C are exploded views of the additive housing 5120 for the device 5000 of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the additive housing 5120 showing a valve mechanism 5122 which permits entry of an additive toward an evaporation device in the device 5000. FIG. 7B is a side view and FIG. 7C is a top view.

FIG. 8A-8B are views of the additive pouch 5500 in relation to the additive housing 5120 of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations. The additive pouch 5500 is integrated into the additive housing 5120 by a push system, which allows the additive pouch 5500 to be placed and removed easily from the additive housing 5120. As described, the additive pouch 5500 includes the valve mechanism 5510 which allows the dosage of the additive to the device 5000. The valve mechanism 5510 can connect with the valve mechanism 5122, which also includes tubing 5124 connected to an evaporation device such as evaporation device 1300. In implementations, the additive pouch 5500 is transparent, so that a user can determine the amount of additive remaining in the additive pouch 5500.

FIG. 9 is a view of the water container 5600 for the device 5000 of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 10 is a view of the water container 5600 of FIG. 9 with respect to placement in the water housing 5130 of the device 5000 of FIG. 5 in accordance with implementations. The water container 5600 includes an opening 5610 for filling the water container 5600 with water, a grip zone or tab 5620 for removal and placement of the water container 5600 in the water housing 5130, and a valve mechanism 5700 which allows water to flow toward an evaporation device such as evaporation device 1300. The water housing 5130 includes a valve mechanism 5132 and tubing 5134 connected to the evaporation device such as evaporation device 1300. When the water container 5600 is placed in the water housing 5130, the valve mechanism 5700 engages with the mechanism 5132 to allow water to flow toward the evaporation device such as evaporation device 1300.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the device 5000 of FIG. 5 without a dry wipes cartridge in the cover 5110 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 12A is a side view of the device 5000 of FIG. 5 with a wipe being removed in accordance with implementations. FIG. 12B is a top, enlarged view of the device 5000 of FIG. 12A. The cover 5110 includes a ring vaporization device 5700 which is connected to the water container 5600 via the valve mechanism 5700, the valve mechanism 5132, and the tubing 5134, and to the additive pouch 5500 via the valve mechanism 5510, the valve mechanism 5122, and the tubing 5124. The ring vaporization device 5700 circumscribes an opening 2160 created when the cover 2150 is open and through which wipes can be removed by a user. The ring vaporization device 5700 includes a plurality of nozzles 5710 through which additive mixed water vapor is emitted to wet a wipe as it is pulled by a user. In implementations, sensors and actuators, such as sensors 1700 can be deployed to sense if the cover 2150 is being opened, if a wipe is being removed, or the like so that the wipe is wetted as it is being pulled out of the wipes cartridge. In implementations, the ring vaporization device 5700 can include the evaporation device and the vaporization mechanism. The cover 5110 includes a pair of side portions 5112 and 5114 connected to the ring vaporization device 5700, which collectively hold the wipes cartridge.

FIGS. 13A-13D are views of using the device 5000 with the dry wipe cartridge 2200 in accordance with implementations. A user opens the cover 5110 to insert the wipe cartridge 2200 into and underneath the cover 5110 as shown in FIG, 12A. The users fills the water container 5600 with water and positions the water container 5600 into the water housing 5130. The user push fits the additive pouch 5500 into the additive housing 5120. The user opens the cover 2150 and the ring vaporization device 5700 wets and warms a wipe 13000 as it is being pulled out of the wipe cartridge 2200.

FIG. 14 is an example of a device 14000 for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations. The device 14000 includes some or all of the elements and/or components of FIG. 1. The device 14000 includes a housing 14100 including a cover 14110 and a water housing 14120. A water container 14200 can be positioned in the water housing 14120. The water container 14200 has an engagement structure 14210 for placement of an additive capsule 14300.

FIGS. 15A-15B are examples of a dry wipes cartridge 15000 for the device 14000 of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations. The wipes cartridge 15000 includes a perforated line 15100 for opening the wipes cartridge 15000. In this instance, the wipes cartridge 15000 is opened to access dry wipes 15200.

FIGS. 16A-16C are examples of placement of the wipes 15200 into the device 14000 of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations. The device 14000 includes a wipes container 16000 configured to hold and retain the wipes 15100 on the wipes container 16000, a wipes container cover 16100, a cover locking mechanism 16200, and a rotational mechanism 16300 for rotating the wipes container 16000 within the device 14000 when a cover of the device 14000 is opened and closed. The wipes container cover 16100 includes an opening 16110 for removing a wetted wipe. Operationally, after the wipes 15200 are placed on the wipes container 16000, the wipes container 16000 rotates to face an evaporation device unit when the cover of the device 14000 is closed. When the cover is opened again, the wipes container 16000 faces an opening caused by opening the cover so that a user can remove a wetted warm wipe.

FIGS. 17A-17D are examples of an additive and placement of the additive in the device 14000 of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 17A shows an example additive capsule 17000. The additive capsule 17000 has a retention top 17100, a tube, syringe-like tube, a capillary-type tube, or the like 17200 configured to continuously drip an amount of an additive 17300 into a water container 17500, and a stopper 17400 connected to the tube 17200 to prevent dripping of the additive 17300. The additive capsule 17000 is transparent so that the user can see the amount of the additive 17300. Operationally, the stopper 17400 is removed from the additive capsule 17000 and placed into an engagement structure 17600 on the water container 17500. The engagement structure 17600 is also used for filling the water container 17500 with water. The water container 17500 includes guides on a base for placement and removal from the device 14000. Placement of the additive capsule 17000 in the water container 17600 results in a mixed water-additive combination 17700 in the water container 17500.

FIGS. 18A-18B are exposed views of the device 14000 of FIG. 14 for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations. FIG. 18A is an exposed view and FIG. 18B is an exposed side view of the device 14000 which collectively show the water container 14200 with the additive capsule 14300, a wipes container 16000, wipes 15100, and an evaporation device unit 18000 connected to the water container 14200 via a value and tubing 18100. The evaporation device unit 18000 includes a sponge 18200 surrounded by a heating element 18300. The heating element 18300 includes ejectors 18310 for vaporing water-additive combination and wetting wipes 15100.

FIGS. 19A-19E are views of using the device 14000 of FIG. 14 in accordance with implementations. A user opens the cover 14120 and the cover locking mechanism 16200 to insert the wipes 15100 onto the wipes container 16000. The water container 14200 is filled with water and placed in the in the water housing 14120. The additive capsule 14300 is positioned on the engagement structure 14210. The wipes container 16000 rotates upon closing the cover 14120 to a wetting position. When the cover 14120 is opened by a user to obtain a wetted wipe, the wipes container 16000 rotates back to a filling or wipe removal position.

FIG. 20 is an example of a device for 20000 dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations. The device 20000 includes some or all of the elements and/or components of FIG. 1. The device 20000 includes a housing 20100 including a side cover 20110, a water housing 20120, and a wipe removal structure 20130. A water container 20200 can be positioned in the water housing 20120.

FIG. 21 is an example of a dry wipes cartridge 21000 for the device 20000 of FIG. in accordance with implementations. The wipes cartridge 21000 includes a wipes roll 21100 and a wipes roll holder 21200. The wipes roll holder 21200 includes a tearing mechanism 21210 for tearing a wipe from the wipes roll 21100 when the wipe is pulled through the wipe removal structure 20130.

FIG. 22 is an example of a dry wipes cartridge 22000 for the device 20000 of FIG. 20 in accordance with implementations. The wipes cartridge 22000 includes a dry wipes roll 22100 and a wipes roll holder 22200. The wipes roll holder 22200 includes a tearing mechanism 22210 for tearing a wipe from the wipes roll 22100 when the wipe is pulled through the wipe removal structure 20130. The wipes roll holder 22200 includes a guide and retention mechanism 22220 configured to guide and hold the wipes cartridge 22000 in the device 20000 as shown in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 23A-23D are examples of an additive and placement of the additive in the device of FIG. 20 in accordance with implementations. FIG. 23A shows a jar 23000 of additive pellets 23100. FIG. 23B shows a water container 23200 in a placement/removal process from the device 20000. The water container 23200 is structured as described herein for placement and removal from the device 20000. Water 23300 and additive pellets 23100 can be placed in the water container 23200 as shown in FIGS. 23C and 23D.

FIGS. 24A-24B are exposed views of the device 20000 of FIG. 20 for dispensing wetted wipes in accordance with implementations. FIG. 24A is an exposed view and FIG. 24B is an exposed side view of the device 20000 where a side cover 20110 is open, which collectively show an evaporation device unit 24000 and a wipes cartridge retention mechanism 24100 for holding the wipes cartridge 22000. For example, the wipes cartridge retention mechanism 24100 can engage the guide and retention mechanism 22220 to hold and retain the wipes cartridge 22000 inside the evaporation device unit 24000 of the device 20000. The evaporation device unit 24000 is a cylindrical evaporation device and vaporizing mechanism which includes a plurality of nozzles or ejectors 24010 for wetting wipes. The evaporation device unit 24000 is connected to the water container via valves and tubing as described herein. The evaporation device unit 24000 is structured to match the wipe removal structure 20130.

FIGS. 25A-25E are views of using the device 20000 of FIG. 20 in accordance with implementations. A user opens the side cover 20110 and inserts the wipes cartridge 22000 into the device 20000 and partially surrounded by the evaporation device unit 24000. The water container 20200 is filled with water and additive pellets 23100 and positioned on the water housing 20120. The evaporation device unit 24000 wets an outer layer of the wipes on the wipes cartridge 22000 based on device configuration, sensors and actuators, and the like as described herein. The user removes a wetted wipe 25000 by pulling the wipe 25000 through the wipe removal structure 20130, where the wipe 25000 is torn from the wipes cartridge 22000 via the tearing mechanism 21210.

In general, wipes device includes a wipes dispensing structure configured to permit a user to remove a wetted wipe, a wipes housing configured to hold dry wipes, wherein the wetted wipe is accessible via the wipes dispensing structure, an evaporation device unit positioned relative to the wipes housing, a water container connected to the evaporation device unit, and an additive housing connected to the evaporation device unit, where the evaporation device unit is configured to the wet the dry wipes by vaporizing a combination of water from the water container and an additive from the additive housing for a defined event. In implementations, the wipes dispensing structure and the wipes housing is a cartridge configured to hold a wipes package containing the dry wipes, the cartridge comprising a cover positioned above a perforation line on the wipes package and configured to permit the user to remove the wetted wipe. In implementations, the evaporation device unit is a ring vaporizer positioned above the cartridge and configured to wet a dry wipe when the user pulls the dry wipe through the ring vaporizer. In implementations, the ring vaporizer includes a plurality of nozzles or ejectors circumscribing the opening created when the cover of the cartridge is opened. In implementations, an additive pouch is connected to the additive housing, and the water container and the additive housing are connected to the evaporation device unit via valves and tubing. In implementations, the wipes dispensing structure is a device cover and a wipes housing cover. In implementations, the wipes dispensing structure is a device cover and a wipes housing cover. In implementations, the wipes housing is rotatably connected to a housing of the wipes device, and wherein the wipes housing is at a wetting position when the device cover is going to a closed position and is at a wipes access position when the device cover is going to an open position. In implementations, the water container includes the additive housing and an additive capsule is configured to attach to the water container. In implementations, the additive capsule is configured to drip an additive into the water container. In implementations, the evaporation device unit further including a sponge connected to the water container via a valve and tubing to absorb a water-additive combination, and a heating element configured to heat the sponge and wet the dry wipes via a plurality of ejectors or nozzles when the wipes housing is in the wetting position. In implementations, the wipes dispensing structure is an opening in a housing of the wipes device and a tearing mechanism on the wipes housing. In implementations, the wipes housing is a roll holder and a retention mechanism in a housing of the wipes device, the roll holder holding the dry wipes in a roll configuration and further comprising the tearing mechanism. In implementations, the evaporation device unit is a cylindrical evaporation unit including a plurality of ejectors or nozzles, the evaporation device unit partially surrounding an inserted roll holder and configured to wet an outer layer of wipes on the roll holder. In implementations, the additive housing is the water container and the additive is an additive pellet which dissolves in the water.

In general, a method for dispensing warmed wet wipes includes inserting dry wipes into a wipes device, placing a water filled water container into the wipes devices, adding an additive to combine with the water from the water container, wetting the dry wipes by vaporizing a combined water and additive solution upon a defined event, and removing a warm wetted wipe from the wipes device. In implementations, the method further includes connecting a cartridge to the dry wipes prior to insertion into the wipes device. In implementations, the wetting further includes ring vaporizing the combined water and additive solution and wetting a dry wipe as the dry wipe is being removed from the wipes device. In implementations, the method further includes rotating the dry wipes toward an evaporation device unit after completion of dry wipes insertion. In implementations, the method further includes rotating wetted wipes toward an opening when a cover is opened to initiate the removing.

The construction and arrangement of the methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials and components, colors, orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the figures or description may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

1. A wipes device comprising:

a wipes dispensing structure configured to permit a user to remove a wetted wipe;

a wipes housing configured to hold dry wipes, wherein the wetted wipe is accessible via the wipes dispensing structure;

an evaporation device unit positioned relative to the wipes housing;

a water container connected to the evaporation device unit; and

an additive housing connected to the evaporation device unit,

wherein the evaporation device unit is configured to the wet the dry wipes by vaporizing a combination of water from the water container and an additive from the additive housing for a defined event.

2. The wipes device of claim 1, wherein the wipes dispensing structure and the wipes housing is a cartridge configured to hold a wipes package containing the dry wipes, the cartridge comprising a cover positioned above a perforation line on the wipes package and configured to permit the user to remove the wetted wipe.

3. The wipes device of claim 2, wherein the evaporation device unit is a ring vaporizer positioned above the cartridge and configured to wet a dry wipe when the user pulls the dry wipe through the ring vaporizer.

4. The wipes device of claim 3, wherein the ring vaporizer includes a plurality of nozzles or ejectors circumscribing the opening created when the cover of the cartridge is opened.

5. The wipes device of claim 4, wherein an additive pouch is connected to the additive housing, and the water container and the additive housing are connected to the evaporation device unit via valves and tubing.

6. The wipes device of claim 1, wherein the wipes dispensing structure is a device cover and a wipes housing cover.

7. The wipes device of claim 6, wherein the wipes dispensing structure is a device cover and a wipes housing cover.

8. The wipes device of claim 7, wherein the wipes housing is rotatably connected to a housing of the wipes device, and wherein the wipes housing is at a wetting position when the device cover is going to a closed position and is at a wipes access position when the device cover is going to an open position.

9. The wipes device of claim 8, wherein the water container includes the additive housing and an additive capsule is configured to attach to the water container.

10. The wipes device of claim 9, wherein the additive capsule is configured to drip an additive into the water container.

11. The wipes device of claim 9, wherein the evaporation device unit further comprising:

a sponge connected to the water container via a valve and tubing to absorb a water-additive combination; and

a heating element configured to heat the sponge and wet the dry wipes via a plurality of ejectors or nozzles when the wipes housing is in the wetting position.

12. The wipes device of claim 1, wherein the wipes dispensing structure is an opening in a housing of the wipes device and a tearing mechanism on the wipes housing.

13. The wipes device of claim 12, wherein the wipes housing is a roll holder and a retention mechanism in a housing of the wipes device, the roll holder holding the dry wipes in a roll configuration and further comprising the tearing mechanism.

14. The wipes device of claim 13, wherein the evaporation device unit is a cylindrical evaporation unit including a plurality of ejectors or nozzles, the evaporation device unit partially surrounding an inserted roll holder and configured to wet an outer layer of wipes on the roll holder.

15. The wipes device of claim 14, wherein the additive housing is the water container and the additive is an additive pellet which dissolves in the water.

16. A method for dispensing warmed wet wipes, the method comprising:

inserting dry wipes into a wipes device;

placing a water filled water container into the wipes devices;

adding an additive to combine with the water from the water container;

wetting the dry wipes by vaporizing a combined water and additive solution upon a defined event; and

removing a warm wetted wipe from the wipes device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

connecting a cartridge to the dry wipes prior to insertion into the wipes device.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the wetting further comprising:

ring vaporizing the combined water and additive solution and wetting a dry wipe as the dry wipe is being removed from the wipes device.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

rotating the dry wipes toward an evaporation device unit after completion of dry wipes insertion.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

rotating wetted wipes toward an opening when a cover is opened to initiate the removing.