Two-step wet and dry toilet paper dispenser

Abstract

A toilet paper dispenser is provided that toilet paper moistened immediately prior to use. A housing supports a roll on a shaft driven by a motor. When a wet dispense button is activated, the motor rotates the shaft to advance toilet paper along a dispensing path toward a paper outlet while a pump draws liquid from a tank and delivers the liquid to one or more spray nozzles that spray the liquid onto the moving toilet paper. A regulating valve and an adjustment knob vary a flow rate and / or pressure to change an amount of wetting. Sensors and indicators may report tank level, remaining paper, and a drain tank full condition. The unit also dispenses dry toilet paper. The unit includes guides, a mist buffer plate, a timer, a sloped floor with a drain opening, and a fan with heating elements to reduce moisture.

Description

TWO-STEP WET AND DRY TOILET PAPER DISPENSER BACKGROUND

[0001] In some circumstances, using dry toilet paper alone may be insufficient for personal hygiene, and a user may prefer a secondary cleansing step using water and / or a wiping solution to achieve more complete cleaning. However, for this secondary wet wiping step, conventional approaches typically include the use of a bidet or a wet wipe, each of which has associated limitations. The bidet is a water spraying unit that generally delivers a water stream or spray and may not, by itself, provide targeted wiping of a localized area that may benefit from wiping.

[0002] In addition, a bidet may require plumbing and may occupy additional space in the bathroom. Pre-moistened wipes are often carried for travel or convenience and may not be reliably present as a permanent fixture in a private bathroom or public restroom.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The various embodiments of the present two-step wet and dry toilet paper dispenser now will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious wet and dry toilet paper dispenser shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts:

[0004] FIG. 1 A is an elevational front view of an example embodiment of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. IB is a functional diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser in which the dispenser is removably mounted using a holstertype bracket, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2 is an elevational front view of an example of an alternative embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser that includes an additional button for dispensing the dry toilet paper, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser with a left-side panel removed, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser with the left side of the unit removed showing a mist buffer plate, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.1 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mist buffer plate of FIG. 5, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mist buffer plate, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser that includes a fan and one or more heating elements, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a functional diagram illustrating a portion of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser while the paper is in motion when the wet mode is selected, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser illustrating dispensing of the toilet paper through a paper guide, and onto a perforated paper folding tray, and further illustrating an accompanying pull-out fluid collection tray, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser that includes a paper cutter, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 11 is an elevational front view of an example embodiment of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser that includes a drain tank level indicator, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of FIG.11 with the left side of the unit removed, showing a mist buffer plate positioned over the top of the rectangular-shaped water and / or wiping solution tank, and the spray bar shortened and positioned below the tank, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of FIG. 12A that includes a fan and one or more heating elements, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser with an alternative L-shaped water and / or wiping solution tank configured to accommodate a lower-height mist buffer plate, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mist buffer plate of FIG. 13, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.2 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0021] FIG. 15 is a functional diagram illustrating a portion of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser while the paper is in motion when the wet mode is selected, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 16 illustrates an example embodiment of the sloped floor of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser that allows drainage into the drain tank, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example drain tank that includes a hole that is aligned with the drain opening at the floor of the toilet paper dispenser, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 18 illustrates the housing of the drain tank equipped with a miniature load cell, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser with a drain guide, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example method / process for dispensing moistened or dry toilet paper, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example electrical architecture for the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser in which signals from user inputs and sensors are routed to a processor for decision -making, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram illustrating an alternative electrical architecture for the unit in which components are directly electrically coupled to one another (e.g., by wiring) without routing control decisions through a processor, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.3 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that a bidet cannot concentrate on a small area of the body which requires wiping. The bidet is also a bulky item that may require plumbing and additional space in the bathroom. In addition, premoistened wipes are often used for travel or convenience and may not be reliably available as a permanent bathroom fixture in a private bathroom or public restroom.

[0030] The present embodiments, as described in detail below, solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a paper dispenser that not only serves the purpose of personal hygiene cleaning in a private home or apartment, but may also be installed in public restrooms where water-based cleaning fixtures (e.g., a bidet or shower) may not be available and where people normally may not have a wet wipe in their possession.

[0031] Some embodiments provide a two-step cleaning process in which a dry wipe is followed by a moistened wipe using the same toilet paper dispenser unit. In step 1 (the dry paper mode), the user may use dry toilet paper dispensed without moistening and in step 2 (the wet paper mode), the user may follow with toilet paper that is moistened prior to dispensing for the finishing touch.

[0032] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are schematic and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For clarity of illustration, one or more components, connections, or structures may be omitted from a given figure, even though such components, connections, or structures may be present in the corresponding embodiment.

[0033] Unless expressly stated otherwise, any feature, component, or step described with reference to one embodiment or one figure may be used in combination with, substituted for, or added to any feature, component, or step described with reference to another embodiment or another figure, to the extent such combination is not inconsistent. The absence of a feature from a particular figure or description does not indicate that the feature is excluded from that embodiment; rather, the feature may be omitted from the figure or description for clarity.

[0034] FIG. 1 A is an elevational front view of an example embodiment of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 100, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 A, the toilet paper dispenser 100 may include a front face 101, a wet dispense button 102, a battery level indicator light 103, a water and / or wiping solution tank level indicator light 104, a sprayer adjustment knob 150, a timer control 108, a toilet paper low indicator light 109, a right side mounting plate 107, a left side mounting plate 157, and several mounting plate 4 Attorney Docket No. : BENR.P0001PCTscrew holes 181-184. The figure also shows toilet paper 115 being dispensed from the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser. As used herein, the term “unit,” without further qualification, refers to the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser disclosed herein.

[0035] In some embodiments, a separate regular toilet paper roll holder may be installed adjacent the dispenser (e.g., to a side, above, or below) and used only for step 1 (dry wiping), and then the disclosed unit may be used for wet mode and / or dry mode as desired.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 1 A, activating the wet dispense button 102 (e.g., pressing the button 102) may cause a motor 401 (which comes with a clutch) to turn on and cause a shaft 402 (shown in FIGS. 4-5) to rotate and may simultaneously start a pump 430 (shown in FIGS. 4-5). Alternatively, the clutch may be separate from the motor. Activating the wet dispense button 102 may turn on the wet paper mode, start the shaft rotation, and turn the pump on. In the dry paper mode, the user may manually pull the paper while the power is off (and hence the motor is off and the clutch is disengaged) without activating the wet dispense button 102. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 100 may include an optional toilet paper low indicator light 109 configured to indicate when the remaining toilet paper is below a threshold level.

[0037] It should be noted that the wet dispense button 102, the timer control 108, and the dry dispense button 201 (shown in FIG. 2), in some implementations, may be push buttons. In other implementations, the wet dispense button 102, the timer control 108, and the dry dispense button 201 may be capacitive touch buttons (e.g., proximity buttons) to eliminate the physical touching of the buttons, which may be particularly helpful in public places for hygiene purposes. Accordingly, the term “pressing” a button in this disclosure also applies to bringing one’s finger into proximity of a capacitive touch button in the embodiments in which one or more buttons are capacitive touch buttons.

[0038] FIG. IB is a functional diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 105 in which the dispenser 105 is removably mounted using a holster-type bracket 170, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. IB, the toilet paper dispenser 105 may include the holster-type bracket 170, which may include a mounting plate 175 and several holes 171-174 for attaching the mounting plate 175 to a surface (e.g., a wall or a cabinet) using fasteners (e.g., nails and / or screws).

[0039] The bracket 170 may include two open guides (e.g., in a half-cylinder shape) 191 and 192. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 105 may include two rails 193 and 194 that may slide through the guides 191 and 192, respectively, to secure the wet and dry toilet5 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTpaper dispenser 105 to the wall or cabinet. Other components of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 105 may be similar to the components of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 100 described above.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an elevational front view of an example of an alternative embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 200 that includes a dry dispense button 201 for dispensing the dry toilet paper, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 2, the toilet paper dispenser 200 may include components similar to the toilet paper dispenser 100 of FIG. 1A. In addition, the toilet paper dispenser 200 of FIG. 2 may include the dry dispense button 201 for dispensing dry toilet paper under motor control, as compared with the embodiment of FIG. 1 A that requires the user to pull the paper manually in the dry paper mode. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wet dispense button 102 for wet dispense may be used to activate the wet mode to dispense wet toilet paper and the dry dispense button 201 for dry dispense may be used to dispense dry toilet paper. Activating the dry dispense button 201 may only rotate the shaft 402 without activating the pump 430.

[0041] In some implementations, instead of pressing and holding the wet dispense button 102 for the wet toilet paper to be dispensed or pressing and holding the dry dispense button 201 for the dry toilet paper to be dispensed, a timer may be used to set the amount of time that the toilet paper may be dispensed in each of the wet and dry mode. In the wet mode, a motor and a pump (e.g., the motor 401 and the pump 430 shown in FIG. 4) may operate for the timer period set by the timer control 108 after the wet dispense button 102 is pressed to wet the toilet paper and dispense the wet paper. A user may press and release the wet dispense button 102, resulting in the wet toilet paper being dispensed for the timer period set by the timer control 108. In the dry mode, the pump may remain off and the motor may operate for the timer period set by the timer control 108 after the dry dispense button 201 is pressed to dispense the dry paper. A user may press and release the dry dispense button 201, resulting in the dry toilet paper being dispensed for the timer period set by the timer control 108. The timer’s duration may be increased, decreased, or set to zero by the +, -, and OFF buttons on the timer control 108, respectively, such that, when the duration is set to zero, dispensing may occur only while a corresponding one of the wet dispense button 102 or the dry dispense button 201 is activated.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 300, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In addition to the components of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3 shows a power compartment 301 on the top side 302 of the6 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTwet and dry toilet paper dispenser 300. The power compartment 301 may include battery packs 481 (shown in FIG. 4) that may be removed and charged away from the unit. Alternatively, the unit may receive power from an external power source. For example, in some implementations, the power compartment 301 may house an AC / DC transformer (e.g., an AC-to-DC power supply) with holes in the back wall of the unit to route wires through and attach them to an AC electric outlet. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 300 may include a handle 303 for opening and closing the power compartment 301.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 400 with a left-side panel removed, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 400 may correspond to any of the wet and dry toilet paper dispensers 100, 105, 200, or 300 described above.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 400 may include one or more paper guide bars (e.g., paper guide bars 410 and 411) through which the toilet paper travels downward. The shaft 402 may be equipped with cages 403. The cages 403, in some embodiments, may be spring-loaded to engage a core of a roll of toilet paper supported by the shaft 402. The shaft 402 may be driven by a motor 401. The motor 401, in some implementations, may be coupled to the shaft 402 through its clutch (a clutch motor) that selectively couples the motor 401 to the shaft 402 and selectively decouples the motor 401 from the shaft 402. The clutch may, for example, be an electromagnetic clutch, or other types of clutches that allow the shaft 402 to be able to be rotated freely by the user in response to manual pulling on the toilet paper when the motor 401 is off and the clutch is disengaged. In some implementations, the motor 401 and the clutch may be provided as separate components that perform the same coupling and decoupling functions. The electromagnetic clutch may selectively couple the motor 401 to the shaft 402 or decouple the motor 401 from the shaft 402 in response to electrical control signals. When the motor is turned on and the clutch is engaged, rotation of the motor 401 may cause the shaft 402 to rotate and dispense toilet paper wrapped around the shaft 402 in a downward direction. When motor is off and the clutch is disengaged, the shaft may be able to be freely rotated by the user in response to manually pulling on the paper.

[0045] The floor of the toilet paper dispenser may have an opening 416 (e.g., a rectangular opening) for passage of the paper. In some implementations, any excess moisture inside the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 400 may drip downward (e.g., mainly along an interior side wall 455 of the unit) through the opening 416.7 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0046] The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of the present embodiments may be configured with a generally rectangular housing, or other housing shapes including curved surfaces. The toilet paper dispenser, as shown, may include at least one openable side (e.g., the left side which is facing the viewer in FIG. 4) for facilitating replacement of the toilet paper roll and access to the water and / or wiping solution tank 404. The tank 404 may either be fixed to the interior of the unit or may be removable. The tank 404 may be filled by a liquid such as water and / or wiping solution. In some implementations, the left side may include a cover in the form of a sliding door or a hinged door that may be opened to access the inside of the unit (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the tank may have a sloped top surface with a minimum of 2% slope (1.2°) towards the floor’s opening 416 to discharge any accumulated moisture or liquid through gravity.

[0047] The optional toilet paper low indicator light 109 may be configured to indicate a low-toilet-paper condition. The toilet paper low indicator light 109 may function at least in part using the shaft / toilet paper distance sensor 409. In some implementations, the distance sensor 409 may be oriented toward a toilet paper roll on the shaft 402 and may generate a sensor signal indicative of an amount of toilet paper remaining on the shaft 402 (e.g., based on a measured distance to an outer surface of the toilet paper roll). The toilet paper low indicator light 109 may illuminate when the sensor signal indicates that the remaining toilet paper is below a threshold level. The distance sensor 409, in some embodiments, may be a laser distance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a contact sensor, and / or or a noncontact sensor.

[0048] The toilet paper dispenser of the present embodiments may be installed on a wall or any vertical surface, for example, by one or more screws through the screw holes 181-184 on the right and left mounting plates 107 and 157, respectively. It should be noted that the attachment to the wall may also be accomplished by positioning mounting features (e.g., brackets and / or mounting holes) at other locations on the unit.

[0049] The tank level sensor 405 inside the water and / or wiping solution tank 404 may send a signal to the tank level indicator light 104 to indicate the amount of water and / or wiping solution left inside the tank 404. The tank level sensor 405, in some embodiments, may be a capacitive proximity sensor, a float switch, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or other liquid-level measuring devices that may detect whether the fluid level in the tank is at least at or above a certain level. For example, the tank level sensor 405 may be configured to detect whether the tank is full.8 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0050] Initially, when inserting a toilet paper roll in the unit, the toilet paper roll may be slid onto the shaft 402. The shaft 402 may be fitted with the cages 403. The cages 403, in some embodiments, may be metallic, and may securely hold the roll in place by spring action, similar to a paint-roller frame retaining a roller cover.

[0051] The shaft 402 may be coupled via the clutch to the motor 401. The motor 401 may be an electric motor that may be activated by pressing the wet dispense button 102 on the front of the unit. In some embodiments, during the dry paper mode the user may dispense dry paper without activating the motor 401. In embodiments including the clutch, the clutch may be disengaged such that the clutch is disengaged and the shaft 402 may be able to be rotated freely by the user. Alternatively, the dry dispense button 201 may be activated to rotate the shaft 402 to dispense dry paper under motor control while the pump is not activated.

[0052] The water and / or wiping solution tank 404 may be filled with water and / or wiping solution through the filling cap 431. The tank 404 may be configured as a replaceable cartridge, and / or may have an opening to pour in water and / or wiping solution. The water and / or wiping solution tank 404 may be positioned, for example, over the tank stand 432.

[0053] The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 400 may include one or more spray nozzles 442. The spray nozzles 442 may be positioned on a spray bar 441 (e.g., in the shape of a T-bar). The water and / or wiping solution tank 404 may be in fluid communication with the spray nozzles 442 via one or more fluid conduits including the spray bar 441. The weight of the spray bar 441 may be supported by the pipe support floor stand 433, which may be permanently connected to the floor surface 439 of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 400. The floor 439 may have a minimum slope of 2% (1.2 °), toward the floor opening 416 to discharge any accumulated moisture or liquid through gravity.

[0054] It should be noted that in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the spray bar 441 and the spray nozzles 442 may be close to the moving paper and the opening 416 on the unit floor. In alternative embodiments described below with reference to FIGS. 11-18, the spray bar 441 and the spray nozzles 442 may be spaced from the toilet paper and the floor opening, and may be positioned underneath the tank 404.

[0055] The pump 430 may be positioned at the bottom of the water and / or wiping solution tank 404 and may include an inlet opening 406 in fluid communication with the water and / or wiping solution tank 404. In some implementations, the pump 430 may be positioned outside of the tank. The pump 430 may, for example, be a miniature centrifugal pump, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or a gear pump, or another miniature pump. The flow of liquid from9 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTthe pump 430 to the spray nozzles 442, in some implementations, may be controlled by a regulating valve 407. The regulating valve 407 may be, for example and without limitation, a solenoid-based regulating valve, a motorized valve, an electro-pneumatic control valve, or a metering valve, and / or another valve configured to regulate flow. The regulating valve 407 may be a variable-flow regulating valve. The regulating valve 407 may be connected to the pump 430 and, through the spray bar 441, to the spray nozzles 442. The regulating valve 407 may be an electromechanically operated valve that may open and close the flow of water and / or wiping solution to the spray nozzles 442.

[0056] The regulating valve 407 may be used to adjust the flow of the fluid through the spray nozzles 442. For example, the regulating valve 407 may be controlled by the sprayer adjustment knob 150. Gradually rotating the knob 150 may change the control signal (e.g., a voltage) applied to the regulating valve 407, resulting in the fluid flow to the spray nozzles 442 being proportionally adjusted. Turning the knob all the way in one direction may substantially reduce the flow of the fluid to the spray nozzles 442, while turning the knob in the other direction may increase (e.g. to a maximum) the flow of the fluid through the regulating valve 407 to the spray nozzles 442.

[0057] If the water and / or wiping solution tank 404 is empty, the unit may not activate the pump 430 in the wet mode. In some implementations, when the water and / or wiping solution tank 404 is empty, pressing the wet dispense button 102 (which normally activates wet mode) may activate the motor 401 to rotate the shaft 402 to dispense paper without activating the pump 430. The unit may, therefore, act as if it is in the dry mode. Similarly, pressing the dry dispense button 201 shown in FIG. 2 (which normally activates dry mode) may activate the motor 401 to rotate the shaft 402 and dispense dry toilet paper.

[0058] One function of the paper guide bars 410-411 is to help ensure the toilet paper stays in its intended path. In addition, the spacing between the paper guide bars 410-411 and an interior back surface of the unit may be configured to prevent contact between the toilet paper and the interior back surface and thereby eliminate sticking.

[0059] The spray nozzles 442 may create a mist inside the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser such that fine droplets of water may remain suspended and may wet toilet paper remaining on the shaft 402 and / or increase moisture within the dispenser near the motor 401 and / or the power compartment 301. To reduce the likelihood that water droplets reach the toilet paper that is still remaining on the shaft 402, some implementations may provide a buffer plate10 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTto separate the mist from the toilet paper stored on the shaft 402 and from one or more internal components (e.g., the motor 401 and / or the power compartment 301).

[0060] In some implementations, one or more sensors (e.g., tank level sensor 405 and distance sensor 409) may be electrically coupled to one or more indicator lights (e.g., indicator light 104 and toilet paper low indicator light 109) such that the indicator lights illuminate when a corresponding sensor indicates a predetermined condition and, in some cases, remain illuminated until the predetermined condition is cleared and / or the unit is reset. In some implementations, the wet dispense button 102, the dry dispense button 201, and one or more sensors may be connected through direct wiring and / or through a processor 480 (e.g., a microprocessor) that receives input signals and provides output signals to the motor 401, the pump 430, the regulating valve 407, and the indicator lights. In some implementations, the processor 480 and the associated memory 485 may be placed inside the power compartment 301. The sprayer adjustment knob 150 may provide a variable control input during wet mode to adjust the regulating valve 407 and thereby change the flow rate and / or pressure at the spray nozzles 442.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 500 with the left side of the unit removed showing a mist buffer plate, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 5, the mist buffer plate 512 may have a generally rectangular, upside-down U-shaped profile (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6). The buffer plate 512 may have a minimum slope of 2% (1.2 °) towards the floor opening 416 to discharge any accumulated moisture or liquid through gravity. The water and / or wiping solution tank 404 may be contoured (e.g., into an L-shaped configuration) to accommodate the mist buffer plate 512. For example, the tank 404 may be taller toward the front portion of the unit (e.g., toward the right side in the depicted embodiment) and may be lower toward the center of the unit to fit under the mist buffer plate 512. The mist buffer plate 512 provides the technical advantage of reducing or preventing mist created by the spray nozzles 442 from reaching toilet paper positioned on the shaft 402, thereby maintaining toilet paper on the shaft 402 in a dry state. Furthermore, the mist buffer plate 512 provides the technical advantage of reducing or preventing mist from reaching the toilet paper that is still remaining on the shaft 402 and / or one or more internal components (e.g., the motor 401 and / or the power compartment 301).

[0062] In some implementations, one or more rounded, generally semielliptical protrusions 510 may be placed on the paper guide bars 410-411 to reduce a contact area11 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTbetween moistened toilet paper and the paper guide bars 410 and 411, thereby reducing friction and reducing a likelihood that the moistened toilet paper sticks to the paper guide bars 410-411.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mist buffer plate 512 of FIG. 5, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the mist buffer plate 512 may have a generally rectangular, upside-down U-shaped profile and may be open on two sides. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mist buffer plate 700, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In contrast to the mist buffer plate 512 of FIG. 6, the mist buffer plate 700 may be closed on the side 720 that is close to the spray nozzles 442. The side 720 of the mist buffer plate 700 may have an opening 750 to allow the spray bar 441 to pass through.

[0064] The floor opening 416 may allow the toilet paper to pass through (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9). The raised grooved guide rails 712 may be attached to the top of the floor surface 439 to allow for the buffer plate 700 to be dropped into place, seated, and secured. The raised grooved U-shaped guide rails 712 may have a shape (e.g., U-shape) to match the bottom of the buffer plate 700.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 800 that includes a fan, one or more heating elements, and one or more vent openings on the face of the unit, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 8, the unit 800 may include a door 830 that may be opened and closed, for example, through one or more hinges 885. The ambient air may enter the unit 800 through the one or more vents 880 and may replace the air exhausted by the exhaust fan 810 thereby promoting evaporation of any moisture that may have accumulated in the interior of the unit. The optional heating elements 850 may enhance this evaporation process.

[0066] The exhaust fan 810 may be placed within a cavity 820 of the door 830 of the unit. The fan 810 may draw air from inside of the unit and exhaust the air through an opening 840 on the outside surface of the door as shown in FIG. 8. The opening 840, in some embodiments, may include a grille to reduce inadvertent contact with the fan 810.

[0067] The exhaust fan 810 and the heating elements 850 may be optionally configured to turn on after an optional delay following operation of the unit in the wet mode (e.g., after a single wet dispensing cycle or after multiple wet dispensing cycles within a predetermined time interval). The exhaust fan 810 and the heating elements 850 may run for a predetermined period of time to facilitate evaporation of any excess moisture that may have accumulated inside the12 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTunit. Alternatively, the heating elements 850 may be configured to operate during wet mode to warm the air, the water and / or wiping solution, and / or the paper within the unit and therefore provide warmer moistened sheets of toilet paper 115 to the user.

[0068] In some implementations, while the exhaust fan 810 evacuates air from the unit, an electric current may be supplied to one or more heating element 850 to warm air within the unit and thereby increase an evaporation rate. The heating element 850 may be, for example, resistive heating elements that convert electrical energy into heat.

[0069] The wall-mounted wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of the present embodiments may provide dry wiping using dry toilet paper, followed by wet wiping using the toilet paper moistened prior to dispensing from the same toilet paper roll, thereby providing enhanced personal hygiene. The dispenser may be used with standard toilet paper rolls, including 1-ply, 2-ply or 3-ply toiler papers. The 2-ply and 3-ply toilet papers may provide increased absorbency as compared with 1-ply toilet paper.

[0070] The shaft 402 that holds the toilet paper roll may be coupled at one end to the motor 401. In some embodiments, a clutch (e.g., an electromagnetic clutch, or other type of clutch) may be disposed between the motor 401 and the shaft 402 to selectively couple and decouple the motor 401 and the shaft 402. In some embodiments the clutch and the motor may be separate items. In embodiments including the clutch, when the clutch is disengaged, the shaft 402 may be able to be rotated freely while dry paper is pulled by the user. For dispensing wet paper, the wet dispense button 102 may be pressed to activate the motor 401 and engage the clutch. In response, the shaft 402 may rotate to dispense the paper while the pump 430 draws water and / or wiping solution from the water and / or wiping solution tank 404 and delivers the water and / or wiping solution to the spray bar 441 and one or more spray nozzles 442, which direct a mist toward a surface of the moving paper. Furthermore, while in wet mode, the flow rate, pressure, and / or volume of the water and / or wiping solution supplied to the spray nozzles 442 may be adjusted by rotating the sprayer adjustment knob 150 (e.g., by changing a control signal applied to the regulating valve 407), thereby changing the liquid pressure, droplet size and amount of wetting of the paper. Once a desired setting is chosen on the sprayer adjustment knob 150, the user may leave it at this setting for all future uses for consistent results.

[0071] Alternatively, some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, may include the dry dispense button 201 that may be pressed to turn on the motor 401 to rotate the shaft 402, but not the pump 430. This makes the dispensing of dry paper possible without13 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTmanual pulling of the paper. In contrast, the wet dispense button 102 may turn on both the motor 401 and the pump 430, as explained above to activate the wet mode.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a functional diagram illustrating a portion of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 900 while the paper is in motion when the wet mode is selected, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown by the direction of paper motion, the paper 115 may be moving downward (in the depicted embodiment) while the spray nozzles 442 may simultaneously spray water and / or wiping solution onto a limited area of the paper shown as spray coverage zone 918 as the paper moves down in the direction 960. Spraying into the spray coverage zone 918 may be achieved by one or more spray nozzles 442. The paper guide bars 410 and 411 may be installed to help ensure that the paper stays at a distance from the interior back surface of the unit.

[0073] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1000 illustrating dispensing of the toilet paper through a paper guide 1017 and onto a perforated paper folding tray 1090, and further illustrating an accompanying pull-out fluid collection tray 1096, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 10A, the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1000 may include a paper guide 1017. The paper guide 1017 may be affixed, for example, to the back plate of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1000 and may guide the paper to a horizontal folding tray 1090. In some embodiments, the paper may fold on the folding tray 1090 due to the high lips 1095 of the folding tray 1090.

[0074] This is due to the fact that the weight of the wet paper coming out of the opening 416 is several times greater than that of dry paper (due to absorption of the liquid), such that as soon as the paper contacts the floor of the folding tray 1090, the paper begins to curve and collapses (folds) at or near the perforations of each paper sheet. Furthermore, the height of the outer edge, namely lip 1091, helps prevent the paper from protruding outside of the tray 1090’s boundaries, which are also defined by the two lips 1095 on either side. This may particularly be useful in the wet mode to reduce contact between wet paper and a floor or other surfaces. The user may release the wet dispense button 102 (if the timer control 108 is not used) to stop dispensing after an adequate length of paper has been folded for pickup. In embodiments including the dry dispense button 201, the user may similarly use the timer or release the dry dispense button 201 to stop dry dispensing. Once the wet paper sheets have been folded in the tray 1090, the user may grasp the set of folded wet papers by reaching through the sloped and curved outer edge 1091 of the tray 1090.14 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0075] The additional moisture on the toilet paper that is collected on the paper folding tray 1090 may pass through the holes 1080 and may be collected in the fluid collection tray 1096. The fluid collection tray 1096 may be shaped as a drawer and may be pulled out of the housing 1097 using the handle 1098, for example to empty the fluid collection tray 1096.

[0076] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1010 that includes a paper cutter, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the embodiment of FIG. 10B includes a paper cutter 1070. The toilet paper 115 may, for example, be twisted by hand and pulled against the paper cutter 1070 to cut a dispensed portion of the toilet paper 115 (e.g., a portion supported on the folding tray 1090).

[0077] Some embodiments of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser may include a sloped floor and drain tank to collect the moisture from the interior of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser. In some of these embodiments, the spray bar 441 may be placed closer to the water and / or wiping solution tank 404. FIG. 11 is an elevational front view of an example embodiment of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1100 that includes a drain tank level indicator, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1100 of FIG. 11 with the left side of the unit removed, showing a mist buffer plate 512 positioned over the top of the rectangular-shaped water and / or wiping solution tank 404 , and the spray bar shortened and positioned below the tank, according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0078] The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1100 of FIGS. 11 and 12 may include similar components to the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 200 of FIG. 2. In addition, the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1100 may include a drain tank level indicator 1105 and a drain tank 1205. The drain tank 1205 may be positioned within the drain tank housing 1208. The drain tank 1205 may be pulled out (e.g., to be emptied) or inserted into the drain tank housing 1208 using the drain tank pull tab 1207. As described with reference to FIG. 16 below, the floor 1220 of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1100 may be sloped to allow moisture from the interior of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1100 to be drained into the drain tank through the drain opening 1210. Other components of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1100 of FIGS. 11 and 12 may be similar to the corresponding components of the wet and dry toilet paper dispensers 200 and 400 of FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 12 A, the spray bar 441 and the spray nozzles 442 may be farther from the toilet paper 115 and the floor opening 416 than in the embodiment of FIG. 4,15 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTand may be positioned underneath the water and / or wiping solution tank 404. The mist buffer plate 512 may be used to prevent moisture, for example, from reaching the paper that is rolled on the shaft 402.

[0080] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of FIG. 12A that includes a fan and one or more heating elements, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 12B, the unit 1100 may include a door 830 that may be opened and closed, for example, through one or more hinges 885. The ambient air may enter the unit 800 through the one or more vents 880 and may replace the air vacuumed by the exhaust fan 810 and thus create evaporation of any possible moisture that may have accumulated in the interior of the unit. The optional heating elements 850 may boost this evaporation process.

[0081] The exhaust fan 810 may be placed within a cavity 820 of the door 830 of the unit. The fan 810 may draw air from inside of the unit and exhaust the air through an opening 840 on the outside surface of the door as shown in FIG. 8. The opening 840, in some embodiments, may include a grille to reduce inadvertent contact with the fan 810. The exhaust fan 810, the heating elements 850 of FIG. 12B may function as described above with reference to the exhaust fan 810, the heating elements 850 of FIG. 8.

[0082] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1300 with an alternative L-shaped water and / or wiping solution tank 404 configured to accommodate a lower-height mist buffer plate 512, according to various aspects of the present disclosure according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The internal details of the tank 404 are not shown for clarity.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 13, the mist buffer plate 512 may have a generally rectangular, upside-down U-shaped profile (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14). The tank 404 may be contoured (e.g., in an L-shaped configuration) to accommodate the buffer plate 512. For example, the tank 404 may be taller toward a front portion of the unit (e.g., toward a right side in the depicted embodiment) and may be lower toward a central portion of the unit to fit beneath the buffer plate 512.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mist buffer plate 512 of FIG. 13, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the mist buffer plate 512 may have a generally rectangular, upside-down U-shaped profile and may be open on two sides. The mist buffer plate 512 may be positioned over at least a portion of the spray bar 441 and the spray16 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTnozzles 442 to prevent mist from the spray nozzles 442 from reaching the toilet paper positioned on the shaft 402.

[0085] FIG. 15 is a functional diagram illustrating a portion of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1500 while the paper is in motion when the wet mode is selected, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The internal details of the tank 404 or the mist buffer plate are not shown for clarity. As shown by the direction of paper motion 960, the paper 115 may be moving downward while the spray nozzles 442 on the spray bar 441 may simultaneously spray a mist of water and / or wiping solution onto a limited area of the paper shown as spray coverage zone 918 while the paper moves down in the direction 960. Spraying into the spray coverage zone 918 may be achieved by one or more spray nozzles 442. The paper guide bars 410 and 411 may be installed to help ensure that the paper stays at a distance from the interior back surface of the unit.

[0086] FIG. 16 illustrates an example embodiment of the sloped floor of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser that allows drainage into the drain tank, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 16, the floor 1220 of the toilet paper dispenser may be sloped toward the drain opening 1210 to allow drainage into the drain tank 1205 (FIGS.12, 13, 15 and 19).

[0087] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an example drain tank 1205 that includes a hole 1710 that is aligned with the drain opening 1210 at the floor of the toilet paper dispenser, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 17, the hole 1710 may be underneath the drain opening 1210 on the floor 1220 of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser, such that moisture collected through the drain opening 1210 may be drained into the drain tank 1205 through the hole 1710. The drain tank 1205 may include a pull tab 1207 to facilitate removal of the drain tank 1205.

[0088] FIG. 18 illustrates the housing of the drain tank equipped with a miniature load cell, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG. 18, the housing 1208 of the drain tank 1205 may include a miniature load cell 1810 attached to the floor 1820 of the housing 1208 to detect the weight of the drain tank 1205 to generate a drain tank full signal. For example, the miniature load cell (or miniature load sensor) 1810 may be configured to generate a signal when the weight of the drain tank 1205 and any fluid therein exceeds a threshold. The signal may cause, for example, the drain tank level indicator light 1105 (shown in FIG. 11) to turn on directly and / or via the processor 480. In some embodiments,17 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTthe drain tank 1205 includes the hole 1710 through which collected moisture enters the drain tank 1205.

[0089] If the water and / or wiping solution tank 404 is empty and / or if the drain tank 1205 is full, the unit may not activate the pump 430 in the wet mode. In some implementations, when the water and / or wiping solution tank 404 is empty d / or if the drain tank 1205 is full, pressing the wet dispense button 102 (which normally activates wet mode) may activate the motor 401 to rotate the shaft 402 to dispense paper without activating the pump 430. The unit may, therefore, act as if it is in the dry mode. Similarly, pressing the dry dispense button 201 shown in FIG. 15 (which normally activates dry mode) may activate the motor 401 to rotate the shaft 402 and dispense dry toilet paper.

[0090] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1900 with a drain guide, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to FIG.19, the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser 1900 may include a drain guide 1910 that may collect moisture from the spray nozzles 442 and guide the fluid over the sloped floor 1220 of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser. The fluid may then be drained through the drain opening 1210 into the drain tank 1205.

[0091] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example method / process 2000 for dispensing moistened toilet paper or dry toilet paper, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The process 2000 may be performed, for example, by a processor 480 of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser shown in FIG. 21 or by the electrical components of the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser shown in Fig. 22.

[0092] The process 2000 may determine (at block 2005) whether the wet dispense button activated. For example, the process 2000 may determine whether the wet dispense button 102 is activated by pressing (when the wet dispense button is a push button) or by bringing one’s finger close to it (when the wet dispense button is a capacitive touch button). If the wet dispense button is activated, the process 2000 may proceed to block 2025, which is described below.

[0093] If the wet dispense button is not activated, the process 2000 may determine (at block 2010) whether the dry dispense button activated. For example, the process 2000 may determine whether dry dispense button 201 is activated by pressing (when the dry dispense button is a push button) or by bringing one’s finger close to it (when the dry dispense button is a capacitive touch button). If the dry dispense button is activated, the process 2000 may proceed to block 2050, which is described below.18 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0094] If the dry dispense button is not activated, the process 2000 may proceed to block 2015 where no power is applied to the unit. Due to the lack of power, the process 2000 decouples the clutch and motor from the shaft. At block 2020, the process 2000 may permit the shaft, while disengaged from the motor, to rotate when the toilet paper is manually pulled to dispense dry toilet paper. The process 2000 may then end.

[0095] At block 2025, the process 2000 may turn on the clutch motor. The process 2000 may couple (at block 2030) the clutch to the motor and the shaft. The process 2000 may turn on (at block 2035) the shaft. The process 2000 may turn on (at block 2040) the pump to cause the spray nozzles to spray liquid onto the toilet paper. The process 2000 may automatically dispense (at block 2045) moistened toilet paper as long as the wet dispense button is activated or the timer is on (e.g., for a dispensing duration defined by the timer). The process 2000 may then end.

[0096] At block 2050, the process 2000 may turn on the clutch motor. The process 2000 may couple (at block 2055) the clutch to the motor and the shaft. The process 2000 may rotate (at block 2060) the shaft. The process 2000 may keep (at block 2065) the pump off. The process 2000 may automatically dispense (at block 2070) dry toilet paper as long as the dry dispense button is activated the timer is on (e.g., for a dispensing duration defined by the timer). The process 2000 may then end.

[0097] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example electrical architecture for the wet and dry toilet paper dispenser in which signals from user inputs and sensors are routed to a processor 480 for decision-making, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The unit may include the processor 480 and a memory 485. The processor 480 and the memory 485, in some implementations, may be placed inside the power compartment 301 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). The memory 485 may store executable instructions (e.g., firmware and / or software) that, when executed by the processor 480, cause the processor 480 to (i) receive input signals from a user interface 2120 and one or more sensors 2110 and (ii) generate output signals to operate one or more driven components (e.g., a motor and clutch 2180 (which includes the motor 401 and the clutch 2170), a pump 430, and / or a regulating valve 407).

[0098] The unit may further include a power source 2100 configured to provide operating power to one or more components of the unit. The power source 2100 may include one or more battery packs (e.g., battery packs 481) and / or an external power supply (e.g., an AC / DC power supply configured to receive AC mains power and provide DC power to the19 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTunit). In some implementations, operating power may be supplied to the unit via wireless power transfer (WPT). In the embodiment of FIG. 21, dashed lines (e.g., wires 2130) may represent power distribution wiring from the power source 2100, and solid lines may represent signal wiring (e.g., control signals and / or sensor signals).

[0099] In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the user interface 2120 may include one or more user-operable inputs such as the wet dispense button 102, the dry dispense button 201, the timer 108, and the sprayer adjustment knob 150. The user interface 2120 may also include one or more indicators, such as a battery level indicator 103, a tank level indicator 104, a toilet paper low indicator 109, and a drain tank level indicator 1105. In embodiments in which the power source 2100 includes one or more battery packs, the battery level indicator 103 may indicate a state of charge of the one or more battery packs. In embodiments in which the power source 2100 includes an external power supply, the battery level indicator 103 may be omitted, may remain off, may indicate presence of external power, and / or may indicate a charge state of rechargeable battery packs when such battery packs are present. The sensors 2110 may include, for example, the tank level sensor 405, the distance sensor 409, and the load sensor 1810, each of which may provide a respective sensor signal to the processor 480.

[0100] The processor 480 may be electrically coupled (directly and / or via one or more driver circuits) to one or more driven components, such as the motor and clutch 2180 (which comprise the motor 401 and the clutch 2170), the pump 430, the regulating valve 407, and optionally a fan (e.g., an exhaust fan) and / or one or more heating elements 850. In operation, the processor 480 may determine whether the unit is to dispense dry toilet paper or moistened toilet paper based on received input signals. For example, when the processor 480 receives a wet-dispense input associated with the wet dispense button 102, the processor 480 may execute wet-dispense instructions stored in the memory 485 to activate the motor and clutch 2180, whereby the motor 401 and the clutch 2170 are engaged to rotate the shaft 402 for dispensing, and to activate the pump 430 to pressurize liquid flow toward the spray nozzles 442. The processor 480 may further generate a valve-control signal for the regulating valve 407 based on a user-selected setting of the sprayer adjustment knob 150. For example, the sprayer adjustment knob 150 may provide an electrical signal indicative of a knob position, and the processor 480 may translate the knob position into a corresponding valve-control signal that changes an opening state of the regulating valve 407, thereby adjusting a flow rate and / or pressure of liquid supplied for spraying. In some implementations, the valve-control signal may20 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTbe generated using a variable voltage, a pulse-width modulated signal, or another control signal suitable for operating the regulating valve 407.

[0101] The processor 480 may also execute dry-dispense instructions when the processor 480 receives a dry-dispense input associated with the dry dispense button 201. In such operation, the processor 480 may activate the motor 401 and engage the clutch 2170 to dispense dry toilet paper while inhibiting activation of the pump 430 and maintaining the regulating valve 407 in a closed state. The processor 480 may further use the timer 108 as an input that defines a duration for a dispensing cycle (e.g., a wet dispensing cycle and / or a dry dispensing cycle), and the processor 480 may stop dispensing upon expiration of the selected duration. The processor 480 may further generate indicator-control signals to illuminate one or more indicators based on sensor signals (e.g., illuminating the tank level indicator 104 based on the tank level sensor 405, illuminating the drain tank level indicator 1105 based on the load sensor 1810, and / or illuminating the toilet paper low indicator 109 based on the distance sensor 409). In some implementations, when a signal from the tank level sensor 405 indicates that the tank 404 is below a threshold level, the processor 480 may inhibit activation of the pump 430 to reduce a likelihood of running the pump 430 while the tank 404 is empty. In some implementations, the processor 480 may also selectively activate the fan and / or heating elements 850 based on wet-mode use (e.g., after a delay and for a predetermined duration) to reduce moisture within the unit.

[0102] FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram illustrating an alternative electrical architecture for the unit in which components are directly electrically coupled to one another (e.g., by wiring) without routing control decisions through a processor, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the power source 2100 may provide operating power to one or more components of the unit via power distribution wiring. In some implementations, dashed lines may represent power distribution wiring and solid lines may represent signal wiring.

[0103] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the wet dispense button 102 may be electrically coupled to the motor 401, the clutch 2170, and the spray pump 430 such that pressing the wet dispense button 102 completes one or more electrical circuits that energize the motor 401, engage the clutch 2170, and activate the spray pump 430 for wet dispensing. The dry dispense button 201 may be electrically coupled to the motor 401 and the clutch 2170 such that pressing the dry dispense button 201 energizes the motor 401 and engages the clutch 2170 for dry dispensing while leaving the spray pump 430 de-energized.21 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0104] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the sprayer adjustment knob 150 may be directly electrically coupled to the regulating valve 407 such that changing the knob position changes an electrical characteristic applied to the regulating valve 407 (e.g., a voltage, current, resistance setting, or a control signal produced by analog circuitry responsive to the knob position). For example, in some implementations the sprayer adjustment knob 150 may include and / or be electrically coupled to a variable resistor (e.g., a potentiometer) that adjusts a drive level applied to the regulating valve 407. By varying the electrical drive level applied to the regulating valve 407, an opening state of the regulating valve 407 may be adjusted, thereby changing the flow rate and / or pressure of liquid delivered from the spray pump 430 toward the spray nozzles 442 during wet dispensing.

[0105] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the timer 108 may be directly wired into one or more dispensing circuits to determine a dispensing duration. For example, the timer 108 may provide a timed output that (i) begins energizing a wet-dispensing circuit upon actuation of the wet dispense button 102 and (ii) de-energizes the wet-dispensing circuit when a selected timer duration expires, thereby turning off the motor 401 and the spray pump 430 without requiring the wet dispense button 102 to remain pressed.

[0106] Similarly, one or more sensors may be directly wired to corresponding indicators. For example, the tank level sensor 405 may be directly wired to the tank level indicator 104 such that a low-tank condition causes the tank level indicator 104 to illuminate, the distance sensor 409 may be directly wired to the toilet paper low indicator 109, and the load sensor 1810 may be directly wired to the drain tank level indicator 1105 such that a drain-tank-full condition causes the drain tank level indicator 1105 to illuminate. In some implementations, the fan 810 and / or the heating elements 850 may also be directly wired to operate when a wet dispensing circuit is energized and / or when a delay circuit (e.g., a relay timer or analog delay circuit) triggered by wet dispensing provides power thereto.

[0107] In a first aspect, a toilet paper dispenser is provided. The toilet paper dispenser includes a housing that has a paper outlet; a shaft supported by the housing and configured to support a roll of toilet paper; a clutch motor that includes a clutch and a motor, where the clutch is configured to selectively couple the motor to the shaft and decouple the motor from the shaft; a wet dispense button accessible from an exterior of the housing; a dry dispense button accessible from the exterior of the housing; a tank configured to contain a liquid; a pump in fluid communication with the tank; and one or more spray nozzles in fluid communication with the pump and oriented toward a dispensing path of toilet paper between the roll of the toilet22 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTpaper and the paper outlet. Activation of the wet dispense button causes the clutch to couple the motor to the shaft, causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper from the roll along the dispensing path toward the paper outlet, and causes the pump to deliver the liquid to the one or more spray nozzles such that the liquid is sprayed onto the toilet paper while the toilet paper is moving along the dispensing path. Activation of the dry dispense button causes the clutch to couple the motor to the shaft and causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper while the pump remains not activated. When neither the wet dispense button nor the dry dispense button is activated, the power to the unit is off and the clutch being decoupled from the motor causes the shaft to be able to be rotated freely by the user while toilet paper is dispensed manually through the paper outlet.

[0108] In an implementation of the first aspect, each of the wet dispense button and the dry dispense button includes a push button or a capacitive touch input.

[0109] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes one or more paper guide bars positioned along the dispensing path to guide the toilet paper and to maintain a spacing between the toilet paper and an interior back surface of the housing.

[0110] In another implementation of the first aspect, the shaft includes one or more spring-loaded cages configured to engage a core of the roll of toilet paper.

[0111] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a regulating valve disposed in a fluid path between the pump and the one or more spray nozzles, and a sprayer adjustment knob configured to adjust an opening state of the regulating valve to adjust at least one of (i) a flow rate of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles or (ii) a pressure of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles.

[0112] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a tank level sensor associated with the tank and configured to generate a tank-level signal indicative of an amount of the liquid in the tank; and a tank level indicator configured to indicate a tank-level condition based on the tank-level signal. When the tank-level signal indicates the amount of liquid in the tank is below a threshold, activation of the wet dispense button inhibits activation of the pump.

[0113] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a distance sensor configured to detect a remaining amount of toilet paper on the roll and to generate a low-paper signal; and a toilet paper low indicator configured to indicate a low-toilet-paper condition based on the low-paper signal.23 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

[0114] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a mist buffer plate positioned between the one or more spray nozzles and the roll of toilet paper on the shaft. The mist buffer plate is configured to reduce mist from the one or more spray nozzles from reaching toilet paper remaining on the roll.

[0115] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a spray bar in fluid communication with the pump. The one or more spray nozzles are positioned on the spray bar. The mist buffer plate has a generally upside-down U-shaped profile and defines an opening through which the spray bar extends.

[0116] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a sloped floor positioned to receive moisture within the housing. The sloped floor includes a drain opening; a drain tank positioned beneath the drain opening, the drain tank includes a tank opening aligned with the drain opening to receive the moisture through the drain opening; and a load sensor configured to sense a weight of the drain tank and to generate a drain-tank-full signal when the weight exceeds a threshold.

[0117] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a drain tank level indicator configured to indicate a drain-tank-full condition based on the drain-tank-full signal; and a drain guide positioned to direct moisture toward the drain opening.

[0118] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a drain tank housing configured to hold the drain tank. The drain tank includes a pull tab configured to facilitate removal of the drain tank from, and insertion of the drain tank into, the drain tank housing.

[0119] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a paper guide affixed to the housing and positioned to receive the toilet paper dispensed through the paper outlet; and a folding tray positioned beneath the paper guide. The folding tray includes a tray floor, an outer edge lip, and side lips that define boundaries of the folding tray. Toilet paper that has absorbed the liquid sprayed by the one or more spray nozzles is much heavier that dry toilet paper. The wet toilet paper that is directed by the paper guide onto the tray floor bends and folds under its own weight at or near perforations of the toilet paper while retained within the boundaries by the outer edge lip and the side lips.

[0120] In another implementation of the first aspect, the folding tray includes a perforated surface. The toilet paper dispenser further includes a liquid collection tray24 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTpositioned beneath the folding tray to collect liquid passing through perforations of the perforated folding tray.

[0121] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a timer configured to define a dispensing duration. The motor and the pump operate for the dispensing duration after activation of the wet dispense button. Similarly, the motor alone operates for the dispensing duration after activation of the dry dispense button.

[0122] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes an exhaust fan and one or more heating elements positioned to reduce moisture within the housing after dispensing toilet paper in response to activation of the wet dispense button. The exhaust fan and the one or more heating elements are configured to operate after a delay following wet dispensing and for a predetermined period of time or after repeated activation of the wet dispense button during a predetermined time span.

[0123] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a processor; and a memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive one or more input signals from a user interface including the wet dispense button, a dry dispense button, and from one or more sensors including at least one of a tank level sensor, a distance sensor, or a load sensor, and to generate one or more output signals to operate at least one of the motor, the pump, a regulating valve, or one or more indicators.

[0124] In another implementation of the first aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a power source configured to provide operating power to one or more electrical components of the toilet paper dispenser. The power source includes at least one of (i) one or more battery packs or (ii) an external power supply configured to receive alternating-current power and provide direct-current power to the toilet paper dispenser.

[0125] In a second aspect, a toilet paper dispenser is provided. The toilet paper dispenser includes a housing that has a paper outlet; a shaft supported by the housing and configured to support a roll of toilet paper; a motor coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft; a wet dispense button accessible from the exterior of the housing; a tank configured to contain a liquid; a pump in fluid communication with the tank; and one or more spray nozzles in fluid communication with the pump and oriented toward a dispensing path of toilet paper between the roll and the paper outlet. Activation of the wet dispense button causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper from the roll along the dispensing path toward the paper outlet and causes the pump to deliver the liquid to the one or more spray nozzles such25 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTthat the liquid is sprayed onto the toilet paper while the toilet paper is moving along the dispensing path.

[0126] In an implementation of the second aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a dry dispense button accessible from the exterior of the housing. Activation of the dry dispense button causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper while the pump is not activated.

[0127] In another implementation of the second aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a regulating valve disposed in a fluid path between the pump and the one or more spray nozzles, and a sprayer adjustment knob configured to adjust an opening state of the regulating valve to adjust at least one of (i) a flow rate of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles or (ii) a pressure of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles.

[0128] In another implementation of the second aspect, the toilet paper dispenser further includes a mist buffer plate positioned between the one or more spray nozzles and the roll of toilet paper on the shaft. The mist buffer plate is configured to reduce mist from the one or more spray nozzles from reaching toilet paper remaining on the roll.

[0129] The implementations of the present invention have been described in detail above referring to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the implementations and includes, for example, an amendment to a design that falls within the scope that does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, various modifications are possible within the scope of one aspect of the present invention defined by claims, and implementations that are made by suitably combining technical means disclosed according to the different implementations are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a configuration in which constituent elements, described in the respective implementations and having mutually the same effects, are substituted for one another is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.26 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A wet and dry toilet paper dispenser, comprising:a housing comprising a paper outlet;a shaft supported by the housing and configured to support a roll of toilet paper; a clutch motor comprising a clutch and a motor, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively couple the motor to the shaft and decouple the motor from the shaft;a wet dispense button accessible from an exterior of the housing;a dry dispense button accessible from the exterior of the housing;a tank configured to contain a liquid;a pump in fluid communication with the tank; andone or more spray nozzles in fluid communication with the pump and oriented toward a dispensing path of toilet paper between the roll of the toilet paper and the paper outlet, wherein:activation of the wet dispense button causes the clutch to couple the motor to the shaft, causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper from the roll along the dispensing path toward the paper outlet, and causes the pump to deliver the liquid to the one or more spray nozzles such that the liquid is sprayed onto the toilet paper while the toilet paper is moving along the dispensing path,activation of the dry dispense button causes the clutch to couple the motor to the shaft and causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper while the pump remains not activated, andwhen neither the wet dispense button nor the dry dispense button is activated, the clutch decouples the motor from the shaft to permit the shaft to be able to be rotated freely by a person while toilet paper is dispensed manually through the paper outlet.

2. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein each of the wet dispense button and the dry dispense button comprise a push button or a capacitive touch input.

3. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising one or more paper guide bars positioned along the dispensing path to guide the toilet paper and to maintain a spacing between the toilet paper and an interior back surface of the housing.

4. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein the shaft includes one or more spring-loaded cages configured to engage a core of the roll of toilet paper.27 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT5. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a regulating valve disposed in a fluid path between the pump and the one or more spray nozzles, and a sprayer adjustment knob configured to adjust an opening state of the regulating valve to adjust at least one of (i) a flow rate of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles or (ii) a pressure of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles.

6. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:a tank level sensor associated with the tank and configured to generate a tank-level signal indicative of an amount of the liquid in the tank; anda tank level indicator configured to indicate a tank-level condition based on the tanklevel signal,wherein, when the tank-level signal indicates the amount of liquid in the tank is below a threshold, activation of the wet dispense button inhibits activation of the pump.

7. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:a distance sensor configured to detect a remaining amount of toilet paper on the roll and to generate a low-paper signal; anda toilet paper low indicator configured to indicate a low-toilet-paper condition based on the low-paper signal.

8. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a mist buffer plate positioned between the one or more spray nozzles and the roll of toilet paper on the shaft,wherein the mist buffer plate is configured to reduce mist from the one or more spray nozzles from reaching toilet paper remaining on the roll.

9. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 8, further comprising:a spray bar in fluid communication with the pump,wherein the one or more spray nozzles are positioned on the spray bar, and wherein the mist buffer plate has a generally upside-down U-shaped profile and defines an opening through which the spray bar extends.

10. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:a sloped floor positioned to receive moisture within the housing, the sloped floor comprising a drain opening;a drain tank positioned beneath the drain opening, the drain tank comprising a tank opening aligned with the drain opening to receive the moisture through the drain opening; and28 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTa load sensor configured to sense a weight of the drain tank and to generate a drain-tank-full signal when the weight exceeds a threshold.

11. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 10, further comprising:a drain tank level indicator configured to indicate a drain-tank-full condition based on the drain-tank-full signal; anda drain guide positioned to direct moisture toward the sloped floor and sloped floor’s drain opening.

12. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 10, further comprising:a drain tank housing configured to hold the drain tank,wherein the drain tank comprises a pull tab configured to facilitate removal of the drain tank from, and insertion of the drain tank into, the drain tank housing.

13. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:a paper guide affixed to the housing and positioned to receive the toilet paper dispensed through the paper outlet; anda folding tray positioned beneath the paper guide,wherein the folding tray comprises a tray floor, an outer edge lip, and side lips that define boundaries of the folding tray, andwherein toilet paper that has absorbed the liquid sprayed by the one or more spray nozzles and that is directed by the paper guide onto the tray floor bends and folds at or near perforations of the toilet paper while retained within the boundaries by the outer edge lip and the side lips.

14. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 13, wherein the folding tray comprises a perforated surface, wherein the toilet paper dispenser further comprises:a liquid collection tray positioned beneath the folding tray to collect liquid passing through perforations of the perforated folding tray.

15. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a timer configured to define a dispensing duration, wherein the motor and the pump operate for the dispensing duration after activation of the wet dispense button or activation of the dry dispense button.

16. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising an exhaust fan and one or more heating elements positioned to reduce moisture within the housing after dispensing toilet paper in response to activation of the wet dispense button,29 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCTwherein the exhaust fan and the one or more heating elements are configured to operate after a delay following wet dispensing and for a predetermined period of time, or after repeated activation of the wet dispense button during a predetermined time span.

17. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:a processor; anda memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive one or more input signals from a user interface including the wet dispense button, a dry dispense button, and from one or more sensors including at least one of a tank level sensor, a distance sensor, or a load sensor, and to generate one or more output signals to operate at least one of the motor, the pump, a regulating valve, or one or more indicators.

18. The wet and dry toilet paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a power source configured to provide operating power to one or more electrical components of the toilet paper dispenser, wherein the power source comprises at least one of (i) one or more battery packs or (ii) an external power supply configured to receive alternating-current power and provide direct-current power to the toilet paper dispenser.

19. A toilet paper dispenser comprising:a housing comprising a paper outlet;a shaft supported by the housing and configured to support a roll of toilet paper; a motor coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft;a wet dispense button accessible from an exterior of the housing;a tank configured to contain a liquid;a pump in fluid communication with the tank; andone or more spray nozzles in fluid communication with the pump and oriented toward a dispensing path of toilet paper between the roll and the paper outlet,wherein activation of the wet dispense button causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper from the roll along the dispensing path toward the paper outlet and causes the pump to deliver the liquid to the one or more spray nozzles such that the liquid is sprayed onto the toilet paper while the toilet paper is moving along the dispensing path.

20. The toilet paper dispenser of claim 19, further comprising a dry dispense button accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein activation of the dry dispense button causes the motor to rotate the shaft to dispense toilet paper while the pump is not activated.30 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT21. The toilet paper dispenser of claim 19, further comprising a regulating valve disposed in a fluid path between the pump and the one or more spray nozzles, and a sprayer adjustment knob configured to adjust an opening state of the regulating valve to adjust at least one of (i) a flow rate of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles or (ii) a pressure of the liquid delivered to the one or more spray nozzles.

22. The toilet paper dispenser of claim 19, further comprising a mist buffer plate positioned between the one or more spray nozzles and the roll of toilet paper on the shaft, wherein the mist buffer plate is configured to reduce mist from the one or more spray nozzles from reaching toilet paper remaining on the roll.31 Attorney Docket No.: BENR.P0001PCT

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