Towelette dispenser

Abstract

A device for dispensing heated moist towelettes that includes a hydration tray that can move between a hydrating position and a presenting position. In the presenting position, the tray can receive one or more towelettes for hydrating and heating. When the tray is moved to the hydrating position, a tray seal element creates a seal with the inner surface of a tunnel such that the device can hydrate the towelettes and then dispense them.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for dispensing heated moist towelettes, comprising:
 a platform;   a hydration tray movably disposed on the platform, such that the hydration tray can be moved between a ready position, a hydrating position and a presenting position, the hydration tray dimensioned to receive at least one towelette, wherein the hydration tray includes a tray seal element disposed on an upper surface;   a tunnel including a tunnel ceiling surface, wherein the tunnel ceiling surface includes a ceiling seal element aligned to contact the tray seal element when the hydration tray is in the hydrating position;   a water reservoir;   a water heater;   a pump fluidly coupled with the water reservoir, the water heater and the tunnel, the pump configured to pump water into the hydration tray when the hydration tray is at the hydrating position; and   a motor operatively coupled to the hydration tray, the motor configured to cause the hydration tray to move between the ready position, the hydrating position and the presenting position.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a processor. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , comprising at least one riser disposed on the platform at the hydrating position, the at least one riser disposed to cause the hydration tray to lift from the platform and come into contact with the tunnel ceiling surface when the hydration tray is moved to the hydrating position. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a loading compartment dimensioned to receive at least one towelette tablet, the at least one towelette tablet containing the at least one towelette; and   a door, the door comprising at least one punch element aligned to punch a towelette tablet inserted into the loading compartment when the door is made to close.