Wipes with foam

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus for providing a web for cleansing, the apparatus comprising a web, a liquor reservoir, a liquor actuator for applying liquor from the reservoir to the web at a predetermined location and an air actuator for directing air through the web at the predetermined location so as to generate foam from the liquor.

1 . A dispensing apparatus for providing a web for cleansing, the apparatus comprising:
 a web;   a liquor reservoir;   a liquor actuator for applying liquor from the reservoir to the web at a predetermined location; and   an air actuator which directs air through the web at the predetermined location causing foam to be generated from the liquor.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a liquor outlet through which liquor is applied to the web and a separate air outlet through which air is directed through the web. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising an outlet through which liquor is applied to the web and air is directed through the web. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:4 and 1:50. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:8 and 1:16. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising an activation mechanism configured to operate the liquor actuator and the air actuator. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 6  further comprising a feed mechanism configured to feed the web through the apparatus, wherein the activation mechanism is configured to operate the feed mechanism, and wherein the activation mechanism is configured to actuate generation of foam substantially simultaneously to web feed. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the predetermined location does not extend over the whole of the web. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the predetermined location is substantially towards the centre of the web, such that the web has a dry perimeter where foam is not generated. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  comprising a reel of web material from which the web is fed. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  comprising a cutting mechanism configured to cut a predetermined length of web. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 11  when dependent on  claim 2  wherein the web is fed from a reel and wherein the cutting mechanism is located beyond the or each outlet in the direction of movement of the web. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein the cutting mechanism comprising a corresponding pair of blades positioned either side of the web. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 11  further comprising an activation mechanism configured to operate the liquor actuator and the air actuator, wherein the cutting mechanism is operated by the activation mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to any preceeding claim wherein the web is supplied in the form of a replaceable reel from which a pre-determined length is cut, and wherein the web is fed through the apparatus such that it passes the liquor actuator prior to passing the air actuator. 
     
     
         16 . A method of providing a web for cleansing, comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a web;   b) applying a liquor to the web at a predetermined location; and   c) directing air through the web at the predetermined location so as to generate foam from the liquor.   
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16  wherein steps b) and c) take place substantially concurrently. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 16  wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:4 and 1:50. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:8 and 1:16. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 16  further comprising the steps of:
 d) feeding the web through a cutting mechanism; and 
 e) cutting a predetermined length of web.