U.S. patent application number 10/926925 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for fabric article treating device and system.
Invention is credited to Bedell, Cynthia Maria, Combs, Mary Jane, DuVal, Dean Larry, Heilman, Laura Lynn, Knaub, David Randall, Ofosu-Asante, Kofi, Orr, Michael Joseph, Trajano, Trace Wendell de Guzman, Ward, Thomas Edward.
Application Number | 20050120584 10/926925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34831502 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050120584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DuVal, Dean Larry ; et
al. |
June 9, 2005 |
Fabric article treating device and system
Abstract
A fabric article treating device having an interior dispenser
adapted for location inside of a fabric article drying appliance
and a reservoir. The interior dispenser and reservoir are adapted
for fluid communication with one another. The reservoir contains a
benefit composition and is configured to maintain to minimize
contamination within the reservoir during dispensing of the benefit
composition.
Inventors: |
DuVal, Dean Larry; (Lebanon,
OH) ; Ofosu-Asante, Kofi; (Cincinnati, OH) ;
Trajano, Trace Wendell de Guzman; (Mason, OH) ;
Bedell, Cynthia Maria; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Ward,
Thomas Edward; (Oregonia, OH) ; Heilman, Laura
Lynn; (Cincinnati, OH) ; Combs, Mary Jane;
(Covington, KY) ; Orr, Michael Joseph; (West
Chester, OH) ; Knaub, David Randall; (Portland,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Procter & Gamble Company
IP Division Central Docketing, WHBC - FC Box 161
6110 Center Hill Avenue
Cincinnati
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
34831502 |
Appl. No.: |
10/926925 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10926925 |
Aug 26, 2004 |
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10842926 |
May 11, 2004 |
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10842926 |
May 11, 2004 |
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10839549 |
May 5, 2004 |
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10839549 |
May 5, 2004 |
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10762152 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
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10762152 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
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10697736 |
Oct 29, 2003 |
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10762152 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
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10697734 |
Oct 29, 2003 |
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10762152 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
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10697685 |
Oct 29, 2003 |
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10762152 |
Jan 21, 2004 |
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10697735 |
Oct 29, 2003 |
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10697735 |
Oct 29, 2003 |
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10418595 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
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60568771 |
May 6, 2004 |
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60374601 |
Apr 22, 2002 |
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60426438 |
Nov 14, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
34/597 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 58/50 20200201;
D06F 34/20 20200201; D06F 2103/00 20200201; D06F 35/00 20130101;
D06F 2224/00 20130101; D06F 58/203 20130101; D06F 39/022 20130101;
D06F 2105/38 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
034/597 |
International
Class: |
D06L 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fabric article treating device, comprising: an interior
dispenser and a reservoir, wherein the interior dispenser and
reservoir are adapted for fluid communication with one another;
wherein the reservoir contains a benefit composition; and wherein
the reservoir is configured with minimum headspace or void volume
to minimize contamination within the reservoir during dispensing of
the benefit composition.
2. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the
reservoir is removable.
3. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the
reservoir comprises a sealed pouch.
4. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, further
comprising one of corresponding male and female fitments and
wherein the reservoir comprises the other of the corresponding male
and female fitments, wherein the female fitment is configured to
receive the male fitment to establish the fluid communication
between the interior dispenser and the external reservoir while
preserving the anaerobic environment within the reservoir.
5. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, further
comprising: a power source; a fluid handling system; and a
controller.
6. The fabric article treating device of claim 5, wherein the fluid
handling system is configured to transport the benefit composition
from the reservoir to the interior dispenser, and wherein the
interior dispenser is configured to deliver the benefit composition
to one or more fabric articles in the fabric article drying
appliance.
7. The fabric article treating device of claim 5, further
comprising an external housing, wherein the external housing is
adapted to receive the power source, the fluid handling system, the
controller and the exterior reservoir.
8. The fabric article treating device of claim 5, wherein the fluid
handling system includes a piezo-electric pump.
9. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, further
comprising a controller and at least one sensor in electrical
communication with the controller.
10. The fabric article treating device of claim 9, wherein the at
least one sensor comprises a temperature sensor.
11. The fabric article treating device of claim 9, wherein the at
least one sensor comprises a light sensor.
12. The fabric article treating device of claim 9, wherein the at
least one sensor comprises a motion sensor.
13. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, further
comprising a communication link adapted for connection with a
fabric drying appliance.
14. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the
reservoir comprises a single or multi-layer barrier film.
15. The fabric article treating device of claim 1, wherein the
benefit composition includes a preservative.
16. The fabric article treating device of claim 7, wherein the
external housing comprises a tubing storage area.
17. The fabric article treating device of claim 5, wherein the
fluid handling system is further configured to filter the benefit
composition.
18. A fabric article treating system, comprising: a fabric article
drying appliance having a chamber and a closure structure, the
closure structure having a closed position and at least one open
position, the closure structure allowing access to the chamber; a
reservoir for containing a benefit composition; a dispenser in
communication with the chamber; and a fluid handling system that
compels the benefit composition from the reservoir toward the
dispenser, thereby dispensing the benefit composition into the
chamber; wherein the reservoir is configured with minimum headspace
or void volume to minimize contamination within the reservoir
during dispensing of the benefit composition.
19. The fabric article treating system of claim 18, wherein the
reservoir is removable.
20. The fabric article treating system of claim 18, wherein the
reservoir comprises a sealed pouch.
21. The fabric article treating system of claim 18, further
comprising one of a corresponding male and female fitments, and
wherein the reservoir comprises the other of the corresponding male
or female fitments, wherein the female fitment is adapted to
receive the male fitment to establish fluid communication between
the dispenser and the reservoir while preserving the anaerobic
environment within the reservoir.
22. A fabric article treating system, comprising: a fabric article
drying appliance having a chamber and a closure structure, the
closure structure having a closed position and at least one open
position, the closure structure allowing access to the chamber; a
reservoir for containing a benefit composition; a dispenser in
communication with the chamber; a fluid handling system that
compels the benefit composition from the reservoir toward the
dispenser, thereby dispensing the benefit composition into the
chamber; a closure structure sensor; and a controller that
initiates dispensing of the benefit composition, wherein the
controller is configured to prevent the benefit composition from
being dispensed when the closure structure sensor indicates that
the closure structure is not in the closed position, wherein the
reservoir is configured with minimum headspace or void volume to
minimize contamination within the reservoir during dispensing of
the benefit composition.
23. The fabric article treating system of claim 22, further
comprising one or more additional sensors in the chamber in
communication with the controller.
24. The fabric article treating system of claim 22, wherein the
fluid handling system is further configured to filter the benefit
composition.
25. A fabric article treating device, comprising: an interior
dispenser and a reservoir, wherein the interior dispenser and
reservoir are adapted for fluid communication with one another;
wherein the reservoir contains a benefit composition; and wherein
the reservoir is configured to provide a sealed environment to
minimize contamination within the reservoir during dispensing of
the benefit composition.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/568,771 entitled "Uniform Delivery of
Compositions", filed on May 6, 2004 and is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. Ser. No. 10/842,926 entitled "Fabric Article Treating
System and Method", filed on May 11, 2004; which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/839,549 entitled
"Processes and Apparatuses for Applying a Benefit Composition to
One or More Fabric Articles During a Fabric Enhancement Operation",
filed on May 5, 2004; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser.
No. 10/762,152, entitled "Volatile Material Delivery Method", filed
on Jan. 21, 2004; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
10/697,736, entitled "Fabric Article Treating Method and Device
Comprising a Heating Means", filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. Ser. No.
10/697,734, entitled "Thermal Protection of Fabric Article Treating
Device", filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. Ser. No. 10/697,685, entitled
"Fabric Article Treating Device Comprising More Than One Housing",
filed on Oct. 29, 2003; and U.S. Ser. No. 10/697,735, entitled
"Fabric Article Treating Apparatus with Safety Device and
Controller", filed Oct. 29, 2003; each of which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/418,595, entitled "Fabric
Article Treating Method and Apparatus", filed on Apr. 17, 2003,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/374,601, filed Apr. 22, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 60/426,438, filed Nov. 14, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a fabric article treating
device for use with a fabric article drying appliance, and more
specifically to a unique fabric article treating device and system
for dispensing a benefit composition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Fabric article treating methods and/or apparatuses have been
evolving over the past twenty years. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,207,683 describes a conventional automatic clothes dryer that
incorporates a spray dispenser capable of dispensing liquids into
the drum of the dryer. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,642,908, 5,771,604 and
6,067,723 describe other variations of conventional clothes drying
appliances.
[0004] There exists an ongoing need to develop a fabric article
treating method and/or apparatus especially an in-home fabric
article treating method and/or apparatus that improves/enhances the
deposition of fabric article actives or benefit agents on the
fabric articles being treated as compared to the currently existing
deposition methods and/or apparatuses.
[0005] One particular challenge presented in the delivery of fabric
article actives in the fabric article drying environment is the
effect of moisture and heat generated during the drying of the
fabric articles. Particularly, storage containers or reservoirs of
actives can act as a terrarium, a controlled micro-climate that
demonstrates a compact view of the hydrologic cycle. An excess of
humidity inside an active storage container or reservoir can lead
to major environmental changes, including 1) evaporation of
moisture, 2) collection of moisture on headspace surfaces, as on
the dome of a terrarium, and 3) perspiration of moisture from the
surfaces. When a reservoir in a high humidity and high heat
environment such as a fabric article drying appliance functions as
a terrarium, thus effectively becoming a mini ecosystem, bacterial
and fungal growth is promoted, especially on headspace surfaces
such as lids or caps, subject to repeated evaporation and
condensation cycles. If the reservoir has an aerobic environment
with a constant influx of air, aerobic microorganisms will have an
increased opportunity to thrive. The evaporation cycling can also
alter an active composition's solute/solvent concentration. As
such, it would be advantageous to provide a fabric article treating
device comprising a reservoir which minimizes the terrarium effect
and minimizes product contamination that could lead to problems
such as aerobic microorganism growth or nozzle clogging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to fabric article treating
devices and fabric article treating systems. More particularly, the
invention is directed to fabric article treating devices in which
the reservoir is configured with minimum head-space or void volume
to maintain an anaerobic environment and minimize contamination
within the reservoir during dispensing of a benefit composition,
and to fabric article treating systems comprising a reservoir which
is configured with minimum head-space or void volume to minimize
contamination within the reservoir during dispensing of a benefit
composition.
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article
treating device. The fabric article treating device comprises an
interior dispenser and a reservoir. The interior dispenser and
reservoir are adapted for fluid communication with one another. The
reservoir contains a benefit composition, and is configured with
minimum headspace or void volume to minimize contamination within
the reservoir during dispensing of the benefit composition.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention is a fabric
article treating device. The fabric article treating device
comprises an interior dispenser and a reservoir. The interior
dispenser and the reservoir are adapted for fluid communication
with one another. The reservoir contains a benefit composition, and
is configured to provide a sealed environment to minimize
contamination within the reservoir during dispensing of the benefit
composition.
[0009] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a fabric
article treating system. The fabric article treating system
comprises a fabric article drying appliance having a chamber and a
closure structure, the closure structure having a closed position
and at least one open position and allowing access to the chamber;
a reservoir for containing a benefit composition; a dispenser in
communication with the chamber; and a fluid handling system that
compels the benefit composition from the reservoir toward the
dispenser, thereby dispensing the benefit composition into the
chamber. The reservoir is configured with minimum head-space or
void volume to minimize contamination within the reservoir during
dispensing of the benefit composition.
[0010] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a fabric
article treating system. The fabric article treating system
comprises a fabric article drying appliance having a chamber and a
closure structure, the closure structure having a closed position
and at least one open position and allowing access to the chamber;
a reservoir for containing a benefit composition; a dispenser in
communication with the chamber; a fluid handling system that
compels the benefit composition from the reservoir toward the
dispenser, thereby dispensing the benefit composition into the
chamber; a closure structure sensor; and a controller that
initiates dispensing of the benefit composition. The controller is
configured to prevent the benefit composition from being dispensed
when the closure structure sensor indicates that the closure
structure is not in the closed position, and the reservoir is
configured with minimum head-space or void volume to minimize
contamination within the reservoir during dispensing of the benefit
composition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
the same will be better understood from the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating device according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating system according to a seventh embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fabric
article treating system according to a eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined
by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and
the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of
the detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments
of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar
elements throughout the views.
Definitions
[0022] The phrase "fabric article treating system" as used herein
means a fabric article drying appliance, a non-limiting example of
which includes a conventional clothes dryer and/or modifications
thereof. The fabric article treating system also includes a fabric
article treating apparatus which may be discreet in relation to the
fabric article drying appliance and/or it may be integrated into
the fabric article drying appliance. Furthermore, the fabric
article treating apparatus may be integrated into a readily
replaceable portion of the fabric article drying appliance, a
non-limiting example of which includes a closure structure of the
drying appliance.
[0023] "Fabric article" or "fabric" as used herein means any
article that is customarily cleaned in a conventional laundry
process or in a dry cleaning process. The term encompasses articles
of fabric including, but not limited to, clothing, linen, drapery,
clothing accessories, leather, floor coverings, sheets, towels,
rags, canvas, polymer structures, and the like. The term also
encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric
material, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpons, shoes, and
the like.
[0024] As used herein, the term "benefit composition" refers to a
composition used to deliver a benefit to a fabric article.
Non-limiting examples of materials and mixtures thereof which can
comprise the benefit composition include: water, softening agents,
crispening agents, perfume, water/stain repellants, refreshing
agents, antistatic agents, antimicrobic agents, durable press
agents, wrinkle resistant agents, odor resistance agents, abrasion
resistance agents, solvents, and combinations thereof. The benefit
composition may comprise a liquid, a powder, a suspension, or
gaseous product, and/or a combination of such. In one embodiment,
the benefit composition includes a preservative. Various
preservatives which help maintain one or more properties of the
benefit composition are generally known in the art and are suitable
for use herein. One exemplary preservative is Dantoguard Plus.TM.
(Dimethylol-5,5-Dimethylhydantoin) commercially available from
Lonza, (Fairfield, N.J., USA).
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fabric article treating
device 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
fabric article treating device 20 comprises an interior dispenser
25 adapted for location inside of a fabric article drying appliance
and an exterior reservoir 30 adapted for location outside of the
fabric article drying appliance. The interior dispenser 25 and the
exterior reservoir 30 are adapted for fluid communication with one
another, for example via fluid line 32. In one embodiment, the
fluid connection between the interior dispenser 25 and the exterior
reservoir 30 comprises tubing configured to allow the benefit
composition to be transported from the exterior reservoir 30 to the
interior dispenser 25. One exemplary tubing comprises a polymeric
tubing with one or more channels or conduits. In one embodiment,
the tubing is configured to allow the closure structure on the
fabric article drying appliance to maintain a closed position while
still permitting dispensing of the benefit composition. The
reservoir 30 contains a benefit composition and is configured with
minimum head-space or void volume designed to maintain an anaerobic
environment within the reservoir during dispensing of the benefit
composition. In one exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 30 is
removable. In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 30
comprises a sealed pouch.
[0026] The exterior reservoir 30 may be constructed of any material
known in the art and which will provide an anaerobic environment
within the reservoir. Non-limiting examples of such materials
include polymeric materials including but not limited to
polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polystyrene, nylon, polyester, and the like. Other exemplary
materials of construction include aluminum foil. In one embodiment,
the reservoir 30 comprises multiple layers of one or more
materials. In another embodiment, the reservoir 30 comprises a
single or multiple layer barrier film.
[0027] The interior dispenser 25 may comprise at least one nozzle
for the purpose of distributing the benefit composition into the
fabric article drying appliance. Misting/atomizing of the benefit
composition can be achieved using any suitable spraying device such
as a hydraulic nozzle, sonic nebulizer, pressure swirl atomizers,
high pressure fog nozzle or the like to deliver target particle
size. Non-limiting examples of suitable nozzles include nozzles
commercially available from Spray Systems, Inc. of Pomona, Calif.
under the Model Nos. 850, 1050, 1250, 1450 and 1650. Another
suitable example of a nozzle is a pressure swirl atomizing nozzle
made by Seaquist Perfect Dispensing of Cary, Ill. under Model No.
DU-3813.
[0028] In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2,
the fabric article treating device 20 further comprises one of
corresponding male and female fitments 40, and wherein the
reservoir 30, shown as a sealed pouch or carton, comprises the
other of the corresponding male and female fitments 42, wherein the
female fitment is configured to receive the male fitment to
establish the fluid communication between the interior dispenser 25
and the exterior reservoir 30 while preserving the anaerobic
environment within the reservoir 30. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,
the fitment 42 on the reservoir 30 is the female fitment, while the
corresponding male fitment 40 is adapted for fluid connection with
the dispenser 25, for example via a fluid handling system as
described hereafter. Various corresponding male and female fitments
which establish fluid communication while preserving an anaerobic
environment are generally known in the art and are suitable for use
herein. One exemplary fitment that may be utilized is available
from IPN USA Corp. of Peachtree City, Ga., available as
Clean-Clic.RTM. pouch fitments, model SBS-4. As one skilled in the
art will appreciate, any fitment combination can be utilized in the
present invention provided the fitments are configured to maintain
the anaerobic environment within the reservoir 30.
[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
fabric article treating device 20 further comprises a fluid
handling system 55, a power source 50 and a controller 60. In one
exemplary embodiment, the fluid handling system 55 is configured to
transport the benefit composition from the reservoir 30 to the
interior dispenser 25. The interior dispenser 25 is configured to
deliver the benefit composition to one or more fabric articles in
the fabric article drying appliance. The power source 50 is
configured to provide electrical power as needed by the fluid
article treating device, such as the controller 60, the fluid
handling system 55, sensors, and any electrical needs of a user
interface. The controller 60 is configured to regulate the
dispensing of the benefit composition. For example, the controller
60 may determine the optimum time to dispense the benefit
composition, the quantity of benefit composition to be dispensed
and the rate at which to dispense the benefit composition. In one
embodiment, the fabric article treating device further comprises a
communication link adapted to provide communication between the
controller of the fabric article treating device and the fabric
article drying appliance. For example, the controller may send
and/or receive signals to/from the fabric article drying appliance
to determine the optimum benefit composition dispensing conditions
such as, time, length, etc.
[0030] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the fabric
article treating device 20 further comprises an exterior housing
65. The exterior housing 65 is adapted to receive various
components external to a fabric article drying appliance.
Optionally, the housing may substantially enclose and protect the
components in their assembled form. For example, as shown in FIG.
4, the exterior housing may receive the power source 50, the fluid
handling system 55, the controller 60 and the exterior reservoir
30. In another embodiment, the exterior housing may comprise a
tubing storage area adapted to contain a quantity of fluid line 32
to allow the user to customize the installation of the fabric
article treating device for the user's particular fabric article
drying appliance. The exterior housing 65 may be constructed with
any materials known to one skilled in the art. Exemplary materials
include but are not limited to polymers, plastics, ceramics,
metals, fabric, wood, and the like.
[0031] In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5, the
fluid handling system 55 comprises a pump 70. The pump 70 is in
communication with the exterior reservoir 30 and the interior
dispenser 25 via fluid lines 72 and 74, respectively. The pump 70
is configured to transport benefit composition from the exterior
reservoir 30 to the interior dispenser 25 for dispensing of the
benefit composition. In one embodiment, the pump 70 comprises a
piezo-electric pump. In another embodiment, the pump 70 may
comprise a diaphragm pump. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate any pump known to one skilled in the art may be utilized
to transport the benefit composition from the exterior reservoir 30
to the interior dispenser 25. Other exemplary pumps include piston
pumps, peristaltic pumps, and bellows-type pumps.
[0032] As noted above, one type of pump 70 that can be used in the
present invention is a piezo-electric pump. While a piezoelectric
pump has certain membranes or laminations which may vibrate in a
reciprocating-type fashion, the piezo-electric pumps generally do
not have major moving parts, such as rotating shaft and bearings
used with a rotator member to displace a fluid or gaseous fluid,
that experience wear over time. One commercially available suitable
piezo-electric pump usable in the present invention is manufactured
by PAR Technologies, LLC, located in Hampton, Va., and marketed as
the "LPD-Series" laminated piezo-electric fluid pumps. Pumps which
draw a relevantly low current are particularly suitable in certain
embodiments.
[0033] In another embodiment, the exterior reservoir 30 may be
positioned in such a way to provide gravitation flow of the benefit
composition to the interior dispenser 25. For example, the exterior
reservoir 30 may be mounted above the fabric article drying
appliance to create static head on the benefit composition to allow
dispensing of the benefit composition without the utilization of a
pump.
[0034] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, as in previously
discussed embodiments, the fabric article treating device 20
comprises an interior dispenser 25 adapted for location inside of a
fabric article drying appliance and an exterior reservoir 30
adapted for location outside of the fabric article drying
appliance. The interior dispenser 25 and the exterior reservoir 30
are adapted for fluid communication with one another. The interior
reservoir 30 contains a benefit composition is configured to
maintain an anaerobic environment within the reservoir 30 during
dispensing of the benefit composition. The device further comprises
a controller 60 in electrical communication with a sensor 75. In
one exemplary embodiment, the sensor comprises a temperature
sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensor 75 comprises a
light sensor. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the sensor 75
comprises a motion sensor. The controller 60 is adapted to send
and/or receive signals from the sensor 75 and to determine the
dispensing conditions for dispensing the benefit composition.
[0035] Another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 7, is a fabric article treating system 80. The fabric
article treating system 80 comprises a fabric article drying
appliance 35 having a chamber 81 and a closure structure 85, for
example, a door. The closure structure 85 has a closed position and
at least one open position. The closure structure 85 allows access
to the chamber 81 of the fabric article drying appliance 35. The
fabric article treating system 80 further comprises a reservoir 30
for containing a benefit composition; a dispenser 25 in
communication with the chamber 81; and a fluid handling system 55
that compels the benefit composition from the reservoir 30 toward
the dispenser 25, thereby dispensing the benefit composition into
the chamber 81. The reservoir 30 is configured to maintain an
anaerobic environment within the reservoir 30 during dispensing of
the benefit composition, and as discussed above, the reservoir 30
may be removable. In another embodiment, the reservoir 30 comprises
a sealed pouch.
[0036] Another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 8, is a fabric article treating system 80. The fabric
article treating system 80 comprises a fabric article drying
appliance 35 having a chamber 81 and a closure structure 85. The
closure structure 85 has a closed position and at least one open
position, wherein the closure structure 85 allows access to the
chamber 81. The fabric article treating system 80 further comprises
a reservoir 30 for containing a benefit composition and a dispenser
25 in communication with the chamber 81; a fluid handling system 55
that compels the benefit composition from the reservoir 30 toward
the dispenser 25, thereby dispensing the benefit composition into
the chamber 81; a closure structure sensor 88; and a controller 60
that initiates dispensing of the benefit composition. The
controller 60 is configured to prevent the benefit composition from
being dispensed when the closure structure sensor 88 indicates that
the closure structure 85 is not in the closed position. The
reservoir 30 is configured to maintain an anaerobic environment
within the reservoir 30 during dispensing of the benefit
composition. In another embodiment, the fabric article treating
system 80 further comprises one or more additional sensors 75 in
the chamber in communication with the controller.
[0037] The exterior reservoir 30 may be mounted on the exterior
surface of the fabric article drying appliance 35, such as on the
fabric article drying appliance closure structure 85, or a side
wall, a top wall, an outer surface of a top-opening lid, or the
like, including a stand, wall or other household structure that is
separate from the fabric article drying appliance. Moreover, the
exterior reservoir 30 may be mounted on any interior surface of the
fabric article drying appliance 35, examples of which include, but
are not limited to, the interior surface of the closure structure
85, the drum of the fabric article drying appliance, the back wall,
the inner surface of a top opening lid, or the like.
[0038] Optionally, filters and/or filtering techniques can be used
to filter the benefit composition, if desired, for example at a
point between the reservoir 30 and the outlet of the dispenser 25.
Non-limiting examples of this include: utilizing a filter in the
interior dispenser 25 prior to dispensing of the benefit
compositions. Alternatively, the benefit composition may be
filtered prior to dispensing into the reservoir; or a combination
of filtering techniques may be employed.
[0039] The interior dispenser 25 and the exterior reservoir 30 are
adapted for fluid communication with one another. In one
embodiment, the interior dispenser 25 and the exterior reservoir 30
may be in electrical connection to one another. Non-limiting
examples of connecting the interior dispenser 25 and the exterior
reservoir 30 may include utilizing a flat cable (also referred to
as a ribbon cable), a wire, a wire or group of wires enclosed in a
stealth of woven or nonwoven material, a conduit (a non-limiting
example of which is a conduit for the benefit composition), or
combination thereof. The woven or nonwoven sheet may be used as a
method of attaching the interior dispenser 25 and the exterior
reservoir 30. The interior dispenser 25 and the exterior reservoir
30 may be used to provide a means of gravitational counterbalancing
so as to reduce unnecessary tension on the wires and/or the
connections.
[0040] The power source 50 may comprise chemical batteries, or any
electrical power source, including standard household line voltage,
or even solar power. Batteries may be utilized, and are
particularly suitable when the fabric article treating device 20 is
in the form of an add-on device for an existing fabric article
drying appliance 35. However, any appropriate power adapter can be
provided to convert an AC power source to the appropriate DC
voltages used in any electrical components of the fabric article
treating device 20, such as in the fluid handling system 55, the
controller 60, and any sensors 75. The power source 50 may also
comprise any mechanical power source used to store potential
energy. Non-limiting examples include; springs, weights, compressed
gases, etc.
[0041] As noted, the fabric article treating device 20 can include
optional sensors 75. Non-limiting examples of optional sensors
include a door (or lid sensor), a motion sensor, a humidity sensor,
and/or a temperature sensor. One non-limiting example of a door/lid
sensor is an optoelectronic device, such as an optocoupler or an
optical input sensor, e.g., a phototransistor or photodiode. When
the door/lid of the drying appliance is open, the door sensor will
change state, and will output a different voltage or current level
along an electrical conductor that leads from the door sensor back
to the controller. This can be used as a safety device to
immediately interrupt the dispensing of the benefit composition
from the interior dispenser 25. The optional door sensor could be
utilized even when a control system is integrated into the overall
conventional control system of the drying appliance. For example, a
drying appliance typically has its own door sensor which shuts off
the rotating drum of the dryer when the door becomes open. In this
instant, the optional door sensor can act as a backup or second
door sensor to the dryer's internal original sensor that shuts off
the rotating drum. One example which could be used as a door/lid
sensor is an NPN Phototransistor, Part No. PNA1801L, manufactured
by Panasonic, of Osaka, Japan. In another embodiment, a
communication link could be established between the drying
appliance and the controller, wherein the drying appliance would
send the controller a signal relating to the operational state of
the drying appliance (e.g., door open/closed, drying cycle,
temperature, etc.).
[0042] Another type of optional sensor 75 that can be utilized by
the fabric article treating device 20 of the present invention is a
motion sensor. For fabric article drying appliances 35 which
utilize a moving interior, such as a rotating drum, the motion
sensor can detect if a fabric article drying appliance is in use.
One example of a motion sensor is a vibration and movement sensing
switch manufactured by ASSEM Tech Europe Ltd., of Clifton, N.J.,
available as Model No. CW1600-3. Another type of optional motion
sensor that may be used in the present invention uses a light
source to direct (infrared) light at a surface, and the relevant
motion of that surface can be detected by the intensity and/or
frequency of the returning light. Such sensors can measure the
actual speed of rotation, if that information is desired.
[0043] Another optional sensor 75 that can be used in a fabric
article treating device 20 of the present invention is a humidity
sensor. The optional humidity sensor, together with the controller,
may be used to control the amount of composition being dispensed by
the interior dispenser 25, and also may be utilized to determine
the proper environmental conditions during an operational cycle in
which the dispensing event should take place. Additionally, this
humidity sensor may be used to maintain a specific humidity by
controlling the dispensing the benefit composition such that
optimal de-wrinkling and/or other benefits are achieved. Many
different types of humidity sensors could be used in conjunction
with the present invention, including variable conductivity
sensors. One such sensor is manufactured by Honeywell, of Freeport,
Ill. under the Model No. HIH-3610-001, although any of the HIH-3610
series may be used.
[0044] A further optional sensor 75 that can be useful in the
fabric article treating device 20 of the present invention is a
temperature sensor, such as one that outputs an analog or digital
signal along the electrical conductor that leads back to the
controller.
[0045] As noted above, the fabric article treating device 20 may
comprise a controller 60. In one embodiment, the controller may be
a microcontroller. A suitable microcontroller is manufactured by
MicroChip, of Chandler, Ariz. under the Part No. PIC16LS876-04/P.
However, other microcontrollers made by different manufacturers
could also easily be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the
microcontroller includes on-board random access memory (RAM),
on-board read only memory (ROM), which comprises electrically
programmable non-volatile memory elements, as well as on-board
input and output lines for analog and digital signals. The
controller may also be used with a crystal clock oscillator,
although a RC circuit could be used instead as a clock circuit, if
desired. The clock circuit provides the timing of the clock as
necessary to operate the controller. In one embodiment, the
controller comprises a port that can be interfaced to an optional
programmable interface using a communication link, such as RS-232
communication link. The port allows a user to alter the program
information of the controller, such as dispensing options, etc.
[0046] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller
can be any type of microprocessor or microcontroller circuit
commercially available, either with or without on-board RAM, RAM,
or digital and analog input/output (I/O). Moreover, a sequential
processor may be used to control the fabric article treating device
20, or alternatively a parallel processor architecture or a logic
state machine architecture could be used. Furthermore, the
controller 60 may be integrated into an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC) containing many other logic elements that
could be used for various functions, as desired, such functions
being optional depending upon the model of the fabric article
treating device 20 that will be sold to a consumer. To change model
features, the manufacturer need only program the ASIC or the
on-board RAM of the controller according to the special parameters
of that particular model, while using the same hardware for each of
the units.
[0047] It will also be understood that discrete digital logic could
be used instead of any type of microprocessor microcontroller unit,
or analog control circuitry could be used along with voltage
comparators and analog timers, to control the timing events and to
make decisions based on input levels of the various sensors that
are provided with the fabric article treating device 20.
[0048] It will be understood that the present invention can be
readily used in other types of fabric "treating" devices, and is
not limited solely to clothes "dryers". In the context of this
patent document, the terms "dryer" or "drying apparatus" or "fabric
article drying appliance" include devices that may or may not
perform a true drying function, but may involve treating fabric
without attempting to literally dry the fabric itself. As noted
above, the terms "dryer" or "drying apparatus" or "fabric article
drying appliance" may include a "dry cleaning" process or
apparatus, which may or may not literally involve a step of drying.
The term "fabric article drying appliance" as used herein, also
refers to any fabric treating device that utilizes moving air
directed upon one or more fabric articles, a non-limiting example
of which includes a clothes dryer, and modifications thereof. Such
devices include both domestic and commercial drying units used in
dwellings, laundromats, hotels, and/or industrial settings. In
addition, it should be noted that some drying appliances include a
drying chamber (or "drum") that does not literally move or rotate
while the drying appliance is operating in the drying cycle. Some
such dryers use moving air that passes through the drying chamber,
and the chamber does not move while the drying cycle occurs. Such
an example dryer has a door or other type of access cover that
allows a person to insert the clothing to be dried into the
chamber. In many cases, the person hangs the clothes on some type
of upper rod within the drying chamber. Once that has been done,
the door (or access cover) is closed, and the dryer can begin its
drying function. Dispensing of a benefit composition can take place
within such a unit, however, care should be taken to ensure that
the benefit composition becomes well dispersed within the drying
chamber, so that certain fabric items do not receive a very large
concentration of the benefit composition while other fabric items
receive very little of the benefit composition.
[0049] Exemplary fabric article treating devices and systems
includes those described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.
10/697,735 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No.
10/697,685 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No.
10/697,734 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No.
10/697,736 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; and U.S. application Ser. No.
10/762,152 filed on 10/762,152.
[0050] All documents cited in the detailed description of the
invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
a citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
[0051] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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