U.S. patent application number 11/482867 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for fabric revitalizing system.
Invention is credited to Fredrick E. Chernetski, Janice M. Kaeding, Karl D. McAllister, LD Metcalfe, Alexander V. Minkin, Donald M. Tomasi, Tremitchell Wright.
Application Number | 20070151311 11/482867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38222962 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070151311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McAllister; Karl D. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2007 |
Fabric revitalizing system
Abstract
A system for treating a fabric load comprises a chamber having
an interior for holding a fabric load; a low absorbency textured
surface disposed within the chamber; at least one opening into the
chamber for enabling user access to the interior of the chamber; a
fabric movement system for causing movement of the fabric load
within the chamber; a fluid delivery system in fluid communication
with the interior of the chamber; and a fluid removal system in
fluid communication with the interior of the chamber.
Inventors: |
McAllister; Karl D.;
(Stevensville, MI) ; Wright; Tremitchell;
(Elkhart, IN) ; Tomasi; Donald M.; (Stevensville,
MI) ; Metcalfe; LD; (Williamsburg, VA) ;
Minkin; Alexander V.; (St. Joseph, MI) ; Chernetski;
Fredrick E.; (St. Joseph, MI) ; Kaeding; Janice
M.; (Lawrence, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHIRLPOOL PATENTS COMPANY - MD 0750
Suite 102, 500 Renaissance Drive
St. Joseph
MI
49085
US
|
Family ID: |
38222962 |
Appl. No.: |
11/482867 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60755194 |
Dec 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R ;
68/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 58/10 20130101;
D06F 58/04 20130101; D06F 35/001 20130101; D06F 35/003 20130101;
D06F 35/005 20130101; D06F 58/203 20130101; D06F 39/088
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/3.R ;
68/139 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/00 20060101
D06F037/00 |
Claims
1. A system for treating a fabric load, the system comprising: a
chamber having an interior for holding a fabric load; a low
absorbency textured surface disposed within the chamber; at least
one opening into the chamber for enabling user access to the
interior of the chamber; a fabric movement system for causing
movement of the fabric load within the chamber; a fluid delivery
system in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber; and
a fluid removal system in fluid communication with the interior of
the chamber.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the fabric movement system
comprises a motor in driving engagement with the chamber to
selectively move the chamber.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the low absorbency textured
surface is substantially non-absorbent.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the low absorbency surface is
disposed on an inside surface of the chamber.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a closure adapted to
selectively close the opening into the chamber.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the chamber comprises a generally
cylindrical drum, and the fabric movement system comprises a motor
in driving engagement with the drum to selectively rotate the
drum.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising an enclosure, and the
drum is rotatably mounted within the enclosure.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the drum is perforated for
draining of fluid from the fabric load.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein the motor is configured to
selectively drive the drum in opposite directions.
10. The system of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of baffles
disposed along an interior circumference of the chamber, wherein
the textured surface comprises a textured substrate surface
disposed on at least one of the plurality of baffles.
11. The system of claim 5 wherein the low absorbency textured
surface comprises a textured surface on at least one inside surface
of the chamber selected from a group consisting of: a front wall of
the chamber, a back wall of the chamber, an interior circumference
of the chamber, an interior surface of the closure, a baffle
extending inwardly from an inside surface of the chamber, and a
depression in an inside surface of the chamber.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a particulate removal
and collection system in communication with the interior of the
chamber.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the low absorbency textured
surface comprises a textured substrate.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the textured substrate comprises
a powder coating.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the textured surface comprises a
structural attribute comprising at least one member selected from a
group consisting of: a plurality of directional fibers, an open
cell structure, a closed cell structure, a plurality of break-away
particulate surface substructures, a plurality of microparticulate
substructures, a textured substrate, and a coating.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein the textured surface is in the
form of an insert mounted on an inside surface of the chamber.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the insert is selected from a
group consisting of: a removable pad, a permanently attached pad, a
removable pad liner with a covering, and a permanently attached pad
liner with a covering.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid delivery system
comprises at least one member selected from a group consisting of:
a sprayer, an injector, a nebulizer, a capillary channel, a vortex
tube, a venturi, and a device with means for fluid displacement due
to chemical reactions.
19. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid delivery system
comprises: a nebulizer assembly in fluid communication with the
interior of the chamber so that the nebulizer assembly provides a
mist to the fabric load during operation of the nebulizer assembly,
and a transitional assembly interposed between the nebulizer
assembly and the interior of the chamber such that the nebulizer
communicates with the interior of the chamber through the
transitional assembly.
20. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid delivery system
comprises a nebulizer, a pump, and a sanitization system.
21. The system of claim 1 further comprising a means for
controlling a moisture level in the fabric.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein the means for controlling the
moisture level in the fabric comprises at least one of a
refrigerant system and a vacuum system.
23. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a
stain pretreatment station external to the chamber, and a
sanitization system.
24. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid removal system
comprises at least one of a heater, a fan, a variable speed fan, an
air compressor, an air source, an air tank, an air pump, a
condenser system, a desiccant system, a steam drying system, an
electrostatic drying system, a microwave drying system, a
conduction drying system, a convection drying system, and a
radiation drying system.
25. The system of claim 1, where in the fluid removal system
comprises a heating system and an air flow system wherein the
heating system has at least one heating element in fluid
communication with the air flow system, and wherein the heating
system and the air flow system are in fluid communication with the
interior of the chamber.
26. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid removal system
comprises a heater control configured to limit a temperature of the
fabric load to below about 140.degree. F.
27. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid removal system
comprises a heater having at least two heating elements, at least
one heating element configured to rapidly raise a temperature of
the fabric load and at least one other heating element configured
to provide continued heating of the fabric load after a
predetermine temperature has been reached.
28. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid removal system
comprises a sensor detecting at least one of temperature, pressure,
humidity, force, torque, inertia, mass, frequency, acceleration,
vapor, moisture, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,
electrical conduction, enzyme, aqueous vapor, non-aqueous vapor,
turbidity, optical spectrum, ultrasonic, shaped electronic field,
float, laser deflection, chemical, petro-chemical, electric field
imaging, capacitance, resistance, pH, non-dispersive infrared,
acoustic wave, and oxidation reduction potential.
29. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface to
selectively control the operation of the fabric movement system,
the fluid delivery system, and the fluid removal system.
30. The system of claim 29 wherein the user interface provides
information related to at least one of status, safety, emergency,
time remaining, cycle step, unbalanced load, blocked conduit, valve
failure, clogged filter, breach of closed system, fluid leak, fluid
level, pressure drops, temperature increase, and chemical
leakage.
31. The system of claim 1, further comprising an air flow system
having a fan motor and a blower fan, wherein the fan motor is in
mechanical communication with the blower fan to drive the blower
fan, and wherein the blower fan is in fluid communication with the
interior of the chamber to generate an air flow through the
interior of the chamber.
32. The system of claim 31 wherein the air flow comprises ionized
air.
33. The system of claim 31 wherein the fabric movement system, the
air flow system, and the fluid removal system can be operated as a
conventional clothes dryer.
34. The system of claim 33 wherein the system can be used to at
least one of: (a) dry a wet load of clothes and then revitalize the
dried clothes and (b) revitalize an initially dry load of
clothes.
35. The system of claim 31 wherein the air flow system further
comprises a filter selected from: a locked down sealed edge filter;
a filter for at least one of a vapor, a fog, and a colloidal
suspension; an electrostatic filter; a filter impregnated with a
catalyst for producing at least one of a species and radical for
cleaning; a filter impregnated with a reactant to chemically treat
a substance present in air; a neutralizing filter to remove a
previous treatment, and an air permeable matrix having a plurality
of pores with a greatest pore dimension in a range from about 0.10
micron to about 1500 microns.
36. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid delivery system
comprises at least one of: a multi-phase chemistry insertion
system; a combination of a steamer and a vapor insertion system; a
combination of a steamer and a fluid insertion system; a
combination of a vapor insertion system and a fluid insertion
system; a combination of a steamer and a multi-phase chemistry
insertion system; a combination of a vapor insertion system, a
fluid insertion system, and a multi-phase chemistry insertion
system; a steamer; and a vapor insertion system.
37. The system of claim 1 wherein the system components are
disposed in a plurality of modules wherein at least one of the
modules is a drying module and at least one other of the modules is
selected from a group consisting of: a stain pretreatment module, a
sanitizing module, and an alternative chemistry module.
38. The system of claim 1 wherein the low absorbency textured
surface comprises a pad and fluid dispensing means to dispense
fluid from the pad.
39. The system of claim 38 wherein the fluid dispensing means is
configured to wick fluid through the pad.
40. The system of claim 39 wherein the fluid dispensing means
further comprises an inner reservoir for storing the fluid that can
be wicked through the pad.
41. The system of claim 38 wherein the fluid is impregnated on the
pad.
42. The system of the claim 38 wherein the fluid is a perfume.
43. The system of claim 38 wherein the fluid is a multi-phase
chemistry.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent
Application No. 60/755,194, filed Dec. 30, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a fabric revitalizing system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventional fabric cleaning methods for portable fabrics
typically employ a liquid bath wash to clean clothing fabrics and
other materials composed of textiles. A typical household washing
machine and dryer arrangement is used for cleaning durable types of
clothes that may contain water soluble stains and easily removable
particulates. A dry cleaning process is used for those fabrics that
are susceptible to changes, such as shrinkage or damage, during a
regular wash process.
[0006] Single wear usage of otherwise clean clothing typically
results in the accumulation of small amounts of particulates, such
as soils, and hairs, on the fabric surface, or the occasional
relatively minor stain or odor that may become impregnated into the
fabric. In this "not clean, not dirty" zone, one finds oneself
confronted with the dilemma of either wearing the slightly soiled
clothing article in limited situations where one's embarrassment is
minimized or expending the time, cost, and energy of having the
clothing article laundered or professionally treated to clean
status prior to re-wear.
[0007] Several prior art products have been developed that permit
some degree of fabric cleaning removal of soils, particulates, and
hairs from a worn yet not dirty (i.e., not clean, not dirty)
clothing article. These products include specialty clothing brushes
and adhesive-based rollers as a means to remove loosely bound
particulates, soils, and hairs. Certain stain pretreatments permit
removal of stain spots from clothing without having to subject the
article to a complete cleaning process. Fabric deodorizing sprays
facilitate masking or removal of odors from the clothing
article.
[0008] While some of these approaches do improve the overall
appearance of the clothing article, they are limited typically to
the treatment method employed. For example, while a clothing brush
may be able to remove pet hairs from a sports coat, any odors that
may derive from perfume or cigarette smoke will persist on the
sports coat. Thus, there is currently a need to offer a more
comprehensive approach to restoring clothing articles to their
clean appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A system according to one embodiment of the invention for
treating a fabric load comprises a chamber having an interior for
holding a fabric load; a low absorbency textured surface disposed
within the chamber; at least one opening into the chamber for
enabling user access to the interior of the chamber; a fabric
movement system for causing movement of the fabric load within the
chamber; a fluid delivery system in fluid communication with the
interior of the chamber; and a fluid removal system in fluid
communication with the interior of the chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary enclosure and user interface and
control for a revitalization system according to one embodiment of
the invention in which a revitalization chamber is formed by a
horizontal rotatable drum.
[0012] FIGS. 2A-2D depict alternative exemplary enclosures and
revitalization chambers for the revitalization system.
[0013] FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary
revitalization system that includes substantially horizontal
support substrates for fabric.
[0014] FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary
revitalization system that includes a cabinet having at least one
horizontal drawer and substantially horizontal support
substrates.
[0015] FIG. 3C depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary
revitalization system that includes a cabinet having a door and
substantially horizontal support substrates.
[0016] FIG. 3D depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary
revitalization system that includes substantially vertical support
substrates.
[0017] FIG. 3E depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary
revitalization system that includes a cabinet having at least one
vertical drawer and substantially vertical support substrates.
[0018] FIG. 3F depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary
revitalization system that includes a cabinet having a door and
substantially vertical support substrates.
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary revitalization chamber having a
shape of a drum for a non-stationary revitalization system and
heater control components of the revitalization system.
[0020] FIG. 5A depicts exemplary textured substrate surfaces for
lining a drum of a non-stationary revitalization system.
[0021] FIG. 5B depicts alternative exemplary textured substrate
surfaces for lining a drum of a non-stationary revitalization
system.
[0022] FIG. 5C depicts another alternative exemplary textured
substrate surface for lining a drum of a non-stationary
revitalization system, wherein the textured substrate surface is
received within a recess in the drum.
[0023] FIG. 5D depicts another alternative exemplary textured
substrate surface for lining a drum of a non-stationary
revitalization system, wherein the textured substrate surface can
be attached to a baffle of the drum with first and second
attachment means.
[0024] FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary textured substrate surface
including an inner fluid reservoir.
[0025] FIG. 6B depicts an alternative exemplary textured substrate
surface fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir located in a baffle of
the drum.
[0026] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict exemplary air flow components of the
revitalization system.
[0027] FIG. 9A depicts a schematic view of the air flow through the
revitalization system, wherein air flow through the revitalization
chamber comprises recirculated air.
[0028] FIG. 9B depicts a schematic view similar to FIG. 9A, wherein
the air flow through the revitalization chamber comprises fresh,
non-recirculated air.
[0029] FIG. 10 depicts exemplary fluid removal system components of
the revitalization system.
[0030] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict exemplary particulate removal and
recovery system components of the revitalization system.
[0031] FIG. 13 depicts exemplary fluid delivery system components
of the revitalization system.
[0032] FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary nebulizer circuit and assembly
for one embodiment of the fluid delivery system of the
revitalization system.
[0033] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view the exemplary nebulizer
assembly of FIG. 14.
[0034] FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary nebulizer
assembly of FIG. 14.
[0035] FIG. 17 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary nebulizer
assembly of FIG. 14 and the revitalization chamber in the form of
the drum.
[0036] FIG. 18 depicts another exploded view of the exemplary
nebulizer assembly of FIG. 14.
[0037] FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary nebulizer circuit and assembly
for another embodiment of the fluid delivery system of the
revitalization system.
[0038] FIG. 20 depicts a schematic view of the exemplary nebulizer
assembly of FIG. 19 configured to deliver a plurality of fluids to
the revitalization chamber.
[0039] FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary embodiment of sensors of the
revitalization system.
[0040] FIG. 22 depicts an exemplary vacuum system of the
revitalization system.
[0041] FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary stain removal station of the
revitalization system.
[0042] FIG. 24 depicts another exemplary stain removal station of
the revitalization system.
[0043] FIG. 25A depicts another exemplary stain removal station of
the revitalization system built into the enclosure and having a
work surface shown in a retracted position.
[0044] FIG. 25B depicts the exemplary stain removal station of FIG.
25A with the work surface shown in an extended position.
[0045] FIG. 25C depicts an exploded view of the exemplary stain
removal station of FIG. 25A.
[0046] FIG. 25D depicts a rear view of the exemplary stain removal
station of FIG. 25A.
[0047] FIGS. 26A and 26B depict an exemplary embodiment of modular
construction of the revitalization system.
[0048] FIG. 27 depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of
modular construction of the revitalization system.
[0049] FIG. 28 depicts another alternative exemplary embodiment of
modular construction of the revitalization system.
[0050] FIG. 29 depicts a first exemplary embodiment of a dryer
module for use with the revitalization system.
[0051] FIG. 30 depicts a second exemplary embodiment of a dryer
module for use with the revitalization system.
[0052] FIG. 31 depicts a third exemplary embodiment of a dryer
module for use with the revitalization system.
[0053] FIG. 32 depicts a fourth exemplary embodiment of a dryer
module for use with the revitalization system.
[0054] FIG. 33 depicts a fifth exemplary embodiment of a dryer
module for use with the revitalization system.
[0055] FIG. 34 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an ironing module
for use with the revitalization system.
[0056] FIG. 35 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a sink module for
use with the revitalization system.
[0057] FIG. 36 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a storage module
for use with the revitalization system.
[0058] FIG. 37 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a shelf module
for use with the revitalization system.
[0059] FIG. 38 depicts an exemplary embodiment of operations and
actions performed during a revitalization process.
[0060] FIGS. 39A and 39B together depict an exemplary control flow
chart for a user interface and control for the revitalization
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0061] Clothing refreshing is a process whereby the clothing
article is restored to its clean condition without the requirement
of subjecting the clothing article to a conventional full cleaning
process of either washing/drying in the washer/the dryer or dry
cleaning. A refreshed clothing article can have the appearance of a
clean article that includes improved hand and a restored vibrant
appearance. The invention of the instant disclosure provides a
novel approach to clothing fabric refreshing/revitalization that
can be accomplished economically and conveniently in the home
setting. Additionally, a refreshed garment can have reduced
wrinkles and/or minimal odors as compared to its pre-processed
condition.
[0062] By offering a refreshing process, the consumer can have
reduced efforts in making their fabrics "like new again."
Additionally, by not having to place fabrics through a complete
cleaning process (e.g., immersion or non-immersion wash followed by
drying), fabrics will be less damaged and as a result may last
longer.
[0063] The present invention makes use of the discovery that
dehydrated clothing fabrics are uniquely amenable to a fabric
refreshing process that can result in many benefits, including the
removal of loosely bound particulates, such as soils, stains, and
odors, and wrinkles from the fabrics. In a system and method
according to one embodiment of the invention, fabrics are initially
dehydrated through a controlled heating process and the like, then
subjected to aeration using a high flow rate air source to remove
the loosened or dried particulates, such as soils and/or hairs,
from the fabric, and finally subjected to a rehydration process.
Fabric revitalization can leave clothing fabrics with a clean,
vibrant appearance and improved hand or feel in addition to
improved wrinkle and odor performance. Examples of fabric clothing
articles include, but are not limited to, a hat, a scarf, a glove,
a sweater, a blouse, a shirt, a pair of shorts, a dress, a sock, a
pair of pants, a shoe, an undergarment, and a jacket. Furthermore,
textile fabrics in other products, such as draperies, sheets,
towels, pillows, and stuffed fabric articles (e.g., toys), can be
revitalized with the disclosed system and method. The fabric can
have any fabric composition, examples of which include, but are not
limited to, cotton, polyester, wool, silk, nylon, rayon, rubber,
plastic, leather, and blends thereof.
[0064] Though the following disclosure is drawn to revitalization
or refreshing of fabric materials, the system and method has broad
utility for revitalizing a variety of non-fabric surfaces that
contain particulates, such as stains, soils, or other foreign
matter.
Components of the Fabric Revitalization System:
Enclosure:
[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, at least one enclosure 20 houses
components necessary for accomplishing the fabric revitalization
method on a fabric load 22. Though the invention contemplates the
principles of modularity to achieve unification of the components
necessary to carry out the disclosed process, the illustrated
embodiment of the invention includes a single enclosure 20 for
housing the system components as well as the fabric load 22 within
the enclosure 20. The enclosure 20 and subassemblies thereof can be
composed of suitable materials to withstand the various
revitalization processes to which the fabric load 22 is subjected.
An outer housing 23 of the enclosure 20 can be composed of
aluminium, steel, or similar material. The enclosure 20 houses
inner components or subassemblies that can be coated or composed of
materials to withstand the various temperatures, pressures, and/or
chemistries used during the method.
Chamber:
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, the illustrated embodiment
contains a chamber 26 inside the enclosure 20. The chamber 26
provides an interior 28 that can include a support substrate 30 for
the fabric load 22 during the refreshing process. The chamber 26
can include a substantially horizontal support substrate 30A (e.g.,
a shelf, FIG. 2A), a substantially vertical support substrate 30B
(e.g., a hanger, FIG. 2B), or a cylindrical support substrate, such
as a cylindrical horizontal chamber 30C (e.g., an imperforate drum
or perforated drum (basket), FIG. 2C) or a cylindrical vertical
chamber 30D (e.g., an imperforate drum or perforated drum (basket),
FIG. 2D). When the support substrate 30 comprises the horizontal
chamber 30C or the vertical chamber 30D, the support substrate 30
forms the chamber 26.
[0067] For stationary refreshing systems, the support substrate 30
can be the substantially horizontal support substrate 30A or
substantially vertical support substrate 30B. For non-stationary
refreshing systems (e.g., dynamic or tumbling processes), the
support substrate 30 can be the cylindrical chamber 30C in the
shape of a drum or the cylindrical chamber 30D in the shape of a
basket, wherein both the drum and/or the basket have an inner
surface 24 defining an interior 32 for placement of the fabric load
22. The interior 32 can be accessed through an opening 31, which
enables user access to the interior 32, and the opening 31 can be
selectively closed by a closure 33, such as a hinged door.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 3A, for the stationary refreshing systems
that include the substantially horizontal support substrates 30A, a
plurality of the horizontal support substrates 30A can be
permanently mounted at designated heights in the interior 28 of the
chamber 26. Alternatively, a plurality of the horizontal support
substrates 30A can be adjustable and installed in the interior 28
of the chamber 26 at heights determined by the consumer. Each of
the horizontal support substrates 30A can include pores or openings
34 to permit passage of air through the horizontal support
substrate 30A. As will be explained in greater detail below, the
passage of air through the pores or openings 34 permits the flow of
air to contact the fabric load 22 supported by the horizontal
support substrate 30A. Optionally, the horizontal support
substrates 30A can include fabric load restraints 36A (e.g., pins,
ties, clips, a secondary horizontal support substrate) to hold an
article of the fabric load 22 in place during the revitalization
process.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 3B, the stationary refreshing systems that
include the substantially horizontal support substrates 30A can
optionally include a cabinet 38 having at least one horizontal
drawer 40A with at least one of the horizontal support substrates
30A in the horizontal drawer 40A or forming a portion of the
horizontal drawer 40A. The horizontal drawer 40A can be mounted on
a horizontal sliding mechanism 42 to enable the horizontal drawer
40A to slide open and closed for the purposes of placing articles
of the fabric load 22 into the interior 28 of the chamber 26. The
horizontal drawer 40A can establish a locked connection with the
enclosure 20, such as by using a suitable locking mechanism 41A
commonly employed in the art, which can include a mechanical
locking means, an electronic locking means, or any other suitable
locking means. Optionally, individual horizontal drawers 40A can
establish a locked connection with the enclosure 20, such as by
using the suitable locking mechanism 41A commonly employed in the
art, which can include a mechanical locking means, an electronic
locking means, or any other suitable locking means. Alternatively,
all of the horizontal drawers 40A can establish a uniform,
simultaneous, locked connection with the enclosure 20, such as by
using the suitable locking mechanism 41A commonly employed in the
art, which can include a mechanical locking means, an electronic
locking means, or any other suitable locking means. Optionally,
each of the horizontal drawers 40A can include a window 44A to
enable the consumer to view the revitalization process as it
proceeds (see below).
[0070] Referring to FIG. 3C, the stationary refreshing systems that
include the substantially horizontal support substrates 30A can
optionally include a cabinet 38 having at least one door 46 that
the consumer can open to access the interior 28 of the chamber 26.
The door 46 can be connected to the enclosure 20 through the use of
a suitable connector 48 (e.g., hinge), which is designed to permit
the consumer to open the door 46 to the chamber 26 in any fashion
commonly understood to one skilled in the art. Though FIG. 3C
depicts the door 46 opening rightward from the connector 48 located
on a right side of the cabinet 38, it will be understood that the
connector 48 can be mounted in any relationship between the door 46
and the enclosure 20 so as to permit rightward, leftward, downward,
and upward opening movement or any other type of movement relative
to the closed position of door 46. The door 46 can establish a
locked connection with the enclosure 20, such as by using a
suitable locking mechanism 47B commonly employed in the art, which
can include a mechanical locking means, an electronic locking
means, or any other suitable locking means. Optionally, the door 46
can include a window 44 to enable the consumer to view the
revitalization process as it proceeds (see below).
[0071] Optionally, the stationary refreshing systems that include
the substantially horizontal support substrates 30A can include the
horizontal support substrates 30A mounted on movable or non-movable
support structures 50 (e.g., support pins or hinges).
Alternatively, the cabinet 38 can include the horizontal support
substrate 30A mounted on a sliding mechanism 42A to enable the
horizontal support substrate 30A to slide open and closed for the
purposes of placing articles of the fabric load 22 into the
interior 28 of the chamber 26. Optionally, the cabinet 38 can
include both the horizontal support substrates 30A mounted on the
movable or non-movable support structures 50 and the horizontal
support substrates 30A mounted on the sliding mechanism 42A.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 3D, for stationary refreshing systems that
include the substantially vertical support substrates 30B, a
plurality of the vertical support substrates 30B can be permanently
mounted at designated locations in the interior 28 of the chamber
26. Alternatively, a plurality of the vertical support substrates
30B can be adjustable and installed in the interior 28 of the
chamber 26 at locations determined by the consumer. Optionally, the
vertical support substrates 30B can include fabric load restraints
36B (e.g., pins, ties, clips, a secondary vertical support
substrate, etc.) to hold an article of the fabric load 22 in place
during the revitalization process.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 3E, the stationary refreshing systems that
include the substantially vertical support substrates 30B can
optionally include a cabinet 38 having at least one vertical drawer
40B with at least one of the vertical support substrates 30B in the
vertical drawer 40B or forming a portion of the vertical drawer
40B. The vertical drawer 40B can be mounted on a horizontal sliding
mechanism 42B to enable the vertical drawer 40B to slide open and
closed for the purposes of placing articles of the fabric load 22
into the interior 28 of the chamber 26. The vertical drawer 40B can
establish a locked connection with the enclosure 20, such as by
using a suitable locking mechanism 41B commonly employed in the
art, which can include a mechanical locking means, an electronic
locking means, or any other suitable locking means. Optionally,
individual vertical drawers 40B can establish a locked connection
with the enclosure 20, such as by using the suitable locking
mechanism 41B commonly employed in the art, which can include a
mechanical locking means, an electronic locking means, or any other
suitable locking means. Alternatively, all of the vertical drawers
40B can establish a uniform, simultaneous, locked connection with
the enclosure 20, such as by using the suitable locking mechanism
41B commonly employed in the art, which can include a mechanical
locking means, an electronic locking means, or any other suitable
locking means. Optionally, each of the vertical drawers 40B can
include a window 44B to enable the consumer to view the
revitalization process as it proceeds (see below).
[0074] Referring to FIG. 3F, the stationary refreshing systems that
include the substantially vertical support substrates 30B can
optionally include a cabinet 38 having at least one door 46 that
the consumer can open to access the interior 28 of the chamber 26.
The door 46 can be connected to the enclosure 20 through the use of
a suitable connector 48 (e.g., hinge), which is designed to permit
the consumer to open the door 46 to the enclosure 20 in any fashion
commonly understood to one skilled in the art. Though FIG. 3F
depicts the door 46 opening rightward from the connector 48 located
on a right side of the cabinet 38, it will be understood that the
connector 48 can be mounted in any relationship between the door 46
and the enclosure 20 so as to permit rightward, leftward, downward,
and upward opening movement or any other type of movement relative
to the closed position of the door 46. Optionally, the door 46 can
include a window 44B to enable the consumer to view the
revitalization process as it proceeds (see below).
[0075] Optionally, the stationary refreshing systems that include
the substantially vertical support substrates 30B can include the
vertical support substrates 30B mounted on non-movable support
structures 50 (e.g., support pins). Alternatively, the cabinet 38
can include the vertical support substrate 30B mounted on a sliding
mechanism 42B to enable the vertical support substrate 30B to slide
open and closed for the purposes of placing articles of the fabric
load 22 into the interior 28 of the chamber 26. Optionally, the
cabinet 38 can include both the vertical support substrates 30B
mounted on the non-movable support structures 50 and the vertical
support substrates 30B mounted on the sliding mechanism 42B. As
another option, the non-movable support structures 50 and the
sliding mechanism 42B can be vertically adjustable within the
cabinet 38.
[0076] While the following detailed description of the functional
elements of the illustrated embodiment for the revitalizing system
and method are in the context of a rotatable cylindrical chamber
having a generally horizontal axis, it will be appreciated that the
features can be readily adapted for use with any of the fabric
containing structures in FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A-3F and that alternative
means of providing mechanical, chemical, and thermal energy to the
fabric load 22 can be used in accordance with the broadest concepts
of the present invention. Because the following detailed
description utilizes the rotatable cylindrical chamber, reference
to the chamber 26 can be considered a reference to the drum 30C and
vice-versa.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, a motor 52 drives the drum 30C and
thereby controls the rotational speed and rotational direction of
the drum 30C. Control of the rotational speed of the drum 30C
permits variation of the rotation of the drum 30C as a function of
the dryness of the fabric load 22. The ability to vary the
rotational speed of the drum 30C improves the uniform distribution
of added chemistries at different stages of the refreshing process.
Optionally, the motor 52 can reverse rotational direction of the
drum 30C during operation. The reversible aspect of the drum 30C
promotes uniformity of dehydration of the fabric load 22 during the
initial phase of the refreshing process and the uniformity of fluid
distribution throughout the fabric load 22 during the latter phase
the process. The motor 52 can be considered to be a part of a
fabric movement system for causing movement of the fabric load 22.
It is within the scope of the invention, however, to employ other
systems for causing movement of the fabric load 22.
[0078] The drum 30C can contain a plurality of baffles 54. The
baffles 54 can be located along the inner surface 24 of the drum
30C defining an interior circumference of the drum 30C. The baffles
54 can be oriented generally parallel to a rotational axis of the
drum 30C. The baffles 54 facilitate the tumbling action of the
fabric load 22 within the drum 30C as the drum 30C rotates about
the rotational axis. The combination of the baffles 54 and the
reversible rotation of the drum 30C promotes a reduction in
tangling of clothing articles; a reduction in balling of textile
fabrics, such as sheets, rugs, or towels; and a reduction in
wrinkles in fabrics. The surfaces of fabric articles become more
open during tumbling, which greatly facilitates movement of loose
particulates, such as soils, stains, and hairs, from the fabric
surfaces to an air outlet of the drum 30C. The air outlet of the
drum 30C will be discussed in more detail below.
Textured Substrate Surface:
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in addition to the plurality
of the baffles 54, the drum 30C can contain a textured substrate
surface 56. The textured substrate surface 56 can contain a low
(moisture) absorbency substrate 58. The low absorbency substrate 58
can be a non-(moisture) absorbing substrate having sound absorbing
properties. The sound absorbing properties can be beneficial for
absorbing at least a portion of the sound of the fabric load 22
moving in the drum 30C, such as sound generated by buttons clanking
against the inside surface 24 of the drum 30C during rotation of
the drum 30C.
[0080] The textured substrate surface 56 can be an integral design
feature of the interior construction of the drum 30C, wherein the
textured substrate surface 56 can be a machined aspect of the
inside surface 24 of the drum 30C, such as a textured surface
machined into the inside surface 24 of the drum 30C, or,
optionally, a textured powder-coated treatment affixed to the
inside surface 24 of the drum 30C. Optionally, the textured
substrate surface 56 can coat or line the baffles 54 as shown at
56A. Optionally, the textured substrate surface 56 can be an
independently manufactured article that is separate from the drum
30C, as shown at 56B. The textured substrate surface 56 can be
provided on any surface of the drum 30C or on a surface of the
door/closure 33 that comes in contact with the fabric load 22,
including in a recess or depression formed in such surface for
accepting a removable textured pad, as shown at 57 in FIG. 5C, or
on a protrusion formed on such surface to which a textured surface
is applied, as shown at 59 in FIG. 5B.
[0081] Providing the textured substrate surface 56 on the baffles
54, as shown at 56A, or on a feature or component protruding
partially into the interior 32 of the drum 30C, as shown at 59,
facilitates engagement of the textured surface with the fabric load
22, thereby increasing mechanical energy and chemical transfer to
the fabric load 22. It further facilitates manufacture of the
textured substrate surface 56 because materials that might be
inappropriate for use for the entire drum 30C can be used for the
baffle 54 or the feature or component protruding into the drum 30C,
as shown at 59. Further, these materials can also be used for the
removable pad or other independent textured component 56B.
[0082] In contrast, if it is desired to use a textured surface that
does not protrude significantly into the interior 32 of the drum
30C due to the design of the revitalization system, the fabric to
be treated, or the chemistry to be used, a textured pad or
component can be mounted in a recess in the surface of the drum 30C
as shown at 57 in FIG. 5C so that the textured substrate surface 56
is substantially aligned with the inside surface 24 of the drum
30C.
[0083] Referring back to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the low-absorbing
textured substrate surface 56 can include a removable or permanent
insert or pad 60 that lines at least a portion of the inside
surface 24 of the drum 30C. As an option, the low-absorbing
textured substrate surface 56 can include one or more of the pads
60 that substantially line the inside surfaces 24 of drum 30C
between the baffles 54. Optionally, the textured substrate surface
56 can include one or more pads 60A that substantially line a front
wall 66 and/or a back wall 68 of the drum 30C. In the illustrated
embodiment, the back wall 68 of the drum 30C is formed by an inside
surface of the closure 33. The pads 60 can also be attached to a
surface of the drum 30C and protrude into the interior 32 of the
drum 30C, as illustrated by example in FIG. 5D. Referring back to
FIG. 5A, the textured substrate surface 56 can optionally be
coverings 70 that cover pad liners that line the inside surface 24
of the drum 30C or are attached to the inside surface 24 of the
drum 30C and project into the drum 30C. The pad liners can be
removably or permanently attached to the inside surface 24 of the
drum 30C.
[0084] The textured substrate surface 56 can comprise one or more
separate elements. The textured substrate surface 56 can be a
replaceable part that fits into a holder. The textured substrate
surface 56 can be a non-continuous substrate (i.e., circular) that
can have design elements that can be partially changed. The
textured substrate surface 56 can contain rollers or balls to
transfer the fluid from the surface to the drum 30C or to the
fabric load 22. Finally, the textured substrate surface can
optionally deliver chemistries and can contain an insert that fits
into a pad where the chemistries can reside.
[0085] The textured substrate surface 56 can be permanently affixed
to the inside surface 24 of drum 30C during final assembly of the
drum 30C. Optionally, the textured substrate surface 56 can be
removable from the inside surface 24 of the drum 30C. The textured
substrate surface 56 can be coupled to a portion of the drum 30C
with an attachment system, which can permanently or removably
couple the textured substrate surface 56 to the portion of the drum
30C. Examples of the attachment system are illustrated in FIGS. 5C
and 5D. In FIG. 5C, the attachment system comprises the recess 57
that receives the textured substrate surface 56. The recess 57 and
the textured substrate surface 56 can form an interference fit that
retains the latter in the former. Alternatively, the attachment
system can comprise a first attachment means on the textured
substrate surface 56 and a second attachment means on the drum 30C,
as shown in FIG. 5D. The first and second attachment means in the
illustrated example are Velcro.RTM. strips 67A, 67B that engage one
another to couple the textured substrate surface 56 in the form of
the pad 60 to the baffle 54 of the drum 30C. Other examples of
attachment systems include, but are not limited to, mechanical
fasteners, such as clips, and magnets. If the drum 30C is magnetic,
then the attachment means can comprise a magnet located on the
textured substrate surface 56, and the textured substrate surface
56 can be located anywhere in the drum 30C.
[0086] The textured substrate surface 56 can be made of any
suitable materials. In addition to the examples provided above,
other examples of materials for the textured substrate surface 56
include, but are not limited to, woven materials, non-woven
materials, materials made of natural fibers, such as flax, cotton,
wool, and felt, materials made of artificial fibers, such as rayon,
acetate, nylon, polyester, triacetate, spandex, micro fibers, and
lyocell. Other examples of suitable materials for the textured
substrate surface 56 are provided below.
[0087] Optimally, the textured substrate surface 56 can be
substantially non-absorbing. However, a low-absorbing surface can
be used to approach the benefits of a non-absorbing surface, for
example, if the low-absorbing surface provides other benefits, such
as cost, durability, fabric care, or sound absorption, in addition
to its low absorbency. The textured substrate surface 56 can have
an open-cell structure, a closed-cell structure, or a combination
thereof, depending on a desired degree of absorbency attributable
to the textured substrate surface 56.
[0088] By "non-absorbing," it is meant that the material does not
substantially absorb moisture. In relative terms, the textured
substrate surface 56 that is non-absorbing will absorb less
moisture than an absorbing textured open-cell substrate surface.
The non-absorbing characteristics of the textured substrate surface
56 ensures that the substrate surface does not retain moisture
during the initial process whereby the fabric load 22 is dehydrated
and during the final phase when the fabric load 22 is rehydrated.
Furthermore, any specialized chemistry or treatment that is added
to the fabric load 22 during the process will be driven either into
contact with the fabric load 22 or out of the drum 30C rather than
being retained or trapped in the textured substrate surfaces 56,
such as those that line the inside surface 24 of the drum 30C.
Thus, use of the non-absorbing, textured substrate surface 56 can
improve the efficiency of the process in terms of utilization of
materials and time.
[0089] One purpose of the non-absorbing, textured substrate surface
56 is to provide a friction surface for imparting mechanical energy
to the tumbling fabric load 22 in order to disrupt loose
particulates, such as soils, hairs, and stains, from the surface of
the fabric articles in the fabric load 22. One of the advantages of
using the textured substrate surface 56 is a reduction in "button
clatter" during the tumbling of the fabric load 22 in the drum 30C,
owing to the intervening material between the fabric load 22 and
the front and back walls 66, 68 and the inside surface 24 of the
drum 30C. Because buttons of the fabric load 22 do not directly
contact the front and back walls 66, 68 and the inside surface 24,
which can be made of metal, of the drum 30C during the rotation of
the drum 30C, the integrity of the buttons is also retained.
[0090] The textured substrate surface 56 can draw particulates,
such as soils and hairs, away from the fabric load 22 and trap the
particulates. The removable pads 60 or the coverings 70 are one
type of the textured substrate surface 56 contemplated for use with
the process, and these textured substrate surfaces can be removed
from the drum 30C, such as for cleaning. Suitable cleaning
procedures for these materials can include washing in conventional
fabric washers and dishwashers, as well as vacuum cleaning, or
mechanical agitation.
[0091] Optionally, the textured substrate surface 56 can include
directional fibers similar to those found in a conventional lint
brush. For example, when the fabric articles in the fabric load 22
contact the directional fibers in one orientation, lint is removed
from the fabric. When the fabric articles in the fabric load 22
contact the directional fibers in the opposite orientation, lint is
removed from the textured substrate surface 56 as a collective
particulate matter and transferred to a lint filter 74, which will
be described in more detail below. Optionally, the textured
substrate surfaces 56 can be self-cleaning if the textured
substrate surfaces 56 contain break-away particulate surface
substructures that contain the entrapped particulate matter. The
break-away particulate surfaces can be suitably caught in the lint
filter 74 as part of the lint removed during the process.
Optionally, the non-absorbing, textured substrate surface 56 can be
subject to limited-use or single-use applications as disposable,
throw-away materials to reassure the consumer that the fabric
process is optimized for a particular fabric load.
[0092] The non-absorbing, textured substrate surface 56 can also
contain impregnated nanoparticles as well as a microparticulate
surface structure, encapsulated liquids, and other substructures
for impregnating fluids on the textured substrate surface 56. These
types of substructures can function as a fluid dispensing system
and can hold fragrances, perfumes, and/or specialized chemistries
that aid in the process to enhance the smell, feel, and appearance
of the fabrics or that impart to the fabric specific chemical
attributes, such as, for example, insect repellent or flame
retardant properties, as well as a variety of alternative
chemistries discussed infra under the section of this disclosure
entitled Delivery System. The nanoparticles and/or microparticles
can be activated by a variety of mechanisms, including changes in
temperature, pressure, and/or humidity, or by a mechanical
means.
[0093] The fluid dispensing system can comprise other means,
examples of which are illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In FIG. 6A,
the textured substrate surface 56 in the form of the pad 60
comprises an inner reservoir 62 inside the pad 60. The inner
reservoir 62 can store a supply of fluid that can be transferred to
the fabric load 22. The inner reservoir 62 can be a self-contained
chamber that is pre-filled with the fluid and inserted into the pad
60, or the inner reservoir 62 can be coupled to a fluid conduit 63
that extends from the inner reservoir 62 to the surface of the pad
60. In the latter case, a user can fill the inner reservoir 62 with
a desired fluid through the fluid conduit 63 and/or empty the inner
reservoir 62 through the fluid conduit 63. The fluid conduit 62 can
include a closure 63A, such as a screw-cap, to close the fluid
conduit 63 when not in use or for filling or draining the inner
reservoir 62. The pad 60 can further comprise a plurality of fluid
channels 61 configured to deliver the fluid from the inner
reservoir 62 to the surface of the pad 60. The fluid channels 61
can be designed to automatically, such as by capillary or wicking
action, draw the fluid to the surface the pad 60, or the fluid can
be forced through the fluid channels 61 as a result of mechanical
interaction with the fabric load 22, such as by the weight of the
fabric load 22 squishing the pad 60. Once the fluid is located at
the surface of the pad 60, the fluid can be transferred to the
fabric load 22 when the fabric load 22 contacts the pad 60.
[0094] FIG. 6B illustrates locating the inner reservoir 62 in one
of the baffles 54 to which the textured substrate surface 56 in the
form of the pad 60 is attached. The inner reservoir 62 can be
accessed through a fluid conduit 63, which has a closure 63A, for
filling and/or draining of the inner reservoir 62. The fluid in the
inner reservoir 62 can be delivered to the pad 60 through one or
more fluid delivery conduits 65 fluidly coupling the inner
reservoir 62 to the pad 60. The fluid can be pumped through the
fluid delivery conduit 65, or the fluid can flow through the fluid
delivery conduit 65 as a result of gravity as the drum 30C rotates.
Once the fluid reaches the pad 60, the fluid can be automatically
transported, such as by capillary or wicking action, to the surface
of the pad 60, or the fluid can be forced to the surface of the pad
60 as a result of mechanical interaction with the fabric load 22,
such as by the weight of the fabric load 22 squishing the pad 60.
Once the fluid is located at the surface of the pad 60, the fluid
can be transferred to the fabric load 22 when the fabric load 22
contacts the pad 60.
[0095] The textured substrate surface 56 can also be configured to
receive a solid form for delivering chemistry. In one embodiment,
the chemistry itself can be the solid form.
Heater Control:
[0096] Referring back to FIG. 4, the system can comprise a heater
76 fluidly coupled to the interior 32 of the drum 30C to heat air
flowing through the interior 32 of the drum 30C. The heater 76
illustrated in FIG. 4 having a plurality of sets of heating
elements 78 is one type of heater that can be used in the system.
For example, the heater 76 can include at least two sets of the
heating elements 78. According to one embodiment, the heater 76 can
quickly raise the temperature of the fabric load 22 from ambient
temperature (about 70.degree. F.) to a temperature substantially
higher than ambient temperature, including a temperature within a
temperature range from about 80.degree. F. to about 144.degree. F.
Additionally, the heater 76, according to one embodiment, can
quickly raise the temperature of the fabric load 22 from ambient
temperature (about 70.degree. F.) to a temperature equal to or less
than an upper maximum limit ranging from about 140.degree. F. to
about 145.degree. F. For example, the upper maximum limit can be
about 144.degree. F. This temperature maximum ensures that the
stains on fabrics do not denature, yet provides for efficient
dehydration of the fabrics and the elimination of odors and
wrinkles without fabric damage. Both sets of the heating elements
78 can be subject to independent regulation so that one set can be
shut off while leaving the second set on. The remaining set of
active heating elements 78 can provide continued heating for fabric
care during dehydration of the fabric load 22. For example, both
sets of the heating elements 78 can be employed to quickly raise
the temperature of the fabric load 22 to or near a predetermined
temperature, and after the predetermined temperature has been
reached, one set of the heating elements 78 can provide the
continued heating during the dehydration of the fabric load 22
while the other set of the heating elements 78 is turned off.
Operation of the heater 76, including one or more sets of the
heating elements 78, can be governed by a heater control, which is
discussed below.
[0097] In addition to dehydrating the fabric load 22, the heater 76
can be employed to revitalize the fabric load 22. For example, heat
can be applied to the fabric load 22 to minimize wrinkles and
odors. However, the amount of heat applied to the fabric load 22
must be controlled so as to prevent or reduce shrinkage of the
fabrics in the fabric load 22.
Air Flow:
[0098] According to one embodiment of the invention, a high rate of
air flow through the fabric load 22 in the drum 30C occurs during
the dehydration and cleaning phases of the refreshing process,
while little or no air flow through the fabric load 22 occurs
during the rehydration. Air flow can be accomplished using a
variety of means, including a fan, an air pump, an air compressor,
an air source, an air tank, and the like. Referring to FIG. 7, a
blower fan 80 connected to a regulated motor 82 is the illustrated
source of air flow in the system. Because most conventional
drum-based dryers contain a single motor that controls both drum
rotation and fan speed, the blower fan 80 can be connected to the
dedicated, independent motor 82. This preference is due to the fact
that the motor 52 that controls the speed and rotational direction
of the drum 30C does not always remain on during the times that the
operation of the blower fan 80 is required, and the same holds true
for the operation of the motor 82 for the blower fan 80 with
respect to the operation of the drum 30C.
[0099] The illustrated blower fan 80 can operate at variable
speeds, such as by variable speed operation of the motor 82, and
can provide a source of high throughput air movement through the
drum 30C. The variable speed control of the motor 82 for the blower
fan 80 ensures that the blower fan 80 is capable of moving a
constant air flow through the drum 30C despite the occurrence of
air restrictions that can develop at an air outlet 83, which
exhausts air from the drum 30C to the atmosphere. Furthermore, high
throughput air movement through the drum 30C ensures that
appropriate temperature reductions of the fabric load 22 are
achieved and that the particulates, such as the soils and hair, are
removed from the fabric load 22 and blown into the air outlet 83.
The motor 82 for the blower fan 80 can also be disengaged to stop
the blower fan 80 during the rehydration phase of the process.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B, the air flow leaving the
drum 30C can optionally be recirculated back to the drum 30C to
promote maximal saturation of the intake air from an air inlet 84
to the drum 30C with moisture before release of the air to
atmosphere via the air outlet 83. This can be accomplished in a
variety of ways known in the art, including rerouting the outlet
air back into the drum 30C through a recycle/recirculation loop 86
in fluid communication with the air inlet 84. Optionally, the
recycle loop 86 can fluidly communication with openings 90 within
the drum 30C for introducing the air into the drum 30C. The fluid
saturation of the recirculating air can be ascertained from
sensors, such as sensors 92, 94 located in the drum 30C or in the
recirculation loop 86, respectively, or from a timed or event
program derived from calculations. Optionally, the degree of fluid
saturation within the fabric load 22 can be ascertained with
sensors 98 affixed or focused onto the articles of the fabric load
22. Recirculation of the air flow thereby provides a means to
achieve decreased saturation of the fluid in the fabric load 22
during the dehydration phase of the revitalization process, or to
achieve increased saturation of the fluid in the fabric load 22
during the rehydration phase of the revitalization process. Thus,
during the rehydration phase, the fluid, which is carried by the
air, leaves the drum 30C and returns to the drum 30C through the
recycle loop 86 to achieve a desired saturation of the fluid in the
fabric load 22.
[0101] Referring particularly to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the recirculating
air passing through the recycle loop 86 can be passed through the
lint filter 74, which is described in more detail below. Valves 85
and 87 in the recycle loop 86 can be provided to control air flow
through the recycle loop 86. For example, the valve 85 can be
actuated to prevent outside air from entering the recycle loop 86,
as shown in FIG. 9A, so that only recirculating air in the recycle
loop 86 enters the drum 30C, or to allow outside air to enter the
recycle loop 86, as illustrated in FIG. 9B. The valve 87 can be
actuated to direct air from the drum 30C to the atmosphere or to
the recycle loop 86. The valves 85, 87 can have operating
conditions other than those illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. For
example, the valve 85 can be positioned to allow the recirculating
air from the recycle loop 86 as well as outside air to enter the
drum 30C.
Fluid Removal System:
[0102] Referring to FIG. 10, the fabric revitalization system can
include a dehydration or fluid removal system 100, which can be any
suitable system for dehydrating or removing fluid from the fabric
load 22. Exemplary embodiments for the fluid removal system include
air condensers, desiccants, steam-drying, electrostatic-drying,
microwave-drying, conduction, convection, radiation, and the
like.
[0103] One embodiment of the fluid removal system 100 is an air
convection system, such as that illustrated by the exemplary
arrangement shown in FIG. 10 and described herein. The exemplary
air convection system includes the heater 76 and the blower fan 80,
which function to create a heated air flow to the fabric load 22 in
the drum 30C. The heater 76 is disposed along the air flow system
to heat the air flow generated by the blower fan 80. A heater
control 102 controls the heater 76 to provide elevated temperature
to the fabric load 22 by heating the air supplied to the drum 30C
that holds the fabric load 22, while the speed-compensated air
blower fan 80 provides the high throughput air flow to the drum 30C
that holds the fabric load 22. The fluid removal system 100
therefore comprises the combination of the heater control 102 and
the blower fan 80 functionalities that provides for dehydration of
moisture contained in articles of the fabric load 22. As the heated
air contacts the fabric load 22, moisture is removed from the
fabric load 22 and carried out the air outlet 83.
[0104] The typical moisture content of the fabric load 22 prior to
subjecting clothing articles to a refreshing process is about 10%
(10 grams fluid per 100 grams fabric load). An exemplary moisture
content of the fabric load 22 following the dehydration phase is a
percentage within a range of about 0% to about 4%. For example, the
moisture content of fabric load 22 following the dehydration phase
can be about 1%, 2%, or 3%. According to one embodiment, the
moisture content of the fabric load 22 following the dehydration
phase is about 2%. Further, the moisture content of the fabric load
22 following the dehydration phase of a refreshing process,
according to one embodiment, is at least 1% lower than the moisture
content of an otherwise comparable fabric load that was not
subjected to the process. The time required to efficiently
dehydrate the fabric load 22 will vary as a function of several
factors, such as the humidity of the air entering the air
convection fluid removal system 100, air temperature, air pressure,
and the air flow rate in the drum 30C containing the fabric load
22.
Particulate Removal and Recovery:
[0105] Referring to FIG. 11, particulates, such as soils, stains,
malodors, and other materials (e.g., hair), can be removed from the
fabric load 22 through a combination of the textured substrate
surface 56 imparting mechanical energy to the fabric load 22, the
high air flow rate passing through the fabric load 22 in the drum
30C, and the clothes in the fabric load 22 opening up during
reversals of the drum 30C and/or varying the rotational speed of
the drum 30C. These particulates, such as the soils and other
materials, are carried out of the drum 30C by passing into the air
outlet 83 and are trapped in the air outlet 83 by a suitable filter
device, such as the lint filter 74.
[0106] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a conduit
104, which can be flexible, leading from the drum 30C to the air
outlet 83 is in fluid communication with a lint filter housing 106
for the lint filter 74. Large particulates can be captured by the
lint filter 74 to avoid the build-up of particulates on the
components, such as the blower fan 80, the heater 76, etc., in a
drying loop 108, which is a loop through which air flows and is
heated prior to entering the drum 30C. The lint filter housing 106
can also include a filter lock that is adapted to lock down and
seal the edges of the lint filter 74 when the revitalization
process is activated to avoid a breach of the closed system. In
addition, when the machine is deactivated, the consumer can clean
the lint filter 74 as one normally would do in traditional drying
machines. The lint filter 74 can also include a gasket at the
interface of the lint filter 74 and the outer housing 23 of the
enclosure 20.
[0107] While FIG. 11 depicts one of the lint filters 74, there can
be a plurality of the lint filters 74 in the air flow path to
collect as much particulates as possible, and the lint filters 74
can be located anywhere along any air path or recycle loop (e.g.,
86) that can be otherwise incorporated into the system design. The
lint filter housing 106 is in fluid communication with the air
blower fan 80 to facilitate movement of lint particulates from the
drum 30C, such as from the articles of the fabric load 22 or from
the textured substrate surface 56, to the lint filter 74 as the air
blower fan 80 operates.
[0108] Smaller particulate matter may pass through the lint filters
74 described supra. To prevent release of the smaller particulate
matter to the atmosphere external to the fabric revitalization
system, an additional smaller particulate filter as a final outlet
filter 114 can be installed in the enclosure 20, such as at the
outer housing 23, as illustrated in FIG. 12. For example, use of a
high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or an ultra low
penetration air (ULPA) filter as the final outlet filter 114 would
result in recovery of the smaller particulate matter.
[0109] Other suitable filters that can be used for particulate
removal and recovery include, but are not limited to a locked down
sealed edge filter; a filter for a vapor, a fog, and/or a colloidal
suspension; electrostatic filtering; filters impregnated with
catalysts for producing species/radicals for cleaning; filters
impregnated with reactants to chemically treat substances present
in air; neutralizing filters to remove a previous treatment; and an
air permeable matrix having a plurality of pores with a greatest
pore dimension in a range from about 0.10 micron to about 1500
microns.
[0110] The individual lint and smaller particulate filters 74, 114
can be accessible to the consumer for cleaning and/or replacement
as warranted following a revitalization process.
Delivery System:
[0111] Referring to FIG. 13, the system includes a means 120 for
delivering fluid (e.g., free fluid, available fluid, bound fluid,
non-aqueous fluid) from a fluid storage system into the chamber
26/drum 30C for rehydrating the fabric load 22 typically after the
dehydration and aeration are completed. Each of the fluid types and
varieties can be dispensed at different levels. For example, the
non-aqueous fluid level can be higher than the percentages
previously described. The fluid form can include any one or a
combination of the following: a liquid (e.g., organized liquid,
pure liquid dispensed in nanoparticulates or in encapsulated
microparticles, and the like); a mist (e.g., droplets produced from
a nebulizer, a sonifier, and the like); a fog; a vapor; a gas; a
foam (either a wet or dry foam); a steam; a solid (e.g., powders,
blocks, pouches, etc.); a semi-solid (e.g., paste, gel,
viscoelastic material, etc.); capillary channels; microparticulates
(e.g., nanoparticles, encapsulated microparticles, and the like); a
microemulsion; an electrostatic dispersant (e.g., ionizations);
multi-phase chemistries; or the like. A delivery medium comprising
a fluid (e.g., a vapor, a mist, a fog, a foam, a steam, or a
liquid) can use aqueous fluids, semi-aqueous fluids, non-aqueous
fluids, or a mixture of these fluids. These fluids can contain a
washing additive. The washing additive can be selected from the
group consisting of: builders, surfactants, enzymes, bleach
activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters, bleaches, alkalinity
sources, antibacterial agents, colorants, perfumes, pro-perfumes,
finishing aids, lime soap dispersants, composition malodor control
and removal agents, odor neutralizers, polymeric dye transfer
inhibiting agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy
metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial
agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents,
electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or
trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion
inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds
stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening
agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors,
suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, dye
fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle
reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, wrinkle release
agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen
agents, anti-fade agents, and mixtures thereof.
[0112] The fluid can be activated by any suitable means, such as
chemistry; changes in temperature (e.g., applying heat or a cooling
medium), light (e.g., photo-oxidation, photo-activation), pressure,
or humidity; or by a mechanical means.
[0113] Where the delivery medium comprises a fluid, such medium can
be delivered using a variety of chemical and mechanical processes,
including temperature, pressure, pH, acoustics, friction,
desolvation, dispersion, time-release, chemical
activation/deactivation, flocculation, sublimation, mechanical
action, and the like.
[0114] In general, the delivery means is a fluid management system
that can comprise a fluid storage system fluidly coupled to a fluid
conditioning system by a fluid transport system. The fluid
transport system transports fluid stored in the fluid storage
system to the fluid conditioning system, where the fluid is
conditioned. For example, the fluid can be conditioned by changing
the physical or chemical state or a physical or chemical property
of the fluid. The fluid can be conditioned in any of several ways,
such as by using a thermal energy generation device, a mechanical
energy generation device, an electrochemical energy generation
device, an electromagnetic energy generation device, and a chemical
energy generation device. After the fluid has been conditioned, a
fluid delivery system delivers the conditioned fluid to the drum
30C.
[0115] The delivery means 120 can comprise, for example, an
injector, a sprayer, a mister, a foamer, a steamer, a heater, a
vibrator, an agitator, an atomizer, a vapor insertion system, a
fluid insertion system, a multi-phase chemistry insertion system, a
nebulizer, and combinations thereof. The fluid delivery means 120
can also or alternatively comprise a device with capillary
channels, vortex tubes, a venturi, and means for fluid displacement
resulting from chemical reactions. For example, the delivery means
120 illustrated in FIG. 13 can comprise a nebulizer to produce a
liquid mist 124 that is transmitted onto and/or into the fabric
load 22 in the drum 30C.
[0116] FIGS. 14-18 illustrate an exemplary nebulizer circuit 122.
As shown most clearly in FIG. 17, the nebulizer circuit 122
comprises a nebulizer assembly 126 that includes a fluid tank 128
that holds a fluid source, a fluid level control 130, a fluid
reservoir 132, an air entry chamber 134, a fan 136, a power source
138, a mist generator in the form of a piezoelectric transducer
140, a logic control 142, a temperature control 144, and a fluid
flow control 146. The structure and function of each component is
described in detail below.
[0117] The fluid tank 128 holds fluid 148 that is destined to
become the mist 124. As used herein, the mist 124 refers to several
forms of the liquid, including a vapor and a spray. In this
embodiment, the fluid tank 128 can be considered as part of the
fluid storage system. For the purposes of rehydration of the fabric
load 22, the fluid 148 can be sterile water. For other treatments,
the fluid 148 can be an aqueous system, a non-aqueous system, or
mix-aqueous/non-aqueous solvent system and can include but is not
limited to one or more of the following alternative chemistries:
hydrating materials, dehydrating materials, hydrophilic agents,
hydrophobic agents, organic and inorganic solvents, dye fixer,
oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, electrolytic water,
and silver, reducing agents, fabric enhancer, color enhancer,
topical ointment/medicines, antibiotics, insect repellent, sun
protective agents, wrinkle resistance-imparting chemistries,
chemical activators/deactivators, perfumes, deodorizers,
fragrances, pheromones, aroma therapy treatments, sanitizers,
disinfectants, anti-static materials, electrostatic materials,
ionized fluids, phase change materials, surfactants, waxes, oils,
waterT-repellents, flame retardants, anti-microbial agents,
anti-bacterial agents, anti-fungal agents, anti-parasitic agents,
anti-viral agents, sheen enhancing agents, paint, ink, and dye
coloring and decoloring agents, polishing and restorative agents,
metal coatings, cellulose coatings, skin coatings, softening
agents, anti-static agents, pH-dependent chemistries, acids, bases,
detergents, multi-phase materials, foams, anti-corrosive agents,
radiation-protective agents, enzymes, nucleic acids, dust and
particulate repellents, pet hair or particulate attractants,
plastic coatings, leather restorative coatings, sugar-based
coatings, polymerizing agents, photoprotective coating, hydrocarbon
repellents, hydrocarbon attractants, and the like, as well as
combinations of any of the foregoing.
[0118] In one embodiment, the fluid tank 128 can be filled with the
desired amount of fluid 148 and substantially hermetically sealed.
Any sealing means known in the art that provides a substantially
hermetically sealed container can be used. As an example, a
lure-lock rubber casketed sealing means can be used to provide a
substantially hermetically sealed enclosure for the fluid tank 128.
The fluid tank 128 can be removably received within a fluid tank
base 152 disposed above the fluid reservoir 132. When the fluid
tank 128 is received within the fluid tank base 152, the fluid tank
128 fluidly communicates with the fluid reservoir 132 via the fluid
level control 130.
[0119] The fluid level control 130 contains a controllable fluid
tank outlet 154 that can be actuated upon placement of the fluid
tank 128 into the fluid reservoir 132. The fluid 148 from the fluid
tank 128 fills the fluid reservoir 132 until the desired level of
the fluid 148 in the fluid reservoir 132 is achieved. In the
exemplary embodiment, a sensor, such as a mechanical sensor,
associated with the fluid tank outlet 154 can detect the desired
level of the fluid 148 inside the fluid reservoir 132. The fluid
tank outlet 154 can shut off or close when the fluid reservoir 132
is filled to the desired level with the fluid 148. The fluid tank
128 can optionally be vented to provide ambient pressure conditions
as the fluid 148 from the fluid tank 128 flows to the fluid
reservoir 132. The fluid reservoir 132 that holds the fluid 148 can
also be considered as part of the fluid storage system.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 16-18, nebulizer controls 158 can be
attached to a base 160 of the fluid reservoir 132. The base 160 of
the fluid reservoir 132 forms a well that holds the fluid 148
supplied from the fluid tank 128 and includes a cutout or opening
to accommodate the piezoelectric transducer 140, which is supported
by a metallic plate 161 operatively coupled to the nebulizer
controls 158. Thus, the piezoelectric transducer 140 is in fluid
communication with the fluid 148 in the fluid reservoir 132 through
the cutout in the base 160. The nebulizer controls 158 encompasses
the necessary power source 138, the logic control 142, the
temperature control 144, and the fluid flow control 146 to operate
the piezoelectric transducer 140 and the associated fan(s) 136.
[0121] The piezoelectric transducer 140 is powered by a high output
transistor circuit 162. Because the transistor circuit 162 produces
substantial heat output during its normal operation, a heat sink
164 can be utilized to prevent overheating and destruction of the
transistor circuit 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat
sink 164 is in the form of a metallic ring that surrounds the
piezoelectric transducer 140, and the transistor circuit 162 is
thermally coupled to the heat sink 164 via the metallic plate 161.
As a result, the transistor circuit 162 is thermally coupled to the
fluid 148 in the fluid reservoir 132 to provide adequate heat
dissipation. The heat generated by the transistor circuit 162
conducts through the metallic plate 161 and the heat sink 164 to
the fluid 148 in the fluid reservoir 132.
[0122] In the event that the fluid reservoir 132 runs low on the
fluid 148 or becomes depleted altogether of the fluid 148, a fluid
level sensor 166 associated with the fluid reservoir 132 can be
included. The fluid level sensor 166 can be coupled to the logic
control 142 and the temperature control 144. The logic control 142
can utilize feedback from the fluid level sensor 166 to determine
if a sufficient amount of the fluid 148 is present in the fluid
reservoir 132 and communicate with the fluid flow control 130 to
provide instructions to fill the fluid reservoir 132 to a desired
level if there is not a sufficient amount of the fluid 148 present
in the fluid reservoir 132. The temperature control 144 can utilize
the feedback from the fluid level sensor 166 and cut off the power
to the transistor circuit 162 if the amount of the fluid 148 in the
fluid reservoir 132 is not sufficient.
[0123] The temperature control 144 can also optionally communicate
with a temperature sensor associated with the transistor 162. Using
feedback from the temperature sensor, the temperature control 144
can determine if the temperature of the transistor 162 is too high
and cut off power to the transistor 162 to protect the transistor
162 from overheating. Furthermore, the temperature control 144 can
optionally communicate with a temperature sensor configured to
sense a temperature of the fluid 148 in the fluid reservoir 132 or
fluid tank 128 and utilize the sensed temperature to control
operation of an optional heater configured to heat the fluid 148.
The heater can comprise any suitable heater, such as an immersion
heater located in the fluid reservoir 132 or the fluid tank 128, a
heat source embedded in the fluid reservoir 132 or in the fluid
tank 128, or an in-line heater that heats the fluid 148 as it flows
from the fluid tank 128 to the fluid reservoir 132.
[0124] With continued reference to FIGS. 16-18, an air flow chamber
or channel 168 is situated in an interstitial space 180 formed
between the fluid tank 128 and the fluid reservoir 132,
particularly between the fluid tank base 152 and the fluid
reservoir 132. At least one of the fans 136 communicates with the
interstitial space 180, which is in fluid communication with an air
space 186 outside the nebulizer assembly 126 via the air entry
chamber 134. The air entry chamber 134 in the illustrated
embodiment is formed in the fluid tank base 152, and the fan 136 is
received within the air entry chamber 134.
[0125] Initiation of the nebulizer circuit 122 results in
activation of the piezoelectric transducer 140 and production of
the mist 124 at the surface of the fluid 148 in the fluid reservoir
132. The piezoelectric transducer 140 generates ultrasonic waves
that energize through the fluid 148 and result in generation of the
mist 124 at the surface of the fluid 148 when the ultrasound waves
encounter the air at the surface of the fluid 148. Activation of
the fan 136 draws air into the air flow channel 168 of the
nebulizer assembly 126 and across surface of the fluid 148 in the
fluid reservoir 132 that contains mist 124, and carries the mist
124 from the air flow channel 168 through a fluid transport system
comprising a transition assembly 188 that connects the nebulizer
assembly 126 to the drum 30C that contains the fabric load 22. The
fluid flow control 146 controls the operation of the fan 136 to
control the flow of the mist 124 to the drum 30C. In particular,
the fluid flow control 146 sets the speed of the fan 136, which
affects the speed at which the mist 124 is delivered to the drum
30C and the rate at which the mist 124 moistens the fabric load 22
in the drum 30C. The set speed of the fan 136 can depend on several
factors, including, but not limited to, the rate of mist
generation, the volume of mist generated, and the density of the
fluid 148 used to create the mist 124.
[0126] The transition assembly 188 preferably comprises a bulkhead
outlet 190, a sump 192, a connection 194 in the form of a channel
between the bulkhead outlet 190 and the sump 192, wherein a slight
elevation exists in the connection 194 from the sump 192 to the
bulkhead outlet 190, and a sump pump 198. A screen 200 associated
with the bulkhead outlet 190 provides enhanced dispersion of the
mist 124 into the interior 32 of the drum 30C that contains the
fabric load 22. Furthermore, the screen 200 can include openings
202 of sufficient size to prevent accumulated mist 124 from
covering the openings 202 and blocking the bulkhead outlet 190 yet
prevent lint and debris from the drum 30C from entering the
transition assembly. According to one embodiment, the arrangement
of the openings 202 in the screen 200 includes a geometrical
configuration to promote the movement of collected mist
124/condensation to travel away from the bulkhead outlet 190 to the
sump 192 or the fluid reservoir 132. In this manner, any trapped
mist 124 or other condensation at the bulkhead outlet 190 will be
channelled to the sump 192 or the fluid reservoir 132. Finally, the
sump pump 198 facilitates moving the condensation by pumping the
condensation in the sump 192 to the fluid reservoir 132.
[0127] The fluid storage system can have embodiments other than the
reservoir. For example, the fluid storage system could be a
containment-type fluid storage system similar to a hard-sided
container or a soft sides pouch. The hard-sided container can
resemble a cartridge, and the fluid to be dispensed can be
contained within the cartridge. The chemistry alone can be
contained in the cartridge and/or the soft sides pouch and can be
coupled with an in-line fluid valve that can help to dilute the
chemistry prior to contact with the fabric load.
[0128] Optionally, the nebulizer assembly 126 can comprise a
sanitization means to inhibit or prevent the growth of bacteria,
fungi, and other unsanitary micro-organisms or microbes. For
example, the sanitization means can be in the form of a material
embedded into or coated onto one or more surfaces of the nebulizer
assembly 126. Exemplary surfaces of the nebulizer assembly 126 that
are especially conducive to growth of micro-organisms include
surfaces of the fluid reservoir 132, the air flow channel 168, the
fluid tank 128, and the transition assembly 188. While the
sanitization means can comprise any suitable material, examples of
sanitization materials include materials comprising silver ions,
titanium dioxide, and other oxides. Further exemplary means of
sanitizing the nebulizer assembly are discussed infra in the
section of this disclosure titled Sanitization Processes.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 19, which illustrates the embodiment of
the nebulizer assembly 126 shown as the fluid delivery means 120 in
FIG. 13, a dedicated pump 204 can be used to pump the fluid 148
from the fluid tank 128 into the fluid reservoir 132. In this
embodiment, the pump 204 can be considered to be the fluid level
control. Additionally, the fluid reservoir 132 of this embodiment
is modified to include an enclosed air channel 206 and an
associated fan 208 for moving the mist 124 created by the
piezoelectric transducer 140 to the drum 30C that contains the
fabric load 22. The enclosed air channel 206 incorporates the
bulkhead outlet 190 to the drum 30C, thereby eliminating the need
for the transition assembly 188. However, the nebulizer assembly
126 of FIG. 19 can be modified to include the transition assembly
188. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the nebulizer circuit 122 can
reside inside the enclosure 20, wherein the fluid tank 128 is not
hermetically sealed. The fluid tank 128 can be vented to provide
ambient pressure conditions as the pump 204 moves the fluid 148
from the fluid tank 128 to the fluid reservoir 132.
[0130] The dedicated pump 204 permits physical and spatial
decoupling of the fluid tank 128 from the fluid reservoir 132. As
used herein, the physical and spatial decoupling/separation of the
fluid tank 128 and the fluid reservoir 132 refers to the ability to
physically locate the fluid tank 128 in a location, either within
or exterior to the enclosure 20, that is different than the
location of the fluid reservoir 132. Even though the fluid tank 128
and the fluid reservoir 132 can be located apart from one another,
the fluid tank 128 and the fluid reservoir 132 are fluidly coupled
to one another, such as through a conduit 205, so that the fluid
148 in the fluid tank 128 can be provided to the fluid reservoir
132, such as with the assistance of the pump 204. The physical
separation of the fluid tank 128 and the fluid reservoir 132 offers
advantages in the operation of the nebulizer assembly 126. Such
advantages include ease of servicing the nebulizer assembly 126,
the facile replenishment of the fluid 148 into the nebulizer
assembly 126, and greater hygienic control of the components of the
nebulizer assembly 126 and the associated fluid 148, as elaborated
below. By uncoupling the fluid tank 128 from the remaining portion
of the nebulizer assembly 126, the fluid tank 128 can be situated
elsewhere in enclosure 20 to provide greater aesthetic and/or
ergonomic appeal. Furthermore, the remaining components of the
nebulizer assembly 126 can be isolated from external environment to
promote greater protection from bacterial or fungal contamination.
For example, the fluid reservoir 132 can be emptied using the
dedicated pump 204 by redirecting the fluid 148 from the fluid
reservoir 132 back to the fluid tank 148 following a refreshing
process. In this case, the pump 204 can be a pump, such as a
peristaltic pump, capable of reversing the direction of fluid flow.
Optionally, the pump 204 can be used to flush the fluid reservoir
132 with a bacterial disinfectant to sanitize the fluid reservoir
132 between uses.
[0131] To accommodate the use of more than one fluid with the
nebulizer assembly 126, the nebulizer assembly can comprise a
manifold 170, as illustrated in the alternative embodiment of FIG.
20. The embodiment shown in FIG. 20 is similar to the embodiment of
FIG. 19, except that the former comprises the manifold 170, a
plurality of the fluid tanks 128 and associated dedicated pumps
204. The manifold 170 fluidly couples each of the fluid tanks 128
to the fluid reservoir 132, and each of the fluid tanks 128 has a
corresponding dedicated pump 204 to pump the fluid 148 from the
respective fluid tank 128 to the manifold 170.
[0132] The fluid tanks 128 can each store a different fluid that
can be used during different stages of the revitalization process
or to clean or rinse the fluid reservoir 132 between usage of
differing fluids. For example, with the configuration shown in FIG.
20, two of the fluid tanks 128, such as a first fluid tank 128A and
a second fluid tank 128B, can store differing fluids, such as first
revitalization fluid 148A and a second revitalization fluid 148B,
respectively, that are employed at different times during the
revitalization process, while the other tank 128, such as a third
fluid tank 128C, can store a rinse fluid 148C. During the
revitalization process, a first pump 204A for the first fluid tank
128A can deliver the first revitalization fluid 148A to the
manifold 170 for introduction into the fluid reservoir 132. After
use of the first revitalization fluid, the first pump 204A can pump
the first revitalization fluid 148A back to the first fluid tank
128. Next, the rinse fluid 148C from the third fluid tank 128C can
be pumped by a third pump 204C to the fluid reservoir 132 through
the manifold 170 to rinse the fluid reservoir 132. The used rinse
fluid 148C can be drained from the fluid reservoir 132 or pumped
back to the third fluid tank 128C by the third pump 204C.
Thereafter, the second revitalization fluid 148B can be pumped by a
second pump 204B to the fluid reservoir 132 through the manifold
170. After use of the second revitalization fluid 148B, any excess
can be pumped back to the second fluid tank 128B by the second pump
204B.
[0133] Optionally, the fluids can be mixed in the fluid reservoir
132 or in the manifold 170 prior to entrance to the fluid reservoir
132. Further, rather than each of the fluid tanks 128 having a
dedicated pump 204, it is within the scope of the invention for the
fluid tanks 128 to share a single pump, which can be located
between the manifold 170 and the fluid reservoir 132. It is also
within the scope of the invention to employ a single fluid tank
capable of storing more than one fluid rather than using multiple
separate tanks. Additionally, the manifold 170 can be omitted and
replaced by separate inlets for each of the fluids into the fluid
reservoir. In another embodiment, each fluid can have an associated
nebulizer assembly 126 rather than the fluids sharing a single
nebulizer assembly 126.
[0134] The use of multiple fluids with the nebulizer assembly 126
has been described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 20;
however, it is within the scope of the invention to modify the
nebulizer assembly of FIGS. 14-18 or any other nebulizer assembly
to accommodate the use of multiple fluids.
[0135] The fluid delivery system can further comprise an ionizer,
which can be a stand alone device or can be used in conjunction
with the nebulizer assembly 126. The ionizer purifies fluids,
including liquids and gases, with ions as the fluid passes through
the ionizer. The ions function to neutralize odors and kill or
remove potentially harmful micro-organisms and microbes from the
fluid. As a result, the ionizer refreshes and purifies the fluid,
whether fluid in the form of the mist 124 from the nebulizer
assembly 126 or other fluid, prior to entrance to the chamber
26.
[0136] To be clear, the exemplary delivery systems described
hereinabove are exemplary systems for the chemistry currently
contemplated by the inventors. It will be appreciated that an
alternative chemistry can be selected for use in a revitalization
system of the present invention, including a chemistry subsequently
formulated to optimize the operation of the revitalization system.
The chemistry can be deliverable in liquid, gaseous, steam,
particulate, or other form. The chemistry form can be transient.
For example, if the chemistry is available but is too high in
viscosity for optimal use, it can be heated at the point of
application to the fabric load 22 as to reduce viscosity.
Similarly, if available in particle form, the particles can be
applied entrained in air so that they will behave more like a
fluid. Furthermore, chemistries can be applied sequentially, as
required, to obtain optimal results.
Sensors:
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 21, various sensors, such as the
sensors 92, 94, can be located along any path, including at or near
the air inlet 84, at or near the air outlet 83, in the
recirculation or recycle path 86, inside the chamber 26/drum 30C,
attached to or in association with the fabric load 22, and inside
or near the nebulizer assembly 126, including the fluid tank 128,
the fluid reservoir 132, the air flow channel 168, the sump 192,
and at the bulkhead outlet screen 200.
[0138] For example, temperature and humidity sensors can be
associated with the chamber 26 to monitor the temperature and
moisture content of the fabric load 22. Other sensors can include a
single pressure sensor to monitor the pressure at a given point.
Other sensors can include leak sensors to sense for fluid leaks;
flow rate sensors or meters to measure the quantity of fluid or
quantity of air that has moved past the flow meter point or to
monitor air restrictions; a weight sensor to estimate the size of
the fabric load 22; sensors to indicate when the machine is
deactivated so that the consumer can interact with it (e.g., ready
to clean the lint and smaller particulate filters 74, 114, ready to
refill the fluid tank 128; ready to load/unload the fabric load 22,
etc.).
[0139] Other sensors that are considered within the spirit of the
invention include any type of sensor that can detect a physical
property of the environment in the chamber 26. Such sensors
include, but are not limited to, temperature, pressure, humidity,
force, torque, acceleration, inertia, mass, frequency, vapor,
moisture, oxygen, CO, CO.sub.2, electrical conduction, enzyme
level, aqueous and/or non-aqueous solvent vapor level, turbidity,
optical spectrum, ultrasonic, shaped electromagnetic field (SEF),
float sensing, laser deflection, petrotape (for petroleum and
fuels) chemtape (for chemicals and petro-chemicals), electric field
imaging, capacitance, resistance, pH, non-dispersive infrared,
solid state, acoustic wave, oxidation-reduction potential, metal
oxide semiconductor sensors, etc.
User Interface and Control:
[0140] Referring back to FIG. 1, the revitalization system can
include a user interface and control 210 that provides information,
such as status information and safety or emergency information,
representative of the fabric revitalization system. While
illustrated in the front right corner of the enclosure 20 in FIG. 1
for ease of illustration, it will be appreciated that the user
interface and control 210 can be located elsewhere on the enclosure
10, such as elsewhere on the front of the enclosure 20, on top of
the enclosure 20, or on the door, as is well known in the art. The
user interface and control 210 preferably includes a control panel
212 to communicate the information representative of the
revitalization system. For example, the information can be status
information, such as time remaining, cycle step, and unbalanced
load information. The information can also be different types of
safety or emergency information, such as blocked conduits, valve
failure, clogged filters, breach of the closed system, fluid leak,
fluid level, pressure drops, temperature increase, chemical
leakage, etc. After receiving the information from the control
panel 212, the user can interact with the control panel 212 to send
information, such as control signals, including turn-on signals,
shut-off signals, and a command to delay or start of all or part of
the process. The control panel 212 can also store any information
in a memory storage unit 214 so that the information can be
retrieved later. For example, the information can relate to the
type of fabric in the fabric load 22. Clothing articles of a
particular fabric type (e.g., silk) can have specific process
parameters that differ from parameters used for clothing articles
composed of a different fabric material (e.g., cotton or wool).
Additionally, bar code readers, RFID readers, and outer short
distance communication means can be utilized to communicate
information about the garment. For example, the user interface and
control 210 or other suitable component of the machine can
incorporate the reader, while garment packaging, a container
holding the garment, the garment itself, or some other object
associated with the garment can include a corresponding data
storage medium, such as a bar code and a RFHD tag, containing the
information regarding the garment. Upon receiving the information,
the user interface and control 210 can utilize the information for
various purposes, such as expanding or upgrading cycles. The
information can be useful for creating fabric-specific
revitalization profiles. Furthermore, other types of information
beneficial during servicing and machine diagnostics can be stored
in the user interface and control 210.
[0141] The user interface and control 210 can further comprise a
control 213 that can be separate from or integrated with the memory
storage unit 214. The control 213 communicates with the control
panel 212 and the memory storage unit 214 and controls various
components of the fabric revitalization system to execute the
revitalization method.
Vacuum System:
[0142] Referring to FIG. 22, the system can contain an optional
vacuum system comprising a vacuum source 216. Reduced pressure
within the chamber 26/drum 30C due to the vacuum source 216
promotes removal of particulates, such as soils, from the articles
in the fabric load 22. The vacuum source 216 provides adequate
levels of air suction to substantially reduce the pressure within
the chamber 26. The vacuum source 216 can be optionally configured
as part of a separate air flow circuit 218 independent of the air
inlet 84, the air outlet 83, and the recycle/recirculation path 86.
In this case, the air flow circuit 218 can contain the lint filter
74 or other suitable filter to trap particulates, such as soils and
other matter, removed from the chamber 26. In one embodiment, the
vacuum source 216 can be configured as part of an air outlet system
so that particulates, such as soils and other matter, that are
removed from the chamber 26 are caught in the lint filter 74 or
other suitable filter after or upon leaving the chamber 26.
Moisture Level Control:
[0143] A moisture level of the fabric load 22 can be controlled by
controlling the pressure and temperature of the chamber 26. For
example, the vacuum source 216 can used to control the pressure
inside the chamber 26, and a refrigerant system can be used to
control the temperature inside the chamber 26 and of the fabric
load 22. The vacuum source 216 and the refrigerant system can be
used separately or in combination with one another for a
synergistic effect. Other means can be used to control the pressure
and/or temperature. Examples of means for controlling the
temperature include a heat pump, an air condenser, and the air flow
system either alone or in combination with the heater 76.
[0144] The moisture level of the fabric can also be controlled by
chemical or mechanical means. For example, the fabric load 22 can
be exposed to or coated with a chemistry that limits the amount of
moisture that the fabric can absorb or increases the amount of
moisture that the fabric can absorb. Further, the drum 30C can be
rotated to tumble the fabric load 22, which opens the fabric load
22 to expose more surfaces of the fabric load 22 to the moisture,
which increases the moisture level, or to a heated or unheated air
flow through the chamber 26, which decreases the moisture
level.
Stain Removal Station:
[0145] Certain stains in fabrics of the fabric load 22 can require
pre-treatment in order to facilitate their removal. The
pre-treatment can be targeted, localized, or manual by nature.
Referring to FIGS. 23, 24, and 25A-25D, the illustrated embodiments
include an integrated stain treatment station 224 to facilitate
stain and spot removal. The stain treatment station 224 can be
fitted with different chemistries for administration to articles of
the fabric load 22. The chemistries administered to the fabric
articles depend upon the type of stain or spot impregnated on the
fabric.
[0146] In the example illustrated in FIG. 23, the stain treatment
station 224 includes a work surface 226 fitted into a recess 225 in
the top of the enclosure 20 of the fabric revitalizing system. A
storage compartment 228 for storing one or more pre-treatment
fluids is recessed into the top and is selectively enclosed by a
door 229. The fabric to be treated can be placed on the work
surface 226 and treated with the one or more pre-treatment fluids
stored in the storage compartment 228. The one or more
pre-treatment fluids can be dispensed from the storage compartment
228 in any suitable manner, such as by a wand, which is described
in more detail below.
[0147] In the example illustrated in FIG. 24, the stain treatment
station 224 includes a work surface 226 integrated into the top of
the enclosure 20 of the fabric revitalizing system. A fluid
reservoir 227 configured to store one or more fluids is recessed
into the top of the enclosure 20 and is designed to selectively
supply the one or more fluids via a conduit 222 to a dispensing
device 231, such as a wand, that can be movably mounted to the top
of the enclosure 20. The fabric to be treated can be placed on the
work surface 226 and treated with the one or more fluids stored in
the fluid reservoir 227 through the dispensing device 231.
[0148] In the example illustrated in FIG. 25A, the stain treatment
station 224 is located within the enclosure 20 along an upper edge
region of the enclosure 20 and to one side of the drum 30C. The
station treatment station 224 is oriented generally parallel to a
longitudinal axis A of the drum 30C. However, it is within the
scope of the invention for the stain treatment station 224 to be
positioned in any suitable location in the enclosure and to have
any orientation relative to the drum 30C.
[0149] The stain treatment station 224 comprises a front panel 234
generally flush with a front face of the enclosure 20 and a movable
door 229 generally flush with a top face of the enclosure when the
door 229 is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 25A. The door
229 of the illustrated embodiment can pivot between the closed
position of FIG. 25A to an opened position of FIG. 25B to enable
access to a compartment 228 having a first pocket 240 that holds a
removable fluid reservoir 227 configured to store a supply of
treatment fluid or stain treatment agent and a second pocket 242
that holds a retractable treatment fluid dispenser 231 in the form
of a wand 244 connected to a flexible hose 246. The wand 244 and
the hose 246 can be extended from the second pocket 242 to treat a
stain on a fabric item and retracted into the second pocket 242 for
storage. The treatment fluid dispenser 231 is fluidly coupled to
the fluid reservoir 227, such as through a first supply hose 248
and a second supply hose 250 located below the compartment 228, as
illustrated in FIGS. 25C and 25D. The first supply hose 248
transports the treatment fluid from the fluid reservoir 227 to a
pump 252, which pumps the treatment fluid through the second supply
hose 250 to the treatment fluid dispenser 231. The wand 244 can be
configured to dispense the treatment fluid in any suitable manner,
such as by spraying, pouring, or misting the treatment fluid.
[0150] The stain treatment station 224 further comprises a work
surface 226 horizontally slidable from a retracted position within
the enclosure 20 below the compartment 228, as shown in FIG. 25A,
to an extended position forwardly of the enclosure 20, as
illustrated in FIG. 26B. Referring again to FIG. 25C, the work
surface 226 is supported by and moves along a slide 238 located
below the compartment 228. The work surface 226 can be in the form
of shelf, drawer, or the like. The work surface 226 of the
illustrated embodiment comprises an upwardly open, hollow main body
254 and a perforated surface 256, which can be a mesh material,
disposed above the main body 254 to close the main body 254. A work
surface front panel 258 with an integrally formed handle 260 is
attached to or formed integrally with the main body 254. The handle
260 facilitates movement of the work surface 226 between the
retracted and extended positions. When the work surface 226 is in
the retracted position, the work surface front panel 258 can be
generally flush with a front surface of the enclosure 20, as shown
in FIG. 25A.
[0151] Referring again to FIG. 25C, a vacuum cavity 262 formed
between the main body 254 and the perforated surface 256 is fluidly
coupled to a vacuum source 264 located below the compartment 228
via a drain conduit 266. As shown in FIG. 25D, the stain treatment
station 224 further includes a waste conduit 268 that couples the
vacuum source 264 to an external drain.
[0152] To use the stain treatment station 224, the user pulls the
work surface 226 forwardly from the enclosure 20 to expose the
perforated surface 256. Optionally, the stain treatment station 224
can be configured to automatically activate the vacuum source 264
and/or the pump 252 when the work surface 226 is extended from the
enclosure 20, such as when the work surface 226 is extended a
predetermined distance from the enclosure 20. The stain treatment
station 224 can include a control system to accomplish the
automatic activation of the vacuum source 264 and/or the pump 252.
Alternatively, the vacuum source 264 and/or the pump 252 can be
activated manually, such as by the user actuating a switch. Next,
the user places the fabric item on the perforated surface 256 and
applies the treatment fluid to the fabric item on the perforated
surface 256 through the treatment fluid dispenser 231. In
particular, the pump 252 pumps the treatment fluid from the fluid
reservoir 227, through the first supply hose 248, and through the
second supply hose 250 to the flexible hose 246 and the wand 244.
The vacuum generated by the vacuum source 264 pulls the treatment
fluid applied to the fabric item through the perforated surface
256. The vacuum can also draw particulates in addition to fluids
from the fabric item. The treatment fluid enters the vacuum cavity
262 and flows through the drain conduit 266 toward the vacuum
source 264. The drained treatment fluid leaves the stain treatment
station 224 via the waste conduit 268. When the treatment of the
fabric item is complete, the user removes the fabric item from the,
perforated surface 256 and returns the work surface 226 to the
retracted position in the enclosure 20. Optionally, the vacuum
source 264 and/or the pump 252 can be disabled or deactivated, such
as by the control system, upon returning the work surface 226 to
the retracted position. Alternatively, the user can manually
deactivate the vacuum source 264 and/or the pump 252, such as by
actuating the aforementioned switch.
[0153] Optionally, the treatment fluid dispenser 231 can be fluidly
connected to both the fluid reservoir 227 and a source of water in
any suitable form, such as liquid, steam, or vapor. As an example,
the stain treatment station 224 can be plumbed into a water source
for the fabric revitalizing system in the enclosure 20. The
treatment fluid dispenser 231 can be configured to dispense the
treatment fluid, the water in any of the forms, and a mixture of
the treatment fluid and the water. Furthermore, the stain treatment
station 224 can be configured condition the treatment fluid and/or
the water, such as by heating, cooling, mixing, and cavitating,
prior to application to the fabric item.
[0154] The stain treatment station 224 can further include a heat
source and a means for applying heat to the fabric item. The heat
from the heat source can facilitate removal of stains from the
fabric items. The stain treatment station 224 can also be
configured to include a means for applying pressure to the fabric
item to facilitate removal of stains from the fabric items.
[0155] It will be appreciated that the stain treatment station 224
could alternatively or additionally include multiple fluid
dispensers (including dispensers that dispense hot or cold water)
as well as other fabric treatment systems to supply, for example,
heat, cooling medium, moving air, steam, vapor, friction, pressure,
light, or other desired inputs to the fabric load 22 as part of a
pre-treatment operation.
[0156] The illustrated embodiment of the revitalizing system in
FIGS. 25A and 25B further includes an optional ironing board 270.
The ironing board 270 can be movable relative the enclosure 20,
such as by being mounted on a support 272 slidably mounted within
the enclosure 20. Further, the ironing board 270 can be slidable
relative to the support 272 to extend the ironing board 270 after
the slidably support is slid forwardly relative to the enclosure
20, as shown in FIG. 25B. The support 272 can be coupled to a front
panel 274 that can pivot relative to the support 272 to accommodate
forward movement of the ironing board 270. It is within the scope
of the invention for the ironing board 270 to be movable relative
to the enclosure 20 in other manners, such as by pivoting
movement.
[0157] Typically, an article of clothing subjected to stain
pre-treatment at the stain treatment station 224 can be allowed to
set for a predetermined period of time prior to being subjected to
a refreshing process. The predetermined period of time enables the
chemistries in the treatment fluid applied to the fabric load 22 by
the stain treatment station 224 to dissolve or disrupt the
interactions between the molecules comprising the stain or spot and
the fabric fibers. Once the pre-treatment predetermined period of
time is complete, the fabric load 22 can then be subjected to the
refreshing process, whereby the debris associated with the stain or
spot is removed from the article as other soils and particulates
are removed.
Sanitization Processes:
[0158] According to one embodiment, it is highly desirable to have
the refreshing process render the fabric load 22 sanitized, whereby
the fabric load 22 is rendered free of microbial content,
substantially free of microbial content, or having a reduced
microbial content. When the fabric load 22 is to be sanitized,
every component of the revitalization system in fluid communication
with the chamber 26 and the fabric load 22 contained therein can be
subject to sanitization measures that are directed at reducing or
eliminating microbial content. The fluid delivery system represents
one of the most critical areas for controlling microbial content,
as the fluid delivery system introduces moisture into the fabric
load 22 during the rehydration phase of the revitalization process.
The rehydration of the fabric load 22 occurs as the final phase
during the revitalization process and provides the fabric load 22
with its final appearance prior to wearing. Thus, the sanitization
status of the components of the fluid delivery system will directly
contribute to whether the fabric load 22 is in a sanitized
condition after the rehydration phase.
[0159] Methods of reducing the microbial content include, but are
not limited to: glutaraldehyde tanning, formaldehyde tanning at
acidic pH, propylene oxide or ethylene oxide treatment, gas plasma
sterilization, gamma radiation, electron beam processes,
ultraviolet radiation, peracetic acid sterilization, thermal (heat
or cold) treatment, chemical (antibiotics, microcides, cations,
quaternary amine, etc.) treatment, mechanical (acoustic energy,
structural disruption, filtration, etc.) treatment, coating the
components/parts with silver or silver ions, ozone treatment,
microtexturing the intersurface, and combinations thereof. When the
sanitizing process includes applying heat or fluids, the
sanitization can be controlled by controlling the amount and rate
of heat application and fluid dispersion.
[0160] The components, such as the fluid tank 128, the fluid
reservoir 132, the air entry chamber 134, the air flow channel
168/206, the fan(s) 136/208, the piezoelectric transducer 140, and
various fluid flow controls 146, of the fluid delivery system that
are accessible to air can be treated with conventional
disinfectants, such as ozone (O.sub.3).
Alternative Preferred Embodiments that Employ Principles of
Component Modularity
[0161] Though the invention contemplates several embodiments that
contain all the components necessary for fabric revitalization
within a single enclosure, the present invention also contemplates
a modular construction to achieve unification of the components
necessary to carry out the disclosed process.
[0162] With reference to FIGS. 26A and 26B, the present invention
contemplates that the components necessary for carrying the fabric
revitalization method can be located in one or more additional
enclosures that comprise a functional module 230 separate from the
enclosure 20 that contains the fabric load 22.
[0163] Referring particularly to FIG. 26B, the functional module
230 can be in fluid communication with the enclosure 20 that
contains the fabric load 22 via appropriate conduits 232, such as a
first conduit 232A and a second conduit 232B. The principles of
modularity thereby enable a consumer to adapt a conventional fabric
processing machine lacking components necessary for the fabric
revitalization process with the functional module 230 to
effectively upgrade the conventional fabric processing machine to
accomplish fabric revitalization process of the instant invention.
In particular, for example, the functional module 230 can contain
fluid reservoirs, pumps, heaters, atomizers, coolers, and other
functional components used to provide the required fluids, via the
conduits 232, to the revitalizing system. The functional module 230
can also contain appropriate controls and sensors useful in the
carrying out the revitalization method.
[0164] In one embodiment, the functional module 230 can comprise a
fluid delivery system 235 and a fluid removal system 236 similar to
the fluid delivery and fluid removal systems described above. The
fluid delivery system 235 can be coupled to the interior 32 of the
drum 30C via the first conduit 232A, and the fluid removal system
236 can be coupled to the interior 32 of the drum 30C via the
second conduit 232A. In operation, the fluid delivery system 235
delivers one or more fluids to the drum 30C, and the fluid removal
system 236 removes the one or more fluids from the drum 30C. If the
enclosure 20 houses a fluid removal system, then the functional
module 230 need not include the fluid removal system 236. The
functional module 230 can also include a fluid recycling system 237
coupled to the fluid delivery system 235 and the fluid removal
system 236. The fluid recycling system 237 receives recovered fluid
from the fluid recovery system 236 and supplies the recovered fluid
to the fluid delivery system 235 so that that the recovered fluid
can be delivered back to the drum 30C. The fluid recycling system
237 can be configured to condition the recovered fluid in addition
to transporting the recovered fluid from the fluid recovery system
236 to the fluid delivery system 235.
[0165] The principles of modularity and the attendant advantages of
using a modular configuration for fabric processing machines in
other contexts of fabric care are disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/971,671, filed Oct. 22, 2004, and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/027,160, filed Dec. 20, 2001, both
entitled "Non-Aqueous Washing Apparatus and Method," which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0166] As illustrated in FIG. 27, it is contemplated that the
functional module can be in the form of a horizontal pedestal 230A
adapted to support the enclosure 20 of the revitalizing system.
Alternatively, the functional module in the form of the horizontal
pedestal 230A could be mounted above the enclosure 20 of the
revitalizing system or in another configuration relative to the
enclosure 20 of the revitalizing system. The functional module 230
can be located in any suitable position relative to the enclosure
20, such as adjacent to the enclosure 20 or above or below the
enclosure 20.
[0167] The functional module 230 can include additional
functionality. For example, an alternative functional module 230B
illustrated in FIG. 28 includes as a stain treatment station 224A
similar to the stain treatment stations 224 described above with
respect to FIGS. 23-25D and an iron 233. Alternatives for the
additional functionality are disclosed in the several patent
applications listed and incorporated at the end of this
section.
[0168] Other exemplary functionalities include, but are not limited
to, drying, sanitizing, and alternative chemistry. The drying
module can be configured to dry fabric items by forcing heated or
unheated air through a chamber that holds the fabric items. The air
flow can be accompanied by mechanical movement of the fabric items,
such as by tumbling the fabric items in a drum. Alternatively, the
fabric items can remain stationary, such as in a vertical, hanging
condition or a horizontal, flat condition, during the drying
process. As an alternative to or in addition to utilizing air flow
to dry the fabric items, the drying module can be configured to
dispense one or more chemistries, such as alcohol, onto the fabric
items to facilitate evaporation of moisture from the fabric items.
Exemplary drying modules 230C-230G are shown in FIGS. 29-33. The
drying modules 230C, 230D of FIGS. 29 and 30 are drawer-type
horizontal modules, the drying module 230E of FIG. 31 is a
drawer-type vertical module, and the drying modules 230F, 230G of
FIGS. 32 and 33 are cabinet modules. These exemplary drying modules
230C-230G are described in more detail in the several patent
applications listed and incorporated at the end of this section.
The drying module can incorporate other functions, such sanitizing
and refreshing.
[0169] The sanitizing module can be capable of sanitizing fabric
items or sanitizing the revitalizing system. For sanitizing the
fabric items, the sanitizing module can expose the fabric item in a
chamber to a sanitizing medium that disinfects the fabric item by
removal of germs, microbes, and the like. The fabric items can be
subjected to mechanical movement, such as tumbling, or can be
stationary during the sanitization process. For sanitizing the
revitalizing system, the sanitizing module can store and dispense
sanitizing media that disinfect the entire revitalizing system in
the enclosure 20 or particular components of the revitalizing
system.
[0170] The alternative chemistry module can store one or more
revitalizing chemistries for use in the revitalizing system. For
example, the alternative chemistry module can have the capacity to
store a larger variety of and greater volumes of revitalizing
chemistries than the revitalizing system housed within the
enclosure 20. As a result, the alternative chemistry module can
expand the capabilities of the revitalizing system. The
revitalizing chemistries can be stored in the alternative chemistry
module in any suitable manner, such as in individual drawers that
can be easily accessed by the user by pulling the drawer from the
alternative chemistry module. The alternative chemistry module can
communicate with the control 213 for coordinating dispensing of the
revitalizing chemistries from the alternative chemistry module to
the revitalizing system in the enclosure 20. For example, the
alternative chemistry module can have the ability of resetting the
revitalizing system to operate with one or more preselected
revitalizing chemistries.
[0171] Additional exemplary functional modules are illustrated in
FIGS. 34-37. FIG. 34 shows an exemplary ironing module 230H, FIG.
35 depicts an exemplary sink module 230I, FIG. 36 illustrates an
exemplary storage module 230J, and FIG. 37 shows an exemplary shelf
module 230K. These exemplary functional modules 230H-230K are
described in more detail in the several patent applications listed
and incorporated at the end of this section.
[0172] Several of the exemplary functional modules shown in the
figures comprise common features. For example, the ironing module
230H and the sink module 230I both include storage drawers 280. The
sink module 230I further includes a pivotable storage compartment
282, the storage module 230J provides a storage compartment 284
closable by a door 286, which supports a plurality of removable
storage bins 288, and the shelf module 230K has an open-top storage
cavity 290. Further, the drying modules 230E, 230F and the shelf
module 230K each include a hanging element 292 for supporting
fabric items.
[0173] Other exemplary functional modules and functionalities,
including work surfaces, that can be incorporated into the
functional module are disclosed in the following patent
applications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,125, filed Dec.
30, 2005, and titled "Modular Laundry System with Horizontal
Modules," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/322,715, filed Dec.
30, 2005, and titled "Modular Laundry System with Horizontal Module
Spanning Two Laundry Appliances," U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/323,221, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled "Modular Laundry System
with Horizontally Arranged Cabinet Module," U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/322,739, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled "Modular
Laundry System with Horizontal and Vertical Modules," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/323,075, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled
"Modular Laundry System with Vertical Module," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/323,417, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled
"Modular Laundry System with Cabinet Module," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/322,742, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled
"Laundry Module for Modular Laundry System," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/323,220, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled
"Modular Laundry System with Work Surface," U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/322,773, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled "Modular
Laundry System with Segmented Work Surface," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/322,741, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled
"Modular Laundry System with Work Surface Having a Functional
Insert," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/322,740, filed Dec.
30, 2005, and titled "Modular Laundry System with Work Surface
Having a Functional Element," U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/323,658, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled "Modular Laundry System
with Shelf Module," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,867,
filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled "Vertical Laundry Module," U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/322,943, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and
titled "Vertical Laundry Module with Backsplash," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/322,503, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled
"Retractable Hanging Element, " U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/322,502, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled "Non-Tumble Clothes
Dryer," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/323,270, filed Dec. 30,
2005, and titled "Ironing Station," U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/322,944, filed Dec. 30, 2005, and titled "Sink Station with
Cover."
Automated Fabric Processing System:
[0174] Various components and systems of the revitalizing system
have been described above. The revitalizing system can comprise
other components and systems such that the revitalizing system can
be operated in any suitable manner. The components and system form
an automated fabric processing system that provides at least one of
mechanical energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy to the
fabric load 22 in the chamber 26 to perform a fabric treatment
process. For example, the automatic fabric processing system can
comprise the fabric movement system and the heated air supply
system whereby the fabric treatment process comprises drying the
fabric load 22 much like in a conventional clothes dryer.
Alternatively, the automatic fabric processing system can comprise
the fabric movement system, a water supply system, and a water
removal system whereby the fabric treatment process comprises
washing the fabric load 22 much like in a conventional clothes
washing machine. As another example, the automatic fabric
processing system can comprise the fabric movement system, the
heated air supply system, the water supply system, and the water
removal system whereby the fabric treatment process comprises
drying the fabric load 22 and washing the fabric load 22 much like
in a conventional combination fabric washing and drying machine.
The automatic fabric processing system can comprise, among other
systems, the treatment fluid dispensing system whereby the fabric
treatment process comprises revitalizing the fabric load 22.
Revitalization Method:
[0175] Referring to FIG. 38, the present invention contemplates use
of an assortment of operations and methods (herein termed
"Actions") for using the revitalization system disclosed herein to
achieve article refreshing for the fabric load 22. After the user
inputs the fabric load 22 into the revitalization chamber 26 of the
enclosure 20, the user inputs or enters a specific set of
parameters into the control panel 212 of the user interface and
control 210 for communication with the control 213. The control 213
can also receive inputs or information from other sources,
including internal sources, such as the sensors associated with the
revitalization system, and external sources. The parameters
determine the set of operations and Actions to be performed on the
fabric load 22 during the revitalization process. Alternatively,
the user can manually select the operations and Actions from a menu
on the control panel 212. After the control panel 212 receives
input or engages an initiation entry, the control 213 commences
with an initial action corresponding to a selected operation. One
skilled in the art will understand that a plurality of operations
can be performed simultaneously or sequentially on the fabric load
22, and, for any given operation, a plurality of Actions may be
performed simultaneously or sequentially on the fabric load 22
during the course of the revitalization process.
[0176] Basic operations associated with fabric revitalization
include Fluid Extraction 300, Relative Motion 310, Fabric Air Flow
320, Cooling 330, Fluid Insertion 340, Fabric Fluid Absorption 350,
and Residual Fluid Extraction 300A. An exemplary order of the
operations performed on the fabric load 22 begins with the Fluid
Extraction 300, the Relative Motion 310, and the Fabric Air Flow
320. Because each of these three initial operations is
independently controllable (e.g., the Fluid Extraction 300 is
governed by the heater 76, the blower fan 80, and the motor 82; the
Relative Motion 310 is governed by the motor 52; and the Fabric Air
Flow 320 is governed by the blower fan 80 and the motor 82, and
optionally the recycle/recirculation loop 86), it will be
understood that the precise order of these three initial operations
can be selectable by the user and can vary according to the type of
the fabric load 22 present in the chamber 26. It will be understood
to those skilled in the art that the user can select to use only a
subset of these three initial operations to effect the desired
treatment on the fabric load 22. It will also be understood to
those skilled in the art that a plurality of operations can be
performed sequentially or simultaneously and in varied order
throughout the revitalization process. For example, the fabric load
22 can be subjected to multiple of the Relative Motion 310
operations during performance of the Fluid Extraction 300 and the
Fabric Air Flow 320 operations.
[0177] Each of the Fluid Extraction 300, the Relative Motion 310,
and the Fabric Air Flow 320 operations is associated with a set of
specific Actions that can be selected by the user engaging the
control panel 212 of the user interface and control 210. If the
user selects the Fluid Extraction 300 as part of the revitalization
program, then the control panel 212 of the user interface and
control 210 prompts the user with a menu of the Actions associated
with the Fluid Extraction 300 operation. The Actions associated
with the Fluid Extraction 300 operation include Dehydration/Heating
301, Vacuum 302, High Speed Spin 303, and Chemical Extraction (e.g.
dissicant) 304. If the user selects the Relative Motion 310 as part
of the revitalization program, then the control panel 212 of the
user interface and control 210 prompts the user with a menu of the
Actions associated with the Relative Motion 310 operation. The
Actions associated with the Relative Motion 310 operation include
Tumble 311, Shake 312, Oscillate 313, Nutate 314, Vibrate 315,
Chemistry Distribution 316, Wrinkle Prevention 317, and Fabric
Surface Brushing 318. If the user selects the Fabric Air Flow 320
as part of the revitalization program, then the control panel 212
of the user interface and control 210 prompts the user with a menu
of the Actions associated with the Fabric Air Flow 320 operation.
The Actions associated with the Fabric Air Flow 320 operation
include Recirculated Air 321, Ambient Air 322, Heated Air 323, and
Blower Air 324.
[0178] If the Fluid Extraction 300 is selected as one of the
operations, then the various sensors, such as the sensors 92, 94,
98 can become active to sense fluid content and temperature of the
fabric load 22 as the Fluid Extraction 300 operation proceeds.
Optionally, the user can specify in the Fluid Extraction 300
operation the extent of the fluid extraction from the fabric load
22, which can be prompted by selection of the type of fabric
included in the fabric load 22 (e.g., linen, silk, polyester blend,
cotton, wool, etc.) at the control panel 212 of the user interface
and control 210. Other operations associated with the Fluid
Extraction 300 include the Cooling 330. The Actions associated with
the Cooling 330 include Circulate Ambient Air 331, Refrigerant 332,
and Thermal-Elastic Transducer 333. In a manner similar to
selection of the Fluid Extraction 300, election of the Cooling 330
operation can result in temperature sensors becoming activated to
sense the temperature of the fabric load 22. The Cooling 330
operation returns the fabric load 22 to ambient temperature.
Because the Relative Motion 310 and the Fabric Air Flow 320, when
not performed with the Heated Air 323 Action or other Action
including heating the fabric load 22, are not associated with
Actions that result in heat being imparted to the fabric load 22,
the Cooling 330 will not be an option typically available to the
user through operation of the control panel 212 of the user
interface and control 210 absent the selection of the Fluid
Extraction 300. However, the Relative Motion 310 and the Fabric Air
Flow 320 are user selectable options available at the control panel
212 of the user interface and control 210 following completion of
the Cooling 330.
[0179] Following the completion of the selected operations, which
can include any combination of the Fluid Extraction 300, the
Relative Motion 310, the Fabric Air Flow 320, and the Cooling 330,
the fabric load 22 can be subjected to rehydration, which is
performed by the Fluid Insertion 340 operation. The Actions
associated with the Fluid Insertion 340 operation include Nebulize
341, Injection 342, Spray 343, Fan 344, Fluid Level Detection 345,
Pumping 346, Power 347, Time 348, and Temperature 349. Sensors,
such as those included in the system and on the fabric load 22, can
be activated to sense moisture content or temperatures within the
chamber 26 and the fabric load 22 during the Fluid Insertion 340.
The fabric load 22 can be subjected to any of the Actions 311-318
of the Relative Motion 310 during or after the Fluid Insertion 340
operation.
[0180] The rehydration is further promoted by subjecting the fabric
load 22 to the Fabric Fluid Absorption 350 operation. The Actions
associated with the Fabric Fluid Absorption 350 operation include
Adsorption 351, Absorption 352, Tumbling 353, Humidified Air 354,
Condensation 355, Electrostatic 356, and Cooling/Heating 357.
Sensors, such as those included in the system and on the fabric
load 22, can be activated to sense moisture content or temperature
within the chamber 26 and the fabric load 22 during the Fabric
Fluid Absorption 350 operation.
[0181] Following completion of the Fabric Fluid Absorption 350
operation, the fabric load 22 can be subjected to the Residual
Fluid Extraction 300A operation to remove extraneous fluid from the
fabric load 22 or within the chamber 26. The Actions associated
with the Residual Fluid Extraction 300A include the Actions 301-304
associated with the Fluid Extraction 300 operation. Optionally, the
fabric load 22 can be subjected to the Relative Motion 310 and the
Fabric Air Flow 320 operations and their respective Actions during
the Residual Fluid Extraction 300A. Sensors, such as those included
in the system and on the fabric load 22, can be activated to sense
moisture content and temperature in the chamber 26 and the fabric
load 22 during the Residual Fluid Extraction 300A.
[0182] Following completion of the Residual Fluid Extraction 300A,
the temperature of the fabric load 22 can be returned to ambient
temperature through the Cooling 330 operation and its attendant
Actions 331-333. Optionally, the fabric load 22 can be subjected to
the Relative Motion 310 and the Fabric Air Flow 320 operations and
their respective Actions 311-318, 321-324 during the Cooling 330
operation. Sensors, such as those included in the system and on the
fabric load 22, can be activated to sense temperature in the
chamber 26 and the fabric load 22 during the Cooling 330
operation.
[0183] After completion of a final Action of an operation of the
selected program, the user interface and control 210 communicates,
such as via an audio or visual signal, to the user that the
revitalization process is completed, and the system powers off.
Thereafter, the user effects Clothes Removal 370 by removing the
refreshed fabric load 22 from the chamber 26.
[0184] Optionally, the fabric revitalization can proceed without
the steps associated with rehydration, such as the Fluid Insertion
340 operation and the Fluid Fabric Absorption 350 operation,
whereby the process corresponds to a dry operation similar to that
of a conventional clothes dryer.
Cadence and Evolutionary Development of Embodiments
[0185] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
revitalization system and method disclosed herein for fabric
materials can be configured in a variety of formats for fabric care
systems, including an independent revitalization system in a
sealed, stand-alone enclosure, a combination dryer-revitalization
system, and a combination washer-dryer-revitalization system that
employs a combination of aqueous and non-aqueous processes.
[0186] Furthermore, it will be evident to those skilled in the art
that features, components, and processes of the revitalization
system and method disclosed herein for fabric materials have broad
applications to removing particulates, such as stains, soils, and
other foreign matter, from any number of different surfaces,
including: human hair and skin; pet hair and skin; metallic
materials associated with precious metals and coins, jewellery,
flatware; cars, boats, bicycles, and the like; as well as ceramic
materials associated with jewellery, flatware, and dishware, such
as china.
[0187] Exemplary enclosures 20 for exemplary embodiments of the
revitalization systems for various applications include tanning or
spa booths (to remove debris and dead cells from the skin and hair
of humans and pets), automated car washes or stand alone garage
enclosures (to remove debris from automobile, bikes, boats),
enclosures for a combination dishwasher/revitalization system (to
remove debris and stains from flatware and dishware, such as
china), and table top enclosure systems (to remove debris and
stains from jewellery and precious metals and coins). Each of these
exemplary enclosures, though already well established in the art
for particular applications, can be modified, upon reading the
present detailed description and understanding the system disclosed
herein, to include components of the revitalization system and
method for revitalization of fabric materials.
Exemplary Control Process:
[0188] A control chart 400 illustrating a user interface and
control process as well as alternative cycles for the
revitalization system and method is provided in FIGS. 39A and 39B,
which include multiple alternative operations for treating fabric.
In contrast to FIG. 38, which illustrates a wide variety of
alternative Actions possible for each operation in a revitalization
process, the control process of FIGS. 39A and 39B is described in
the context of an exemplary production control for a specific
configuration of the revitalization system. More particularly,
FIGS. 39A and 39B are directed to a control process for a
revitalization system incorporated into a horizontal axis clothes
dryer or a horizontal axis combination washer/dryer, such as that
illustrated by example in FIG. 1, which offers the user a small
number of pre-programmed alternative cycles as well as a small
number of specific variable parameters for each of these cycles. It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that principles
behind the control process chart of FIGS. 39A and 39B can be
applied to other configurations of the revitalization systems, such
as those illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A-3F.
[0189] The control process illustrated on the control chart 400 is
divided into two primary cycles, a dehydration cycle 402 and a
finishing cycle 404. The dehydration cycle 402 is shown in detail
in FIG. 39A, while the finishing cycle 404 is illustrated in detail
in FIG. 39B.
[0190] Referring now to FIG. 39A, the control process begins, prior
to running the dehydration cycle 402 and the finishing cycle 404,
with loading the fabric load 22 into the chamber at step 406 and
determining which cycle is to be run at steps 408, 410, and 412, as
described in more detail below.
[0191] After the fabric load 22 is loaded into the chamber, the
operator provides information to and receives information from the
control 213 via the control panel 212 of the user interface and
control 210 at step 408. The information input by the user can
include load type, load size, soil level of the load, the presence
of stains, the presence of odors, cycle selection, special
operations, details of the operation of the motor (e.g., speed,
direction of movement, duration of operation), the type of fluid to
use or to be dispensed, details of the operation of the fluid
delivery system, and details of operation of the fluid removal
system. Alternatively, the user might chose to directly select a
cycle of operation from a list of pre-programmed cycles. The
information received by the user from the control panel 212 of the
user interface and control 210 could include status information,
safety information, emergency information, time remaining, cycle
step status, unbalanced load, blocked conduit, valve failure,
clogged filter, breach of close system, fluid leak, fluid level,
pressure drops, temperature increase, and chemical leakage.
[0192] The control 213 retrieves additional information at step
410. This can include information delivered from sensors that can
be built into the revitalizing system. Such sensors can include
sensors that detect aspects of the internal environment of the
revitalization system, the condition of the system, or the ambient
environment of the room in which the system resides. The sensors
can specifically include sensors detecting temperature, pressure,
humidity, vapor, moisture, oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,
electrical condition, enzyme, aqueous vapor, non-aqueous vapor,
turbidity, optical spectrum, ultrasonic, sharp electronic field,
float, laser deflection, petrotape (for petroleum and fuels),
chemtape(for chemicals and petro-chemicals), electric field
imaging, capacitance, resistance, pH, non-disperse infrared,
acoustic wave, and oxidation reduction potential sensors. The
information provided to the control 213 at the step 410 can also
include information received from other data sources available to
the control 213. Examples of such information include online look
up tables, data from the fluids added to the revitalization system
or from the fluid packaging, data integrated into the fabric load
22, or data from a washing machine or other pre-treatment machine
relating to the fabric load 22.
[0193] The control 213 uses both the information provided by the
user and the additional information to select cycles and set
parameters at step 412, unless more information is needed from the
user, as determined at step 411 prior to step 412. More information
is needed, for example, if the control 213 finds that there is any
inconsistency between the cycle or fluid selected by the user and
the type of the fabric load 22 detected. Exemplary parameters that
can be set for a cycle are the type of fluid and the amount of
fluid used during the cycle, such as to obtain a desired
rehydration, which will be explained in more detail below.
[0194] Next, the dehydration cycle 402 begins by tumbling the
fabric load 22 at step 414. If the revitalization system is capable
of different types of tumbling motion, the tumbling is determined
by the cycle selected. The type of motion can be, for example,
unidirectional, bi-directional, random, and/or cradle, and the
motion can vary in speed and duration, depending upon the cycle and
cycle parameters set at step 412. The drum rotation can be
controlled to minimize damage to the fabric load 22.
[0195] If the drum 30C has the textured substrate surface 56, then
the fabric load 22 will contact, at least intermittently, the
textured substrate surface 56 as the drum 30C rotates. During the
rotation of the drum 30C, the fabric load 22 moves, such as by
tumbling, thereby causing relative movement between the fabric load
22 and the textured substrate surface 56. During the relative
motion, the textured substrate surface 56 can draw particulates
away from the fabric load 22 and trap the particulates. Further, if
the textured substrate surface 56 includes fluid dispensing means,
the fluid can be dispensed onto the fabric load 22.
[0196] A process aid can optionally be provided at step 416 of the
process depending upon the cycle selected at step 412 and as
determined at step 415. The process aids introduced at step 416 can
be aqueous fluids, semi-aqueous fluids, non-aqueous fluids, or a
mixture of these fluids. The fluids can contain a washing additive,
such as a washing additive selected from builders, surfactants,
enzymes, bleach activators, bleach catalysts, bleach boosters,
bleaches, alkalinity sources, antibacterial agents, colorants,
perfumes, pro-perfumes, finishing aids, lime soap dispersants,
composition malodor control and removal agents, odor neutralizers,
polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents, softening agents,
anti-static agents, crystal growth inhibitors, photobleaches, heavy
metal ion sequestrants, anti-tarnishing agents, anti-microbial
agents, anti-oxidants, linkers, anti-redeposition agents,
electrolytes, pH modifiers, thickeners, abrasives, divalent or
trivalent ions, metal ion salts, enzyme stabilizers, corrosion
inhibitors, diamines or polyamines and/or their alkoxylates, suds
stabilizing polymers, solvents, process aids, fabric softening
agents, optical brighteners, hydrotropes, suds or foam suppressors,
suds or foam boosters, fabric softeners, antistatic agents, dye
fixatives, dye abrasion inhibitors, anti-crocking agents, wrinkle
reduction agents, wrinkle resistance agents, wrinkle release
agents, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen
agents, anti-fade agents, and mixtures thereof. The process aid can
optionally be added to the fabric load 22 uniformly by using the
fluid delivery system of the present invention as described
above.
[0197] A dehydration process of the dehydration cycle 402 is
formally initiated at step 418. A variety of dehydration cycles and
cycle parameters are possible based on both the information input
by the operator and the additional information received from
external sources, such as sensors. In particular, the dehydration
cycle 402 can vary depending on whether the fabric load 22 has been
placed in the chamber at step 406 at near ambient humidity or is
damp, such as from being washed in an automatic washer or being
pretreated. The dehydration cycle 402 can also vary depending on
the type of fabric load 22. The dehydration cycle 402 can typically
employ a combination of the heater control, the air flow, the fluid
removal system, and the particle removal and recovery system. The
dehydration cycle 402 can terminate at step 420 based on a period
of time set at step 412 or, alternatively, when a sensor detects
directly or permits an inference that the fabric load 22 has
reached a predetermined level of dryness. The predetermined level
of dryness for washable fabrics can be, for example, 0% to 10% by
weight.
[0198] A process aid can be optionally added at step 422 as
determined by step 421 and can be selected from the list provided
above and in tone of the manners described above for process aid
that can be added in step 416. In one embodiment, the process aid
added in step 416 can be a different process aid added at step 422.
The process aids can be, for example, two different fluids. A first
fluid added at step 416 can provide a revitalizing function on the
fabric, while a second fluid can be released at the time of use of
the fabric for the benefit of the user. Alternatively, the second
fluid can activate the first fluid. During the dehydration cycle
run at step 418, the first fluid can be at least partially
extracted from the fabric before the second fluid is added at step
421. Alternatively, the two fluids can be added to the fabric
during the finishing cycle 404.
[0199] Referring now to FIG. 30B, the finishing cycle 404, which
can bet set in step 412, is initiated at step 424. Options offered
for the finishing cycles in the illustrated embodiment include
"Refresh," "Refinish," "Light Clean," and "Dry." The primary
differences in the operation of the revitalizing system between the
exemplary finishing cycles are the level of rehydration, as shown
by steps 426, 428, and 430, and whether there is a step of tumbling
without heat at step 432 followed by a dehydration step 434.
[0200] The four exemplary finishing cycles shown in FIG. 30B are
provided as examples and do not represent all of the possible
contemplated finishing cycles. Each of the exemplary finishing
cycles performs a different function for the fabric load 22. In the
"Refresh" cycle, which can also be referred to as a "Revitalize"
cycle, the fabric load 22 is only rehydrated at step 426 to about
2-5% moisture by weight of the fabric for dewrinkling, rinsing mild
odors, and delivery of functional chemistry, if desired. In the
"Refinish" cycle, which can also be referred to as a "Reshape"
cycle, the fabric is rehydrated at step 428 to about 10-20%
moisture by weight of the fabric and tumbled without heat for a
predetermined period of time at step 432 to provide significantly
more wrinkle removal and reshaping of the fabric load 22 than would
occur at the lower moisture level of the "Refresh" cycle. In the
exemplary "Light Clean" cycle, the fabric load 22 is rehydrated at
step 430 to an intermediate level of about 5-10% moisture by weight
of the fabric and tumbled without heat for a predetermined period
of time at step 432 for the removal of soils. The soil removal is
obtained at least in part from the mechanical action of tumbling
and rubbing against the textured surface substrate 56 in the drum
30C. Chemistry can be added for additional soil removal. Both the
"Refinish" and the "Light Clean" cycles can include the dehydration
step 434 following the tumbling step 432 to dehydrate the fabric
load 22 to a predetermined level, such as about 2-5% moisture by
weight of the fabric. In the exemplary "Dry" cycle, the
revitalization system stops after the completion of the dehydration
cycle 402, and, thus, the revitalization system functions similar
to a conventional clothes dryer. It follows that the revitalization
system can dry a wet fabric load 22 and then revitalize the fabric
load 22, such as by using the "Dry" cycle followed by another
cycle, or revitalize an initially dry fabric load 22.
[0201] In the finishing cycle, the fabric load 22 can be hydrated
to or near an equilibrium moisture level to provide a predetermined
amount of free moisture that can participate in background soil
removal. By hydrating the fabric load 22 in such a manner, the
fabric load 22 becomes saturated or slightly saturated, and any
additional fluid added will be the free moisture that can
facilitate soil removal from the saturated or slightly saturated
fabric load 22.
[0202] As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the
invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations
and modifications which may differ particularly from those that
have been described in the preceding specification and description.
It should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of
the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably
and properly come within the scope of our contribution to the
art.
* * * * *