U.S. patent application number 11/900572 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-03 for method for determining improved laundry washing conditions.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to John Christian Haught.
Application Number | 20080078035 11/900572 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39166394 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080078035 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haught; John Christian |
April 3, 2008 |
Method for determining improved laundry washing conditions
Abstract
A method for determining improved washing conditions for a
process of laundering textiles includes the steps of preparing one
or more test loads; selecting various wash cycle variables;
inserting test materials into test loads; washing the loads and
materials pursuant to selected the variables; comparing the
materials washed pursuant to the selected variables to generate
comparison data; and using the comparison data to develop
parameters for determining improved washing conditions for one or
more textiles. Consumers may be instructed on how to achieve
improved overall care of their clothes or other textiles using the
improved washing conditions.
Inventors: |
Haught; John Christian;
(West Chester, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION - WEST BLDG.
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 412, 6250 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
39166394 |
Appl. No.: |
11/900572 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60827984 |
Oct 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 ; 68/12.02;
73/865.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 35/005 20130101;
D06F 35/00 20130101; D06F 39/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 ; 68/12.02;
73/865.8 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/00 20060101
D06F033/00; D06H 3/00 20060101 D06H003/00 |
Claims
1. A method of achieving improved care of a load of textiles using
improved washing conditions for a wash process, wherein the
improved washing conditions comprise: (a) washing the textiles in a
washing medium having: a volume; a density of from about 0.8 g/cc
to about 1.5 g/cc; and a conductivity of from about 10 to about
4000 microsiemens/cm; (b) introducing the washing medium into a
washing machine comprising a drum wherein the load of textiles has
a size sufficient to provide a load size of from about 1.0 to about
4.0 lbs/ft.sup.3; and (c) setting a cycle time of the wash process
is no more than about 60 minutes, wherein the cycle time includes
time for washing, rinsing, and spinning functions of the wash
process.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing medium comprises a
fluid selected from: liquid; gas; and combinations thereof.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing medium has a density
of from about 0.9 g/cc to about 1.1 g/cc.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing medium has a
conductivity of from about 10 to about 1000 microsiemens/cm.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the load has a size of from about
1.5 to about 4.0 lbs/ft.sup.3.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the drum has a drum size and the
ratio of the drum size to volume of the washing medium is from
about 0.15 to about 60 ft.sup.3/gallon.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the drum is selected from a
horizontal axis drum and a vertical axis drum, and further wherein
the cycle time is no more than about 40 minutes for the horizontal
axis drum and no more than 60 minutes for the vertical axis
drum.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the improved washing conditions
are determined by utilization of a mechanical energy swatch
providing a value of about 15% or less thread removal.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein a user of the washing machine is
instructed to set parameters to achieve garment care via label
instructions on packaging for detergent or fabric softener.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein a user of the washing machine is
instructed electronically or in print form to set parameters to
achieve garment care.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing machine is
programmed to optimize fabric care.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the washing machine comprises a
load weighing mechanism which enables the washing machine to assess
the load weight and adjust the washing conditions.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing conditions further
include using a chemical additive to achieve benefits selected
from: reduced pill formation; increased softness; improved color
fidelity and/or whiteness; reduced chlorine damage to dyes of the
textiles; and combinations thereof.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the chemical additive is
selected from: detergent capable of removing stains as well as
imparting care benefits to the textiles; fabric softening agent;
fabric care formulation; and combinations thereof.
15. A method for determining improved washing conditions for a
process of laundering textiles, comprising the steps of: (a)
preparing one or more test load loads; (b) selecting first and
second wash cycle variables; (c) inserting a first test material
into each test load; (d) washing each test load and first test
material using a selected wash cycle with the first selected wash
cycle variables; (e) inserting a second test material into each
test load; (f) washing each test load and second material using the
selected wash cycle with the second selected wash cycle variables;
(g) comparing the first and second test materials to generate
comparison data; and (h) using the comparison data to develop
parameters for determining improved washing conditions for one or
more textiles.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first and second
wash cycle variables include different wash cycle times for each
wash cycle.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first and second
wash cycle variables include different water levels for each wash
cycle.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the parameters aid in
the selection of improved washing conditions for a selected fabric
or garment type based upon one or more selected washing goals.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the parameters
further comprise a predictive model.
20. A textile washing machine for providing improved washing
conditions, wherein the improved washing conditions are determined
using the method of claim 15.
21. A detergent composition packaged with instructions for use in a
process for laundering a discrete wash load of textiles, wherein
the instructions provide for improved washing conditions that are
determined using the method of claim 15.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/827,984, filed Oct. 3, 2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to methods for determining
improved washing conditions and other fabric treatments for
selected fabrics, garments, or other textiles based upon selected
washing goals, such as improved softness or overall care. The
invention further generally relates to instructing consumers on how
to achieve improved overall care of their clothes or other textiles
using the improved washing conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional methods of washing fabrics, garments, and other
textiles in automatic home-type washing machines and commercial
laundry machines are carried out in either a top loading or a front
loading machine. In top loaders, the wash basket is typically
rotatable around a substantially vertical axis. In front loaders,
the wash basket is rotatable around a substantially horizontal
axis.
[0004] Both top loaders and front loaders may offer a variety of
settings for use in washing textiles. For example, a user may be
able to select water levels and/or water temperatures for one or
more stages of the washing process. In addition or alternatively,
the user may be able to select some variables of the washing
process itself, for example by choosing a normal wash cycle, a
delicate wash cycle, a permanent press wash cycle, etc., wherein
each cycle is designed to provide a different washing process to
accommodate textiles having different characteristics. Users also
may be able to select additional wash options, such as a heavy-duty
cycle, in which additional washing steps may be added to the normal
cycle, more power may be employed, or the steps of the normal cycle
are extended or additional rinse cycles are used.
[0005] In designing and testing the various wash cycle variables
for front loaders and top loaders, traditional testing methods have
been used to measure the amount of damage to a garment or fabric
caused by a selected washing process. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,669,095 and 5,669,250 describe conventional testing methods.
[0006] It would be desirable to provide a method for assessing wear
or damage to test swatches, and to fabric, garments, and textiles,
by mechanical agitation, and also for assessing fabric care or
washing conditions based upon mechanical agitation or other
variables, such as load size, cycle time, water level, load
composition, or a combination of these variables. Moreover, it
would be desirable to instruct consumers as to how to achieve
improved garment care by utilizing improved washing conditions
identified by this method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A method for determining improved washing conditions for a
process of laundering a textiles may include one or more of the
steps of preparing one or more test load loads; selecting first and
second wash cycle variables; inserting a first test material into
each test load load; washing each test load and first test material
using a selected wash cycle with first selected wash cycle
variables; inserting a second test material into each test load
load; washing each test load and second material using a selected
wash cycle with second selected wash cycle variables; comparing the
first and second test materials to generate comparison data; and
using the comparison data to aid in the development of parameters
for determining improved washing conditions for one or more
textiles.
[0008] Various implementations of a method for determining improved
fabric or garment care during washing may be implemented to gather
data concerning all aspects of the washing process using various
machines, settings, wash parameters, fabrics/garments/textiles, and
any other aspects relevant to the washing process or
fabric/garment/textile care. The gathered data may be used to aid
in the development of one or more parameters for improved washing
conditions or improved care chemistry for any desired fabrics,
garments, or textiles. Where a certain type of fabric, garment, or
textile is to be washed with one or more objectives, such as
improved fabric care, the parameters may be used to determine the
appropriate washing conditions to achieve the goal with respect to
the selected fabric/garment/textile. Appropriate washing parameters
include a variety of variables, such as cycle selection, time,
water level, fabric type, fabric condition, temperature, detergent
type/amount, appropriate load weight, etc. The parameters may
further include the user's selection of a single washing goal or
compatible washing goals, or it may balance the user's washing
goals to achieve the best compromise between the various washing
goals.
[0009] The parameters described above for determining improved
washing conditions also may be used to program a washing machine to
enable the machine to provide improved washing conditions for
various fabrics, garments, and other textiles for a variety of
washing goals, such as improved softness or improved stain removal
for example.
[0010] The parameters also may be used to develop instructions to
be included on a packaged detergent or soap composition to instruct
a user how to achieve improved washing conditions for selected
fabrics, garments, or other textiles for a variety of washing
goals.
[0011] For example, improved washing conditions for a textile may
be provided to a consumer to achieve improved garment care, wherein
the improved washing conditions are as follows: [0012] The textiles
are washed in a liquid or gas such that the density ranges from
about 0.8 to about 1.5 g/cc, or about 0.9 to about 1.1 g/cc,
wherein the liquid or gas is water or steam, and wherein the liquid
or gas has conductivity in the range of about 10 to about 4000
microsiemens/cm. [0013] The liquid or gas is introduced into an
automatic or semi-automatic washing machine such that the size of
the load of textiles is large enough to provide a load size in
pounds to a drum size in cubic feet in the range of about 1.0 to
about 4.0 lbs/ft.sup.3, and wherein the ratio of drum size to fluid
(gas or liquid) volume is about 0.1 to about 80 ft.sup.3/gal.
[0014] The complete cycle time of the wash process, which includes
the rinsing and spin out steps, is set to run for not more than
about 60 minutes.
[0015] Additional features of the washing conditions may include
use of a chemical additive that reduces pill formation on the
textile, increases end of wash softness, improves color fidelity
and whiteness, reduces chlorine damage to dyes of the textiles, and
combinations of these. The textiles may be air-dried and/or dried
in a dryer.
[0016] These and other features of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative
embodiments of the invention. As it will be realized, the invention
is capable of modifications in various apparent aspects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are
to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
[0017] The articles "a", "an" and "the" as used herein refer to
"one or more", unless otherwise indicated.
[0018] Markush language as used herein encompasses combinations of
the individual Markush group members, unless otherwise
indicated.
[0019] All numerical ranges disclosed herein, are meant to
encompass each individual number within the range and to encompass
any combination of the disclosed upper and lower limits of the
ranges.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 provides a diagram of a method for determining
improved washing conditions in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 1A provides a diagram of factors that may be applicable
to the method of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 2 provides a diagram of another method for determining
improved washing conditions in accordance with a further embodiment
of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 3A-D provide illustrations of exemplary
implementations of the methods illustrated in FIG. 1 relating to,
among other aspects, improved fabric care.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] As used herein, the term "textiles" means any fabric or
fabric-like item which is laundered, conditioned, or treated on a
regular or irregular basis. Non-limiting examples of textiles
include clothing, curtains, bed linens, wall hangings, textiles,
cloth, etc. Typically, the textile is a woven article, and more
typically, the textile is a woven article such as clothing.
Additionally, when a textile is a woven article it typically
comprises fibers woven together to form the article. The fibers may
be of any suitable size and/or shape, such as, microfibers or
nanomaterials for example. Furthermore, the textile may be made of
natural and artificial materials, such as cotton, nylon, rayon,
wool, and silk, as well as combinations of materials.
[0025] Methods for determining improved washing conditions and
other fabric treatments for selected fabrics, garments, or other
textiles based upon selected washing goals, such as improved
softness or improved stain removal, are provided. Further,
applications that implement improved washing conditions and other
fabric treatments, as determined by the methods, are provided. For
example, a detergent may be provided with label instructions that
are based at least in part upon the improved washing conditions
determined by the methods. In addition, a washing machine may be
provided that offers washing cycle options based at least in part
upon the improved washing conditions determined by the methods. The
methods may be used in any suitable context or application.
[0026] One embodiment of the invention provides methods for
determining improved washing conditions and other fabric
treatments. Any suitable washing machine may be used with any of
the methods of the present invention, as described herein. For
example, the methods may be used with front load washing machines,
top load washing machines, or any other washing machine. FIG. 1,
for example, illustrates a method 100 for determining improved care
of fabrics, garments, or any other type of textile washed in a
washing machine. As shown in FIG. 1 for illustrative purposes only,
the method includes selecting the composition of garments, fabrics,
or other textiles in the load to be washed (step 101), where
various selected washing variables, such as wash cycle time, may be
varied. The test load may include any suitable materials, for
example, T-shirts, towels such as terry towels, pillow cases, blue
jeans, delicate fabrics or garments, pilling fabrics or garments,
any other suitable fabric, garments, clothing, or textile,
non-fabric materials (including but not limited to polymers and
plastics), other materials, or any desired subset or combination of
these. The materials used for the test load may comprise swatches,
entire articles of clothing, pieces of clothing, segments of
clothing (such as, for example, a sleeve), other fabric or textile
components, or any combination of these. In one embodiment that is
used for illustrative purposes only, T-shirts, terry towels, and
pillow cases may be used as the test load. The test load may be
used to determine improved wash conditions for the test load.
[0027] The method also may include the step of selecting wash cycle
variables, as depicted in step 102. Any suitable variable or
combination of variables may be selected. For illustrative purposes
only, the variables to be selected in this step may include those
illustrated in step 102 of FIG. 1A, such as cycle time, load
weight, agitation profile, water level, load composition, whether a
dryer is to be used after washing, water type, temperature, machine
type, and chemical constituents (including characteristics of the
detergent and/or other washing agents used), and any staining on
the load items. Other suitable variables also may be varied, or
additional or fewer variables may be selected, in any desired
combination or in isolation. The cycle variables are selected for a
given test conducted using the method 100 and may be varied each
time the method 100 is performed to obtain results concerning
improved care for a plurality of fabric, garment, and other textile
types under a variety of wash conditions. Also, multiple washing
machines may be tested to determine the relative quality of fabric
care provided by the machines under similar wash conditions.
[0028] Step 103 depicts the selection of test load weights for
testing. Any suitable load weight may be selected, from any weight
greater than 0, up to 100 pounds or more, or any other desired
weight within or above this range. In addition, any suitable number
of load weights may be selected. For example, three load weights of
4 lbs., 9.5 lbs., and 15 lbs. may be selected. Alternatively, two
load weights of 3 and 10 lbs. may be selected; four load weights of
4 lbs., 9.5 lbs., 13 lbs., and 18 lbs. may be selected; or any
number and variety of load weights may be selected as desired to
provide data sufficient to assess improved fabric care as described
in further detail below.
[0029] In step 104, one or more test materials are inserted into
each test load. The test materials may be any suitable material,
including but not limited to EMPA Article 304 swatches, as used for
illustrative purposes only in this example. Any suitable number of
test materials may be used. For illustrative purposes only, between
one and four EMPA Article 304 swatches may be inserted in each test
load. Other types of mechanical energy test materials, such as DMA
or Article 306 swatches, also may be used as desired by the tester.
"Mechanical energy," generally speaking, refers to damage pursuant
to EMPA Article 304 to a garment, textile, or fabric, and relates
to thread removal to a test material as determined by standardized
test methods. Step 105 depicts the test load with the swatches
being washed using the wash cycle with the variables selected in
step 102 for the shortest wash cycle time. In step 106, the wash of
step 105 is repeated for each test load selected in step 103. Step
107 includes wash step 105 being repeated for each test load at the
next longer wash cycle time. In step 108, wash step 105 is repeated
again for each test load with new swatches (as described in step
104). Though the method may include washing the swatches in a
sequence of the shortest to progressively longer wash times, it is
to be recognized that other sequences may be used, including
longest wash time to shortest wash time, random, or any other
prearranged grouping of wash times. Furthermore, the method may
include varying another variable or other variables in combination
with, or alternatively to, wash times. Step 109 includes all
swatches being placed on a flat surface and allowed to air dry.
Alternatively, the swatches may be dried using a dryer cycle to
test the effects of washing and drying the load. Any other suitable
drying method also may be used.
[0030] Step 110 includes assessing the test materials to determine
the effects of the wash, including the wash's mechanical energy,
that have been imparted on them. For Article 304 swatches, the
remaining number of threads may be counted, or, in another
variation, the number of remaining threads, such as those on
swatches from washes with the same wash parameters, e.g., load size
and cycle time, may be determined and averaged. Damage to other
types of test materials, such as DMA or Article 306 swatches, also
may be appropriately assessed. The data collected from assessing
and comparing the swatches is comparison data. Mechanical agitation
comparison data includes data concerning the amount of mechanical
agitation comparatively imparted on the test swatches. In step 111,
the comparison data collected in the swatch assessment of step 110
is used to develop parameters that enable selection of the improved
washing conditions for achieving a selected washing goal, including
but not limited to improved fabric care, improved washing, improved
stain removal, softness, other goals, or any combination of these.
These parameters may take the form of predictive models, and it is
to be understood that references to parameters herein include
predictive models. The goals also may be directed in part toward
certain types of garments, fabrics, or other textiles, or
combinations of these.
[0031] For example, to develop the parameters, test materials may
be compared to assess the results of interest. Such results
include, but are not limited to, mechanical agitation damage, color
fastness, stain removal, pilling, texture differences, and any
other characteristics that assist in identifying the most desirable
washing conditions for a selected fabric, garment, or other
textile. Multiple tests for a selected fabric, garment or other
textile type may be conducted following the steps of method 100,
wherein various variables, such as those selected in steps 101,
102, and 103, may be altered to provide multiple washing results
for the selected fabric, garment, or other textile thereby
providing comparison data for an analysis of the washing results to
enable development of the improved washing conditions for a given
fabric garment, or other textile type and given washing
goal(s).
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, provided for
illustrative purposes only, FIG. 2 depicts methods for determining
improved washing conditions and other fabric treatments.
Specifically, FIG. 2 shows an alternative method 200 for
determining improved care of fabrics, garments, or any other type
of textile washed in a washing machine. The method illustrated in
FIG. 2 includes (step 201) selection of the composition garments,
fabrics, or other textiles in the load to be washed using a washing
machine in which various selected washing variables, such as water
levels (as in a top-loading washing machine), may be selected. The
test load may include any suitable materials, for example,
T-shirts, towels such as terry towels, pillow cases, blue jeans,
delicate fabrics or garments, pilling fabrics or garments, any
other suitable fabric, garments, clothing, or other textile,
non-fabric materials (including but not limited to polymers and
plastics), other materials, or any desired subset or combination of
these. The materials used for the test load may comprise swatches,
entire articles of clothing, pieces of clothing, segments of
clothing (such as, for example, a sleeve), other fabric or other
textile components, or any combination of these. In one embodiment
that is used for illustrative purposes only, T-shirts, terry
towels, and pillow cases may be used as a test load. The test load
may be used to determine improved wash conditions for the test
load.
[0033] Once the test load composition has been selected, the wash
cycle variables are selected (step 202). Any suitable variable or
combination of variables may be selected. For illustrative purposes
only, the variables to be selected in this step include those
illustrated in FIG. 1A, such as cycle time, load weight, agitation
profile, water level, load composition, whether a dryer is to be
used after washing, water type, temperature, machine type, and
chemical constituents (including characteristics of the detergent
and/or other washing agents used), and any staining on the load
items. Other suitable parameters also may be varied, or additional
or fewer variables may be selected, in any desired combination or
in isolation. The cycle variables are selected for a given test
conducted using the method 200, and may be varied each time the
method 200 is performed to obtain results concerning improved care
for a plurality of fabric, garment, and other textile types under a
variety of wash variables. Also, multiple washing machines may be
tested to determine the relative quality of fabric care provided by
multiple machines under similar wash conditions.
[0034] In step 203, test load weights are selected for testing. Any
suitable load weight may be selected, from any weight greater than
0, up to 100 pounds or more, or any other desired weight within or
above this range. In addition, any suitable number of load weights
may be selected. For example, three load weights of 4 lbs., 9.5
lbs., and 15 lbs. may be selected. Alternatively, two load weights
of 3 and 10 lbs. may be selected; four load weights of 4 lbs., 9.5
lbs., 13 lbs., and 18 lbs. may be selected; or any number and
variety of load weights as desired to provide data sufficient to
assess improved fabric care as described in further detail
below.
[0035] In step 204, one or more test materials are inserted into
each test load. The test materials may be any suitable material,
including but not limited to Article 304 swatches, as used in this
example. Any suitable number of swatches may be used. For
illustrative purposes only, between one and four Article 304
swatches may be inserted in each test load. Other types of test
materials, such as DMA or Article 306 swatches, also may be used as
desired by the tester. In step 205, the test load with the swatches
is washed using the wash cycle with the variables selected in step
202 for the lowest water level. In step 206, the wash of step 205
is repeated for each test load selected in step 203. In step 207,
the wash step 205 is repeated for each test load at the next higher
water level. In step 208, wash step 205 is repeated again for each
test load with new swatches (as described in step 204). Though the
method may include washing the swatches in a sequence of lowest to
progressively higher water levels, it is to be recognized that
other sequences may be used, including highest water level to
lowest water level, a random arrangement of water levels, or any
other prearranged grouping of water levels. Furthermore, the method
may include varying another variable or other variables in
combination with, or in alternative to, water level. Step 209
includes all swatches being placed on a flat surface and allowed to
air dry. Alternatively, the swatches may be dried using a dryer
cycle to test the effects of washing and drying the load. Any other
suitable drying method also may be used.
[0036] Step 210 includes assessing the swatches to determine the
effects of the wash, including the wash's mechanical energy, that
have been imparted on them. For Article 304 swatches, the remaining
number of threads may be counted, or, in another variation, the
number of remaining threads, such as those on swatches from washes
with the same wash parameters, e.g., load size and water level, may
be determined and averaged. Damage to other types of swatches, such
as DMA or Article 306 swatches, also may be appropriately assessed.
The data collected from assessing and comparing the swatches is
comparison data. Mechanical agitation comparison data includes data
concerning the amount of mechanical agitation comparatively
imparted on the test swatches. In step 211, the comparison data
collected in the swatch assessment of step 210 is used to develop
parameters that enable selection of the improved washing conditions
for achieving a selected washing goal, including but not limited to
improved fabric care, improved washing, improved stain removal,
softness, other goals, or any combination of these. These
parameters may take the form of predictive models, and it is to be
understood that references to parameters herein include predictive
models. The goals also may be directed in part toward certain types
of garments, fabrics, or other textiles, or combinations of
these.
[0037] For example, to develop the parameters, test materials may
be compared to assess the results of interest. Such results
include, but are not limited to, mechanical agitation damage, color
fastness, stain removal, pilling, texture differences, and any
other characteristics that assist in identifying the most desirable
washing conditions for a selected fabric, garment, or textile.
Multiple tests for a selected fabric, garment, or other textile
type may be conducted following the steps of method 200, wherein
various variables, such as those selected in steps 201, 202, and
203, may be altered to provide multiple washing results for the
selected fabric garment, or other textile, thereby providing
comparison data for an analysis of the washing results to develop
parameters for the improved washing parameters for a given fabric,
garment or other textile type and given washing goal(s).
[0038] While many different combinations of variables may be used
with the methods 100 and 200 of the present invention, the
following examples with specific variable selection are provided
for illustrative purposes only. These examples illustrate steps in
the determination of improved fabric care washing conditions for a
selected fabric, garment, or other textile during the wash
process.
[0039] In one example, one step includes selecting the load, which
in this example includes pillow cases, terrycloth towels, and
T-shirts. Another step includes selecting the washing machine or
washing machines. In this example, two washing machines, a Duet HE3
(front loading) (tested using method 100) and a Kenmore 80 Series
(top loading) (tested using method 200), are selected. The wash
variables for each machine for this example are 90.degree. F. wash
and rinse (2.times.); 120 g Tide HE (liquid), 8 gpg water hardness,
and air dried.
[0040] In accordance with the steps of method 100, the wash
variables for the Duet H3 front-loader are described in the table
shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, three different wash cycles
may be tested: heavy duty, normal, and hand wash. Each cycle may
have three soil settings (cycle time settings): high, medium and
low. Three test load weights may be used for testing each cycle: 15
lbs., 9.5 lbs., and 4 lbs. The measurable elements of each wash
cycle tested may include two DMA swatches, two Article 304
swatches, the RPM of the wash cycle, the fabric-plus-water weight,
the cycle time, and the power consumed during the wash cycle.
[0041] Aspects of the Duet wash cycle profiles are described in the
table shown in FIG. 3B. For example, in the hand wash cycle, the
wash time is approximately 5-7 minutes. The wash RPM for this
example is approximately 31. There is no wash extraction (spin
cycle to remove wash fluid from the fabric) in the hand wash cycle.
The first rinse time is approximately 3 minutes. There is no rinse
extraction after the first rinse cycle. The final rinse for this
example is approximately 1 minute, and the final rinse extraction
lasts for approximately 3 minutes at 400 RPM. The normal cycle has
a wash time of approximately 7-20 minutes at approximately 40 RPM,
a wash extraction cycle at 770 RPM for approximately 4.5 minutes, a
first rinse for approximately 4 minutes, a first rinse extraction
for approximately 3 minutes at 770 RPM, a final rinse of
approximately 3 minutes, and a final rinse extraction of
approximately 8 minutes at 960 RPM. The heavy duty cycle has a wash
time of approximately 13-28 minutes at approximately 40 RPM, a wash
extraction cycle at 770 RPM for approximately 8 minutes, a first
rinse for approximately 4 minutes at 770 RPM, a first rinse
extraction for approximately 4 minutes at 770 RPM, a final rinse of
approximately 4 minutes, and a final rinse extraction of
approximately 9 minutes at 1170 RPM. After the selections described
in steps 101-104 of method 100 has been completed, each of the
three cycles is run following steps 105-110 of method 100.
[0042] The data points from assessing mechanical energy imparted to
Article 304 swatches are depicted in FIG. 3C. The results are
plotted on a graph that illustrates load weight and percent thread
loss from Article 304 swatches. For example, the percent thread
loss from the hand wash cycle for each of the three loads are shown
on the left side of the graph. One cycle time (25 minutes) is
available for this cycle. As shown in FIG. 3C, the normal cycle
percent thread loss is illustrated for cycle times of 35 minutes
and 55 minutes. The heavy duty cycle percent thread loss results
are plotted in FIG. 3C for cycle times of 40 minutes and 80
minutes. As is illustrated in FIG. 3C, this example demonstrates
that greater load weight reduces the number of threads lost on the
swatches, possibly owing to less mechanical agitation on the
swatches. FIG. 3C further illustrates that, the greater the cycle
time, the greater the percent thread loss. These observations,
i.e., that thread loss is reduced with greater load weight and with
shorter cycle times, may then be used to develop parameters for the
improved washing conditions for this load of T-shirts, towels, and
pillow cases to achieve improved fabric care (via reduced fabric
damage and wear for example).
[0043] FIG. 3D illustrates the data from the tests of the example
described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-C modeled statistically,
such that the data points are used to create a model to predict the
fabric care that results from selected wash variables.
[0044] Various implementations of the methods 100 and/or 200 for
determining improved fabric or garment care during washing, for
example, as described above, may be employed to gather data
concerning all aspects of the washing process using various
machines, settings, wash variables, fabrics/garments/textiles, and
any other aspects relevant to the washing process or
fabric/garment/textile care. The results of tests conducted using
methods 100 and 200 may be gathered and used to create parameters,
or one or more predictive models, to improve fabric care for any
desired fabrics, garments, or other textiles under any washing
conditions and parameters. Moreover, a person seeking to wash a
certain type of fabric, garment, or other textile who has a certain
goal, such as improved stain removal, improved fabric care, reduced
pilling, etc., may use the parameters or model to determine the
appropriate washing conditions (such as cycle selection, time,
temperature, detergent type/amount, appropriate load weight, etc.)
to achieve the goal with respect to the selected
fabric/garment/textile.
[0045] Consumers may be provided with instructions to enable them
to implement the washing conditions for improved garment or textile
care as described above, for example, by providing instructions on
laundry detergent packaging, a washing machine, an advertisement,
or other media that enable the consumer to implement the washing
conditions.
[0046] Washing conditions for improved garment care identified
using the methods described above with reference to 100/200 may
include the following conditions: [0047] Washing the textiles in a
washing medium comprising a fluid selected from liquid, gas and
combinations thereof, such that the density ranges from about 0.8
to about 1.5 g/cc, about 0.9 to about 1.1 g/cc, or other suitable
density, wherein the liquid or gas is water or steam. [0048] The
liquid or gas has conductivity in the range of about 10 to about
4000 microsiemens/cm, or about 10 to about 1000 microsiemens/cm,
about 10 to about 300 microsiemens/cm, or other suitable
conductivity. [0049] The liquid or gas is introduced into an
automatic or semi-automatic washing machine such that the size of
the load of textiles is large enough to provide a load size in
pounds to a drum size in cubic feet in the range of about 1.0 to
about 4.0 lbs/ft.sup.3, about 1.5 to about 4.0 lbs/ft.sup.3, or
other suitable load size. [0050] The ratio of drum size to washing
medium volume may be about 10 to about 40 ft.sup.3/gal, about 20 to
about 32 ft.sup.3/gal, or other suitable ratio. [0051] The complete
cycle time of the wash process, which includes the rinsing and spin
steps, is about 45 minutes or less, about 40 minutes or less, or
other suitable time period. [0052] Optionally, a chemical additive
that reduces pill formation on the fibrous substance, increases end
of wash softness, improves color fidelity and whiteness, and/or
reduces chlorine damage to dyes of the textile may be used. The
chemical additive may be, for example, a detergent capable of
removing stains as well as imparting care benefits to the textile,
a fabric softening agent, or a fabric care formulation. [0053]
Optionally, the textiles may be dried in a dryer or air dried. If
an automatic dryer is used, the automatic dryer may be run on the
minimal cycle necessary to eliminate wrinkles, and the textiles are
subsequently removed and folded or hung. The automatic dryer may
also have a humidity sensor to control the drying cycle to end as
soon as dryness is achieved.
[0054] The chosen washing condition parameters, such as those
described above, may be determined through the utilization of a
mechanical energy swatch, such as the EMPA 304 swatch, providing a
value of about 15% or less thread removal as described above with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0055] The textile may include garments worn by humans or animals,
for which care of the garments is desired in terms of the look and
longevity of the garments. The textile may further include
materials made of naturally occurring fibers and man-made fibers
woven into a substance used as clothing, drapery, rugs, linen, or
table coverings.
[0056] The user of the washing machine may be instructed on how to
set these parameters to achieve improved garment care, for example
by prolonging the life, look, feel, and smell of the textile, as
communicated via label instructions on packaging for detergent,
fabric softener, etc. For example, the temperature of the wash
fluid may be set such that minimal dye loss occurs, within the
range of about 50 to about 120.degree. F., or about 60 to about
100.degree. F., or about 70 to about 90.degree. F., which may
correlate to the cold water or warm water setting on the washing
machine. The user of the washing machine may also be instructed on
how to set these parameters to achieve garment care, for example by
prolonging the long life, look, feel, and smell of the textile, as
communicated electronically or in print form, including television
and webvision advertisements, magazine advertisements, reality TV
shows, selective use or product placement in TV shows or print
form, Internet advertisements, cell phone advertisements, handheld
PDA advertisements, radio advertisements, billboard advertisements,
paid sponsors or actors used to communicate the instructions,
kiosks, instant or text messaging, etc.
[0057] Moreover, parameters needed to implement washing conditions
for improved garment care identified by the methods 100/200 such as
via the washing conditions described above may be provided to a
washing machine user, for example, in digital form (accessed, for
example, via television, hardwired or wireless computer, digital
handheld device, etc.) or via hard copy, or programmed into a
conventional washing machine, for example, using a processor or
other electronic control mechanism. When the washing condition
parameters are programmed into a computer, in one embodiment of the
present invention, the user may be permitted to select various
combinations of textiles and goals, such as blue jeans stained with
blueberry that is to be removed via the wash. The user may be
permitted to inform the machine as to load weight, or the machine
may take the information inputted by the user and advise the user
as to an appropriate load weight. Any relevant variables, such as
wash temperature, cycle time, stain type, fabric type or condition,
etc., may be inputted by the user or determined by the washing
machine pursuant to the parameters, as appropriate.
[0058] According to another implementation of the washing
conditions identified using methods 100 and/or 200, the washing
condition parameters are programmed into a washing machine
controller (such as a processor or other electronic control
device), such that the user of the washing machine may enter
information including but not limited to fabric type or condition,
garment or textile type, load amount, and one or more washing goals
(such as improved stain removal, reduced abrasion, improved fabric
care, improved softness, color fastness, etc.) using buttons,
knobs, levers, keypads, touch screens, or other selection
mechanisms provided on the machine. The machine then adjusts its
wash cycle variables in accordance with the parameters to provide
the washing conditions that will most closely achieve the goal(s)
inputted by the user. The washing machine may further be provided
with a load weighing mechanism, for example, a weight sensor device
positioned within the washing machine, to enable the machine to
assess the load weight and adjust washing conditions accordingly
using the parameters. Any number or combination of variables may be
provided by the user to the washing machine, with the washing
machine using that inputted information to provide direction to the
user to achieve improved washing results for the given information
that has been inputted.
[0059] In another implementation of the parameters developed using
methods 100 and/or 200, the parameters may be provided to the user
via computer or digital handheld device, enabling the user to enter
washing machine model, a fabric, garment or other textile type, and
one or more washing goals (such as improved stain removal, reduced
abrasion, improved fabric care, improved fabric softness, color
fastness, etc.). The device, using the parameters, then calculates
and displays the appropriate wash cycle conditions that the user
should enter into the washing machine to most closely achieve the
goal(s) inputted by the user. Alternatively, the device may
communicate the appropriate conditions directly to the washing
machine.
[0060] In yet another implementation of the parameters developed by
using methods 100 and/or 200, a detergent product, e.g., a
granular, paste, gel, liquid, or other detergent or soap
composition that is packaged with instructions for use in a process
for laundering a discrete wash load of textiles, may be provided in
which the instructions for use of the detergent are designed based
upon the parameters to improve fabric or garment care during the
washing process. For example, a detergent for delicate fabrics may
include washing instructions for improved care of such textiles as
indicated by the parameters created using data gathered in testing
in accordance with method 100. Similarly, a detergent for removing
stains may include washing instructions for improved stain removal
as indicated by the parameters. Other textile types and washing
goals may be similarly incorporated into washing instructions
provided on detergent packaging.
[0061] From the above description and drawings, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
particular embodiments shown and described are for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the present invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. References to details of particular embodiments
and examples are not to be taken or construed as a limitation on
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *