U.S. patent application number 14/330475 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-14 for device for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a fabric.
The applicant listed for this patent is Henkel AG & Co. KGaA. Invention is credited to Julia Breisinger, Keith Anthony Cardinal, Katja Gerhards.
Application Number | 20160010256 14/330475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55067147 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160010256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cardinal; Keith Anthony ; et
al. |
January 14, 2016 |
DEVICE FOR INCORPORATING AN ACTIVE LAUNDRY INGREDIENT INTO A
FABRIC
Abstract
Devices and systems are provided for incorporating an active
laundry ingredient into a fabric. The device includes a sleeve that
is removably attached to a container closure. The sleeve includes
an exterior surface, a number of irregularities extending outward
from the exterior surface to incorporate the active laundry
ingredient into the fabric, and an opening to removably attach the
device to a container closure.
Inventors: |
Cardinal; Keith Anthony;
(Gilbert, AZ) ; Gerhards; Katja; (Duesseldorf,
DE) ; Breisinger; Julia; (Duesseldorf, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA |
Dusseldorf |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
55067147 |
Appl. No.: |
14/330475 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/220 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/024 20130101;
C11D 17/041 20130101; D06F 3/04 20130101; B65D 51/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 3/04 20060101
D06F003/04; A47L 25/08 20060101 A47L025/08 |
Claims
1. A device for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a
fabric, the device comprising: a sleeve that is removably attached
to a container closure, the sleeve comprising; an exterior surface;
a number of irregularities extending outward from the exterior
surface to incorporate the active laundry ingredient into the
fabric; and an opening to removably attach the device to a
container closure.
2. The device of claim 1, in which the number of irregularities
extend outward from a top portion of the exterior surface of the
sleeve.
3. The device of claim 1, in which the number of irregularities
extend outward from a side portion of the exterior surface of the
sleeve.
4. The device of claim 1, in which the sleeve is cylindrical in
shape.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising an ergonomic feature
to allow proper alignment of the number of irregularities with the
fabric.
6. The device of claim 1, in which the sleeve is made from a single
material.
7. The device of claim 1, in which a durometer of the number of
irregularities are selected based on a fabric type, a treatment
level, or combinations thereof.
8. The device of claim 1, in which a profile of the number of
irregularities is selected based on a fabric type, a treatment
level, or combinations thereof.
9. The device of claim 1, in which a quantity of the number of
irregularities is selected based on a fabric type, a treatment
level, or combinations thereof.
10. A system for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a
fabric, the system comprising: a container to hold an amount of the
active laundry ingredient; a closure to removably seal the
container; and a device to incorporate the active laundry
ingredient into the fabric, the device comprising: a number of
irregularities extending outward from an exterior surface of the
device; and an opening to removably attach the device to the
closure.
11. The system of claim 10, in which the number of irregularities
extend outward from a top portion of the exterior surface of the
sleeve.
12. The system of claim 10, in which the number of irregularities
extend outward from a side portion of the exterior surface of the
sleeve.
13. The system of claim 10, in which the sleeve is made from a
different material than the closure.
14. The system of claim 13, in which the sleeve is made from a
material having a lower durometer than a material used to make the
closure.
15. The system of claim 10, in which the sleeve further comprises
an attachment mechanism to removably attach the device to the
closure.
16. A device for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a
fabric, the device comprising: a cylindrical sleeve that is
removably attached to a container closure, the sleeve comprising;
an exterior surface; a number of uniform irregularities extending
outward from the exterior surface to incorporate the active laundry
ingredient into the fabric; and an opening to removably attach the
device to a container closure.
17. The device of claim 16, in which the number of uniform
irregularities extend outward at an angle relative to the exterior
surface of the sleeve.
18. The device of claim 16, in which the number of uniform
irregularities extend perpendicular to the exterior surface of the
sleeve.
19. The device of claim 16, in which the number of irregularities
extend outward from a top portion of the exterior surface of the
sleeve.
20. The device of claim 16, in which the number of irregularities
extend outward from a side portion of the exterior surface of the
sleeve.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a device for
incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a fabric, and more
particularly relates to a device having a number of irregularities
that incorporate an active laundry ingredient to a fabric, the
device being removably attached to a container closure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] During usage, fabrics, such as clothing, become soiled from
environmental agents, human secretions, or other elements. To
cleanse the fabrics, an active laundry ingredient is used to
remove, or assist in removing, the soil or other impurity from a
fabric surface. For example, an active laundry ingredient is mixed
with water and applied to a fabric surface in a washing machine. In
some cases, a portion of a fabric surface may be more soiled and
may necessitate more active laundry ingredient than is applied
using a washing machine. In another example, an entire fabric
surface may be more soiled and may necessitate more active laundry
ingredient than is applied using a washing machine.
[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to have a device to assist in
providing an additional amount of active laundry ingredient to a
portion of a fabric surface such as a portion that is more soiled
than the rest of the fabric, or to provide an additional amount of
active laundry ingredient to an entire fabric surface that is
particularly soiled. Furthermore, other desirable features and
characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from
the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and this background of the invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A device for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into
a fabric includes a sleeve that is removably attached to a
container closure. The sleeve includes an exterior surface, a
number of irregularities extending outward from the exterior
surface to incorporate the active laundry ingredient into the
fabric, and an opening to removably attach the device to a
container closure.
[0005] A system for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into
a fabric includes a container to hold an amount of the active
laundry ingredient, a closure to removably seal the container, and
a device to incorporate the active laundry ingredient into the
fabric. The device includes a number of irregularities extending
outward from an exterior surface of the device and an opening to
removably attach the device to the closure.
[0006] A device for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into
a fabric includes a cylindrical sleeve that is removably attached
to a container closure. The sleeve includes an exterior surface, a
number of uniform irregularities extending outward from the
exterior surface to incorporate the active laundry ingredient into
the fabric, and an opening to removably attach the device to a
container closure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of a system for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to one example
of the principles described herein.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to one example
of the principles described herein.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a device for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to another
example of the principles described herein.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of a device for incorporating an active
laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to one example of the
principles described herein.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a top view of a device for incorporating an active
laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to another example of
the principles described herein.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front view of a device for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to one example
of the principles described herein.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of a device for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to another
example of the principles described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following detailed description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the
following detailed description of the invention.
[0016] As described above, in some instances, a user may desire to
"spot treat" a particularly soiled portion of a fabric surface, or
"pre-treat" a fabric surface that is particularly soiled. In "spot
treating" or "pre-treating," a number of devices may be used to
further incorporate an additional amount of active laundry
ingredient into the fabric. These devices may include a mechanical
assist, such as bristles, to work the active laundry ingredient
into the fabric. However, such devices prove inconvenient for
practical use. For example, in some examples, the mechanical
assists may be integrally formed with the container. However, given
the size of laundry containers, such an integrally-formed
mechanical assist would be impractical due to the weight and size
of laundry containers.
[0017] Moreover, other mechanical assist devices may be formed
integrally with a container closure. A container closure referring
to a device that closes the laundry container. Examples of such
container closures include a cap that is screwed onto the laundry
container. Mechanical assists that are integrally formed with a
container closure are also impractical as their use indicates that
the laundry container be left open during spot treatment or
pre-treatment creating a possibility of spillage, or inadvertent
contact with humans, such as children, or animals.
[0018] Still further, a mechanical assist device that is integrally
formed with a container closure exhibits environmental
complications. For example, the bristles of a mechanical assist
device may be softer than the closure and therefore may be made out
of a different material relative to the material for the closure.
The mechanical assist device is then permanently attached to the
closure. As the closure and the mechanical assist are made from
different materials, there are different recycling procedures for
each material. However, as both are integral as a single component
and cannot be separated, the entire closure/assist component may
not be recyclable due to the different nature of the materials.
Given the amount of laundry containers that are used each year,
(totaling in the billions); this may result in millions of pounds
of additional non-recyclable componentry being deposited in
landfills.
[0019] Accordingly, the present specification describes a device
that alleviates these and other complications. More specifically,
the present specification describes a device that includes a sleeve
that is separate from and removably attached to the container
closure. The sleeve includes an exterior surface and a number of
irregularities that extend from the exterior surface and are used
to mechanically aggravate the fabric fibers to allow the active
laundry ingredient to further penetrate and cleanse the fabric. The
sleeve also contains an opening that allows the device to be
removably attached to the container closure.
[0020] The device as described herein may be beneficial by
providing irregularities that allow the active laundry ingredient
to be mechanically worked into the fibers of the fabric to improve
efficacy of the active laundry ingredient. This may result in a
satisfactory consumer experience as more efficient results are
obtained.
[0021] Moreover, as the device is separate from the container
closure, the device may be used while the container remains sealed
via the container closure. This allows a consumer to close the
container following use, thus alleviating any complications such as
spillage and human or animal interaction, during the pre-treatment
process.
[0022] In some examples, the device of the present specification
may be formed out of a single material. As it is made out of a
single material, it can be easily recycled in a recycling operation
for that material, thus contributing to the reuse of millions of
pounds of plastic product.
[0023] As used in the present specification and in the appended
claims, the term "irregularities" refers broadly to any mechanism
used to incorporate, or mechanically work, an active laundry
ingredient, into a fabric surface. Examples of such irregularities
include bristles, blades, bumps, or other protrusions from the
device.
[0024] Further, as used in the present specification and in the
appended claims, the term "closure," "container closure," or
similar terminology refers broadly to any mechanism used to
temporarily close a container such as a laundry bottle. Examples of
container closures include caps that affix via a twisting motion
such as a screw-on cap, caps that attach via a friction fit, a snap
fit, or any other closure that temporarily seals or closes the
laundry container.
[0025] Still further, as used in the present specification and in
the appended claims, the term "a number of" or similar language may
include any positive number, including one to infinity; zero not
being a number, but the absence of a number.
[0026] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a front view of a
system (100) for incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a
fabric, according to one example of the principles described
herein. The system (100) may include a container (101) that holds
an amount of an active laundry ingredient. The active laundry
ingredient may include a number of components that remove dirt and
other soiling or impure compounds from a fabric surface or that
assists in removing dirt and other soiling or impure compounds from
a fabric surface. In some examples, the active laundry ingredient
may be included with other components in a carrier. The container
(101) may be formed of plastic or another suitable material that
retains an amount of the active laundry ingredient. Accordingly,
the plastic container (101) may be formed using any number of
methods including blow molding, injection molding, and injection
blow molding in addition to other forming operations. The container
(101) may include a dispensing mechanism (102) to dispense the
active laundry ingredient from the container (101). In one example
the dispensing mechanism (102) may be a spout out of which the
active laundry ingredient flows. In another example, the dispensing
mechanism (102) may be a valve, the actuation of which allows the
active laundry ingredient to flow out of the container (101).
[0027] The system (100) also includes a closure (103) that
removably attaches to the container (101). In this fashion, the
closure (103) removably seals the container (101), such that the
active laundry ingredient isn't unnecessarily exposed or spilled.
The closure (103) may removably attach to the container (101) using
any number of mechanisms. For example, the closure (103) may have
threads on a bottom surface that interact with corresponding
threads on the container (101) such that the closure may be
attached to the container (101) via a threading operation. In
another example, the closure (103) may have a bead around an inside
diameter of the closure (103) that fits into a corresponding groove
in the container (101) such that a user may press the closure (103)
onto the container (101). While reference is made to specific
mechanisms for attaching the closure (103) to the container (101)
any number of mechanisms may be used to removably attach the
closure (103) to the container (101). In some examples, the closure
(103) includes a dosing mechanism. For example, the closure (103)
may be a hollow enclosure that allows an amount of the active
laundry ingredient to be poured into the closure (103).
[0028] The system (100) alsos include a device (104) to incorporate
the active laundry ingredient into the fabric. As will be described
in more detail below, the device (104) may include a number of
irregularities that extend outward from an exterior surface of the
device (104). A user positions these irregularities against a
fabric surface and via hand movement, agitates the fabric fibers
such that the active laundry ingredient is further incorporated
into the soiled fabric to remove or dislodge soil particles.
[0029] The device (104) includes an opening to removably attach the
device (104) to the closure (103). For example, the opening of the
device (104) may be of such a diameter or dimension as to snugly
affix, via friction, to the top of the closure (103), which as
described above may be removably attached to the container (101).
The placement of the device (104) on the closure (103) may be
beneficial in that it allows the closure (103) to be in place on
the container (101) and preventing spillage or unintended contact
with the active laundry ingredient in the container (101), while a
portion of the active laundry ingredient is being worked into a
fabric surface via the device (104). Moreover, the attachment
mechanism of the device (104) to the closure (103) may be such that
the device (104) is securely retained on the closure (103) when not
in use. Examples of such attachment mechanisms include
corresponding threads on the device (104) and the closure (103), a
friction-type fit, a bead and race on the device (104) and closure
(103) respectively, among other type of attachment mechanisms. In
all its forms, the attachment mechanism may facilitate easy removal
of the device (104) by the consumer and easy attachment of the
device (104) to the closure (103).
[0030] In some examples, the device (104), when attached to the
closure (103) is oriented so as to protect the device (103) during
deployment through the distribution chain or to provide visual cues
relative to consumer education.
[0031] In some examples, the device (104) is made of a different
material than the closure (103). For example, the closure (103) may
be made of a first material that has a first durometer, or
softness, value. In this example, the device (104) is made of a
second material that has a second, and softer, durometer value. As
described above, mechanical assist devices may be integrally formed
with the closure (103). Doing so may indicate that the
irregularities and the closure (103) have the same durometer, or
other, properties. This may be inefficient as the properties of the
closure (103) may be such that the material is not effective as an
irregularity to cleanse a fabric surface. Accordingly, a device
(104) that is separate from the closure (103) and made of a softer
material, may allow the closure (103) to be designed to act as a
seal and dosing mechanism and a material selected appropriately,
while the device (104) may be made of a softer material that is
more conducive to aggravation of fabric fibers. In other words, the
separate device (104) and closure (103) allows for a more
customizable system (100) with a closure (103) material selected
based on certain selection criteria and the device (104) material
selected based on separate and distinct selection criteria.
[0032] A device (104) that is separate and removably attached to
the closure (103) is beneficial in that it allows for mechanical
aggravation of the fiber fabrics while simultaneously allowing the
closure (103) to seal the container (101), thus preventing spillage
or undesirable contact with the active laundry ingredient.
[0033] The system (100) may also include a temporary attachment
mechanism to secure the device (104) to the system (100) throughout
the distribution cycle, such as an adhesive strip and an adhesive
compound among other temporary attachment mechanisms.
[0034] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a device (204) for
incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according
to one example of the principles described herein. The device (204)
includes a sleeve (205) that is removably attached to a closure
(FIG. 1, 103). As depicted in FIG. 2, the sleeve (205) may be
cylindrical in shape. However, in some examples, the sleeve (205)
is another shape that would match the closure (FIG. 1, 103) and
would therefore allow for affixation of the device (204) to the
closure (FIG. 1, 103) surface.
[0035] The sleeve (205) includes an exterior surface and a number
of irregularities (206) extending outward from the exterior
surface. The irregularities (206) are used to incorporate the
active laundry ingredient into the fabric. For simplicity, a single
reference number is used to identify an irregularity (206). The
irregularities (206) are any device that mechanically aggravates
the fabric fibers. For example, an irregularity (206) may be a
bristle, a bump, a blade or any other texture or protrusion to
mechanically aggravate the fabric fibers.
[0036] As indicated in FIG. 2, the number of irregularities (206)
may extend outward from a top portion of the exterior surface of
the sleeve (205). However, the number of irregularities (206) may
extend outward from another surface, such as the side surface as
depicted in FIG. 3. Similarly, as depicted in FIG. 2, the number of
irregularities (206) may extend perpendicular to the top surface of
the sleeve (205). For example, an axis of the irregularities (206)
may be parallel with a radial axis of the sleeve (205). In some
examples, the irregularities (206) may extend at an angle relative
to the top portion of the exterior surface of the sleeve (205).
[0037] The irregularities (206) may cover any portion of the top
surface of the sleeve (205). For example, as depicted in FIG. 2,
the irregularities (206) may cover a portion that is less than the
entire top surface of the sleeve (205). In another example, the
irregularities (206) may cover the entirety of the top surface of
the sleeve (205). The number of irregularities (206) may include
any number or pattern of individual irregularities (206) disposed
on the sleeve (205).
[0038] In some examples, the properties of the irregularities (206)
may be selected based on a number of criteria including a fabric
type and a treatment level among other criteria. Examples of such
properties include a durometer, or softness of the irregularities
(206). The durometer of the irregularities (206) defines how an
irregularity (206) bends in response to a force. Another example of
a property includes a coefficient of friction of the irregularity
(206). The coefficient of friction of an irregularity (206) may
indicate a frictional force applied on a fabric fiber by the
irregularity (206). In yet another example, a profile of the
irregularity (206) may be selected based on one of the criteria. A
profile of an irregularity (206) may refer to the cross-sectional
shape, size, and overall dimension of an irregularity (206). In yet
another example, the quantity of irregularities (206) disposed on a
sleeve (205) may be selected based on the fabric type or treatment
level.
[0039] An example of different irregularity (206) properties
selected based on a number of criteria is described below. In this
example, a more delicate fabric may prescribe a gentler agitation.
Accordingly, a system (FIG. 1, 100) could include a device (204)
that is designed to facilitate the gentler agitation. This device
(204) may include fewer irregularities (206) that have a smaller
cross-sectional area and that are formed out of a softer material
so as to not damage the delicate fabric. By comparison, a durable
fabric that is likely to be substantially soiled may justify a more
intense agitation. In this example, the system (FIG. 1, 100) could
include a device (204) that is designed to facilitate the intense
agitation. In this example, the device (204) may include more
irregularities (206) that are more tightly-packed and that are made
out of a harder material to facilitate a more thorough and harsh
agitation cycle. In some examples, the device (204) may include
markings indicating the type, or properties of the irregularities
(206) and the corresponding agitation properties of the
irregularities (206).
[0040] In some examples, the irregularities (206) may be uniform,
meaning the irregularities (206) have similar properties such as
shape, cross-sectional area, durometer value, and coefficient of
friction values, among other properties. Including irregularities
(206) that are uniform may be beneficial in that it simplifies the
manufacturing process.
[0041] Returning to the sleeve (205), in some examples, the sleeve
(205) and the irregularities (206) may be made of a single
material. For example, the sleeve (205) and irregularities (206)
may be made of the same plastic material. As described above, in
other mechanical assist devices, the irregularities are formed of a
different material than the closure to which they are
integrally-formed. Doing so reduces the ability of simple recycling
of the closure and also lends to a complicated manufacturing
process as the two different materials (i.e., of the closure and
the irregularities) are formed distinctly, and then joined
together. Accordingly, a sleeve (205) and irregularity (206) that
are formed of the same material allow the sleeve (205) to be
recycled and also simplify the manufacturing process by alleviating
multiple operations to form parts of different materials.
[0042] The sleeve (205) may also include an ergonomic feature (207)
to allow proper alignment of the number of irregularities (206)
with the fabric. For example, an ergonomic feature (207) may
include an indentation for a thumb or other digit in such a way as
to facilitate proper alignment of the irregularities (206) in
relation to the fabric being treated. Other examples of ergonomic
features (207) include bumps or other protrusions.
[0043] An example of the use of the device (204) is provided below.
In this example, a user may pre-measure a dose of the active
laundry ingredient using the closure (FIG. 1, 103) as a dosing
mechanism. From that dosage amount, or from a separately obtained
amount, a portion of the active laundry ingredient may be poured
onto a particular area of the fabric that is to be "spot treated."
The remainder of the dosage may then be introduced into the wash
liquor. The container (FIG. 1, 101) may then be closed via the
closure (FIG. 1, 103). A user may then grip the device (204) using
the ergonomic feature (207) to properly position the irregularities
(206) against the fabric to be treated. The user may then move the
device (204) to mechanically aggravate via the irregularities
(206), the fabric fibers without damaging the fabric. The
aggravation of the fibers may allow the active laundry ingredient
to further penetrate into the fabric fibers to remove or dislodge
soil particles or other impurities. The device (204) may then be
hygienically cleaned by rinsing the device (204) under the fill
water of a washing machine or by depositing the device (204) in
with the wash load.
[0044] As described above, a separate and removably attachable
device (204) may be beneficial by allowing for "spot treating" or
"pre-treating" of fabric while a container (FIG. 1, 101) of the
active laundry ingredient is maintained closed.
[0045] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a device (304) for
incorporating an active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according
to another example of the principles described herein. As described
above in connection with FIG. 2, the device (304) includes a sleeve
(305) that is removably attached to a closure (FIG. 1, 103). The
sleeve (305) may be any shape that would match the closure (FIG. 1,
103) and would therefore allow for affixation of the device (304)
to the closure (FIG. 1, 103) surface.
[0046] The sleeve (305) includes an exterior surface and a number
of irregularities (306) extending outward from the exterior
surface. The irregularities (206) are used to incorporate the
active laundry ingredient into the fabric. For simplicity, a single
reference number is used to identify an irregularity (306). As
described above, the irregularities (306) may be any device that
mechanically aggravates the fabric fibers. For example, an
irregularity (306) may be a bristle, a bump, a blade or any other
texture or protrusion to mechanically aggravate the fabric fibers.
As indicated in FIG. 3, the number of irregularities (306) may
extend outward from a side portion of the exterior surface of the
sleeve (305). In other words, the irregularities (306) may extend
about a circumference of the sleeve (305). Similarly, as depicted
in FIG. 3, the number of irregularities (206) may extend
perpendicular to the side surface of the sleeve (305). For example,
an axis of the irregularities (306) may be perpendicular to a
radial axis of the sleeve (305). In some examples, the
irregularities (306) may extend at an angle relative to the
circumference of the exterior surface of the sleeve (305).
[0047] The irregularities (306) may cover any portion of the side
surface of the sleeve (305). For example, as depicted in FIG. 3,
the irregularities (306) may cover a portion that is less than the
entire side surface of the sleeve (305). In another example, the
irregularities (306) may cover the entirety of the circumference of
the sleeve (305). The number of irregularities (3206) may include
any number or pattern of individual irregularities (306) disposed
on the sleeve (3205).
[0048] As described above, the properties of the irregularities
(306) may be selected based on a number of criteria including a
fabric type and a treatment level among other criteria. In some
examples, the irregularities (306) may be uniform, meaning the
irregularities (306) have similar properties such as shape,
cross-sectional area, durometer value, and coefficient of friction
values, among other properties. Including irregularities (306) that
are uniform may be beneficial in that it simplifies the
manufacturing process.
[0049] Returning to the sleeve (305), in some examples, the sleeve
(305) and the irregularities (306) may be made of a single
material. A sleeve (305) and irregularity (306) that are formed of
the same material allow the sleeve (305) to be recycled and also
simplify the manufacturing process by alleviating multiple
operations to form parts of different materials.
[0050] The sleeve (305) may also include an ergonomic feature (307)
to allow proper alignment of the number of irregularities (306)
with the fabric. For example, an ergonomic feature (307) may
include an indentation for a thumb or other digit in such a way as
to facilitate proper alignment of the irregularities (307) in
relation to the fabric being treated. Other examples of ergonomic
features (307) include bumps or other protrusions.
[0051] As described above, a separate and removably attachable
device (304) may be beneficial by allowing for "spot treating" or
"pre-treating" of fabric while a container (FIG. 1, 101) of the
active laundry ingredient is maintained closed.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a top view of a device (404) for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to one example
of the principles described herein. More specifically, FIG. 4
depicts a device (404) having irregularities (406) that extend from
a top surface of the sleeve (405). As described above, in some
examples, the number of irregularities (406) may be positioned on a
top surface of the sleeve (405). More specifically, the
irregularities (406) may extend from a portion of the top surface
of the sleeve (405). While FIG. 4 depicts the irregularities (406)
in a particular pattern that covers a portion of the top surface of
the sleeve (405) the irregularities (406) may cover any portion of
the top surface, for example, the entire top surface, in any
pattern or arrangement. FIG. 4 also depicts the ergonomic feature
(407) used to properly align the irregularities (406) with a
surface of the fabric to be treated.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a top view of a device (504) for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to another
example of the principles described herein. More specifically, FIG.
5 depicts a device (504) having irregularities (506) that extend
from a side surface, or circumference of the sleeve (505). As
described above, in some examples, the number of irregularities
(506) may extend from a side surface of the sleeve (505). More
specifically, the irregularities (506) may extend from a portion of
the side surface of the sleeve (505). While FIG. 5 depicts the
irregularities (506) in a particular pattern that covers a portion
of the side surface of the sleeve (505) the irregularities (506)
may cover any portion of the side surface, for example, the entire
side surface, in any pattern or arrangement. FIG. 5 also depicts
the ergonomic feature (507) used to properly align the
irregularities (506) with a surface of the fabric to be
treated.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a front view of a device (604) for incorporating
an active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to one
example of the principles described herein. More specifically, FIG.
6 depicts a device (604) having irregularities (606) that extend
from a top surface of the sleeve (605). As described above, in some
examples, the number of irregularities (606) may be positioned on a
top surface of the sleeve (605). More specifically, the
irregularities (606) may extend from a portion of the top surface
of the sleeve (605). While FIG. 6 depicts the irregularities (606)
in a particular pattern that covers a portion of the top surface of
the sleeve (605) the irregularities (606) may cover any portion of
the top surface, for example, the entire top surface, in any
pattern or arrangement. FIG. 6 also depicts the ergonomic feature
(607) used to properly align the irregularities (606) with a
surface of the fabric to be treated.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a side view of a device (704) for incorporating an
active laundry ingredient into a fabric, according to one example
of the principles described herein. More specifically, FIG. 7
depicts a device (704) having irregularities (706) that extend from
a side surface, or circumference of the sleeve (705). As described
above, in some examples, the number of irregularities (706) may be
positioned on a side surface of the sleeve (705). More
specifically, the irregularities (706) may extend from a portion of
the side surface of the sleeve (705). While FIG. 7 depicts the
irregularities (706) in a particular pattern that covers a portion
of the top surface of the sleeve (705) the irregularities (706) may
cover any portion of the top surface, for example, the entire top
surface, in any pattern or arrangement.
[0056] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should
be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should
also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary
embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the
scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way.
Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those
skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that
various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of
elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing
from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims
and their legal equivalents.
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