Fabric revitalizing method using low absorbency pads

• US 7,665,227 B2
• Filed: 07/07/2006
• Issued: 02/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Metcalfe, LD, Wright, Tremitchell, McAllister, Karl D., Kaeding, Janice M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lu; Jiping
• Application Number:
  US11/482,615
• Publication Number:
  US 20070163093A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,327 Days
• Field of Search: 343/29, 343/37, 343/39, 343/42, 343/43, 343/48, 343/50, 343/57, 344/43, 34/72, 34/82, 345/95, 345/97, 34/95, 811/551, 814/91, 814/92, 814/93, 815/9, 68/58, 682/07, 68/5.R, 68/5.C, 68/121.9
• US Class Current: 34/339
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2101/20 Operation modes, e.g. delicate laundry washing programs, service modes or refreshment cycles
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/28 Electric heating
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/38 Conditioning or finishing, e.g. control of perfume injection
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/48 Drum speed
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 25/00 Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air control of washing or of washing and drying D06F33/00, D06F34/00; domestic laundry dryers D06F58/00
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 29/00 Combinations of a washing machine with other separate apparatus in a common frame or the like, e.g. with rinsing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 35/001 using ozone
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 35/003 using electrochemical cells
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 43/002 Spotting apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 43/007 Dry cleaning methods
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 43/02 having one rotary cleaning receptacle only
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/10 Drying cabinets or drying chambers having heating or ventilating means
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/203 Laundry conditioning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/38 of drying, e.g. to achieve the target humidity
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/44 of conditioning or finishing, e.g. for smoothing or removing creases
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 81/00 Ironing boards coverings or pads therefor D06F83/00; kitchen cabinets with ironing boards movable outwards to a position of use A47B77/10
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 95/00 Laundry systems or arrangements of apparatus or machines; Mobile laundries D06F31/00 takes precedence

Abstract

A method of revitalizing a fabric comprises directing a flow of air through a chamber while tumbling the fabric to dehydrate the fabric; removing particulates from the air flowing through the chamber; directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric; and tumbling the fabric while at least intermittently contacting the fabric with a low absorbency textured surface. In another embodiment, a method comprises placing the fabric in a chamber having a low absorbency textured surface; extracting fluid from the fabric to dehydrate the fabric; inserting treatment fluid into the chamber to apply the treatment fluid to the fabric; and extracting fluid from the fabric to dehydrate the fabric.

Claims

1. A method of revitalizing a fabric, the method comprising:

directing a flow of air through a chamber while tumbling the fabric to dehydrate the fabric to a moisture level of about 0%-10% fluid by weight of the fabric;

removing particulates from the air flowing through the chamber after the dehydrating step by at least intermittently contacting the fabric with a low absorbency textured surface;

directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric; and

rehydrating the fabric to a moisture level of about 2%-5% fluid by weight of the fabric to refresh the fabric.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric comprises directing a mist into the chamber.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein a cycle selected by the user determines at least one of an amount of treatment fluid and a type of treatment fluid.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the treatment fluid is water.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the air flow through the chamber is heated at least part of the time.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of directing the treatment fluid into the chamber comprises moving the fabric within the chamber.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following:

ionizing the air flow;

photo-activating a fluid used with the fabric;

applying wrinkle releaser to the fabric;

applying a disinfecting chemistry to the fabric;

applying a cleaning chemistry to the fabric;

applying an odor removal chemistry to the fabric;

applying a fragrance to the fabric;

applying an insect repellent to the fabric;

applying heat to remove odor from the fabric;

controlling heat applied to the fabric to minimize at least one of wrinkles, odors, and shrinkage;

applying mechanical action to effect cleaning of the fabric;

controlling chamber rotation to minimize fabric damage;

sanitizing by controlling dryer heat or fluid dispersion;

hydrating the fabric about an equilibrium moisture level to provide a predetermined amount of free moisture that can participate in background soil removal;

applying an oxidizing agent to the fabric, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises at least one of hydrogen peroxide and electrolytic water;

applying silver; and

applying a process aid selected from aqueous fluids, semi-aqueous fluids, non-aqueous fluids or a mixture of these fluids.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a process aid selected from a 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 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, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents and mixtures thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising dispensing fluid from a low absorbency pad forming the low absorbency textured surface.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising filtering the air flow using at least one of:

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 substances 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.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of directing a treatment fluid into the chamber comprises at least one of:

inserting vapor into the chamber to wet the fabric;

using vapor to dispense at least one of a fluid and a fluid containing an additive into the chamber;

inserting steam into the chamber to wet the fabric; and

using steam to dispense at least one of a fluid and a fluid containing an additive into the chamber.

12. A method of revitalizing a fabric, the method comprising:

directing a flow of air through a chamber while tumbling the fabric to dehydrate the fabric to a moisture level of about 0%-10% fluid by weight of the fabric;

removing particulates from the air flowing through the chamber after the dehydrating step by at least intermittently contacting the fabric with a low absorbency textured surface;

directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric;

rehydrating the fabric to a moisture level of about 10%-20% fluid by weight of the fabric to refinish the fabric; and

dehydrating the fabric to a moisture level of about 2%-5% fluid by weight of the fabric when the moisture level is greater than 5% fluid by weight after the rehydrating.

13. The method of claim 12, fun her comprising a step of directing a flow of air into the chamber and out of the chamber while tumbling the fabric to dehydrate the fabric to the moisture level of about 2%-5% fluid by weight of the fabric.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric comprises directing a mist into the chamber.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein a cycle selected by the user determines at least one of an amount of treatment fluid and a type of treatment fluid.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the treatment fluid is water.

17. The method of claim 12 wherein the air flow through the chamber is heated at least part of the time.

18. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of directing the treatment fluid into the chamber comprises moving the fabric within the chamber.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising at least one of the following:

ionizing the air flow;

photo-activating a fluid used with the fabric;

applying wrinkle releaser to the fabric;

applying a disinfecting chemistry to the fabric;

applying a cleaning chemistry to the fabric;

applying an odor removal chemistry to the fabric;

applying a fragrance to the fabric;

applying an insect repellent to the fabric;

applying heat to remove odor from the fabric;

controlling heat applied to the fabric to minimize at least one of wrinkles, odors, and shrinkage;

applying mechanical action to effect cleaning of the fabric;

controlling chamber rotation to minimize fabric damage;

sanitizing by controlling dryer heat or fluid dispersion;

hydrating the fabric about an equilibrium moisture level to provide a predetermined amount of free moisture that can participate in background soil removal;

applying an oxidizing agent to the fabric, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises at least one of hydrogen peroxide and electrolytic water;

applying silver; and

applying a process aid selected from aqueous fluids, semi-aqueous fluids, non-aqueous fluids or a mixture of these fluids.

20. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying a process aid selected from a 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 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, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents and mixtures thereof.

21. The method of claim 12, further comprising dispensing fluid from a low absorbency pad forming the low absorbency textured surface.

22. The method of claim 12, further comprising filtering the air flow using at least one of:

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 substances 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.

23. The method of claim 12 wherein the step of directing a treatment fluid into the chamber comprises at least one of:

inserting vapor into the chamber to wet the fabric;

using vapor to dispense at least one of a fluid and a fluid containing an additive into the chamber;

inserting steam into the chamber to wet the fabric; and

using steam to dispense at least one of a fluid and a fluid containing an additive into the chamber.

24. A method of revitalizing a fabric, the method comprising:

directing a flow of air through a chamber while tumbling the fabric to dehydrate the fabric to a moisture level of about 0%-10% fluid by weight of the fabric;

removing particulates from the air flowing through the chamber after the dehydrating step by at least intermittently contacting the fabric with a low absorbency textured surface;

directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric;

rehydrating the fabric to a moisture level of about 5%-10% fluid by weight of the fabric to light clean the fabric; and

dehydrating the fabric to a moisture level of about 2%-5% fluid by weight of the fabric when the moisture level is greater than 5% fluid by weight after the rehydrating.

25. The method of claim 24 further comprising tumbling the fabric during the rehydrating.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein the directing a treatment fluid into the chamber affects the rehydrating the fabric.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising a step of directing a flow of air into the chamber and out of the chamber while tumbling the fabric to dehydrate the fabric to the second moisture level of about 2%-5% fluid by weight of the fabric.

28. The method of claim 24 wherein the step of directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric comprises directing a mist into the chamber.

29. The method of claim 24 wherein a cycle selected by the user determines at least one of an amount of treatment fluid and a type of treatment fluid.

30. The method of claim 24 wherein the treatment fluid is water.

31. The method of claim 24 wherein the air flow through the chamber is heated at least part of the time.

32. The method of claim 24 wherein the step of directing the treatment fluid into the chamber comprises moving the fabric within the chamber.

33. The method of claim 24, further comprising at least one of the following:

ionizing the air flow;

photo-activating a fluid used with the fabric;

applying wrinkle releaser to the fabric;

applying a disinfecting chemistry to the fabric;

applying a cleaning chemistry to the fabric;

applying an odor removal chemistry to the fabric;

applying a fragrance to the fabric;

applying an insect repellent to the fabric;

applying heat to remove odor from the fabric;

controlling heat applied to the fabric to minimize at least one of wrinkles, odors, and shrinkage;

applying mechanical action to effect cleaning of the fabric;

controlling chamber rotation to minimize fabric damage;

sanitizing by controlling dryer heat or fluid dispersion;

hydrating the fabric about an equilibrium moisture level to provide a predetermined amount of free moisture that can participate in background soil removal;

applying an oxidizing agent to the fabric, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises at least one of hydrogen peroxide and electrolytic water;

applying silver; and

applying a process aid selected from aqueous fluids, semi-aqueous fluids, non-aqueous fluids or a mixture of these fluids.

34. The method of claim 24, further comprising applying a process aid selected from a 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 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, soil release polymers, soil repellency agents, sunscreen agents, anti-fade agents and mixtures thereof.

35. The method of claim 24, further comprising dispensing fluid from a low absorbency pad forming the low absorbency textured surface.

36. The method of claim 24, further comprising filtering the air flow using at least one of:

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 substances 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.

37. The method of claim 24 wherein the step of directing a treatment fluid into the chamber comprises at least one of:

inserting vapor into the chamber to wet the fabric;

using vapor to dispense at least one of a fluid and a fluid containing an additive into the chamber;

inserting steam into the chamber to wet the fabric; and

using steam to dispense at least one of a fluid and a fluid containing an additive into the chamber.