Patent Application
20070000291
The present invention relates to a fabric article treating device for use with a fabric article drying appliance, and more specifically to a unique fabric article treating device and system for dispensing a benefit composition, employing a reservoir and a user interface to inform the user regarding a quantity of the benefit composition remaining in the reservoir.
Fabric article treating methods and/or apparatuses have been evolving over the past twenty years. There exists an ongoing need to develop a fabric article treating method and/or apparatus especially an in-home fabric article treating method and/or apparatus that improves/enhances the deposition of fabric article actives or benefit agents on the fabric articles being treated as compared to the currently existing deposition methods and/or apparatuses.
One particular challenge presented in the delivery of fabric article actives in the fabric article drying environment is the effect of moisture and heat, both during handling of a product in the chain of commerce and as generated during the drying of the fabric articles. Particularly, storage containers or reservoirs are sealed to minimize the effects of such conditions, thereby minimizing bacterial and fungal growth especially on head space surfaces such as lids or gaps, subject to repeated condensation and perspiration, and to avoid product loss or contamination.
Typically, when using a product which utilizes an expendable composition which needs to be replaced, the user desires the ability to determine how much of the composition is remaining. This allows the user to plan future purchases of the composition and to ensure that enough of the composition is on hand for the planned activity. As such, it would be advantageous to provide a fabric article treating device in which a user can easily determine when additional composition is needed.
The present invention is directed to fabric article treating devices and fabric article treating systems. More particularly, the invention is directed to fabric article treating devices in which a user interface provides information related to the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir.
One embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article treating device. The fabric article treating device comprises a dispenser and a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is configured to contain a benefit composition. A fluid handling system is configured to transport benefit composition from the reservoir to the dispenser. The dispenser is configured to deliver benefit composition to one or more fabric articles in a fabric article treating appliance. A measuring device is adapted to be in communication with the reservoir and/or the fluid handling system, and to determine an amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. A user interface is in communication with the measuring device and comprises a user signal adapted to provide a user with information relating to the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar elements throughout the views.
All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated. Except as otherwise noted, all amounts including quantities, percentages, portions, and proportions, are understood to be modified by the word “about”, and amounts are not intended to indicate significant digits. Except as otherwise noted, the articles “a”, “an”, and “the” mean “one or more”.
As used herein, “comprising” means that other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end result can be added. This term encompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”. The compositions and methods/processes of the present invention can comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optional ingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.
The phrase “fabric article treating system” as used herein means a fabric article treating device which may be discrete in relation to the fabric article drying appliance and/or it may be integrated into the fabric article drying appliance. Furthermore, the fabric article treating device may be integrated into a readily replaceable portion of the fabric article drying appliance, a non-limiting example of which includes a closure structure of the drying appliance.
“Fabric article” or “fabric” as used herein means any article that is customarily cleaned in a conventional laundry process or in a dry cleaning process. The term encompasses articles of fabric including, but not limited to, clothing, linen, drapery, clothing accessories, leather, floor coverings, sheets, towels, rags, canvas, polymer structures, and the like. The term also encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric material, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpons, shoes, and the like.
As used herein, the term “benefit composition” refers to a composition used to deliver a benefit to a fabric or article. Non-limiting examples of materials and mixtures thereof which can comprise the benefit composition include: water, softening agents, crispening agents, perfume, water/stain repellents, refreshing agents, antistatic agents, antimicrobic agents, durable press agents, wrinkle resistance agents, odor resistance agents, abrasion resistance agents, solvents and combinations thereof. The benefit composition may comprise a liquid, a powder, a suspension, or a gas product, and/or a combination of such. In one embodiment, the benefit composition includes a preservative. Various preservatives which help maintain one or more properties of the benefit composition are generally known in the art and are suitable for use herein. One exemplary preservative is Dantoguard Plus™ (dimethylol-5,5-dimethlyhydantoin) commercially available from Lonza (Fairfield, N.J., USA).
In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid connection between the dispenser 25 and the reservoir 30 comprises tubing configured to allow the benefit composition to be transported from the reservoir 30 to the dispenser 25. One exemplary tubing comprises a polymeric tubing with one or more channels or conduits. In another exemplary embodiment, the tubing is configured to allow a closure structure on the fabric article drying appliance to be maintained in a closed position while still permitting dispensing of the benefit composition. The reservoir 30 contains a benefit composition that is configured in one exemplary embodiment with minimum head space or void volume designed to maintain an anaerobic environment within the reservoir during dispensing of the benefit composition. In one exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 30 is removeable. In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 30 comprises a sealed pouch.
The reservoir 30 may be constructed of any material known in the art and in one exemplary embodiment will provide an anaerobic environment within the reservoir. Non-limiting examples of such materials include polymeric materials including but not limited to polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, nylon, polyester and the like. Other exemplary materials of construction include aluminum foil, or other metal films. In one embodiment, the reservoir 30 comprises multiple layers of one or more materials. In another embodiment, the reservoir 30 comprises a single or multiple layer barrier film.
The dispenser 25 may comprise at least one nozzle for the purpose of distributing the benefit composition into the fabric article drying appliance. Misting/atomizing of the benefit composition can be achieved using any suitable spraying device such as a hydraulic nozzle, sonic nebulizer, pressure swirl atomizers, high pressure fog nozzles or the like to deliver target particle size. Non-limiting examples of suitable nozzles include nozzles commercially available from Spray Systems, Inc. of Pomona, Calif. under the Model Nos. 850, 1050, 1250, 1450 and 1650. Another suitable example of a nozzle is a pressure swirl atomizing nozzle made by Seaquist Perfect Dispensing of Cary, Ill. under Model No. DU-3813.
In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrative in
In one embodiment, the pump 52 comprises a piezo-electric pump. In another embodiment, the pump 52 may comprise a diaphragm pump. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, any pump known to one skilled in the art may be utilized to transport the benefit composition from the reservoir 30 to the dispenser 25. Other exemplary pumps include piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, gear pumps and bellows-type pumps.
As noted above, one type of pump 52 that can be used in the present invention is a piezo-electric pump. While a piezo-electric pump has certain membranes or laminations which may vibrate in the reciprocating-type fashion, the piezo-electric pumps generally do not have major moving parts, such as rotating shaft and bearings used with a rotator member to displace a fluid or gaseous fluid, that experience wear over time. One commercially available suitable piezo-electric pump usable in the present invention is manufactured by PAR Technologies, LLC, located in Hampton, Va. and marketed as the “LPD-Series” laminated piezo-electric fluid pumps. Pumps which draw a relatively low current are particularly suitable in certain embodiments.
In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in
In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in
In another exemplary embodiment, the measuring device comprises a weight sensor adapted to weigh the amount of benefit composition in the reservoir. When the weight sensor detects a weight below a predetermined threshold level, the measuring device is adapted to activate the user signal of the user interface. The weight exerts a pressure that can be converted to some intermediate form, such as displacement. The weight sensor then converts this displacement into an electrical output such as voltage or current. The three most universal types of pressure transducers of this form are the strain gage, variable capacitance, and piezoelectric. In another exemplary embodiment, the user signal may comprise several signals to the user, such as varying levels of benefit composition remaining, as well as an indication that there is no benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the measuring device comprises a flow sensor in communication with the fluid handling system. The flow sensor is adapted to detect the flow rate of the benefit composition being transported from the reservoir to the dispenser. In one embodiment, the measuring device is adapted to activate a user signal of the user interface when the flow sensor detects a flow rate below a predetermined threshold. One exemplary flow sensor comprises an inline type low flow switch commercially available from Fluid Components International of San Marcos, Calif. under the model name FR78B Basic.
In another exemplary embodiment, the measuring device comprises a timer in communication with the fluid handling system, wherein the timer is adapted to measure the amount of time the fluid handling system is transporting the benefit composition from the reservoir to the dispenser. When the timer reaches a predetermined threshold level, the measuring device is adapted to activate the user signal on the user interface. In this embodiment, the measuring device estimates the remaining amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir by calculating the amount of time the benefit composition is being dispensed. This calculation estimates the amount of benefit composition dispensed based on an average flow rate rating of a fluid handling system.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the measuring device comprises a opacity sensor in visual communication with the reservoir. In this embodiment, the reservoir is transparent or translucent, such that wherein the opacity sensor is adapted to detect the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. The measuring device is adapted to activate the user signal of the user interface when the opacity sensor detects a predetermined level of opacity of the reservoir. Exemplary photodiodes and phototransistors are commercially available from Lumex Inc. of Palatine, Ill.
In one exemplary embodiment as illustrated in
In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir is removable and furthermore the reservoir comprises an RFID tag (Radio Frequency Identification) or similar such device. The RFID tag can contain various information regarding the fabric article treating device. For example, the RFID tag could contain a unique serial number that can then be utilized by the controller to determine optimal dispensing condition, track the amount of benefit composition dispensed, and track multiple removable reservoirs of benefit composition. This ability would be useful for a user who switches between different benefit compositions. In this embodiment, the measuring device would comprise an RFID tag reader, which is adapted to activate the RFID tag on the reservoir, receive the stored information from the RFID tag and send the information to the controller for further processing. The measuring device may also contain additional sensors such as timers or flow rate sensors to provide additional information related to the amount of benefit composition remaining in the removable reservoir.
In another exemplary embodiment, the reservoir is removable and furthermore the reservoir comprises an barcode or similar product identifier. The barcode can contain various information regarding the fabric article treating device. For example, the barcode could contain a unique serial number that can then be utilized by the controller to determine optimal dispensing condition, track the amount of benefit composition dispensed, and track multiple removable reservoirs of benefit composition This ability would be useful for a user who switches between different benefit compositions. In this embodiment, the measuring device would comprise an bar code reader, which is adapted to read the barcode on the reservoir and send the information to the controller for further processing. The measuring device may also contain additional sensors such as timers or flow rate sensors to provide additional information related to the amount of benefit composition remaining in the removable reservoir.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the measuring device comprises a thickness sensor. The thickness sensor is adapted to measure the thickness of the reservoir. In this embodiment, the reservoir comprises a pouch or bag that collapses upon dispensing the benefit composition. The thickness sensor may comprise a mechanical or electrical sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness sensor is adapted to activate the user signal of the user interface when the thickness of the reservoir equals or is less than a predetermined threshold level.
In another exemplary embodiment, the measuring device comprises a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid handling system. The pressure sensor is adapted to determine the pressure in the fluid handling system. While not being limited by a theory, it is believed that the pressure in the fluid handling system will drop when no more benefit composition remains in the reservoir. The pressure sensor is in electrical communication with the logic control system, wherein the logic control system is configured to send a signal to activate the user signal of the user interface when the pressure level reaches a predetermined level.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the fabric article treating devices comprises multiple reservoirs and/or multiple dispensers. In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric article treating device comprises a reservoir system, wherein the reservoir system may contain one or more reservoirs. In another embodiment, the fabric article treating device comprises at least two reservoirs, wherein one of the reservoirs is a main reservoir and the other reservoir is a secondary reservoir.
As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various measuring devices can be utilized in the present invention to provide information to the user regarding the amount of benefit composition remaining in the reservoir. These measuring devices may be purely mechanical, or electrical, or a combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the measuring device has no moving parts.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
As noted above, the fabric article treating device 20 may comprise a controller 85. In one embodiment, the controller may be a microcontroller. A suitable microcontroller is manufactured by MicroChip, of Chandler, Ariz. under the Part No. PIC16LS876-04/P. However, other microcontrollers made by different manufacturers could also easily be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller includes on-board random access memory (RAM), on-board read only memory (ROM), which comprises electrically programmable non-volatile memory elements, as well as on-board input and output lines for analog and digital signals. The controller may also be used with a crystal clock oscillator, although a RC circuit could be used instead of a clock circuit, if desired. The clock circuit provides the timing of the clock as necessary to operate the controller. In one embodiment, the controller comprises a port that can be interfaced to an optional programmable interface using a communication link, such as an RS-232 communication link. The port also allows the user to alter the program information of the controller, such as dispensing options, etc.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller can be any type of microprocessor or microcontroller circuit commercially available, either with or without on-board RAM, ROM, or digital and analog input/output (I/O). Moreover, a sequential processor may be used to control the fabric article treating device 20, or alternatively a parallel processor architecture or a logic state machine architecture could be used. Furthermore, the controller may be integrated into an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) containing many other logic elements that could be used for various functions, as desired, such functions being optional depending on the model of the fabric article treating device 20 that would be sold to a consumer. To change model features, the manufacture need only program the ASIC or the on-board RAM of the controller according to the special parameters of that particular model, while using the same hardware for each of the units.
It will also be understood that discreet digital logic could be used instead of any type of microprocessor, microcontroller unit, or analog control circuitry could be used along the voltage comparators and analog timers, to control the timing events and to make decisions based on input levels of the various sensors which are provided with the fabric article treating device 20.
It will be understood that the present invention can be readily used in other types of fabric article drying appliances, and is not limited solely to clothes “dryers”. In the context of this patent document, the terms “dryer” or “drying apparatus” or “fabric article drying appliance” include apparatuses that may or may not perform a true drying function, but may involve treating fabric without attempting to literally dry the fabric itself. As noted above, the terms “dryer” or “drying appliance” or “fabric article drying appliance” may include a “dry cleaning” process or apparatus, which may or may not literally involve the step of drying. The term “fabric article drying appliance” as used herein, also refers to any fabric treating apparatus that utilizes moving air directed upon one or more fabric articles, a non-limiting example of which includes a clothes dryer and modification thereof. Such apparatuses include both domestic and commercial drying units used in dwellings, laundromats, hotels, and/or industrial settings. In addition, it should be noted that some drying appliances include a drying chamber (or “drum”) that does not literally move or rotate when the drying appliance is operated in the drying cycle. Some such dryers use moving air that passes through the drying chamber, and the chamber does not move while the drying cycle occurs. Such an example dryer has a door or other type of access cover that allows a person to insert the clothing to be dried into the chamber. In many cases, the person hangs the clothes on some type of upper rod within the drying chamber. Once this has been done, the door or access cover is closed, and the drying can begin its drying function. Dispensing of a benefit composition can take place within such the unit, however, care should be taken to ensure that the benefit composition becomes well dispersed within the drying chamber, so that certain fabric items do not receive a very large concentration of the benefit composition while other fabric items receive very little of the benefit composition.
Exemplary fabric article treating devices and systems include those described in copending U.S. Application Nos. U.S. application Ser. No. 10/697,735 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/697,685 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/697,734 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/697,736 filed on Oct. 29, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/762,152 filed on Jan. 21, 2004; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/926,925 filed on Aug. 26, 2004; and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/927,211 filed on Aug. 26, 2004.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference. A citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appending claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
