Fabric revitalizing method uisng low absorbency pads

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary enclosure and user interface and control for a revitalization system according to one embodiment of the invention in which a revitalization chamber is formed by a horizontal rotatable drum.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict alternative exemplary enclosures and revitalization chambers for the revitalization system.

FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary revitalization system that includes substantially horizontal support substrates for fabric.

FIG. 3B depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary revitalization system that includes a cabinet having at least one horizontal drawer and substantially horizontal support substrates.

FIG. 3C depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary revitalization system that includes a cabinet having a door and substantially horizontal support substrates.

FIG. 3D depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary revitalization system that includes substantially vertical support substrates.

FIG. 3E depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary revitalization system that includes a cabinet having at least one vertical drawer and substantially vertical support substrates.

FIG. 3F depicts an exemplary enclosure for a stationary revitalization system that includes a cabinet having a door and substantially vertical support substrates.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary revitalization chamber having a shape of a drum for a non-stationary revitalization system and heater control components of the revitalization system.

FIG. 5A depicts exemplary textured substrate surfaces for lining a drum of a non-stationary revitalization system.

FIG. 5B depicts alternative exemplary textured substrate surfaces for lining a drum of a non-stationary revitalization system.

FIG. 5C depicts another alternative exemplary textured substrate surface for lining a drum of a non-stationary revitalization system, wherein the textured substrate surface is received within a recess in the drum.

FIG. 5D depicts another alternative exemplary textured substrate surface for lining a drum of a non-stationary revitalization system, wherein the textured substrate surface can be attached to a baffle of the drum with first and second attachment means.

FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary textured substrate surface including an inner fluid reservoir.

FIG. 6B depicts an alternative exemplary textured substrate surface fluidly coupled to a fluid reservoir located in a baffle of the drum.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depict exemplary air flow components of the revitalization system.

FIG. 9A depicts a schematic view of the air flow through the revitalization system, wherein air flow through the revitalization chamber comprises recirculated air.

FIG. 9B depicts a schematic view similar to FIG. 9A, wherein the air flow through the revitalization chamber comprises fresh, non-recirculated air.

FIG. 10 depicts exemplary fluid removal system components of the revitalization system.

FIGS. 11 and 12 depict exemplary particulate removal and recovery system components of the revitalization system.

FIG. 13 depicts exemplary fluid delivery system components of the revitalization system.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary nebulizer circuit and assembly for one embodiment of the fluid delivery system of the revitalization system.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view the exemplary nebulizer assembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary nebulizer assembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary nebulizer assembly of FIG. 14 and the revitalization chamber in the form of the drum.

FIG. 18 depicts another exploded view of the exemplary nebulizer assembly of FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary nebulizer circuit and assembly for another embodiment of the fluid delivery system of the revitalization system.

FIG. 20 depicts a schematic view of the exemplary nebulizer assembly of FIG. 19 configured to deliver a plurality of fluids to the revitalization chamber.

FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary embodiment of sensors of the revitalization system.

FIG. 22 depicts an exemplary vacuum system of the revitalization system.

FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary stain removal station of the revitalization system.

FIG. 24 depicts another exemplary stain removal station of the revitalization system.

FIG. 25A depicts another exemplary stain removal station of the revitalization system built into the enclosure and having a work surface shown in a retracted position.

FIG. 25B depicts the exemplary stain removal station of FIG. 25A with the work surface shown in an extended position.

FIG. 25C depicts an exploded view of the exemplary stain removal station of FIG. 25A.

FIG. 25D depicts a rear view of the exemplary stain removal station of FIG. 25A.

FIGS. 26A and 26B depict an exemplary embodiment of modular construction of the revitalization system.

FIG. 27 depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of modular construction of the revitalization system.

FIG. 28 depicts another alternative exemplary embodiment of modular construction of the revitalization system.

FIG. 29 depicts a first exemplary embodiment of a dryer module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 30 depicts a second exemplary embodiment of a dryer module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 31 depicts a third exemplary embodiment of a dryer module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 32 depicts a fourth exemplary embodiment of a dryer module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 33 depicts a fifth exemplary embodiment of a dryer module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 34 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an ironing module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 35 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a sink module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 36 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a storage module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 37 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a shelf module for use with the revitalization system.

FIG. 38 depicts an exemplary embodiment of operations and actions performed during a revitalization process.

FIGS. 39A and 39B together depict an exemplary control flow chart for a user interface and control for the revitalization system.

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 first predetermined moisture level;removing particulates from the air flowing through the chamber;directing a treatment fluid into the chamber and onto the fabric; andtumbling the fabric while at least intermittently contacting the fabric with a low absorbency textured surface.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first predetermined moisture level is about 0%-10% fluid by weight of the fabric.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of directing the treatment fluid comprises rehydrating the fabric to a moisture level of about 2%-20% fluid by weight of the fabric.

4. The method of claim 1, 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 a second predetermined moisture level.

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

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of directing the mist into the chamber comprises wetting the fabric until the fabric contains a predetermined amount of fluid.

7. 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.

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

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

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

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising revitalizing the fabric by 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; andapplying a process aid selected from aqueous fluids, semi-aqueous fluids, non-aqueous fluids or a mixture of these fluids.

12. 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.

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

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

15. 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; andan 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.

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

17. A method of revitalizing a fabric, the method comprising: placing the fabric in a chamber having a low absorbency textured surface;extracting fluid from the fabric to dehydrate the fabric to a first predetermined moisture level;inserting treatment fluid into the chamber to apply the treatment fluid to the fabric; andextracting fluid from the fabric to dehydrate the fabric to a second predetermined moisture level.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the extracting step comprises extracting the fluid by at least one of: thermal action;drawing a vacuum on the chamber;chemical extraction;passing ambient air through the chamber;passing heated air through the chamber;passing cooled air through the chamber;mechanical action on the fabric;shaking the fabric;oscillating the fabric;nutating the fabric;vibrating the fabric;spinning the fabric; andapplying a desiccant.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the first predetermined moisture level is about 0%-10% fluid by weight of the fabric.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of inserting the treatment fluid into the chamber comprises hydrating the fabric to a moisture level of about 2%-20% fluid by weight of the fabric.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of extracting fluid further comprises heating the fabric, and the method further comprises cooling the fabric following the heating of the fabric.

22. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of inserting the treatment fluid comprises sequential steps of adding a first fluid and a second fluid different than the first fluid.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the second fluid activates the first fluid.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the first fluid is at least partially extracted from the fabric before the second fluid is added.

25. The method of claim 22 wherein the first fluid provides a revitalizing function on the fabric, and the second fluid is released at the time of use of the fabric for the benefit of the user.

26. The method of claim 17, further comprising activating the treatment fluid after the inserting of the treatment fluid.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the activation of the treatment fluid comprises applying at least one of heat, a cooling medium, an activation chemistry, light, pressure, and humidity.

28. The method of claim 17 wherein the treatment fluid is applied to the fabric by at least one of adsorption, absorption, mechanical action, humidified air, condensation, electrostatics, atomization, steam, vapor, spraying, and misting.

29. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of inserting the treatment fluid into the chamber comprises directing a mist into the chamber.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the step of directing the mist into the chamber comprises wetting the fabric until the fabric contains a predetermined amount of fluid.

31. The method of claim 17 wherein a type of cycle selected by a user of the method determines at least one of an amount of treatment fluid and a type of treatment fluid.

32. The method of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of the treatment fluid is water.

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

34. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing relative movement between the fabric and the low absorbency textured surface.

35. The method of claim 17, further comprising, prior to the first extracting step, a step of selecting a cycle, the cycle being selected being differentiated from at least one other cycle by at least one of the following parameters: whether the fabric is dewatered prior to the step of inserting the treatment fluid into the chamber;what type of fluid is supplied during the step of inserting the treatment fluid into the chamber;when, if ever, additional quantities of fluid are added to the chamber;when, if ever, additional types of fluid are added to the chamber;when, if ever, the air supply is heated;when, if ever, the air supply is cooled;when, if ever, a fluid is heated;when, if ever, a fluid is cooled;how much of the treatment fluid is supplied to the chamber;how long the treatment fluid remains in contact with the fabric before the step of extracting the fluid begins;how much motion is provided to the fabric; andwhat type of motion is provided to the fabric.

36. The method of claim 17, further comprising revitalizing the fabric by 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 waterapplying silver; andapplying a process aid selected from aqueous fluids, semi-aqueous fluids, non-aqueous fluids, or a mixture of these fluids.

37. The method of claim 17 wherein the treatment fluid is 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-tamishing 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.

38. The method of claim 17, further comprising dispensing fluid from a low absorbency pad forming the low absorbency textured surface.

39. The method of claim 17, further comprising dispensing fluid from a substantially non absorbent pad forming the low absorbency textured surface.

40. The method of claim 17 wherein the treatment fluid comprises a chemistry that is released at the time of use of the fabric for the benefit of the user of the fabric.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the chemistry is selected from a group consisting of: a topical ointment, a topical medicine, an inhaled medicine, a pheromone, an insect repellant, an anti-tarnishing agent, an anti-microbial agent, and an aroma therapy treatment.