Fabric revitalizing method using mist

Abstract

A method of revitalizing a fabric comprises placing the fabric in a chamber; directing a mist into the chamber to wet the fabric with the mist; directing a flow of air into the chamber and out of the chamber; removing particulates from the flow of air out of the chamber; and removing the fluid from the fabric in the chamber to reduce fluid content to approximately 0% to 5% by weight of 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: placing the fabric in a chamber;directing a mist into the chamber to wet the fabric with the mist;directing a flow of air into the chamber and out of the chamber;removing particulates from the flow of air out of the chamber; andremoving the fluid from the fabric in the chamber to reduce fluid content to approximately 0% to 5% by weight of the fabric.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of directing the mist into the chamber comprises wetting the fabric until the fabric contains approximately a predetermined amount of fluid.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the predetermined amount of fluid depends on a type of cycle selected by a user of the method.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the predetermined amount of fluid is about 2%-5% fluid by weight of the fabric.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the predetermined amount of fluid is about 5%-10% fluid by weight of the fabric.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the predetermined amount of fluid is about 10%-20% fluid by weight of the fabric.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the type of fluid is determined by a type of cycle selected by a user of the method.

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

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

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the fabric in the chamber to facilitate the wetting of the fabric with the mist.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the movement of the fabric is caused by rotation of the chamber.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing relative movement between the fabric and a low absorbency textured surface.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the low absorbency textured surface is at least partially disposed on an inside surface of the chamber.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing relative movement between the fabric and a non-absorbent textured surface.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising prior to the step of directing the mist into the chamber, 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 directing the mist into the chamber;what type of fluid is supplied during the step of directing the mist 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 flow of air is heated;when, if ever, the flow of air is cooled;when, if ever, a fluid is heated;when, if ever, a fluid is cooled;how much of the fluid is supplied to the chamber;how long the fluid remains in contact with the fabric before the step of removing the fluid begins;how much motion is provided to the fabric; andwhat type of motion is provided to the fabric.

16. 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.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a process aid selected from 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.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising dispensing fluid from a low absorbency pad.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising dispensing fluid from a substantially non-absorbent pad.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising filtering the flow of air 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 specie and radical for cleaning;a filter impregnated with a reactant to chemically treat a substance 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

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting vapor into the chamber to wet the fabric.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising using the vapor to dispense fluid into the chamber.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting steam into the chamber to wet the fabric.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising using the steam to dispense fluid into the chamber.

25. The method of claim 1 wherein the mist comprises one of a spray and a vapor.