EP0953669A2 - Clothes treating apparatus - Google Patents
Clothes treating apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0953669A2 EP0953669A2 EP99107858A EP99107858A EP0953669A2 EP 0953669 A2 EP0953669 A2 EP 0953669A2 EP 99107858 A EP99107858 A EP 99107858A EP 99107858 A EP99107858 A EP 99107858A EP 0953669 A2 EP0953669 A2 EP 0953669A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- interior region
- cabinet
- nozzle
- air
- conditioning composition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F73/00—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam
- D06F73/02—Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam having one or more treatment chambers
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/10—Drying cabinets or drying chambers having heating or ventilating means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a garment treating apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for cleaning, deodorizing and dewrinkling garments as a result of being subjected to a conditioning composition in a controlled manner substantially without the application of steam.
- the prior art reflects efforts to develop garment treating systems for home use which clean, remove wrinkles and refresh garments or clothes items which are preferably not washed using conventional fill water immersion wash processes.
- the problem has been to develop a high performing, cost effective home system for cleaning and refleshing garments which are delicate, subject to shrinkage or require a wrinkle free appearance.
- Such garments are typically cleaned using commercial laundry or dry cleaning services.
- Past efforts have focused on clothes treating cabinets designed to clean and refresh garments by employing a combination of steam and hot air which is applied to the garments.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,373 discloses a cabinet comprising a housing of flexible material which defines an interior region for hanging clothes.
- a steam generator is mounted in the lower region of the housing to steam the clothes.
- a fan and heating element are also provided in the lower portion of the housing for delivering heated air into the interior region for drying and airing the clothes.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,484 discloses a cabinet for receiving clothes having a steam delivery means and a hot air delivery means.
- the appliance includes a steaming cycle and a drying cycle.
- Hangers and a bar are provided for suspending clothes items and weighted bars are provided to tension the clothes such that wrinkles are removed.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,305 discloses a method of finishing garments by hanging them in a sealed chamber, spraying a finishing agent which imparts refreshing ad cleaning benefits, and thereafter or simultaneously therewith, filly applying steam to the garments. In a final step, hot air is blown through the sealed chamber to dry the garments.
- This system has the benefit of providing a means for supplying a finishing agent to hanging clothes items but has the drawback of requiring the addition of steam to impart the desired benefits.
- a clothes treating apparatus including a cabinet defining an interior region.
- a rod or hook extends from a inner wall of the cabinet for supporting at least one hanger on which a garment can be hung within the interior region.
- a door is movably connected to the cabinet for closing the interior region.
- a fluid atomizing nozzle is supported by the cabinet and is fluidly connected to a reservoir containing a conditioning composition.
- An air compressor is connected to the nozzle for supplying air to the nozzle such that when the air compressor is energized the conditioning composition is drawn out of the reservoir and sprayed from the nozzle in a mist form into the interior region.
- the clothes treating apparatus provides a means for applying a conditioning composition onto garments which does not include means for supplying steam into the interior region.
- the nozzle operates to mix compressed air and the conditioning composition and spray atomized conditioning composition into the interior region.
- the nozzle includes an air passage and a fluid passage.
- the reservoir is supported by the cabinet below the nozzle and is fluidly connected to the fluid passage within the nozzle.
- the air compressor is connected to the air passage of the nozzle for supplying air to the nozzle such that an air stream flows over a fluid outlet and automatically draws conditioning composition from the reservoir such that conditioning composition is mixed with the air flow for forming a mist which is dispensed from the nozzle without requiring a valve between the reservoir and nozzle.
- the present invention may include an inflatable bag associated with the hanger wherein the garment can be disposed about the inflatable bag.
- a blower supported by the cabinet is provided for inflating the inflatable bag to press the garment against opposed inner side surfaces of the interior region during or subsequent to the application of conditioning composition to the garment. In this manner the garment may be pressed in order to remove wrinkles.
- the apparatus 10 includes a main housing or cabinet 12.
- the cabinet 12 forms an interior region 14 having opposite side walls 14a and 14b, a top wall 14c, a bottom wall 14d and a rear wall 14e.
- a door 16 is hingedly connected to the cabinet 12 for closing the interior region 14 formed by the cabinet 12.
- the door 16 includes an inner surface 16a wherein when the door 16 is closed, the rear wall 14e of the cabinet 12 and inner surface 16a of the door 16 form opposed inner side surfaces of the interior region.
- a gasket 17 is provided disposed about the periphery of the door 16 for sealing the interface between the door 16 and cabinet 12.
- Garments are hung within the interior region 14 from a rod 18 extending from the rear wall 14e of the interior region 14.
- a mist of conditioning composition is sprayed into the interior region 14 through a fluid atomizing noble 20 (FIG. 2), mounted onto the side wall 14b.
- the present invention is configured such that the conditioning composition is uniformly applied to the hanging garments for refreshing the garments.
- mist means atomized droplets of fluid which may contain solid particles in solution with the fluid.
- Effective distribution of the conditioning composition is important to achieving the desired conditioning benefits and is enhanced by selecting a mist form of the conditioning composition in which the mean particulate diameter size is optimally chosen.
- the mean particular diameter size of the conditioning composition mist is preferably from about 3 microns to about 50 microns, more preferably from about 5 microns to about 30 microns, and most preferably from about 10 microns to about 20 microns.
- the misting of the conditioning composition can be achieved using any suitable spraying device such as a hydraulic nozzle, sonic nebulizer, high pressure fog nozzle or the like to deliver target particle sizes.
- the misting is preferably accomplished using a relatively low volume air atomization nozzle.
- spray nozzles commercially available from Spray Systems, Inc. (Model Nos. 850, 1050, 1250, 1450 and 1650) are suitable.
- a compressor 22 is provided which may preferably be supported in a upper housing 24 of the cabinet 12.
- the compressor 22 is connected to an air supply tube 25 which supplies air to the nozzle 20 (FIG. 2).
- the compressor 22 may be housed in a base of the cabinet 12 with a supply tube extending upwardly to the nozzle 20.
- the conditioning composition is supplied to the nozzle 20 from a reservoir container 26 which is removably supported within a 31 cavity formed into a baffle section 27 of the side wall 14b of the cabinet.
- the reservoir 26 is a generally cylindrical, bottle-like container ad is releasably connected to a fluid supply tube 28 which extends upwardly to the nozzle 20. Accordingly, the reservoir 26 is readily filled with conditioning composition by removing it from the side wall cavity and adding conditioning composition.
- a release lever 33 may be provided which when depressed by the user causes the container 26 to be disconnected from the fluid supply tube 28 and partially ejected from the cavity 31.
- the air compressor is operated and conditioning composition is drawn up into the nozzle and sprayed into the interior region 14.
- the reservoir may be provided with a relief valve to prevent an undesirable vacuum condition from forming within the reservoir 26.
- the clothes treating 10 is configured to promote effective application of a conditioning composition onto garments hanging within the interior region 14.
- the nozzle 20 is mounted to the side wall 14b near the top of the interior region 14 above the baffle section 27.
- the rod 18 is located below the top wall 14c such that the garments hang within the interior region 14 below the nozzle 20.
- the conditioning composition is sprayed, as indicated by the arrows labeled S, into the open area of the interior region between the top wall 14c and the hanging garments, referred to herein as a deceleration region 30.
- the mist sprayed from the nozzle 20 is given an opportunity to decelerate such that the mist is allowed to circulate gently within the interior region 14 and uniformly distribute itself onto the hanging garments.
- the deceleration region 30 is preferably 1.736 cu. ft. (10" x 10" x 30") or more of "dead" space, such that the spray has an adequate region to decelerate.
- a recirculation fan assembly 32 is provided within the lower portion of the interior region 14.
- the fan assembly 32 includes a fan 34 and a heater 36.
- the fan 34 is positioned to move air within the interior region 14 in a general clockwise direction, indicated by the arrows labeled CW.
- the movement of air within the cabinet 12 is opposed to the spray S of conditioning composition into the interior region 14. Accordingly, the recirculation of air acts to further decelerate the spray of conditioning composition.
- baffle section 27 of the side wall 14b acts to promote recirculation of air within the lower portion of the interior region 14 below the deceleration region 30.
- FIG. 3 provides a general illustration of the configuration of the nozzle 20.
- the air from the compressor 22 is supplied to an annular, conically shaped air passage 50 of the nozzle 20.
- the air provided from the compressor 22 has a pressure of from about 5 psi to about 30 psi.
- the temperature of the air supplied from the compressor 22 can be heated to enhance distribution and deposition of the conditioning composition onto the hanging garments.
- the fluid supply tube 28 of the reservoir 26 is connected to a fluid passage 52 centrally disposed within the air passage 50.
- Air flowing through the air passage 50 passes over an outlet orifice 54 of the fluid passage 52.
- the flow of air past the outlet orifice 54 creates a low pressure region that draws the liquid out of the reservoir 26.
- the conditioning composition is mixed with air and sprayed out though a nozzle outlet 56.
- the conditioning composition comes from the orifice 54 in fine strands.
- the surface tension of the conditioning composition and the shearing forces from impact with the nozzle outlet 56 break up the fine strands into smaller droplets. These droplets are carried away from the nozzle 20 by their initial momentum and the flow of air exiting the nozzle outlet 56.
- a controller 57 and control panel 59 (FIG. 2) is provided for operating the compressor 22 and fan assembly 32 in accordance with the cycle selected by the user of the clothes treating apparatus 10.
- the control panel may include a cycle selection knob 61 allowing the user to select a cycle that matches the type of clothes to be treated such as cotton, wool or delicate.
- the process for refreshing the garments hung within the apparatus 10 preferably includes a first period of applying the conditioning composition in a mist form onto the garments.
- the time for applying the conditioning composition may be between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the choice of cycle and the load size.
- the fan 34 While the conditioning composition is being supplied into the interior region 14, the fan 34 is energized to circulate air within the cabinet 12.
- the heater 36 may be periodically energized for supplying heat to the distributed conditioning composition.
- the heater 36 and fan 34 are energized such that warm air is recirculated over the garments hanging within the cabinet and the conditioning composition applied to the garments is dried.
- the temperature of air during the drying period is in the range from 40°C to about 80°C, more preferably from about 50°C to about 65°C.
- the drying time period may be from 10 to 180 minutes long, depending on the cycle selected and load size.
- An exhaust air duct 58 shown in FIG. 2, may be provided for allowing air to be exhausted from the interior region 14 during the drying period.
- the exhaust duct 58 may be connected with duct work such that the exhaust air is vented out of the user's home as is conventional in dryer applications.
- the duct may be provided with a closing means such that the duct can be closed during the conditioning composition application step.
- the particular conditioning composition selected for use in the process can vary widely depending upon the particular benefit desired. However, in preferable modes of operating the conditioning composition will contain ingredients which can be effective across a variety of garment fabrics. For example, the conditioning composition will preferably be suitable for "dry-clean" only garments as well as pure cotton dress shirts which typically require a significant de-wrinkling operating subsequent to conventional laundering operations (i.e. home washings and drying cycles).
- one suitable composition which provides refreshing benefits comprises, by weight; from about 0.001% to about 10% of a diethylene glycol; from about 0.01% to about 10% of a beta cylcodextrin; from about 0.001% to about 5% of a surfactant; from about 0% to about 2% of a preservative; and the balance water.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention which includes, in addition to the conditioning composition dispensing system discussed above, means for pressing garments hanging within an apparatus 10'. To avoid unnecessary duplication, only the clothes pressing means are discussed with regard to the apparatus 10' but it should be kept in mind that the invention of FIG. 4 includes the elements disclosed in FIGS. 1-3, with the exception of the rod 18. In describing the alternate embodiment, elements which correspond to elements already described with regard to the first embodiment are identified using similar numbers combined with an apostrophe.
- the clothes treating apparatus 10' includes a cabinet 12' which defines an interior region or enclosure 14' and further includes an upper housing 24'.
- the upper housing 24' supports a blower assembly 60 which is connected to an air supply duct 62.
- the blower may be housed in the base of the cabinet.
- the air supply duct 62 has an end 64 which extends through a top surface 14c' of the cabinet enclosure 14'. When energized, the blower 60 moves air through the duct 62 and out through the end 64.
- An inflatable hanger assembly 66 including a rigid hanger body 68 and an inflatable bag 70 is supported within the cabinet interior region 14'.
- the hanger body 68 includes a tubular inlet end 72 and a hanger-like hollow body portion 74 which connects to the inflatable bag 70.
- the tubular inlet end 72 is configured to connect to the end 64 such that the blower 60 may blow air into the hanger assembly 66.
- the means by which the tubular inlet end connects to the connection end can be any quick-connect type system for sealingly connecting two tubular members.
- the inflatable bag 70 is removably mounted to the hanger body 68.
- the advantage of having a removable bag lies in both maintenance and performance of the clothes treating apparatus.
- the removable mounting permits the bag to be replaced if it is somehow damaged as well as providing ease of access while dressing the bag with a garment. This is especially important for pullover type garments which do not have zippered or buttoned fasteners. Also, different bag sizes and configurations may be needed depending on the size and type of clothing being treated.
- any shirt-like garment placed about the inflatable bag 70 is pressed to remove wrinkles.
- the pressure applied to the clothes can be designed, by appropriately sizing the blower 20, to optimize dewrinkling clothes. In some cases (dewrinkling delicate clothes), less dewrinkling pressure may be desired.
- the inflatable bag 70 may be replaced with a perforated bag which, due to the perforations, applies less pressure to clothes item placed about the inflatable bag.
- the blower 60 may also be of a variable speed type such that variable dewrinkling pressure may be obtained by varying the blower speed.
- a fixed speed blower can provide variable speeds by using a flow restricter actuated either mechanically or electrically.
- the present invention provides a unique clothes treatment cabinet which effectively refreshes garments by applying a conditioning composition onto the garments without requiring the application of steam.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a garment treating apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for cleaning, deodorizing and dewrinkling garments as a result of being subjected to a conditioning composition in a controlled manner substantially without the application of steam.
- The prior art reflects efforts to develop garment treating systems for home use which clean, remove wrinkles and refresh garments or clothes items which are preferably not washed using conventional fill water immersion wash processes. The problem has been to develop a high performing, cost effective home system for cleaning and refleshing garments which are delicate, subject to shrinkage or require a wrinkle free appearance. Such garments are typically cleaned using commercial laundry or dry cleaning services. Past efforts have focused on clothes treating cabinets designed to clean and refresh garments by employing a combination of steam and hot air which is applied to the garments.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,373 discloses a cabinet comprising a housing of flexible material which defines an interior region for hanging clothes. A steam generator is mounted in the lower region of the housing to steam the clothes. A fan and heating element are also provided in the lower portion of the housing for delivering heated air into the interior region for drying and airing the clothes.
- Another example of a clothes steaming cabinet is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,484. This patent discloses a cabinet for receiving clothes having a steam delivery means and a hot air delivery means. The appliance includes a steaming cycle and a drying cycle. Hangers and a bar are provided for suspending clothes items and weighted bars are provided to tension the clothes such that wrinkles are removed.
- Both of the above described systems rely primarily on steam for supplying moisture to the clothes in an attempt to remove wrinkles and refresh the clothes items. Unfortunately, the use of steam consumes a relatively large amount of energy in heating water and also adds to the drying time. More importantly, steam is relatively unable to carry finishing agents or conditioning compositions which are preferably deposited on the garments for clearing, dewrinkling and deodorizing purposes.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,305 discloses a method of finishing garments by hanging them in a sealed chamber, spraying a finishing agent which imparts refreshing ad cleaning benefits, and thereafter or simultaneously therewith, filly applying steam to the garments. In a final step, hot air is blown through the sealed chamber to dry the garments. This system has the benefit of providing a means for supplying a finishing agent to hanging clothes items but has the drawback of requiring the addition of steam to impart the desired benefits.
- Accordingly, despite numerous disclosures in the prior art, there remains a need for a process for satisfactorily conditioning garments which is convenient for home use. There is also a need for such a process that has improved cost and time effectiveness in that steam applications are not required.
- According to the present invention, the foregoing and other needs in the art are attained by a clothes treating apparatus including a cabinet defining an interior region. A rod or hook extends from a inner wall of the cabinet for supporting at least one hanger on which a garment can be hung within the interior region. A door is movably connected to the cabinet for closing the interior region. A fluid atomizing nozzle is supported by the cabinet and is fluidly connected to a reservoir containing a conditioning composition. An air compressor is connected to the nozzle for supplying air to the nozzle such that when the air compressor is energized the conditioning composition is drawn out of the reservoir and sprayed from the nozzle in a mist form into the interior region. A fan is provided for circulating air within the interior region such that the mist form of the conditioning composition is uniformly distributed onto the garment hanging within the interior region. Accordingly, the clothes treating apparatus provides a means for applying a conditioning composition onto garments which does not include means for supplying steam into the interior region.
- The nozzle operates to mix compressed air and the conditioning composition and spray atomized conditioning composition into the interior region. Specifically, the nozzle includes an air passage and a fluid passage. The reservoir is supported by the cabinet below the nozzle and is fluidly connected to the fluid passage within the nozzle. The air compressor is connected to the air passage of the nozzle for supplying air to the nozzle such that an air stream flows over a fluid outlet and automatically draws conditioning composition from the reservoir such that conditioning composition is mixed with the air flow for forming a mist which is dispensed from the nozzle without requiring a valve between the reservoir and nozzle.
- The present invention may include an inflatable bag associated with the hanger wherein the garment can be disposed about the inflatable bag. A blower supported by the cabinet is provided for inflating the inflatable bag to press the garment against opposed inner side surfaces of the interior region during or subsequent to the application of conditioning composition to the garment. In this manner the garment may be pressed in order to remove wrinkles.
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- FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of the clothes treating cabinet apparatus of the present invention with the door open.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the flow of air and mist form of conditioning composition within the clothes treating cabinet of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of the node used to spray conditioning composition into the cabinet of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 4 is a top, front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the clothes treating cabinet of the present invention, shown with the front door open.
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- Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a clothes treating apparatus for refreshing garments according to the present invention. As used herein, the term "refreshing" means cleaning, dewrinkling, and/or deodorizing garments. The
apparatus 10 includes a main housing orcabinet 12. Thecabinet 12 forms aninterior region 14 havingopposite side walls bottom wall 14d and a rear wall 14e. Adoor 16 is hingedly connected to thecabinet 12 for closing theinterior region 14 formed by thecabinet 12. Thedoor 16 includes an inner surface 16a wherein when thedoor 16 is closed, the rear wall 14e of thecabinet 12 and inner surface 16a of thedoor 16 form opposed inner side surfaces of the interior region. Agasket 17 is provided disposed about the periphery of thedoor 16 for sealing the interface between thedoor 16 andcabinet 12. - Garments are hung within the
interior region 14 from arod 18 extending from the rear wall 14e of theinterior region 14. A mist of conditioning composition is sprayed into theinterior region 14 through a fluid atomizing noble 20 (FIG. 2), mounted onto theside wall 14b. As described herein below, the present invention is configured such that the conditioning composition is uniformly applied to the hanging garments for refreshing the garments. As used herein, the term mist means atomized droplets of fluid which may contain solid particles in solution with the fluid. - Effective distribution of the conditioning composition is important to achieving the desired conditioning benefits and is enhanced by selecting a mist form of the conditioning composition in which the mean particulate diameter size is optimally chosen. To that end, the mean particular diameter size of the conditioning composition mist is preferably from about 3 microns to about 50 microns, more preferably from about 5 microns to about 30 microns, and most preferably from about 10 microns to about 20 microns. Furthermore, it is preferable for the particular diameter size to having narrow particle size distribution to enhance the distribution of the conditioning composition further.
- For purposes of enhancing the effective distribution of the conditioning composition on the garments, the misting of the conditioning composition can be achieved using any suitable spraying device such as a hydraulic nozzle, sonic nebulizer, high pressure fog nozzle or the like to deliver target particle sizes. However, the misting is preferably accomplished using a relatively low volume air atomization nozzle. For example, spray nozzles commercially available from Spray Systems, Inc. (Model Nos. 850, 1050, 1250, 1450 and 1650) are suitable.
- To achieve the misting of the conditioning composition within the
interior region 14, acompressor 22 is provided which may preferably be supported in aupper housing 24 of thecabinet 12. Thecompressor 22 is connected to anair supply tube 25 which supplies air to the nozzle 20 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, thecompressor 22 may be housed in a base of thecabinet 12 with a supply tube extending upwardly to thenozzle 20. - The conditioning composition is supplied to the
nozzle 20 from areservoir container 26 which is removably supported within a 31 cavity formed into abaffle section 27 of theside wall 14b of the cabinet. Thereservoir 26 is a generally cylindrical, bottle-like container ad is releasably connected to afluid supply tube 28 which extends upwardly to thenozzle 20. Accordingly, thereservoir 26 is readily filled with conditioning composition by removing it from the side wall cavity and adding conditioning composition. Arelease lever 33 may be provided which when depressed by the user causes thecontainer 26 to be disconnected from thefluid supply tube 28 and partially ejected from thecavity 31. During misting periods, the air compressor is operated and conditioning composition is drawn up into the nozzle and sprayed into theinterior region 14. The reservoir may be provided with a relief valve to prevent an undesirable vacuum condition from forming within thereservoir 26. - As shown in FIG. 2, the clothes treating 10 is configured to promote effective application of a conditioning composition onto garments hanging within the
interior region 14. To that end, thenozzle 20 is mounted to theside wall 14b near the top of theinterior region 14 above thebaffle section 27. Therod 18 is located below the top wall 14c such that the garments hang within theinterior region 14 below thenozzle 20. The conditioning composition is sprayed, as indicated by the arrows labeled S, into the open area of the interior region between the top wall 14c and the hanging garments, referred to herein as adeceleration region 30. Within theunobstructed deceleration region 30, the mist sprayed from thenozzle 20 is given an opportunity to decelerate such that the mist is allowed to circulate gently within theinterior region 14 and uniformly distribute itself onto the hanging garments. In this regard, thedeceleration region 30 is preferably 1.736 cu. ft. (10" x 10" x 30") or more of "dead" space, such that the spray has an adequate region to decelerate. - To provide for heating and moving air within the
cabinet 12, arecirculation fan assembly 32 is provided within the lower portion of theinterior region 14. Thefan assembly 32 includes afan 34 and aheater 36. Thefan 34 is positioned to move air within theinterior region 14 in a general clockwise direction, indicated by the arrows labeled CW. As can be seen, the movement of air within thecabinet 12 is opposed to the spray S of conditioning composition into theinterior region 14. Accordingly, the recirculation of air acts to further decelerate the spray of conditioning composition. - Even and smooth air flow within the
cabinet 12 is promoted by providing theinterior region 14 withrounded corners baffle section 27 of theside wall 14b acts to promote recirculation of air within the lower portion of theinterior region 14 below thedeceleration region 30. - As discussed above, the liquid conditioning composition is dispensed into the
interior region 14 as a mist by combining it with an air stream under pressure and passing it through theatomization nozzle 20. FIG. 3 provides a general illustration of the configuration of thenozzle 20. As shown, the air from thecompressor 22 is supplied to an annular, conically shapedair passage 50 of thenozzle 20. Preferably, the air provided from thecompressor 22 has a pressure of from about 5 psi to about 30 psi. Optionally, the temperature of the air supplied from thecompressor 22 can be heated to enhance distribution and deposition of the conditioning composition onto the hanging garments. Thefluid supply tube 28 of thereservoir 26 is connected to afluid passage 52 centrally disposed within theair passage 50. Air flowing through theair passage 50 passes over anoutlet orifice 54 of thefluid passage 52. The flow of air past theoutlet orifice 54 creates a low pressure region that draws the liquid out of thereservoir 26. After being drawn through theoutlet orifice 54, the conditioning composition is mixed with air and sprayed out though anozzle outlet 56. - While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the conditioning composition comes from the
orifice 54 in fine strands. The surface tension of the conditioning composition and the shearing forces from impact with thenozzle outlet 56 break up the fine strands into smaller droplets. These droplets are carried away from thenozzle 20 by their initial momentum and the flow of air exiting thenozzle outlet 56. - A
controller 57 and control panel 59 (FIG. 2) is provided for operating thecompressor 22 andfan assembly 32 in accordance with the cycle selected by the user of theclothes treating apparatus 10. The control panel may include acycle selection knob 61 allowing the user to select a cycle that matches the type of clothes to be treated such as cotton, wool or delicate. The process for refreshing the garments hung within theapparatus 10 preferably includes a first period of applying the conditioning composition in a mist form onto the garments. The time for applying the conditioning composition may be between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the choice of cycle and the load size. While the conditioning composition is being supplied into theinterior region 14, thefan 34 is energized to circulate air within thecabinet 12. Optionally, theheater 36 may be periodically energized for supplying heat to the distributed conditioning composition. - Following the application of the condition composition, the
heater 36 andfan 34 are energized such that warm air is recirculated over the garments hanging within the cabinet and the conditioning composition applied to the garments is dried. Preferably, the temperature of air during the drying period is in the range from 40°C to about 80°C, more preferably from about 50°C to about 65°C. The drying time period may be from 10 to 180 minutes long, depending on the cycle selected and load size. Anexhaust air duct 58, shown in FIG. 2, may be provided for allowing air to be exhausted from theinterior region 14 during the drying period. Theexhaust duct 58 may be connected with duct work such that the exhaust air is vented out of the user's home as is conventional in dryer applications. The duct may be provided with a closing means such that the duct can be closed during the conditioning composition application step. - The particular conditioning composition selected for use in the process can vary widely depending upon the particular benefit desired. However, in preferable modes of operating the conditioning composition will contain ingredients which can be effective across a variety of garment fabrics. For example, the conditioning composition will preferably be suitable for "dry-clean" only garments as well as pure cotton dress shirts which typically require a significant de-wrinkling operating subsequent to conventional laundering operations (i.e. home washings and drying cycles). By way of example, one suitable composition which provides refreshing benefits comprises, by weight; from about 0.001% to about 10% of a diethylene glycol; from about 0.01% to about 10% of a beta cylcodextrin; from about 0.001% to about 5% of a surfactant; from about 0% to about 2% of a preservative; and the balance water.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention which includes, in addition to the conditioning composition dispensing system discussed above, means for pressing garments hanging within an apparatus 10'. To avoid unnecessary duplication, only the clothes pressing means are discussed with regard to the apparatus 10' but it should be kept in mind that the invention of FIG. 4 includes the elements disclosed in FIGS. 1-3, with the exception of the
rod 18. In describing the alternate embodiment, elements which correspond to elements already described with regard to the first embodiment are identified using similar numbers combined with an apostrophe. - The clothes treating apparatus 10' includes a cabinet 12' which defines an interior region or enclosure 14' and further includes an upper housing 24'. The upper housing 24' supports a
blower assembly 60 which is connected to anair supply duct 62. Alternatively, the blower may be housed in the base of the cabinet. Theair supply duct 62 has an end 64 which extends through a top surface 14c' of the cabinet enclosure 14'. When energized, theblower 60 moves air through theduct 62 and out through the end 64. - An
inflatable hanger assembly 66 including a rigid hanger body 68 and aninflatable bag 70 is supported within the cabinet interior region 14'. The hanger body 68 includes atubular inlet end 72 and a hanger-like hollow body portion 74 which connects to theinflatable bag 70. Thetubular inlet end 72 is configured to connect to the end 64 such that theblower 60 may blow air into thehanger assembly 66. The means by which the tubular inlet end connects to the connection end can be any quick-connect type system for sealingly connecting two tubular members. - The
inflatable bag 70 is removably mounted to the hanger body 68. The advantage of having a removable bag lies in both maintenance and performance of the clothes treating apparatus. The removable mounting permits the bag to be replaced if it is somehow damaged as well as providing ease of access while dressing the bag with a garment. This is especially important for pullover type garments which do not have zippered or buttoned fasteners. Also, different bag sizes and configurations may be needed depending on the size and type of clothing being treated. - Once mounted and sealed to the hanger body 68, air supplied to the hanger body 68 inflates the
inflatable bag 70. When theinflatable bag 70 is inflated and the door 16' is closed, the side walls of thebag 70 press against rear wall 14e' and the inner surface 16a' of the door 16'. In this manner, when the bag is inflated, any shirt-like garment placed about theinflatable bag 70 is pressed to remove wrinkles. The pressure applied to the clothes can be designed, by appropriately sizing theblower 20, to optimize dewrinkling clothes. In some cases (dewrinkling delicate clothes), less dewrinkling pressure may be desired. Where less dewrinkling pressure is desired, theinflatable bag 70 may be replaced with a perforated bag which, due to the perforations, applies less pressure to clothes item placed about the inflatable bag. Theblower 60 may also be of a variable speed type such that variable dewrinkling pressure may be obtained by varying the blower speed. Alternatively, a fixed speed blower can provide variable speeds by using a flow restricter actuated either mechanically or electrically. - It can be seen, therefore, that the present invention provides a unique clothes treatment cabinet which effectively refreshes garments by applying a conditioning composition onto the garments without requiring the application of steam. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, those of skill in the Art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (9)
- A clothes treating apparatus for treating a garment comprising:a cabinet defining an interior region for receiving clothes;a door movably connected to the cabinet;a hanger for supporting the garment within the interior region;a fan for circulating air within the interior region;a nozzle supported by the cabinet;a reservoir containing a conditioning composition, the reservoir fluidly connected to the nozzle; andan air compressor connected to the nozzle for supplying air to the nozzle such that air combines with conditioning composition from the reservoir which is sprayed from the nozzle to form a mist which is supplied into the interior region,
wherein the clothes treating apparatus does not include means for supplying steam into the interior region. - The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the interior region has opposed inner side surfaces, the clothes treating apparatus further comprising:an inflatable bag associated with the hanger wherein the garment can be disposed about the inflatable bag; anda blower supported by the cabinet for inflating the inflatable bag to press the garment against the opposed inner side surfaces of the interior region.
- The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cabinet includes a side wall having a cavity and the reservoir is supported in the cavity formed into the side wall of the cabinet.
- The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:a supply tube extending from the reservoir to the nozzle, the supply tube being removably connected to the reservoir,
wherein the reservoir is removably supported by the cabinet such that the reservoir can be readily removed from the cabinet and refilled with conditioning composition. - The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, further wherein:the nozzle includes an air passage and a fluid passage having an outlet orifice;the reservoir is supported by the cabinet below the nozzle and is fluidly connected to the fluid passage within the nozzle; andthe air compressor is connected to the air passage of the nozzle for supplying air to the nozzle such that an air stream flows over the outlet orifice of the fluid passage and draws conditioning composition from the reservoir which is mixed with the air stream to form a mist which is supplied into the interior region,
wherein conditioning composition is mixed with an air flow for forming a mist which is dispensed from the nozzle without requiring a valve between the reservoir and nozzle. - The clothes treating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:a deceleration region provided within the interior region above the supported garment adjacent the nozzle for allowing the mist sprayed from the nozzle to slow down and recirculate within the interior region.
- The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the interior region forms a cavity having internally radiused corners to promote air recirculation within the interior region.
- An apparatus for conditioning garments within a cabinet, the apparatus including a reservoir of conditioning composition fluid which when applied to garments aids in dewrinkling, deodorizing and cleaning, the apparatus comprising:means for hanging the garments in the cabinet;means for circulating air within the cabinet; andmeans for spraying an effective amount of the conditioning composition into the circulating air in the cabinet such that the condition composition is effectively distributed onto the garments;
wherein the garments are effectively dewrinkled, deodorized and cleaned by the application of the conditioning composition and heat without the use of steam. - The apparatus for conditioning garments within a cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the cabinet includes an interior region having opposed inner surfaces, the apparatus further comprising:an inflatable bag associated with the hanger wherein the garment can be disposed about the inflatable bag; andmeans for inflating the inflatable bag for pressing the garment against the inner surfaces of the interior region for dewrinkling.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US8318798P | 1998-04-27 | 1998-04-27 | |
US83187 | 1998-04-27 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0953669A2 true EP0953669A2 (en) | 1999-11-03 |
EP0953669A3 EP0953669A3 (en) | 2000-02-23 |
EP0953669B1 EP0953669B1 (en) | 2003-09-10 |
Family
ID=22176744
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99107858A Expired - Lifetime EP0953669B1 (en) | 1998-04-27 | 1999-04-21 | Clothes treating apparatus |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0953669B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH11319398A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100626990B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1159485C (en) |
BR (1) | BR9901282A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69911108T2 (en) |
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EP1156150A2 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2001-11-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fluid supply and reservoir for a clothes refreshing appliance |
WO2002015663A2 (en) * | 2000-08-18 | 2002-02-28 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and article of manufacture for refreshing, deodorizing an d finishing garments |
WO2003074776A2 (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2003-09-12 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Fabric article treating method and apparatus |
EP1528143A2 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2005-05-04 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method for operating an apparatus for drying and dewrinkling garments |
EP1528144A2 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2005-05-04 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method and apparatus for treating garments |
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US7681328B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2010-03-23 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Uniform delivery of compositions |
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EP1156150A3 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2003-01-22 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fluid supply and reservoir for a clothes refreshing appliance |
EP1156150A2 (en) * | 2000-05-18 | 2001-11-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fluid supply and reservoir for a clothes refreshing appliance |
WO2002015663A2 (en) * | 2000-08-18 | 2002-02-28 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and article of manufacture for refreshing, deodorizing an d finishing garments |
WO2002015663A3 (en) * | 2000-08-18 | 2002-12-19 | Procter & Gamble | Method and article of manufacture for refreshing, deodorizing an d finishing garments |
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WO2003074776A2 (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2003-09-12 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Fabric article treating method and apparatus |
WO2003074776A3 (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2003-12-18 | Procter & Gamble | Fabric article treating method and apparatus |
US7681328B2 (en) | 2002-04-22 | 2010-03-23 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Uniform delivery of compositions |
EP1528144A3 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2010-06-30 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method and apparatus for treating garments |
EP1528143A3 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2008-11-19 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method for operating an apparatus for drying and dewrinkling garments |
EP1528144A2 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2005-05-04 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method and apparatus for treating garments |
EP1528143A2 (en) * | 2003-10-29 | 2005-05-04 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Method for operating an apparatus for drying and dewrinkling garments |
US7162812B2 (en) | 2004-02-10 | 2007-01-16 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Clothes drying machine with clothes smoothing ability |
EP1605091A1 (en) * | 2004-05-31 | 2005-12-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine and deodorizing method |
US8091253B2 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2012-01-10 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Fabric article treating device and system |
ES2334473A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2010-03-10 | Fco. Javier Porras Vila | Electric clothing dryer (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
CN101381953B (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2012-05-30 | Lg电子株式会社 | Clothes treatment apparatus |
US10420435B2 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2019-09-24 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fabric treating systems and accessories |
US10426284B2 (en) | 2009-05-01 | 2019-10-01 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fabric treating systems and accessories |
EP3779026A1 (en) * | 2010-03-03 | 2021-02-17 | LG Electronics, Inc. | Clothes treatment apparatus and control method thereof |
EP2397603A1 (en) * | 2010-06-17 | 2011-12-21 | Heike Brüske | Device for cleaning and smoothening clothing |
EP3101169A1 (en) * | 2015-06-02 | 2016-12-07 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes treating apparatus |
US11486076B2 (en) | 2015-06-02 | 2022-11-01 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes treating apparatus |
WO2021204339A1 (en) | 2020-04-08 | 2021-10-14 | Imbox Protection A/S | Flexible waterproofing/impregnation and drying device |
CN111826833A (en) * | 2020-07-03 | 2020-10-27 | 董显聪 | Original cloth deodorizing device of one-piece dress |
WO2022194185A1 (en) * | 2021-03-19 | 2022-09-22 | 广州视源电子科技股份有限公司 | Clothing care device |
CN113981155A (en) * | 2021-11-10 | 2022-01-28 | 江苏闳业机械股份有限公司 | Temperature and humidity control leather odor removal system |
CN113981155B (en) * | 2021-11-10 | 2022-04-05 | 江苏闳业机械股份有限公司 | Temperature and humidity control leather odor removal system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1234462A (en) | 1999-11-10 |
KR100626990B1 (en) | 2006-09-22 |
DE69911108D1 (en) | 2003-10-16 |
JPH11319398A (en) | 1999-11-24 |
EP0953669A3 (en) | 2000-02-23 |
KR19990083368A (en) | 1999-11-25 |
CN1159485C (en) | 2004-07-28 |
EP0953669B1 (en) | 2003-09-10 |
DE69911108T2 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
BR9901282A (en) | 2000-03-08 |
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