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Dual mode laundry apparatus and method using the same

a laundry apparatus and dual-mode technology, applied in the direction of dry-cleaning apparatus for textiles, washing machines with receptacles, cleaning using liquids, etc., can solve the problems of affecting the drying effect of textiles,

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-08-25
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although washing machines and laundry detergents have become quite sophisticated, the conventional laundry process still exposes the fabric articles to a risk of dye transfer and shrinkage.
A significant portion of fabric articles used by consumers are not suitable for cleaning in such a conventional laundry process.
Even fabric articles that are considered “washing machine safe” frequently come out of the laundry process badly wrinkled and require ironing.
The need for handling and recovering large amounts of solvents makes these dry cleaning processes unsuitable for use in the consumers' homes.
The need for dedicated dry cleaning operations makes this form of cleaning inconvenient and expensive for the consumers.
Unfortunately these processes have many disadvantages, for example, they require very high pressure equipment.
These also have multiple disadvantages, for example, the nonsolvent fluid cannot adequately dissolve body soils and is extremely expensive.

Method used

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  • Dual mode laundry apparatus and method using the same
  • Dual mode laundry apparatus and method using the same
  • Dual mode laundry apparatus and method using the same

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Definitions

[0028] The term “fabric article” used herein is intended to mean any article that is customarily cleaned in a conventional laundry process or in a dry cleaning process. As such the term encompasses articles of clothing, linen and drapery, clothing accessories, and floor coverings. The term also encompasses other items made in whole or in part of fabric, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpaulins and the like.

[0029] The term “lipophilic fluid” used herein is intended to mean any non-aqueous solvent capable of removing sebum, as described in more detail hereinbelow. “Lipophilic fluid” as defined herein generally does not include materials such as compressible gases, such as carbon dioxide or the like. The present lipohilic fluids are at least partially liquid at ambient temperature and pressure.

[0030] The phrase “dry weight of a fabric article” as used herein means the weight of a fabric article that has no intentionally added fluid weight.

[0031] The phrase “absor...

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Abstract

An apparatus and a method for treating, cleaning or refreshing fabric articles. Specifically, the apparatus is dual mode apparatus capable of both washing and drying operations wherein a lipophilic fluid is used in at least one step of the fabric treatment process in the apparatus. A kit containing replaceable / consumable components is also provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 546,668, filed Feb. 20, 2004.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for treating, cleaning or refreshing fabric articles. Specifically, the apparatus is dual mode apparatus capable of both washing and drying operations wherein a lipophilic fluid is used in at least one step of the fabric treatment process in the apparatus. A kit containing replaceable / consumable components is also included. BACKGROUND [0003] For the cleaning of fabric articles consumers have the choice of conventional aqueous immersive wash laundry cleaning or dry cleaning. [0004] Conventional laundry cleaning is carried out with relatively large amounts of water, typically in a washing machine at the consumer's home, or in a dedicated place such as a coin laundry. Although washing machines and laundry detergents have bec...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): D06F25/00D06F39/02D06F43/00D06F43/02
CPCD06F25/00D06F43/02D06F43/00D06F39/02D06F33/52D06F2103/32D06F2103/34D06F2105/52D06F2105/28
Inventor SCHEPER, WILLIAM MICHAELHAUGHT, JOHN CHRISTIANRADOMYSELSKI, ARSENI VALEREVICHPRICE, KENNETH NATHANTHOEN, CHRISTIAAN ARTHUR JACQUES KAMIEL
Owner THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
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