EP1280957A1 - Nouvelle planche a laver - Google Patents

Nouvelle planche a laver

Info

Publication number
EP1280957A1
EP1280957A1 EP01930980A EP01930980A EP1280957A1 EP 1280957 A1 EP1280957 A1 EP 1280957A1 EP 01930980 A EP01930980 A EP 01930980A EP 01930980 A EP01930980 A EP 01930980A EP 1280957 A1 EP1280957 A1 EP 1280957A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wash
board
rubbing surface
raised portions
stand
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01930980A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Pierre Luc Champelovier
Meleksima Togay
Jean Wevers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to EP01930980A priority Critical patent/EP1280957A1/fr
Publication of EP1280957A1 publication Critical patent/EP1280957A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • D06F3/00—Hand rubbing apparatus
    • D06F3/02—Rubbing boards

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of laundry and more particularly to a novel wash-board.
  • wash-boards are typically made from wood, e.g. pine tree, and comprise a rubbing surface of parallel ridges and grooves.
  • a number of more modern .wash-boards can be purchased which are made from plastic materials. Al bf* these wash-boards are typically rectangular with the ridges of the rubbing surface parallel to the shorter side and are designed for a rubbing movement perpendicular to the ridges.
  • the rubbing on the wash-board may be done by holding a portion of a piece of laundry with one's hands or may alternatively be done with a piece of bar soap contacting the laundry to be rubbed.
  • the laundry may be done e.g. at the bank of a river as supply of sufficiently clean water to wet and rinse the laundry.
  • a basin may be used, which also allows to prepare a detergent/water solution to soak the laundry.
  • US 1 ,287,948 discloses a wash-board holder comprising suction cups.
  • US 1 ,966,512 discloses a wash-board which is designed for the use in an inverted U-shape porcelain wash basin and also comprises suction cups.
  • US 2,312,230 discloses a disk-shaped wash-board, which can be made from hard plastic or wood, which is said to be improved of the use in wash-bowls with rounded corners.
  • US 3,890,812 discloses a plastic wash-board. As suitable materials polypropylene and nylon are disclosed, the material ensuring a high strength, stiffness, toughness and abrasion resistance of the wash-board.
  • Brazilian patent application PI 9204901 -0 A discloses a wooden wash-board with a rubbing surface comprising pyramid shaped raised portions.
  • US 4,102,160 discloses a wash-board device which can be permanently attached to a washing basin by being provided with a high tack adhesive at its back which may comprise a conventional corrugated pattern of ridges and furrows or which alternatively may be provided with an irregular pattern of randomly spaced hills and valleys or randomly spaced raised dots.
  • This wash-board can be provided from any semi- ridged material such as high density plastic, e.g. polyurethane, polyvinyl, semi- hard rubber. Preferably, this wash-board is provided with a low profile on the rubbing surface as to prevent any form of injury during use.
  • US 5,829,279 discloses a wash-board which is optimised for travelling.
  • the device is made of a flexible material so that it is foldable.
  • the device can be used on a flat surface, such as a floor.
  • the flexible wash-board is provided with suction disks and additionally with a head portion on which a user can step while using it.
  • US 5,058,403 discloses a wash-board with an integral basin which is optimised for use with a top-loading automatic washing machine.
  • GB-1 405 422 discloses a washing tub which may a variety of shapes and which comprises corrugation in at least one wall allowing to rub laundry.
  • Brazilian patent application PI 9102638 A discloses a basin and a stand therefore which is adapted to support a wash-board.
  • Japanese patent application 9-173228 discloses a sink where a washing basin and a rubbing surface are provided in combination.
  • a novel hand-held container which can be filled with a detergent composition and comprises a friction means, is disclosed in WO 99/37849.
  • This device is also considered to be very helpful when used in combination with a wash-board. It is relatively easy to use avoids injury and gives a largely improved cleaning performance.
  • the container is suitable to be used with any liquid or easily dissolvable laundry detergent. Despite the great benefits provided by such device it is believed that an even more comfortable use and better cleaning results can be achieved when the device is used in combination with an improved wash-board, the wash-boards disclosed in the present patent application being a particularly suitable one. Summary of the invention The present invention relates to the field of laundry and more particularly to a novel wash-board. Claimed and described is a wash-board comprising a rubbing surface, which has a shore A hardness of less than 95.
  • Figures 1a to 1 c are schematic side views of some preferred wash-boards.
  • Figure 2 is an on top view onto the rubbing surface of another preferred washboard according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is an on top view onto the rubbing surface of another preferred washboard according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a wash-board according to the present invention with an integral wash-board stand. Also shown are a preferred handheld container with friction means and a basin onto which the wash-board stand can be conveniently mounted.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred wash-board which is integral with a basin.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of another wash-board according to the present invention with an integral wash-board stand.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of yet another wash-board according to the present invention with an integral wash-board stand.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of yet a further wash-board according to the present invention with an integral wash-board stand.
  • the present invention relates to a wash-board (10) with an improved rubbing surface (12).
  • the invention relates to a stand (50) for such wash-board (10) and a basin (60) to be used in combination with such washboard (10).
  • wash-board as used herein, comprises any device which comprises a rubbing surface (12).
  • rubbing surface (12) as used herein, comprises any uneven surface comprising at least three raised portions (14) and at least two flat portions (16) and a surface area of at least 10 cm 2 .
  • reference plane is the cross-sectional plane being essentially co-planar to the rubbing surface (12) and being immediately adjacent the rubbing surface (12) while not intersecting the raised portions (14) - cf. Fig. 1a - 1c.
  • flat portion (16) comprises all portions of the rubbing surface (12), which are comprised by the reference plane.
  • raised portion (14) comprises all portions of the rubbing surface (12) raising above the reference surface.
  • the term "height”, as used herein with regard to the raised portions (14), refers to the distance of the outermost point of the raised portions (14) measured from the reference plane in a direction vertical to the reference plane.
  • pattern refers to the geometrical pattern defined by the centres of mass of the raised portions (14).
  • set of parallel lines refers to any number of equidistant parallel lines.
  • set of curved lines refers to a set curved lines which are portions of circles whose centres are equidistantly aligned on one straight line.
  • a wash-board (10) according to the present invention is less hard than conventional wash-boards.
  • Hardness refers to hardness measured in accordance with the hardness test described hereinafter.
  • a wash-board (10) should be provided with a rubbing surface (12) of a shore A hardness of less than 95. More preferably, the rubbing surface (12) has a hardness from 5 to 90, yet more preferably 10 to 85, yet more preferably 15 to 80, yet even more preferably 25 to 60, most preferably 30 to 50.
  • Providing a less hard rubbing surface (12) in one aspect gives more comfort to the user. The risk of hand injuries is decreased and further the stress on muscles, joints and ankles is lessened.
  • a softer rubbing surface (12) allows a more gentle fabric treatment, lessening fabric abrasion and making the wash-board (10) suitable for delicate fabrics.
  • softer wash-boards (10) have been found to promote better cleaning. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed, that the softer rubbing surface (12) when a piece of laundry contacts the rubbing surface (12) under the pressure typically exerted in rubbing the piece of laundry makes contact with the rubbing surface (12) over a larger area than with rubbing surfaces of (12) conventional wash-boards.
  • softer wash-boards (10) in particular when provided from a material as listed hereinafter and with a preferred pattern for the rubbing surface (12) as described hereinafter, ensure that the laundry does not slip away over the rubbing surface (12) and hence does not need to be held with one hand while being scrubbed using the other hand.
  • the rubbing surface (12) can be provided from a large variety of materials which provide the desired hardness.
  • the material further fulfils hygienic requirements and therefore has an easy to clean surface, which preferably is impermeable to water.
  • Suitable materials include rubber, polyethylene, including high density polyethylene, polypropylene, including copolymer polypropylene.
  • the rubbing surface (12) comprises raised portions (14) and flat portions (16). These portions may be arranged in any geometry.
  • the raised portions (14) are provided in the form of ridges and the flat portions (16) in the form of grooves in-between the ridges.
  • the ridges are arranged as known from conventional wash-boards, i.e. they are parallel to each other and are equidistant with a distance from 1 mm to 50 mm, preferably 5 to 20 mm.
  • the raised portions (14) are provided in form of hills. Most preferably these hills have the form of half spheres or portions of spheres.
  • a preferred rubbing surface (12) is shown in Figure 1 a. This rubbing surface (12) comprises raised portions (14) in the form of hills, which are in the form of portions of spheres.
  • the raised portions (14) have the cross section of the raised portions (14), herein referred to as their "base”, in the reference plane is circular. According to the present invention raised portions (14) with circular base are preferred.
  • the diameter of this circular base is from 1 mm to 50 mm, more preferably from 2 mm to 15 mm, yet more preferably 3 mm to 10 mm and most preferably from 4 mm to 6 mm.
  • the height of these raised portions (14) is preferably from 1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably from 3 mm to 10 mm, and most preferably from 4 mm to 8 mm.
  • the hills will presenting the raised portions (14) may be arranged in any pattern over the rubbing surface (12), thereby defining a pattern of flat portions (16), the latter pattern not being described by itself herein.
  • the raised portions (14) are aligned on two sets of parallel equidistant lines. Most preferably the two sets of parallel lines form an angle of 90° to each other.
  • Another highly preferred pattern of the raised portions (14) is shown in Figure 3.
  • the raised portions (14) are aligned along sets of curved lines on the rubbing surface (12). While a pattern of any curved line is within the scope of the present invention preferred are circular curved lines, with a radius from 5 cm to 100 cm.
  • the centres of the circles defining the curved lines are equidistantly arranged on a straight line, the distance of the centres preferably being from 2 cm to 10 cm.
  • Another preferred rubbing surface (12) according to the present invention is provided with a textile-like pattern of raised portions (14), which resembles the surface structure of a woven material, e.g. a woven cotton or linen material.
  • the pattern may be regular, e.g. have a symmetry, or irregular.
  • the raised portions (14) comprised by such a pattern may be alike in shape of different.
  • Preferably the height of the raised portions is from 1 mm to 5 mm. Such a pattern is considered aesthetically pleasing and provides a very gentle cleaning of the laundry.
  • preferred wash-boards (10) comprise at least two materials; one material to provide the rubbing surface (12) and one material to provide a supporting structure (20).
  • the two materials may be joined by any method known in the art, for example, by adhesive, mechanical joining or bi-injection moulding.
  • the two materials are releasably joined by a joining mechanism, for example, one or more, preferably a plurality of, suction cups, VELCROTM strips or VELCROTM-like strips, adhesives, physical locking mechanisms, or the like.
  • the two materials should be joined in such a way that the rubbing surface (12) is securely attached to the supporting structure (20) during use, and such that the rubbing surface (12) and the supporting structure (20) may be released from each other when not in use, for replacement of a worn-out rubbing surface (12), for replacement by a rubbing surface (12) having a different shore A hardness which is customised for a particular type of fabric/material, etc.
  • the joining mechanism it is essential that the joining mechanism be effective, even when wet, and even when subjected to shear forces expected during normal use of the wash-board.
  • the joining mechanism may be integrally-formed with the rubbing surface (12) and/or with the supporting structure (20), or may be added later, as desired.
  • the attachment area of the supporting structure (20) is substantially flat, and a plurality of suction cups are integrally-formed as part of the underside of the rubbing surface (12). See, for example, Fig. 4 of U.S. Patent No. 5,829,279 to Wu, issued on November 3, 1998, which is incorporated herein, by reference.
  • the supporting structure (20) may be provided in the form of a stand (50) or a basin (60), both will be described herein.
  • the supporting structure (20) resembles in shape essentially a conventional wash-board and hence typically is of a flat and essentially rectangular shape.
  • the shorter side of such rectangular supportive structure (20) has a length from 10 cm to 80 cm and more preferably from 20 cm to 50 cm, and the longer side has a length from 15 cm to 100 cm and more preferably from 30 cm to 60 cm.
  • the wash-board (10) may be provided for example with stands, holding devices, e.g. for a piece of bar-soap or a handheld container (40) as described above, mounting devices, e.g. suction cups, and a handle, all of which may be integral with the supporting structure (20).
  • wash-board (10) can be provided with a large variety of support structures (20)
  • a stand (50) as shown e.g. in Figure 4.
  • a stand (50) has a number of legs, preferably two to four legs.
  • the stand (50) shown in Figure 4 employs four legs which allow the stand (50) to be positioned on any substantially horizontal surface but which also allow the stand (50) to be positioned on the rim of a basin, so that all four legs make contact with the rim of the basin, as shown in Figure 4.
  • a stand (50) according to the present invention ensures that the rubbing surface (12) is tilted with regard to the surface which supports the stand (50), typically the horizontal plane.
  • the tilt angle is between 5° and 90°, preferably 10° and 60°, more preferably between 30° and 45°.
  • Figure 5 shows a preferred basin (60) to be used in combination with the present invention.
  • the basin (60) comprises one tilted surface, with has a tilt angle to the plane on which the basin stands of about 45°.
  • the basin in one aspect can be filled with water or a water detergent mixture in which the laundry can be soaked.
  • the tilted surface of the basin provides a support structure (20) for the rubbing surface (12).
  • the rubbing surface (12) can be made from a soft and non-rigid material and the required rigidness is provided by the basin.
  • Stands (50) may be made of one or of several parts, preferably two, three, four or five parts. They may be provided from a rigid structure or alternatively from a number of foldable or adjustable parts.
  • the stand (50) is integral with the rubbing surface (12).
  • integral denotes components which are attached to another, most preferably permanently attached to another, so that the comprised parts, in particular the stand (50) and the rubbing surface (12) can be handled as one part and not as a multitude of separate parts.
  • Preferred methods of attachment of the rubbing surface (12) to the stand (50) comprise adhesive attachment, mechanical joining or bi-injection moulding.
  • Figure 6 depicts a stand (50) which comprises two preferably integral rubbing surfaces (12) and hence can be used in two orientations.
  • the stand (50) when seen in the cross section of the plane perpendicular to the rubbing surfaces (12) has essentially an L-shape.
  • the stand (50) is shown in Figure 6 in the orientation suitable to put it on a horizontal surface, e.g. a floor, table or top of a washing machine.
  • the stand (50) is used upside-down as compared to the orientation shown in Figure 6 the stand (50) fits very well in a large variety of washing tubs and basins and the opposite rubbing surface (12) can be used to do laundry.
  • Wash-boards (10) which comprise more than one, preferably two rubbing surfaces (12) and/or are suitable to be used in more than one, preferably two orientations are generally within the scope of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 depicts a wash-board (10) comp ⁇ sing three parts which are pivotally joined and thereby are freely adjustable with regard to each other. So the stand (50) can be adapted for the use in a variety of wash tubs and basins, a variety of different surfaces and by a variety of users, namely users of short and tall growth. Any stand (50) with an adjustable tilt angle is generally within the scope of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 depicts a stand (50) with a preferably integral rubbing surface (12). which comprises two parts which are pivotally and movably joined to each other.
  • the stand (50) also comprises two oval holes with can be used to handle the stand (50) conveniently.
  • Hardness is measured in accordance ASTM standard test method 2240-97 for durometer A as published by the American Society For Testing and Materials. The test is carried out using a hand held durometer, Fowler 54-762-001 Digital Durometer blunt A, made in England. For the test 6 points of the wash-board are chosen, 3 on the raised portions (14) and 3 on the flat portions (16) and the results are averaged to give a hardness value. The hardness is measured when the rubbing surface is dry. The durometer contacts each point of measurement for about 1 second.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine du lavage de vêtements à la main et plus particulièrement à une nouvelle planche à laver. La planche à laver de cette invention comporte une surface (12) conçue pour frotter possédant une dureté Shore A inférieure à 95.
EP01930980A 2000-05-12 2001-05-01 Nouvelle planche a laver Withdrawn EP1280957A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01930980A EP1280957A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2001-05-01 Nouvelle planche a laver

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00110007A EP1154062A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2000-05-12 Planche à laver
EP00110007 2000-05-12
WOPCT/US00/24077 2000-09-01
PCT/US2000/024077 WO2001088254A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2000-09-01 Nouvelle planche a laver
EP01930980A EP1280957A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2001-05-01 Nouvelle planche a laver
PCT/US2001/014020 WO2001088255A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2001-05-01 Nouvelle planche a laver

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1280957A1 true EP1280957A1 (fr) 2003-02-05

Family

ID=8168678

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00110007A Withdrawn EP1154062A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2000-05-12 Planche à laver
EP01930980A Withdrawn EP1280957A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2001-05-01 Nouvelle planche a laver

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00110007A Withdrawn EP1154062A1 (fr) 2000-05-12 2000-05-12 Planche à laver

Country Status (13)

Country Link
EP (2) EP1154062A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2004500923A (fr)
KR (1) KR20020094033A (fr)
CN (1) CN1429296A (fr)
AR (1) AR033531A1 (fr)
AU (2) AU2000271025A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR0110726A (fr)
CZ (1) CZ20023481A3 (fr)
EG (1) EG22557A (fr)
HU (1) HUP0302409A2 (fr)
MA (1) MA25747A1 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA02011085A (fr)
WO (2) WO2001088254A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005036037A1 (de) * 2005-08-01 2007-02-08 Robert Bosch Gmbh Messgerät
KR200461051Y1 (ko) 2010-02-02 2012-06-25 박동우 세면대용 빨래판
CN103422300B (zh) * 2013-08-21 2015-09-23 顾祥茂 一种手工洗衣装置
CN103422301B (zh) * 2013-08-21 2015-08-05 重庆广播电视大学 一种手工操作的洗衣装置
CN103422302B (zh) * 2013-08-21 2015-09-30 顾祥茂 一种手工操作的洗衣装置
CN103422309B (zh) * 2013-08-21 2015-09-23 顾祥茂 一种洗衣搓板

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR754039A (fr) * 1933-10-27
US1934295A (en) * 1931-12-23 1933-11-07 Boye Needle Co Washboard
FR770655A (fr) * 1934-03-26 1934-09-18 Planche à laver à garniture perméable
CH192834A (fr) * 1936-10-27 1937-09-15 Gaudin Charles Planche à laver le linge.
FR1092101A (fr) * 1954-01-29 1955-04-19 Planche à laver
IT8320450V0 (it) * 1983-01-12 1983-01-12 Arredamenti Montegrappa S P A Gruppo lavatoio con asse lavapanni staccata.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0188255A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MA25747A1 (fr) 2003-04-01
WO2001088255A1 (fr) 2001-11-22
AU2001257466A1 (en) 2001-11-26
AU2000271025A1 (en) 2001-11-26
HUP0302409A2 (hu) 2003-10-28
EG22557A (en) 2003-04-30
CZ20023481A3 (cs) 2003-01-15
WO2001088254A1 (fr) 2001-11-22
BR0110726A (pt) 2003-02-11
JP2004500923A (ja) 2004-01-15
CN1429296A (zh) 2003-07-09
KR20020094033A (ko) 2002-12-16
AR033531A1 (es) 2003-12-26
MXPA02011085A (es) 2003-03-10
EP1154062A1 (fr) 2001-11-14

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