JP2007523268A - Method for improving fabric articles - Google Patents

Abstract

  A method for improving a fabric article includes drying the fabric article in a fabric article dryer and applying the effect composition as a spray to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer. The effect composition includes chemicals to enhance the whiteness and / or brightness of the fabric article.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for improving fabric articles, and more specifically, to provide fabric articles with whiteness and / or brightness enhancement, such as whitening and whitening effects, in fabric article dryers. The invention relates to a unique method of applying the effect composition.

  Fabric article processing methods and / or devices have evolved over the past 20 years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,683 describes a conventional fully automatic clothes dryer that incorporates a spray dispenser that can dispense liquid into the drum of the dryer. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,642,908, 5,771,604, and 6,067,723 describe other variations of conventional clothes dryers.

  Fabric article processing methods and / or devices, particularly household fabrics, that improve / enhance the deposition of fabric article actives or benefit agents on the treated fabric articles as compared to existing existing deposition methods and / or devices There is a continuing need to develop article processing methods and / or devices.

  Many fabric articles tend to lose their whiteness and / or brightness over time, and can lead to discoloration or dyeing. This amber color, including the yellowing of the white fabric article, can ultimately lead to a fabric article having a “dingy” appearance. To alleviate these problems, laundry and rinse products have been developed with blue to purple dyes and brighteners. However, since these compositions are generally applied in a fabric article washing machine during a wash / rinse cycle, depending on the laundry environment, compositions with high fabric directness are typically required. As a result, accumulation of dyes or brighteners on the fabric article can occur, for example, leading to undesirable results on the appearance and feel of the fabric. Accumulation of dyes and brighteners may require strong chemicals that cause damage to the fabric to remove it. Also, due to the poor deposition efficiency, typically a higher concentration of active substance is required to be effective during washing. Accordingly, further improvements in the method for treating fabric articles are desirable.

  The present invention is directed to a method for improving fabric articles. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method for improving fabric articles in a fabric article dryer by applying an effect composition having a whiteness and / or brightness enhancer to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer. And Applying trace amounts of dyes and brighteners with limited wet fastness to clothing in the dryer to provide a one cycle effect while allowing the chemicals to be easily washed away in subsequent wash cycles Can do.

  One embodiment of the present invention is a method for improving a fabric article. The method includes drying the fabric article in a fabric article dryer; and applying the effect composition as a spray to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer, the effect composition comprising the whiteness of the fabric article and / or Contains chemicals to enhance brightness.

  The method of the present invention is advantageous for providing whiteness and / or brightness of a fabric article in a fabric article dryer.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the following description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

  The embodiments shown in the drawings are exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the claims. In addition, the drawings and individual features of the present invention will become more fully apparent and understood in light of the best mode for carrying out the invention.

  Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

  As used herein, the phrase “fabric article processing device” refers to a fabric article dryer, non-limiting examples of which include a conventional clothes dryer and / or a modified version thereof. The fabric article processing system also includes a fabric article processing apparatus, which may be in a separate relationship with the fabric article dryer and / or integrated with the fabric article dryer. . Further, the fabric article processing device may be integrated with an easily replaceable portion of the fabric article dryer, a non-limiting example of which includes a dryer closure structure.

  As used herein, “fabric article” or “fabric” means any article that is routinely washed in a conventional laundry process or dry cleaning process. The term includes fabric articles, including but not limited to clothing, linens, curtains, jewelry, leather, floor coverings, sheets, towels, rugs, canvas, polymer structures, and the like. The term also encompasses other items made entirely or partially of fabric material, such as tote bags, furniture covers, tarpons, shoes, and the like.

式中、Ｒ_１は、アニリノ、Ｎ−２−ビス−ヒドロキシエチル、及びＮＨ−２−ヒドロキシエチルから選択され；Ｒ_２は、Ｎ−２−ビス−ヒドロキシエチル、Ｎ−２−ヒドロキシエチル−Ｎ−メチルアミノ、モルフィリノ、クロロ、及びアミノから選択され；Ｍは、ナトリウム又はカリウムなどの塩を形成するカチオンである。 As used herein, the terms “whiteness enhancer” or “chemical to enhance whiteness”, or “brightness enhancer” or “drug to enhance brightness” refer to the perception of a fabric article. Refers to any drug and / or composition that may modify the spectral reflectance that is applied. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, “whiteness enhancer” and “brightness enhancer” may be used interchangeably in some situations and may include different compounds in other situations. In one embodiment of the invention, the enhancer comprises a brightener, a dye, or a mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of dyes and mixtures thereof that can contain suitable enhancers include basic dyes, acid dyes, direct dyes, azoic dyes, vat dyes, reactive dyes, and disperse dyes, color index polymer dye classes , And combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of brighteners and mixtures thereof that can include suitable whiteness and / or brightness enhancers include hydrophilic fluorescent brighteners having the following structural formula:

Wherein R ₁ is selected from anilino, N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, and NH-2-hydroxyethyl; R ₂ is N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl-N -Selected from methylamino, morpholino, chloro and amino; M is a cation forming a salt such as sodium or potassium.

When R ₁ is anilino, R ₂ is N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl, and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4′-bis [(4-anilino -6- (N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl) -s-triazin-2-yl) amino] -2,2'-stilbene disulfonic acid disodium salt. This particular brightener species is marketed under the trade name Tinopal-UNPA-GX® by Ciba-Geigy Corporation.

When R ₁ is anilino, R ₂ is N-2-hydroxyethyl-N-2-methylamino, and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4′-bis [(4-anilino-6- (N-2-bis-hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino) -s-triazin-2-yl) amino] -2,2′-stilbene disulfonic acid disodium salt. This particular brightener species is marketed by Ciba-Geigy Corporation under the trade name Tinopal-5BM-GX®.

In the above formula, when R ₁ is anilino, R ₂ is morpholino, and M is a cation such as sodium, the brightener is 4,4′-bis [(4-anilino-6-morpholino-s- Triazin-2-yl) amino] 2,2′-stilbene disulfonic acid sodium salt. This particular brightener species is marketed by Ciba-Geigy Corporation under the trade name Tinopal-AMS-GX®.

二ナトリウムビス［４−（Ｎ−エチル−Ｎ−３−スルホナトフェニルメチル）アミノフェニル］フェニルメチリウム；色指数名：アシッドブルー９、スタンダードダイ社（Standard Dyes, Inc.）（ノースカロライナ州ハイポイント（High Point））

ナトリウム；２−（４−ヒドロキシ−９，１０−ジヒロ（dihyro）−アンタセン−１−イルアミノ）−５−メチル−ベンゼンスルホネート
アシッドバイオレット４３、スタンダードダイ社（Standard Dyes, Inc.）（ノースカロライナ州ハイポイント（High Point））
重合染料も適用可能である。 In one exemplary embodiment, the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer is an anionic dye in combination with water. The chemical is a combination of a dye that is a sodium salt of sulfonic acid and a monoazo, diazo, and / or trisazo derivative. In another exemplary embodiment, the dye is a triarylmethane derivative and / or a triphenylmethane derivative and / or an anthraquinone derivative of a sodium salt leveling agent of sulfonic acid. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises a triarylmethane derivative of a sodium salt dye of a sulfonic acid having an aqueous spectrum of λ max 630 nm in a ratio of 1: 3 and λ max Anthraquinone derivatives of the same dye with an aqueous solution spectrum of 550 nm. In an alternative embodiment, the whiteness and / or brightness agent is a first dye having an aqueous solution spectrum of λ max 630 nm and a second dye having an aqueous solution spectrum of λ max 570 nm, respectively, in a ratio of 1: 3. is there. In one embodiment, an exemplary dye has an absorbance unit (AU) of about 0.001 to about 2.0 at 10 ppm. In another exemplary embodiment, the percent removal of dye is from about 60 to about 100%, alternatively from about 90 to about 100%. Exemplary embodiments include the following dyes and / or derivatives thereof, most preferably one or both of the two dyes in a total ratio of 0.05 ppm total, specifically 1: 3. May be used.

Disodium bis [4- (N-ethyl-N-3-sulfonatophenylmethyl) aminophenyl] phenylmethylium; color index name: Acid Blue 9, Standard Dyes, Inc. (High Point, NC) (High Point))

Sodium; 2- (4-Hydroxy-9,10-dihyro-anthasen-1-ylamino) -5-methyl-benzenesulfonate Acid Violet 43, Standard Dyes, Inc. (High Point, NC) (High Point))
Polymerized dyes are also applicable.

  Other whiteness and / or brightness enhancers that can modify the perceived wavelength of the fabric article are generally known to those skilled in the art and are suitable for use herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer includes one or more conjugated bonds to enhance fabric directness.

  In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the enhancement agent comprises a dye or combination of dyes having a reflection wavelength of about 350 nm to about 550 nm. Alternatively, the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises a dye having a maximum reflection wavelength of about 420 nm to about 500 nm. Alternatively, the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises a dye having a maximum reflection wavelength of about 430 nm to about 480 nm.

In another embodiment of the invention, the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer of the effect composition is in a form encapsulated in microcapsules. In another exemplary embodiment, the effect composition has a color enhancement of about 1 × 10 ⁻⁸ wt% to about 0.5 wt%, alternatively about 5 × 10 ⁻⁷ wt% to about 5 × 10 ⁻³ wt%. Contains agents.

  As used herein, the term “effect composition” refers to a composition used to produce an effect on a fabric article. In addition to whiteness and / or brightness enhancers, non-limiting examples of materials and mixtures thereof that can also be included in the effect composition include water, softeners, superwetting agents, water absorbents, humectants, electrostatics Inhibitors, fragrances, reflectors, bleaches, lubricants, antiwear agents, wrinkle mitigants, antiseptics, buffers, pH adjusters, emulsion stabilizers, odor control agents, silicones, oil dispersion solvents, antifoaming Agent, salt, viscosity modifier, chelating agent, antioxidant, radical scavenger, soil release agent, soil release agent, anti-bacterial agents, solvent, fragrance, glueing agent, waterproof / stain prevention agent, cooling One or more of agents, anti-microbial agents, permanent press additives, and combinations thereof. The effect composition may comprise a liquid, powder, luminescent dye, colloidal suspension, gaseous product, and / or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the effect composition includes a preservative. A variety of preservatives that help maintain one or more properties of the effect composition are generally known in the art and are suitable for use herein. Representative preservatives include Dantoguard Plus ™ (dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin) commercially available from Lonza (Fairfield, NJ, USA); Kathon ™ (isothiazolinone) commercially available from Rohm &Haas; and Integra 44 (available from International Specialty Products (ISP)) Trademark) (sodium hydroxymethylglycinate). In one embodiment of the invention, the effect composition comprises a liquid or gel.

  In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the effect composition comprises a solvent soluble conductive compound and / or composition. Non-limiting examples of materials and mixtures thereof include polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyacetylene, polyphenylene, and polythiophene.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the effect composition comprises a whiteness and / or brightness enhancer having an aqueous solution spectrum with a λ maximum of about 500 to about 670 nm, or a λ maximum of about 550 to about 630 nm. (ASTM method D5386). These representative chemicals reflect in the visible spectrum from about 400 nm to about 500 nm when attached to a reduced size CW-120 (100% cotton test fabric). In one embodiment, a typical drug absorbs yellow wavelengths from about 560 nm to about 605 nm, and if there is a brightener in the composition, reflection occurs at shorter wavelengths in the visible spectrum. In another exemplary embodiment, the effect composition has a brightness index measurement increase of 1.0 and / or when a white cotton fabric is sprayed with a solution of greater than 0.0005 ppm of active material according to ASTM Method E 313. Or a decrease in yellowness index measurement of 1.0. Percent removed after wash cycle using AATCC evaluation procedure 7 equivalent to ISO 105-A05, tested using ΔE measurements to determine dye washfastness and select relevant dyes Was calculated. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the effect composition has a brightness index reversal (ΔE conversion) of at least 10% when the fabric article is washed after applying the effect composition in the fabric article dryer. Fit.

  One embodiment of the present invention is a representative method for improving fabric articles. The method includes drying the fabric article in a fabric article dryer; and applying the effect composition as a spray to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer, the effect composition comprising the whiteness of the fabric article and / or Contains chemicals to enhance brightness. In one exemplary embodiment, the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises one or more brighteners or dyes, or mixtures thereof.

  In one embodiment, the effect composition is applied to the fabric article in an amount sufficient to provide whiteness and / or brightness enhancement. In another embodiment of the present invention, about 0.1 ml to about 2,000 ml of the effect composition is applied to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer. Alternatively, about 1 ml to about 1,000 ml of the effect composition may be applied to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer. Alternatively, from about 10 ml to about 200 ml of the effect composition is applied to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer.

  The effect composition is applied as a spray. In one aspect of the invention, the spray of effect composition has a droplet size of about 10 μm to about 100 mm. Alternatively, the spray of effect composition has a droplet size of about 100 μm to about 1 mm. Alternatively, the spray of effect composition has a droplet size of about 200 μm to about 700 μm. In further embodiments, the spray may include solid particles or gaseous forms.

  In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises drying the fabric article without applying heat. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the fabric article is dried with air heated to a temperature of about 10 ° C. (50 ° F.) to about 149 ° C. (300 ° F.). Alternatively, the fabric article is dried with air heated to a temperature of about 21 ° C. (70 ° F.) to about 93 ° C. (200 ° F.). Alternatively, the fabric article is dried with air heated to a temperature between about 38 ° C. (100 ° F.) and 82 ° C. (180 ° F.).

  In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fabric article is dried in a fabric article dryer for about 1 second to about 10 hours. Alternatively, the fabric article is dried for about 1 minute to about 1 hour. Alternatively, the fabric article is dried for about 5 minutes to about 45 minutes.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the amount of fabric article dried in the fabric article dryer ranges from about 45 grams (0.1 pounds) to about 9 kg (20 pounds). Alternatively, the amount of fabric article to be dried is between about 453 g (1 lb) and about 4.5 kg (10 lb). Alternatively, the amount of fabric article to be dried is from about 907 grams (2 pounds) to about 3629 grams (8 pounds).

  It will be appreciated that the present invention can be readily used with other types of fabric “processing” devices and is not limited to clothing “dryers” alone. In the context of this patent document, the term “dryer” or “dryer” or “fabric article dryer” may or may not perform a true drying function, but without literally attempting to dry the fabric itself. Includes devices that may be involved in the processing of fabrics. As mentioned above, the term “dryer” or “dryer” or “fabric article dryer” may encompass a “dry cleaning” process or device, which literally does not involve a drying step. May be. Also, as used herein, the term “fabric article dryer” refers to any fabric treatment apparatus that uses moving air directed onto one or more fabric articles, including, but not limited to, clothing A dryer and its variants are included. Such devices include both home and commercial drying units used in residential, coin laundry, hotel, and / or industrial environments. In addition, it should be noted that some dryers include a drying chamber (or “drum”) that does not literally move or rotate when the dryer is operating in a drying cycle. Some such dryers use moving air that passes through the drying chamber, and the chamber does not move during the drying cycle. One such dryer has a door or other type of access cover that allows a person to put the clothes to be dried into the chamber. Often clothes are hung on some type of upper rod in the drying chamber. After that is done, the door (or access cover) is closed and the dryer can begin its drying function. Distribution of the effect composition can be done in such units, but certain fabric items receive a very high concentration of the effect composition, while other fabric items have a very small amount of effect composition. Care must be taken to ensure that the effect composition is well dispersed within the drying chamber so that it can only be prevalent.

  A suitable delivery system for applying the effect composition as a spray to a fabric article in a fabric article dryer includes the treatment of a fabric article that sprays or otherwise releases the effect composition into the receiving volume of the fabric article dryer. Examples include, but are not limited to, devices and systems. These fabric article devices and systems typically include an internal dispenser and a reservoir adapted to contain the effect composition.

  Preferred exemplary embodiments of a fabric article processing apparatus and system for dispensing an effect composition comprising a fabric article whiteness and / or brightness enhancer are described in detail below.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fabric article processing apparatus 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fabric article processing apparatus 20 includes an internal dispenser 25 and a reservoir 30 adapted to be located inside a fabric article dryer. The internal dispenser 25 and the reservoir 30 are adapted to be in fluid communication with each other, for example via a fluid line 32. In one embodiment, the fluid connection between the internal dispenser 25 and the reservoir 30 includes tubing configured to allow the effect composition to be conveyed from the reservoir 30 to the internal dispenser 25. One exemplary tubing includes a polymer tubing with one or more channels or conduits. In one embodiment, the tubing is configured to allow the fabric article dryer closure structure to still dispense the effect composition while maintaining the closed position. The reservoir 30 is adapted to contain the effect composition. In one exemplary embodiment, the reservoir 30 is removable. In another exemplary embodiment, reservoir 30 includes a sealed bag.

  The reservoir 30 may be made from any material known in the art, and at least a portion of the reservoir is formed of a material that includes an antimicrobial agent. Non-limiting examples of such materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, styrenics, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonates, PMMA, polyvinyls, nylon, polyurethane, acrylic materials, epoxies, These include acetates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, fluoropolymers, latex, nitrile copolymers, nylons, polychloroprene, polyvinyl chloride, rayon, rubbers (natural and synthetic), silicones, and combinations thereof. Examples include, but are not limited to, polymer materials. As another typical production material, a metal such as an aluminum foil can be given. In one embodiment, the reservoir 30 includes multiple layers of one or more materials. In another embodiment, the reservoir 30 includes a single layer or multiple layers of barrier coatings.

  In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir 30 is adapted to be located in the inner portion of the fabric article dryer 20. For example, the reservoir may be placed in a chamber of a fabric article dryer. Alternatively, the reservoir may be located within the fabric article dryer and not within the chamber of the fabric article dryer. Further, the reservoir may be adapted to be located in the outer part of the fabric article dryer.

  The internal dispenser 25 may include at least one nozzle for dispensing the effect composition into the fabric article dryer. Mist spraying / atomizing of the effect composition can be any suitable spray to release the desired particle size, such as a hydraulic nozzle, sonic nebulizer, pressure swirl atomizer, high pressure spray nozzle, etc. This can be achieved using the device. Non-limiting examples of suitable nozzles include those commercially available from Spray Systems, Inc. (Pomona, Calif.) With model numbers of 850, 1050, 1250, 1450, and 1650. Can be mentioned. Another example of a suitable nozzle is a pressure swirl spray nozzle, model number DU-3813, manufactured by Seaquist Perfect Dispensing (Cary, Ill.).

  In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the fabric article processing apparatus 20 is shown as a fitting 44, one of the corresponding male and female fittings, and a sealed bag or carton. Further comprising a reservoir 30 including the other male and female fitting 42 of the corresponding male fitting, the female fitting being configured to receive the male fitting between the internal dispenser 25 and the reservoir 30. Establish fluid communication. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the fitting 42 of the reservoir 30 is a female fitting and the corresponding male fitting 44 is adapted to fluidly connect with the dispenser 25, for example, via a fluid handling system as described below. is doing. A variety of corresponding male and female fittings that establish fluid communication are known in the art and are suitable for use herein. One exemplary fixture that may be used is IPN USA Corp. (Peachtree City, GA, Clean-Clic® pouch fixture, Available as model number SBS-4 Any person skilled in the art can use any fixture system in the present invention as long as it is configured to maintain fluid communication between the reservoir 30 and the internal dispenser 25. You will understand that.

  In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the fabric article processing apparatus 20 further includes a fluid handling system 55, a power supply 50, and a controller 60. In one exemplary embodiment, the fluid handling system 55 is configured to deliver the effect composition from the reservoir 30 to the internal dispenser 25. The internal dispenser 25 is configured to release the effect composition to one or more fabric articles in the fabric article dryer. The power supply 50 is configured to provide the power required by the fluid article processing device, such as the controller 60, fluid handling system 55, sensors, and any power required for the user interface. The controller 60 is configured to adjust the distribution of the effect composition. For example, the controller 60 may determine the optimal time to dispense the effect composition, the amount of effect composition to dispense, and the rate of effect composition dispense. In one embodiment, the fabric article processing apparatus further includes a communication link adapted to provide communication between the controller of the fabric article processing apparatus and the fabric article dryer. For example, the controller may send signals to and / or receive signals from the fabric article dryer to determine optimal effect composition dispensing conditions such as time, length, and the like.

  Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In the exemplary embodiment, fabric article processing apparatus 20 further includes a housing 65. The housing 65 is adapted to receive various components of the fabric article processing apparatus, and if desired, the housing may substantially surround and protect the assembled components. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing may receive a power source 50, a fluid handling system 55, a controller 60, and a reservoir 30. In another embodiment, the housing contains a volume of fluid line 32 and is a tube storage that is adapted to allow the user to specifically attach the fabric article handling device to the user's particular fabric article dryer. An area may be included. The housing 65 may be made of any material known to those skilled in the art. Representative materials include, but are not limited to, polymers, plastics, ceramics, metals, fabrics, wood, and the like. The housing 65 may be disposed outside or inside the fabric article dryer.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid handling system 55 includes a pump 70 as shown in FIG. Pump 70 is in communication with reservoir 30 and internal dispenser 25 via fluid lines 72 and 74, respectively. The pump 70 is configured to deliver the effect composition from the reservoir 30 to the internal dispenser 25 for dispensing the effect composition. In one embodiment, pump 70 includes a piezoelectric pump. In another embodiment, pump 70 includes a membrane pump. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any pump known in the art may be used to deliver the effect composition from the external reservoir 30 to the internal dispenser 25. Other typical pumps include piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, and bellows pumps.

  As mentioned above, one type of pump 70 that can be used in the present invention is a piezoelectric pump. Piezoelectric pumps have specific membranes or laminates that may vibrate in a reciprocating manner, but piezoelectric pumps are typically used with rotating members to move fluids, including fluids or gases, over time. It does not have large moving parts such as rotating shafts and bearings that wear out with time. One of the preferred commercially available piezoelectric pumps that can be used in the present invention is sold as “LPD series” laminated piezoelectric fluid pumps from PAR Technologies, LLC (Hampton, VA). It is what. Pumps that draw relatively low currents are particularly suitable in certain embodiments.

  In another embodiment, the reservoir 30 may be positioned such that the effect composition flows through the internal dispenser 25 by gravity. For example, the reservoir 30 may be mounted on a fabric article dryer so as to make a dip in the effect composition and allow the effect composition to be dispensed without the use of a pump.

  Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment described above, the fabric article processing apparatus 20 includes an internal dispenser 25 adapted to be placed inside a fabric article dryer and a storage adapted to contain the effect composition. Device 30. Internal dispenser 25 and reservoir 30 are adapted to be in fluid communication with each other. The apparatus further includes a controller 60 in electrical communication with the sensor 75. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor includes a temperature sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, sensor 75 includes an optical sensor. In yet another exemplary embodiment, sensor 75 includes a motion sensor. The controller 60 is adapted to send signals to and / or receive signals from the sensor 75 and to determine dispensing conditions for dispensing the effect composition.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article processing system 80, as shown in FIG. The fabric article processing system 80 includes a fabric article dryer 35 having a chamber 81 and a closure structure 85, such as a door. The closure structure 85 has a closed position and at least one open position. The closure structure 85 allows access to the chamber 81 of the fabric article dryer 35. The fabric article processing system 80 has a reservoir 30 for containing the effect composition, a dispenser 25 in communication with the chamber 81, and directs the effect composition from the reservoir 30 to the dispenser 25, thereby delivering the effect composition. Further included is a fluid handling system 55 that dispenses into the chamber 81. As described above, the reservoir 30 may be removable. In another embodiment, the reservoir 30 includes a sealed bag.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is a fabric article processing system 80, as shown in FIG. The fabric article processing system 80 includes a fabric article dryer 35 having a chamber 81 and a closure structure 85. The closure structure 85 has a closed position and at least one open position, and the closure structure 85 allows access to the chamber 81. The fabric article processing system 80 includes a dispenser 25 in communication with a reservoir 30 and a chamber 81 for containing the effect composition; directing the effect composition from the reservoir 30 to the dispenser 25, thereby placing the effect composition in the chamber Fluid handling system 55 for dispensing within 81; closure structure sensor 88; and controller 60 for initiating dispensing of the effect composition. The controller 60 is configured to prevent the effect composition from being dispensed when the closure structure sensor 88 indicates that the closure structure 85 is not in the closed position. In another embodiment, the fabric article processing system 80 further includes one or more additional sensors 75 in the chamber in communication with the controller.

  The reservoir 30 may be on a fabric article dryer closure structure 85, or on a side wall, top wall, outer surface of the top opening lid, a stand separate from the fabric article dryer, wall surface, or other domestic structure. Such an analog or the like may be attached to the outer portion of the fabric article dryer 35. Further, the reservoir 30 may be attached to any inner portion of the fabric article dryer 35, such as the inner surface of the closure structure 85, the drum of the fabric article dryer, the back wall, the inside of the top opening lid. Examples include, but are not limited to, surfaces.

  Optionally, filter and / or filtering techniques can be used to filter the effect composition, if desired, for example at a point between reservoir 30 and dispenser 25 outlet. This non-limiting example includes the use of a filter in the internal dispenser 25 prior to dispensing the effect composition. Alternatively, the effect composition may be filtered prior to dispensing to the reservoir, or a combination of filtering techniques may be used.

  Internal dispenser 25 and reservoir 30 are adapted to be in fluid communication with each other. In one embodiment, the internal dispenser 25 and the reservoir 30 may be electrically connected to each other. Non-limiting examples of means for connecting the internal dispenser 25 and the reservoir 30 include a flat cable (also referred to as a ribbon cable), a wire, a wire or group of wires encased in a stealth of woven or non-woven material, It may include using a conduit (a non-limiting example of which is a conduit for an effect composition), or a combination thereof. You may use a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric sheet as a method of making the internal dispenser 25 and the reservoir | reserver 30 adhere. The internal dispenser 25 and reservoir 30 may be used to provide a means of balancing by gravity to reduce unwanted tension on the wires and / or connections.

  The power source 50 may include a chemical battery or any electrical power source including standard household line voltage or even solar energy. A battery may be used, which is particularly suitable when the fabric article processing apparatus 20 is in the form of an additional device to the existing fabric article dryer 35. However, any suitable power adapter may be provided to allow AC power to be used with any electrical component of the fabric article processing apparatus 20, such as the fluid handling system 55, controller 60, and any sensor 75. Can be converted to The power source 50 may also include any mechanical power source, such as a spring, weight, or compressed gas, used to store potential energy.

  As described above, the fabric article processing apparatus 20 can include an optional sensor 75. Non-limiting examples of optional sensors include doors (or lid sensors), motion sensors, static electricity sensors, humidity sensors, and / or temperature sensors. One non-limiting example of a door / lid sensor is an optoelectronic device, such as an optical coupling element or an optical input sensor, such as a phototransistor or a photodiode. When the door / lid of the dryer is open, the door sensor changes state and outputs different voltage or current levels along the conductor returning from the door sensor to the controller. This can be used as a safety device that immediately interrupts the dispensing of the effect composition from the internal dispenser 25. The optional door sensor can also be used if the control system is integrated into the entire conventional control system of the dryer. For example, dryers typically have their own door sensor that stops the dryer's rotating drum when the door is opened. In this case, the optional door sensor can serve as a spare or secondary door sensor for the original sensor inside the dryer that stops the rotating drum. One example that can be used as a door / lid sensor is an NPN phototransistor, part number PNA1801L, manufactured by Panasonic (Osaka, Japan). In another embodiment, a communication link can be established between the dryer and the controller, where the dryer is a signal related to the operating state of the dryer (eg, door open / close, drying cycle, temperature, etc.). To the controller.

  Another type of optional sensor 75 that can be used by the fabric article processing apparatus 20 of the present invention is a motion sensor. In a fabric article dryer 35 that uses moving internal parts, such as a rotating drum, the motion sensor can detect when the fabric article dryer is in use. One example of a motion sensor is a vibration and motion sensing switch available as model number CW1600-3, manufactured by ASSEM Tech Europe Ltd. (Clifton, NJ). Another type of optional motion sensor that may be used in the present invention is to use a light source to irradiate (infrared) light to the surface, depending on the intensity and / or frequency of the returning light. It is possible to detect the movement to be performed. Such sensors can measure actual rotational speed information if needed.

  Another optional sensor 75 that can be used in the fabric article processing apparatus 20 of the present invention is a humidity sensor. An optional humidity sensor may be used in conjunction with the controller to control the amount of composition dispensed by the internal dispenser 25 and also determines the appropriate environmental conditions during the operating cycle in which dispensing is to occur. May be used for Further, the humidity sensor may be used to maintain a specific humidity by controlling the distribution of the effect composition so that optimum wrinkle removal and / or other effects are achieved. Many different types of humidity sensors, such as variable conductivity sensors, can be used with the present invention. One such sensor is model number HIH-3610-001 from Honeywell (Freeport, Ill.), But any of the HIH-3610 series, or other available A sensor may be used.

  A further optional sensor 75 that may be useful in the fabric article processing apparatus 20 of the present invention is a temperature sensor, such as one that outputs an analog or digital signal along a conductor returning to the controller.

  As described above, the fabric article processing apparatus 20 may include the controller 60. In one embodiment, the controller may be a microcontroller. A suitable microcontroller is the product number PIC16LS876-04 / P manufactured by MicroChip (Chandler, Arizona). However, other microcontrollers manufactured by different manufacturers can be easily used. In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller includes onboard random access memory (RAM), onboard read only memory (ROM) that includes electrically programmable non-volatile memory elements, and for analog and digital signals. Includes on-board input / output lines. The controller may also be used with a quartz clock oscillator, but if desired, an RC circuit can be used as the clock circuit instead. The clock circuit provides the clock timing required to operate the controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a port that can be coupled to any programmable interface using a communication link, such as an RS-232 communication link. The port allows a user to modify controller program information, such as distribution options.

  One skilled in the art understands that the controller can be any type of microprocessor or microcontroller circuit that is commercially available, with or without onboard RAM, RAM, or digital and analog input / output (I / O). Will do. In addition, a sequential processor may be used to control the fabric article processing apparatus 20, or a parallel processor architecture or a logical state machine architecture may be used. Furthermore, the controller 60 may be incorporated into an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that includes a number of other logic elements that can be used for various functions as desired, such functions being sold to consumers. It is arbitrary according to the model of the fabric article processing apparatus 20 to be performed. To change the characteristics of the model, the manufacturer only needs to program the ASIC or controller's onboard RAM according to the special parameters of that particular model, using the same hardware for each of the units. .

  Instead of any type of microprocessor microcontroller unit, separate digital logic is used to control timing events and make decisions based on the input levels of various sensors provided on fabric article processing apparatus 20. It will also be appreciated that analog control circuitry can be used with voltage comparators and analog timers.

  As a representative fabric article processing apparatus and system, co-pending US patent application 10 / 697,735 (filed October 29, 2003); US patent application 10 / 697,685 (filed October 29, 2003). US patent application 10 / 697,734 (filed October 29, 2003); US patent application 10 / 697,736 (filed October 29, 2003); and US patent application 10 / 762,152 (10/762); , 152 application).

  All documents cited in “Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” are incorporated herein by reference in their relevant parts, and any citation of any document is prior art relating to the present invention. It should not be construed as an admission.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1 is a schematic diagram of a representative fabric article processing apparatus suitable for use in the method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a representative fabric article processing apparatus suitable for use in the method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a representative fabric article processing apparatus suitable for use in the method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a representative fabric article processing apparatus suitable for use in the method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a representative fabric article processing apparatus suitable for use in the method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a representative fabric article processing apparatus suitable for use in the method according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fabric article processing system suitable for use in the method according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a representative fabric article processing apparatus suitable for use in the method according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A method for improving fabric articles comprising:
Drying the fabric article in a fabric article dryer; and applying an effect composition as a spray to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer, wherein the effect composition comprises the whiteness of the fabric article and / or A method comprising a chemical for enhancing brightness.   The method of claim 1, wherein the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises a brightener or dye, or a mixture thereof.   The method of claim 1, wherein the effect composition results in an increase in a whiteness index measurement of 1.0 when a white cotton fabric is sprayed with a solution of greater than 0.0001 ppm of active material in accordance with ASTM E 313. .   The method of claim 1, wherein about 0.1 ml to about 2,000 ml of the effect composition is applied to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer.   5. The method of claim 4, wherein from about 1 ml to about 1,000 ml of the effect composition is applied to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer.   6. The method of claim 5, wherein from about 10 ml to about 200 ml of the effect composition is applied to the fabric article in the fabric article dryer.   The method of claim 1, wherein the spray has a droplet size of about 10 μm to about 100 mm.   The method of claim 7, wherein the spray has a droplet size of about 100 μm to about 1 mm.   The method of claim 8, wherein the spray has a droplet size of about 200 μm to about 700 μm.   The method of claim 1, wherein the article is dried without the application of heat.   The method of claim 1, wherein the article is dried with air heated to a temperature of about 10 ° C. (50 ° F.) to about 149 ° C. (300 ° F.).   The method of claim 1, wherein the effect composition comprises a liquid or a gel.   13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the whiteness and / or brightness enhancing agent is in a form encapsulated in microcapsules.   3. The dye of claim 2, wherein the dye is selected from the group consisting of basic dyes, direct dyes, acid dyes, azoic dyes, vat dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, color index polymer dye classes, and combinations thereof. the method of.   The method of claim 2, wherein the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises a dye having a maximum reflection wavelength of about 350 nm to about 550 nm.   The method of claim 15, wherein the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises a dye having a maximum reflection wavelength of about 420 nm to about 500 nm.   The method of claim 16, wherein the whiteness and / or brightness enhancer comprises a dye having a maximum reflection wavelength of about 430 nm to about 480 nm.   The method of claim 1, wherein the enhancer comprises one or more conjugated bonds to enhance fabric directness. The method of claim 1, wherein the effect composition comprises about 1 × 10 ⁻⁸ wt% to about 0.5 wt% enhancer.   The effect composition is silicone, lubricant, wetting agent, polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyacetylene, polyphenylene, polythiophene, softener, wrinkle mitigating agent, water absorbing agent, moisturizing agent, perfume, antiwear agent, reflective agent, bleaching agent. , Superwetting agent, preservative, buffer, pH adjuster, emulsion stabilizer, malodor control agent, oil dispersion solvent, antifoaming agent, salt, viscosity modifier, chelating agent, antioxidant, radical scavenger, dirt The method of claim 1, further comprising one or more components selected from the group consisting of release agents, antifouling agents, and antimicrobial agents.

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