JP5164832B2 - Fabric cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A fabric cleaning device (410) comprises a housing (420), a roller (460), two sections of directional material (473) preferably provided inside the housing (420) on approximately opposite sides of the roller (460) and internally attached to the housing, and a stop locking the main roller at a specific point, wherein the roller only rotates about 90 degrees in both directions. The roller (460) and the sections of directional material (473) are preferably provided with velour. A roller (460) is disclosed which is circular and the sections of directional material (473) have the shape of segments of a circle such that the velour on the sections of directional material tangentially engages the velour (472) on the roller (460).

Description

[Related Patents]
This application claims the priority of patent application 11 / 141,099 filed May 31, 2005 and patent application 29 / 239,706 filed October 3, 2005.

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device, and more particularly to a fabric cleaning device capable of collecting and holding various kinds of waste disposed on the surface of a fabric (clothing).

  When cleaning garment surfaces, mechanical vacuum cleaners are often utilized to effectively remove dust, dust, and other debris from the garment surface. However, in many cases, these types of mechanical vacuum cleaning devices for garments are often large and cumbersome, and these devices appear to be in a location where the garment surface being cleaned is relatively small or difficult to access. Often not suitable for use in certain specific situations. In addition, for various cases of spot cleaning specific garment surfaces, large mechanical cleaning devices are often impractical for specific cleaning operations.

  Accordingly, various types of alternative cleaning devices and brushes have been developed to provide lightweight cleaning devices that can be used as an alternative to large mechanical vacuum cleaning devices for these types of conditions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,152 to Tsuruzawa discloses a cleaning brush with dust removal and collection means. The apparatus includes a rotating or sliding brush attached to a housing that is gripped by an operator to move the brush across the surface to be cleaned. The movable brush is formed by a number of bristles that are oriented generally relative to the bristles on a pair of brush elements disposed in a housing surrounding the brush. The bristles on the movable brush pick up the dust from the surface by contacting the dust as the brush is moved across the surface. The bristles then rotate to engage the bristles on the brush elements in the housing and remove dust from the movable brush. The dust and debris removed by the brush element is then collected in a movable brush opposite the bristles and then removed through an opening in the housing to which the movable brush is attached.

  However, this device has the disadvantage that the ability of the brush to effectively retain any dust, dust or other debris collected by the moving brush is determined by the contact between the bristles of the brush element and the bristles on the brush. Have. Since the movable brush inevitably moves and has to contact the brush element from outside the device, the brush removes dust, dust and other debris from the movable brush, and then the dust is deposited in the brush housing . In addition, for the dust, dust and other dust components that are actually contained in the housing as a result of proper operation of the device, the discharge of the dust will cause the dust to turn over and shake the housing. It must be moved through the opening in the housing, which is a very inefficient way to remove debris from the device.

  Therefore, it will remove dust from the surface more effectively and keep the dust collected from the surface of the garment in a manner that accumulates the dust in the dust collection chamber located in the device, It would be desirable to develop a lightweight, manually operable clothing surface cleaning device. Furthermore, it would be desirable to develop a fabric (clothing) cleaning device that can more easily drain dust or dirt collected by the device using a separate dust collection chamber.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fabric (clothing) cleaning device preferably comprises a housing containing at least one fabric (clothing) cleaning element. In one embodiment, a pair of movable cleaning elements are secured within a recess in the housing so that each element can engage a fabric to be cleaned and an opposing cleaning element. The movable cleaning element rotates relative to the housing as the cleaning device is moved over the fabric surface and collects all dust, dust or other debris on the fabric surface. The movable cleaning elements allow the elements to rotate independently of each other, but are secured within the housing in such a way that the cleaning elements are also in selective contact with each other. When the cleaning elements are in contact with each other, the elements effectively act as cleaning structures with each other, separating dust, dust and other debris from the opposing elements and receiving them in the dust collection chamber of the apparatus. The element is easily applied to the fabric by the structure of the cleaning element, including an outer surface formed from a material that readily adsorbs pet hair, breadcrumbs, dust, lint, allergens and other substances present on the fabric surface. Dust, dust and other debris can be easily collected from the surface. The material is also selected to be somewhat flexible so that, in addition to being cleaned by material disposed on the opposite rotatable element, this material is further removed on each cleaning element in the housing. As a result of contact with the material, it can be cleaned from dust, dust and other debris collected by the material.

  According to another aspect of the invention, preferably the housing includes a dust collection chamber with an open lower end in communication with the space in which the rotating element is disposed, thereby being collected by the cleaning element. Dust and dust flow through the housing and into the dust collection chamber. In one embodiment, the dust collection chamber is preferably removably retained in the housing until the chamber is full of dust, dust and other debris collected by the cleaning element. The chamber is then removed, evacuated and / or replaced to prepare the device for additional cleaning.

  In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the housing in which the cleaning element and the dust collection chamber are disposed is designed to be easily handled and used by a user cleaning the fabric surface. In addition, the housing can be formed with a minimum of parts, each formed from a lightweight material that is relatively low cost and easily manufactured as a component of the housing.

  Many other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings.

  The figure shows the best mode presently contemplated in the embodiment of the present invention.

Reference is now made to the figure. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the present disclosure, and a fabric cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. The fabric (clothing) cleaner or cleaning device 10 preferably includes a housing 11 with a base portion 12 and a handle portion 14 projecting upwardly from the base portion 12. In use, the base portion 12 of the device 10 is placed on the garment surface 16 and is moved generally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 of the device 10 to dispose the debris 20 located on the garment (cloth) surface 16. Collect.
With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the device 10 is formed with an outer housing 22 and an inner housing 24. Both the outer housing 22 and the inner housing 24 are generally rigid and preferably lightweight to allow the device 10 to be easily operated by the user's hand 26, as best shown in FIG. Formed from the material. Most preferably, each housing 22 and 24 is constructed from a plastic material in which the shape of each housing 22 and 24 can be easily modified as desired and can be formed by conventional plastic molding processes, such as injection molding.

  The outer housing 22 includes a lower opening 28 in which the inner housing 24 is disposed, and an upper opening 30 that is generally disposed facing the lower opening 28. The top opening 30 can have any desired shape, but is preferably rectangular to accommodate a dust collection chamber or garbage container 32 therein. The garbage container 32 includes a handle 34 at one end to facilitate removal of the garbage container 32 from within the upper opening 30 of the outer housing 22. The waste container 32 is also typically formed from a lightweight material, such as a plastic material, and includes a wide closed end 36 at the top of the waste container 32 and a narrow open end 38 at the bottom of the waste container 32. An inwardly tapered end wall 40 extends between the closed end 36 and the open end 38 at each end of the waste container 32 and is joined by side walls 42. Side wall 42 is integrally formed with end wall 40 and includes a number of open portions 44 spaced along the side wall. The opened portion 44 allows the user to determine how much garbage 20 is collected by looking inside the garbage container 32. The open portion 44 is preferably from one side of the open end 38, above the adjacent side wall 42, above the top of the waste container 32 forming the closed end 36, and downward with respect to the opposite side wall 42. It is sealed by an extending transparent material 46. In this embodiment, the transparent material 46 allows the user to access the interior of the waste container 32 regardless of whether the waste container 32 is disposed within the device 10 or at least partially removed from the top opening 30. Can see. In addition, to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the device 10, the closed end 36 of the waste container 32 is more seamless between the closed end 36 of the waste container 32 and the handle portion 14 of the device 10. In order to provide an appearance, it is formed from a material similar to the material forming the housing 22.

  With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the inner housing 24 includes a lower portion 48 and an upper portion 50. The lower portion 48 extends outward to conform to the shape of the lower opening 28 of the outer housing 22 and is fixedly attached to the outer housing 22 by suitable fasteners 52. The upper portion 50 is spaced above the lower portion 48 by a pair of opposing supports 54 and end walls 55 to define a recess 56 between the side supports 54 and the end walls 55, Preferably, the lower portion 48 and the upper portion 50 are integrally formed. The upper portion 50 also includes a central opening 58 having a lower edge 80 that extends through the upper portion 50 to allow communication between the recess 56 and the narrow open end 38 of the waste container 32. . In order to keep the device 10 relatively light, the inner housing 24 is formed from a suitable lightweight material, such as a plastic material.

  The recess 56 also houses a pair of cleaning elements 60 and 61. The shape of the cleaning elements 60, 61 is generally semi-cylindrical so that each element 60, 61 includes a curved surface 62 and a pair of arcuate end walls 64. Each end wall 64 includes a protrusion 66 projecting outwardly from the end wall, and a hole 68 is formed in the protrusion for receiving a fastener 70, by which the end wall 55 is adjacent to the end wall 55 of the recess 56. 64 is rotatably fixed. Although the preferred embodiment discloses cleaning elements 60, 61 that are generally semi-cylindrical in shape, other suitable shapes for elements 60, 61 are also contemplated. In addition, the materials utilized to form the cleaning elements 60, 61 are selected to maintain an overall light weight for the device 10, and thus preferred materials for the cleaning elements 60, 61 are various light metal materials. And can include plastic.

  Each cleaning element 60, 61 also includes a layer of cleaning material 72 that is secured to element 60, 61 on curved surface 62 opposite end wall 64. A cleaning material 72 is secured to each element or element 60, 61 that can collect and retain various dust, dust, pet hair, bread crumbs, lint, and other allergens from the garment surface 16. Can be selected from any suitable material, such as multiple teeth, etc. that are disposed on the material and are formed as integrally as possible. Preferably, the material is formed from a cloth-like material, and a particularly preferred material is a unidirectional fiber such as velor. The layer of cleaning material 72 is secured to the curved surface 62 of the cleaning elements 60, 61 in any suitable manner, but is preferably fixedly attached to the curved surface 62 with an adhesive.

  The cleaning elements 60, 61 are recessed so that the layer of cleaning material 72 on each element 60, 61 protrudes below the lower portion 48 of the inner housing 24 and the device 10 contacts the garment surface 16 being moved thereon. 56 is fixed. Each element 60, 61 is within a recess 56, and an annular shoulder 76 (eg, FIG. 8) formed on the upper portion 50 of the inner housing 24 with an inner side 74 (eg, FIG. 8) proximate the opening 58. A first position rotated in contact with the second and a second position in which the outer side 78 (eg, FIG. 8) of each element 60, 61 is rotated in contact with the upper portion 50 proximate to the corresponding side support 54; Can rotate between. In addition, the thickness of the layer of cleaning material 72 on each element 60, 61 can be in contact with the material 72 on the opposing cleaning element 60, 61 for the purposes described above. Selected as

  In operation, referring to FIGS. 7-9, the device 10 is placed against the garment surface 16 and is moved across the garment surface 16, and the cleaning elements 60, 61 are respectively shown in FIG. When moved in the direction indicated by A, it rotates in the clockwise direction. As the elements 60, 61 rotate in the clockwise direction, the layer of cleaning material 72 on each element 60, 61 contacts the dirt 20 on the garment surface 16, so that the dirt 20 remains on the layer 72 of cleaning material, Collect garbage 20 The apparatus 10 is continuously moved in the direction indicated by arrow A until the cleaning elements 60, 61 are moved to the position shown in FIG.

  At this point, the device 10 is moved in the opposite direction, indicated by arrow B in FIG. 8, so that the elements 60, 61 rotate in a counterclockwise direction. When this is done, the cleaning material layer 72 on the inner side 74 of the element 60 contacts the layer 72 of cleaning material proximate the inner side 74 of the cleaning element 61. As each layer 72 passes and contacts each other, the debris 20 on the element 61 is removed and pushed through the central opening 58 of the upper portion 50 and into the open end 38 of the debris container 32. The dirt 20 captured between the elements 60, 61 is continuously pushed upward into the opening 58 and cannot be retracted onto the surface 16 due to the enclosed space of the elements 60, 61. At the same time, the cleaning material layer 72 away from the inner side 74 of the element 61 contacts the garment surface 16 and additionally collects dirt 20 from the surface 16. Operation in the direction indicated by arrow B is continued in this manner until the position of the cleaning elements 60, 61 is exactly the opposite of FIG. 7, as best shown in FIG. From the position shown in FIG. 9, the device 10 is again moved in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 7, so that the inner 74 of the cleaning element 61 collects debris 20 from the surface 16 when moved. The cleaning element 60 comes into contact with the cleaning material 72 and removes it. In order for the cleaning elements 60, 61 to remove all of the debris 20 from the garment surface 16, this process can be repeated as many times as necessary.

  Removal of the dust 20 from the cleaning material layer 72 on each element 60, 61 is further facilitated by providing a dust removal edge 80 formed in the upper portion 50 of the inner housing 24 on each side of the central opening 58. The As the edges 80 on each side of the opening 58 move to the position shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 to help the elements 60, 61 to remove and remove the debris 20 from the cleaning material 72, each cleaning element Contact the cleaning material layer 72 on 60, 61. Edge 80 contacts layer 72 on elements 60, 61 and compresses layer 72 to scrape debris 20 from layer 72 or otherwise direct it into opening 58. The continuous movement of the elements 60, 61 moves the layer 72 along the edge 80 and removes additional debris 20 from the elements 60, 61.

  After the garbage 20 has been removed from the garment surface 16, the user can remove and replace the garbage container 32 as needed, or additionally to remove the garbage 20 from one garment surface or surfaces 16. You can use the device. In addition, while the waste container 32 is designed to be removed and discarded separately from the device 10, the entire device 10 has the waste 20 from which the waste container 32 has been removed from one or more garment surfaces 16. It can also be designed to be discarded once it is filled.

  Furthermore, other modifications to the device 10 that are different from the previously described embodiments are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example, the chamber or garbage container 32 can be integrally formed with the outer housing 22 so that the entire apparatus can be discarded. The chamber 32 also includes or is formed from an adsorbent material of hair or lint, such as an adhesive material strip or hook and loop material, so that any lint, hair or other material that contacts the chamber. Garbage can be collected. Further, the opening 58 of the lower housing 24 can be moved to one side or the other side of the lower housing 24 by moving corresponding to the position of the chamber 32.

  FIG. 10 shows an alternative device 110. The device 110 has a housing 110a with a base portion 112 and a handle portion 114, preferably joined by adhesive or heat staking. The apparatus cleans the surface along axis 118. Preferably, the handle portion 114 has an upper end 111, a first side surface 113a, an opposing second side surface 113b, a front surface 113c, and a back surface 113d. The first side surface and the second side surface have grooves 115a and 115b for receiving the user's hand and fingers. The groove allows the user to conveniently grip the handle portion. FIG. 11 shows the lower surface of the device 110. As shown in FIG. 11, the base portion 112 is configured to house the cleaning elements 160, 161. The cleaning element is preferably covered with a cleaning material 172a, 172b, such as a unidirectional velor. The cleaning elements 160, 161 are preferably semi-cylindrical rollers similar to those described above. In this embodiment, the rollers 160, 161 are attached to the base portion 112 using fasteners 170a, 170b, 170c and 170d located at each end of the roller. There is a central opening 158 between the rollers. In this embodiment, fasteners 170a, 170b are preferably composed of two main elements, eg, protrusions 166a and 166b, which are received in cavities 168a and 168b for roller 161, respectively. Similarly, roller 160 has fasteners 170c, 170d that include protrusions 166c and 166d that are received in cavities 168c and 168d, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the handle portion 114 has an upper portion 121 that is preferably smooth and round. The side surfaces 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d preferably have round corners as shown.

  16 and 17 show the base portion 112 of the device 110 with the rollers removed. When the roller is in place, the roller is fitted into the fixed clip cavities 150a-150d. Handle portion 114 and base portion 112 are connected and / or aligned at the illustrated point 151. In one embodiment, ribs (on either part) are present to help align the handle and base portions 114, 122, respectively, and to keep the handle portion stable and secure. Stops 155a-155d help limit the movement of the rollers. The protrusions 157a-157d are preferably proximate to the stops 155a-155d. The ribs may be between them to add stability. Since the handle portion 114 and the base portion 112 are substantially hollow, both portions define a recess 156 in which the dirt collected by the rollers is stored. In one embodiment, the handle 114 and the base portion 112 are transparent so that the user can easily confirm that the recess 156 is filled with debris. In this embodiment, the top and base portions are permanently coupled, eg, at points 151 and / or points 171a, b, the rollers are locked in place, and the device is then discarded with the debris. A new device must then be purchased and used for the next cleaning.

  Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. Device 210 is somewhat similar to device 110 but includes additional functionality. The device 210 has a handle portion 214 and a base portion 212 that is preferably joined by thermoformed connector crimps 271a-f that fit into holes. An indication 223 is present on the top 221 of the handle portion 214. The display 223 preferably indicates the type or brand name of the device and may comprise a logo as well as a trademark registration symbol 223a. Additional displays 225 a, b may be located on the front 227 and back 229 of the device 210. The display may include an arrow that indicates to the user the preferred direction of operation for the device.

  In this embodiment, the grooves 215a, b preferably have a textured surface 217 consisting of small protrusions or indentations and grip points 219 that assist in grasping the device 210. This embodiment may also include a ridge 231 around the base portion 212. The ridge 231 may have a rounded edge to prevent catching. As best shown in FIGS. 19-21, this embodiment is more round and appears to be approximately a semicircle. As shown, the two rollers 260, 261 are partially located within the outer shell of the device 210. The grip point 219 and the display 223 may be embossed inside or outside.

  22 and 23 show rollers 260, 261 covered with cleaning fibers 272-272b. A slightly different fixing structure for the rollers 260, 261 is also shown. For example, in this figure, spring clasps accept protrusions on rollers 260, 261 for easier assembly. As best shown in FIG. 23, the bottom surface of the base portion 212 has an inclined or guide surface 250 to help incorporate the rollers 260, 261 into the base 212. The rollers 260, 261 may have protruding shafts 251a-251d of various sizes that interact with the guide surfaces 250a-250d.

  FIG. 24 shows a hanger 261 as an integral part of the handle portion 214. In this embodiment, the hanger 261 is preferably constructed from plastic and is used to suspend the device 210 on a hook in a store display.

  FIG. 25A shows yet another embodiment. In this embodiment, the device 310 has a very small ridge 331 and has a more extreme inclined front 337 and rear 339.

  FIG. 25B is a bottom view of device 310 showing scallop cut 381 of garment 372 and mating boss 383 on rollers 360,361. In another embodiment, these scallops 384 are not required if the garment is simply cut into a rectangle and folded over both ends (not just one end) of the roller.

  26 to 29 show still another embodiment. This embodiment of the device 410 has a single main roller 460 incorporated in a semi-circular housing 420. The main roller 460 attracts and collects the hair while the two small portions inside the directional material 473 attached to the housing 420 scrape the hair from the main roller 460. This leaves the hair collected in the housing. The main roller 460 only rotates about 90 ° in both directions. A stopper locks the main roller 460 at a specific point to collect the hair, and then when the roller 460 is rotated in the opposite direction, it rotates approximately 180 ° to lift the hair into the housing 420. The roller 460 is locked again. This movement is repeated until the housing 420 is filled. This process collects the hair because the directional materials are facing each other. A velor 473 attached to the housing 420 “positions” down while the velor 472 on the larger roller 460 takes in the hair. When the device 410 reverses direction, the hair on the larger roller 460 passes through the same small strip of velour 473, but the velor 473 on the larger roller 460 is “positioned” down and the smaller strip of velor 473 is Hair is collected inside the housing 420.

  As mentioned above, the various components of the device can be attached by ultrasonic heat staking or hot melt adhesive. The heat staking process may have the function of indicating directions for further problem solving.

  The velor cleaning material may be affixed to the roller as a type of label, i.e., one side having adhesive properties and one side having unidirectional clothing. Alternatively, the cleaning fibers may include appropriately cut or sized material parts that are thermally bonded to the rollers. The garment may have a semi-circular tab cut out to align with the corresponding structure on the roller. This allows the garment to be easily attached to the roller during assembly. The cleaning material is typically red, blue and other velours, although lighter colors such as white and yellow may be used. For example, light colors may be advantageous to better show dust and dirt.

  The cleaning fiber preferably has several cushions. There is a difference in the applied force depending on the density of the cushion. The velor wears out after a certain time, for example after 6 to 8 hours of use.

  In one embodiment, the roller fastener may consist of de-nest lug incorporated into the upper housing. In such an embodiment, the roller removal force is about 16 pounds.

  Preferably, the device is made from transparent 100% recyclable R-PET or some other suitable plastic resin.

  In another embodiment, the interior of the device is sprayed with an adhesive or certain other adhesives. This form attracts and holds the dust on the inner wall of the device. This configuration facilitates the device being disposable.

  The present invention further includes a process for manufacturing a device assembly that requires a rigid component (eg, a roller) having different materials, in this case cleaning fibers adhered to the roller. This process is preferably as follows.

  1. A cleaning fiber is attached to the manufactured roller.

  2. A thermally activated adhesive (eg, a “hot melt” adhesive) is coated on the back side of a width of fiber.

  3. The adhesive coated fiber is allowed to cool (eg several seconds).

  4). The cooled adhesive coated fiber is cut into a final shape.

  5. The cut adhesive coated fibers are reheated immediately to activate the adhesive prior to attachment to the rigid roller component (heat is preferably provided in the form of radiation, convection, electromagnetic waves, etc. and / or Note that the fiber support is provided or the rigid part is heated).

  6). The rigid part is then attached with heated, cut and adhesive-coated fibers to form a roller assembly.

  One advantage of this process is that the machine that makes and assembles the rollers and fibers can easily place the fibers on and over the edges of the rigid parts.

  With this machine, all in a single operation, the fiber can be incorporated on the surface of the rigid part and the fiber can be wrapped around the edge of the rigid part. The machine is suitable for either manual assembly or high speed automatic assembly and has the following characteristics:

  1. The ability to apply adhesive to the entire roller at high speed on individual parts.

  2. Ability to apply adhesive at any time, just before mounting on a roller.

3. Prevent wear-out of clothing edges.
The basic operation of the machine is as follows.

  1. Place the fiber on the fiber holder.

  a. The fiber is placed on the holding body with the aid of a “fiber stopper”.

  b. The fibers are initially supported by "fiber springs", but these are not necessary if the fibers are properly placed directly on the "part cradle" separately.

  c. The fiber has a specific type of adhesive already applied, or the adhesive is applied after the fiber is placed in the holding body. If a non-adhesive attachment method (eg, ultrasound) is used, the fiber does not have any adhesive on it.

  d. If the fiber is coated with a heat activated adhesive, the heat to activate the adhesive is after the adhesive coated fiber is placed in this holding body (easy to handle at low temperatures), but just before the next step Added to. The holding body passes through a conveyor-type heat source, or the holding body or the roller part itself is heated.

  2. A rigid part (eg a roller) is placed on the part holder.

  a. This can be either a manual operation or an automatic feeding system.

  b. Retaining rigid parts within the holder can be accomplished through a number of means such as vacuum, spring-loaded retaining clips, friction, suction cups, adhesives, and the like.

  3. The fiber holder including the attached fibers moves to a position below the component holder.

  a. It is also possible that the fiber holder is fixed under the component holder and the fibers are fed continuously to the holder.

  4). A downward pressure is applied to the “pusher”, compressing the “holder spring”.

  a. As a result, the component mounted on the component holder is pressed against the fiber, the fiber spring is pressed down, and finally the component formed by the component cradle is seated on the fiber.

  b. By sandwiching the fiber between the part and the part cradle, the end of the fiber is raised from a stable position and adjusted to allow the rollover roller to enter underneath.

  c. Eventually, the fiber springs compress under the surface of the component cradle due to their position within the recessed hole.

  d. The pressure can be applied either manually or by an automated method.

  5. The continuous downward pressure on the pusher compresses the “pusher spring”.

  a. The pusher spring compresses more strongly (higher than the K value) than the holder spring, so that the component holder with the component mounted is fully compressed in the fiber and cradle, after which the pusher spring starts to compress. This actually creates a two-step action, i.e. first compressing the pusher spring and then compressing the holder spring.

  6). As the pusher spring continues to be compressed, the rollover roller begins to contact the rollover ramp.

  a. When the rollover roller is pressed onto the rollover ramp, the rollover spring begins to bend sideways, applying a constant pressure between the rollover roller and the rollover ramp.

  b. A constant pressure is important to allow the rollover roller to enter under the fiber and start the rollover process.

  c. The constant pressure can be supplied by any number of means in addition to the spring, such as a spring wire, spring metal sheet material, rotary spring, polymer spring, etc.

  d. The rollover roller is not necessarily a roller. Perhaps it is a thin fixed part, such as a rigid wire, wedge-shaped, etc. that goes under the fiber, moves the ramp down and transmits the appropriate pressure across its width.

  e. The rollover operation can act not only on one side but also on both sides by duplicating the rollover roller, the rollover spring, the rollover ramp and the part holder notch.

  7). The rollover roller forces the fiber to wrap around the edge of the part and attach it against the inside of the part.

  a. The part holder notch allows the rollover roller to move inside the part.

  b. The rollover action provides the desirable advantage of applying pressure across the application surface of the fiber, including the edges of the rigid parts.

  8). The pressure on the pusher is released and the holder spring forces the machine back to its original state.

  a. The part is released from the part holder.

  9. A rigid part combined with the fiber surface and the rolled edge is completed.

  a. The fiber spring forces the assembly back up outside the cradle for movement or removal.

  In the preferred embodiment described herein, the rollers are fitted into the device in only one direction. In addition, although two rollers and a single roller version are shown, three or more smaller rollers may be used. The device may also have a dust removal function to collect and retain debris within the housing.

  Various other aspects, embodiments and advantages of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter regarded as the invention.

1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a fabric cleaning device of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the cleaning element of the apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating the removal of the dust collection chamber of the apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an end view of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the operation of the cleaning element of the apparatus of FIG. 1 when the apparatus is moved in a first direction. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view equivalent to FIG. 6 illustrating the operation of the rotating element of the cleaning device when the device is moved in the second direction opposite to FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the operation of the rotating element of the cleaning device when the device is further moved in the direction of FIG. 8. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fabric cleaning device displayed from the front, top, and left side of a garment cleaner. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 10. It is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, Comprising: The other side is a mirror image of a 1st side, and a roller is shown with a broken line. FIG. 11 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 10, with the rear surface being a mirror image of the front surface and the rollers indicated by broken lines. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 11 is another bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 10 with the roller removed. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the clothing cleaner or bottom view of FIG. 10 with the roller removed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a clothing cleaner design, viewed from the front, top, and right side. It is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 18, Comprising: The other side surface is a mirror image of the 1st side surface, and has shown the roller. It is a rear view of an apparatus, and the front is a mirror image of a back and shows a roller. It is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 18 showing a roller. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a clothing cleaner and a roller as viewed from below, from the left side, and toward the rear. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the clothing cleaner as viewed from above, from the right side, and toward the front. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a garment cleaner, as viewed from the front, from above, and from the left side. FIG. 25B is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 25A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a garment cleaner, as viewed from the front, top, and left side. FIG. 27 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 26, with the front being a mirror image of the back, showing the rollers in place. FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 26 with the roller in place. FIG. 27 is a view of a type in which a part of the apparatus of FIG.

Claims (10)

A housing having a lower end and an upper end and defining a recess therebetween, the upper end including a central opening associated with the recess and at least one debris removal surface located proximate to the central opening. Including a housing;
A first cleaning element projecting at least partially outward from the housing and movably secured within the recess so as to be engageable with the at least one dust removal surface;
A second cleaning element proximate to the first cleaning element, protruding at least partially outward from the housing and movably secured within the recess so as to be engageable with the at least one dust removal surface ;
A waste collection element disposed in communication with the central opening;
With
The at least one dust removal surface includes an end of the central opening;
The first and second cleaning elements have a semi-cylindrical shape, have an external cleaning surface on an outer curved surface, and the first cleaning element is between the first and second different positions, The two cleaning elements are rotatable independently of each other between the third and fourth different positions , the first cleaning element is between the first and second positions, and the second cleaning element is when it is rotated between the third and fourth position, the outer cleaning surface of the first and second cleaning elements by Rukoto fixed in a housing to produce the contact with each other, the first and second When the cleaning elements are in contact with each other, the waste is separated from the opposing first and second cleaning elements and accommodated in the waste collection element;
Fabric cleaning device. The first cleaning element comprises an internal support surface, according to claim 1.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the external cleaning surface is formed from a flexible material.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the external cleaning surface is formed from a fibrous material.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the garbage collection element is formed as a dust collection chamber.   The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the dust collection chamber has an open end in communication with the central opening.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the garbage collection element is removably secured to the housing.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the garbage collection element has at least one transparent portion.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an outer shell connected to and disposed about the housing and the dust collection chamber.   The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the outer shell includes an opening generally facing the housing in which the dust collection chamber is detachably disposed.

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