US3752373A - Portable wardrobe refresher - Google Patents

Portable wardrobe refresher Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3752373A
US3752373A US00232704A US3752373DA US3752373A US 3752373 A US3752373 A US 3752373A US 00232704 A US00232704 A US 00232704A US 3752373D A US3752373D A US 3752373DA US 3752373 A US3752373 A US 3752373A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
bag
tank
steam
hot air
combination
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00232704A
Inventor
S Smith
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.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3752373A publication Critical patent/US3752373A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G25/00Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
    • A47G25/54Dust- or moth-proof garment bags, e.g. with suit hangers
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06FLAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F73/00Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam 
    • D06F73/02Apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers, or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam  having one or more treatment chambers

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A conventional bag for hanging and transporting clothes is fitted at its lower end with a pair of superposed rectangular compartments.
  • the bottom compartment contains steam generating means, whereas a compartment just above the bottom compartment contains a hot air blower.
  • the aforesaid compartment is separated from the upper clothes carrying portion of the bag by a drainboard partition, at whose low point is centered a pipe which drains collected liquid into the steam compartment.
  • Generated steam is transmitted uniformly throughout the clothes carrying portion of the bag through spaced perforations in a pair of flexible or hinged pipes which serve as part of a supporting frame when the bag is in vertically extended position.
  • the bag is constructed to double over with the ends latched together for carrying.
  • the principal object of the present invention to provide certain improvements in portable garment treating bags whereby the bag, in addition to serving as an envelope for steaming garments, may also be employed for drying conventional wash.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a steaming operation in which the steam is fairly uniformly distributed throughout the garments under treatment.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a garment treating bag which, although portable, is constructed to open up for hanging, or alternatively, to stand in a vertically extended position without external support, so that clothes on hangers can be supported internally.
  • a device comprising an elongated, rectangular bag of plastic, fabric or the like, which is substantially impervious to moisture.
  • the bag is constructed to lock in doubled-up position for carrying.
  • a pair of semirigid, flexible tubes of plastic or the like extend upwardly, inside the bag, from the two ends of the lower tank.
  • the semirigid, flexible tubes may alternatively be rigid at the upper and lower ends, but flexible or jointed in the middle.
  • the midportions of the semirigid tubes are braced against the two inside ends of a slightly curved lateral member at the back center of the bag, which is contoured to provide a semicircular form to the upper folded end of the garment bag when doubled over and locked in carrying position.
  • the perforated tubes When the bag is upright, the perforated tubes also serve, together with the rigid top portion to which they are connected in supporting relation, to provide an inner frame for the bag, wherein garments may be supported on a short pole which passes through the center of the top.
  • a drainboard which operates as the upper partition between the hot air chamber and clothes carrying compartment, is constructed around a central drainpipe leading into the lower steam tank.
  • This drainpipe serves as a means for filling the lower tank; and also, for draining moisture from the upper part of the bag into the tank. For example, a wash can be hung in the bag for drying, the drippings being collected in the lower tank by way of the drainboard and drainpipe.
  • a manually operated switch is provided for alternatively activating the steam generating means, or the hot air dryer.
  • FIG. 1 shows, in perspective, a portable wardrobe refresher in accordance with the present invention, folded and locked in carrying position;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective showing of the portable wardrobe refresher of FIG. 1, unfolded in vertically extended position for supporting clothes in the usual manner on hangers;
  • FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section through the structure as shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a side section of the structure of FIGS. 2 and 3, in the direction of the arrows 4-4, showing the regulator switch, and retractible electrical connecting cord;
  • FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the lower portion of the structure of the previous figures, broken away to show the details of the steam generating equipment in the lower compartment and the hot air blower in the compartment above, and with the side panel open;
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic of the electrical circuit for driving the heaters and blower motor for the structure indicated in the previous figures.
  • FIG. 1 shows a waterproof, heat resistant zipper bag of a type conventionally used for storing garments or the like, folded double in carrying position. In this position the two halves are internally latched together by means of a conventional latch 2, having a tongue 2b.
  • FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the same bag in unfolded, vertically extended position, standing erect so as to support clothes on hangers.
  • the bag extended as shown in FIG. 2, is rectangular, inches high, when extended, 24 inches wide and 5 inches deep.
  • the bag is preferably formed of a waterproof or water resistant plastic material fabric characterized by negligible water absorption and low water permeability, and which is capable of being subjected without deterioration to maximum continuous service temperature at least a high as the boiling point of water, so that the interior of the bag can be subjected to live steam for sustained periods, with a normal life expectancy.
  • a preferred material for this purpose is polyethylene having a specific gravity at least exceeding about 0.935.
  • other plastic film materials of similar characteristics can be used for this purpose, or a combination of plastic material, such as polyvinylchloride, laminated to cotton.
  • the three-dimensional rectangular shape of the bag like member, closed at the top, comprising rigid nylon, or alternatively, metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, about one-eighth inch thick, having a length and width coextensive with the upper end of the bag, to the inside of which it is rivetted or otherwise secured.
  • the projecting edges b extend down an inch or two, as the bag is vertically extended, the corner portions of the bag being smoothly secured to the projecting edges 5b by a series of rivets 12.
  • a retractible hook member 5a which is disposed to move to a position flat against the end of the bag when the latter is in folded position, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the knobs 6a serve as supports for the bottom end of the bag, in folded position. Similar knobs, not shown, are on the other end.
  • a series of small vent openings 50 is provided in member 5.
  • a conventional carrying handle 4 is disposed in carrying position atop the bag in folded position, as shown in FIG. 1. This is supported internally by being rivetted or otherwise secured to a slightly arcuate supporting member 7 of nylon, or metal or the like, which extends laterally the width of the bag, and is centered inside the vertically extended backside, as shown in FIG.2, and formed to shape the top of the closed bag, as indicated, in FIG. 1.
  • a pair of superposed compartments comprising a steam chamber and a hot air chamber 9 which are coextensive rectangular boxes I of rigid nylon, thinwalled metal or the like, which conform in shape to the interior of the bag, to which they are rivetted or other wise secured.
  • These compartments may be, for example, 24 inches long, 5 inches deep and 8 inches high.
  • a pair of flexible steam pipes 8 protrude upwardly from central positions at the two opposite sides of the lower steam compartment 10, and up through the hot air chamber 9. These pipes respectively extend to the top of the garment bag 1 on both sides and terminate on the inside ends of the supporting member 5.
  • Each of the pipes 8, which may be, say, one-half inch in inner diameter and one-sixteenth inch thick, has a series of perforations 8a, about one-sixteenth inch in diameter and four inches apart, directed inwardly along their length,
  • These pipes may, for example, be formed of any semirigid, flexible plastic material which will sustain contact with steam without harm, such as, for example, high density polyethylene; or, alternatively, they may be formed of thinwalled metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and may be jointed at the central portion in the manner of an electrical conduit so that they can be readily folded over when the case is in carrying position.
  • These may be mounted to guides 7a, 7b on the inside ends of the arcuate member 7 (identical guides on the other side not being shown) so that when the bag is folded double, the pipes bend smoothly to the desired arcuate shape.
  • This is actuated by a handle 3a so that it pulls forward, pivoting about its lower end.
  • panel 3 closes, it is latched with a conventional latch 3b.
  • Clothing on hangers is stored in a conventional manner in the upper compartment 1 1 of the bag by hanging the hangers on the rigid crossrod 15, which extends through the thickness of the bag and is anchored at its ends to central positions on opposite faces of downwardly projecting long edges 5b.
  • clothes compartment 1 l is about 42 inches long, 24 inches wide and 5 inches deep, although this may vary.
  • compartment 1 1 1 Access to compartment 1 1 is had by a front panel 13, about 20 inches wide and 40 inches long, which opens up in the manner indicated in FIG. 2 by means of a continuous zipper 14, which runs along a track in a clockwise direction from the lower left-hand comer, across the top, and down to the lower right-hand corner to open the bag, and in the opposite direction to close the bag.
  • a continuous zipper 14 which runs along a track in a clockwise direction from the lower left-hand comer, across the top, and down to the lower right-hand corner to open the bag, and in the opposite direction to close the bag.
  • the bottom of compartment 11 is formed by a partition 23, about 24 inches long and 5 inches deep, which slopes downwardly in the manner of a drainboard to a centrally located opening 25a leading into a water return pipe 25 which extends vertically downward through the upper compartment 9 into the lower water storage compartment 10, where the water is released near the bottom of the latter compartment for generating steam.
  • the partition or drainboard 23 is equipped with a pair of air vents 24a and 24b to the right and left respectively of the opening 25a, which permit air jets to flow out of the hot air chamber 9, and into clothesv chamber 11.
  • FIG. 5 shows in detail perspective the chambers 9 and 10 broken away to show the interior, the lower chamber is indicated as being partially filled, say, to a depth of 1 inch or 2, with liquid, which in general application of the invention will be water; although, it will be understood that other nontoxic, noncorrosive, noninflammable, volatile cleaning liquids can also be employed for the purposes of the present invention.
  • liquid which in general application of the invention will be water; although, it will be understood that other nontoxic, noncorrosive, noninflammable, volatile cleaning liquids can also be employed for the purposes of the present invention.
  • an immersion heater 16 for generating steam Extending laterally into one end of the chamber 10 is an immersion heater 16 for generating steam.
  • This may take any of the forms well known in the art, such as, for example, a form similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,476,915 issued Nov. 4, 1969 to Michael J. Rapsis, in which case a high temperature metal or plastic sheath would be substituted for the frangible sheath there disclosed.
  • Another much simpler type of immersion heater suitable for the purposes of the present invention is similar to those used for baby bottle sterilizers, and may be purchased on the market under the trademark Royal immersion heater, made in Japan, stock number 69, from a distributor located at P. O. Box 412, Flushing, New York 11372.
  • HEETGRID Another suitable type of heater is one sold on the market under the trademark HEETGRID by the George Ulanet Company of Newark, New Jersey, and indicated as Model No. 288, in their catalog No. 60.
  • the latter consumes watts when connected to a 1 l 5 volt outlet.
  • the immersion heater 16 is supported in the end wall of the tank 10 by means of a fitting 16a so that it protrudes through the wall in a liquid tight seal.
  • the electrical leads 17 extend to a junction 35 whichleads through tween the chambers and 11, are fluid tight, supporting the pipe 25 at their centers, which passes through a water tight seal.
  • the partitions 21 and 22 also serve at their two ends to anchor and support the steam vent pipes 8 which protrude vertically upward in externally sealed relation to the partitions.
  • a motor fan 26 which is of a conventional type, driven by a motor 26a of, say, one-quarter horsepower.
  • a second electrical resistance heater 28 Disposed inv grill-like fashion across the front of the fan 26 is a second electrical resistance heater 28 which serves to heat the turbulent air emerging from the fan.
  • a series of air intake vents 19, say one-half inch in diameter, are located in spaced relation along the two broad sides and left-hand end of the air chamber 9.
  • FIG. 6 of the drawings is a schematic showing of the circuit of the present invention.
  • the steam generating heater 16 is connected between the junction 35 and the button b of the switch 31
  • the rotatable wiper contact 34 of switch 31 is connected to one terminal of the 1 10-1 volt alternating current power source 33; and the other terminal of the latter leads to junction 35.
  • the fan motor 26a in series with a protective resistor 26b, is connected between button 0 of switch 31 and junction 35, in parallel with the hot air heater 28.
  • a wardrobe refresher comprising in combination:
  • liquid heating means for generating steam interposed in said first tank
  • a second hot air tank located above said first tank and including a fan and air heating means associated with said fan
  • said tubes supporting an end frame at the upper end of said upright bag
  • said tubes each having a series of spaced perforations for conveying steam into the garment portion of said bag
  • said heating means for generating steam means for alternatively connecting to a source of power said heating means for generating steam, and said air heating means including said fan.
  • said combination including a handle supported internally on said bag at a midpoint between said upper and lower ends in an upright position.
  • said semirigid member constructed to include inwardly projecting guide means at its two ends disposed to guide the flexing of said tubes in the opening and closing of said bag.
  • said drainboard surrounding and constructed to drain into a pipe located centrally relative to said tanks, said pipe disposed to pass in sealed relation through said hot air tank and to extend into and terminate in said lower steam tank for draining moisture into said tank, and
  • said drainboard including vents for the passage of hot air into said clothes carrying portion.

Abstract

A conventional bag for hanging and transporting clothes is fitted at its lower end with a pair of superposed rectangular compartments. The bottom compartment contains steam generating means, whereas a compartment just above the bottom compartment contains a hot air blower. The aforesaid compartment is separated from the upper clothes carrying portion of the bag by a drainboard partition, at whose low point is centered a pipe which drains collected liquid into the steam compartment. Generated steam is transmitted uniformly throughout the clothes carrying portion of the bag through spaced perforations in a pair of flexible or hinged pipes which serve as part of a supporting frame when the bag is in vertically extended position. The bag is constructed to double over with the ends latched together for carrying.

Description

Unite Smith [451 Aug. 14, 1973 PORTABLE WARDROBE REHER Sally .1. Smith, 299 Lyons Ave., Newark, NJ. 07112 [22] Filed: Mar. 8, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 232,704
[76] Inventor:
[52] US. Cl 223/51, 219/533, 34/151 [51] Int. Cl A4111 43/00 [58] Field of Search 219/523, 533;
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,190,012 6/1965 Gray 34/151 3,417,481 12/1968 Rumsey IIIII' 415w."
Primary Examiner-Geo. V. Larkin [57] ABSTRACT A conventional bag for hanging and transporting clothes is fitted at its lower end with a pair of superposed rectangular compartments. The bottom compartment contains steam generating means, whereas a compartment just above the bottom compartment contains a hot air blower. The aforesaid compartment is separated from the upper clothes carrying portion of the bag by a drainboard partition, at whose low point is centered a pipe which drains collected liquid into the steam compartment. Generated steam is transmitted uniformly throughout the clothes carrying portion of the bag through spaced perforations in a pair of flexible or hinged pipes which serve as part of a supporting frame when the bag is in vertically extended position. The bag is constructed to double over with the ends latched together for carrying.
5 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 14, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet l Patented Aug. 14, 1973 3,?52373 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 5c 5QsC 56 4 FIG. 4
I PORTABLE WARDROBE REFRESH-KER DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Portable, zipper bags of the types provided by the prior art for refreshing and removing wrinkles from garments have been found unsatisfactory for the reason that the steam, which passes up from the bottom of the apparatus, is unevenly distributed through the bag, and tends to be concentrated in the lower portions of the bag. Moreover, no means is provided for draining off water which might condense from the steam and collect in the bottom of the bag. Furthermore, there is no provision for accumulated drippings in case one wishes to use the bag for drying a wash, rather than for merely steaming non-washables.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide certain improvements in portable garment treating bags whereby the bag, in addition to serving as an envelope for steaming garments, may also be employed for drying conventional wash. Another object of the invention is to provide a steaming operation in which the steam is fairly uniformly distributed throughout the garments under treatment. A further object of the invention is to provide a garment treating bag which, although portable, is constructed to open up for hanging, or alternatively, to stand in a vertically extended position without external support, so that clothes on hangers can be supported internally.
These and other objects are realized in accordance with the present invention in a device comprising an elongated, rectangular bag of plastic, fabric or the like, which is substantially impervious to moisture. The bag is constructed to lock in doubled-up position for carrying. Fitted inside the lower end of the bag, when in vertically extended position, are a pair of rectangular tanks, substantially coextensive, located one on top of the other, the lower moistureproof tank serving as a receptacle for water or other liquid, and the upper tank, which has air intake and exhaust vents, serving to house a blower. A pair of semirigid, flexible tubes of plastic or the like extend upwardly, inside the bag, from the two ends of the lower tank. These tubes are perforated at intervals to release steam evenly into the garments hung in the bag. The semirigid, flexible tubes may alternatively be rigid at the upper and lower ends, but flexible or jointed in the middle. Preferably, the midportions of the semirigid tubes are braced against the two inside ends of a slightly curved lateral member at the back center of the bag, which is contoured to provide a semicircular form to the upper folded end of the garment bag when doubled over and locked in carrying position. When the bag is upright, the perforated tubes also serve, together with the rigid top portion to which they are connected in supporting relation, to provide an inner frame for the bag, wherein garments may be supported on a short pole which passes through the center of the top.
A drainboard, which operates as the upper partition between the hot air chamber and clothes carrying compartment, is constructed around a central drainpipe leading into the lower steam tank. This drainpipe serves as a means for filling the lower tank; and also, for draining moisture from the upper part of the bag into the tank. For example, a wash can be hung in the bag for drying, the drippings being collected in the lower tank by way of the drainboard and drainpipe. A manually operated switch is provided for alternatively activating the steam generating means, or the hot air dryer.
These and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from a detailed description with reference to the drawings, hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows, in perspective, a portable wardrobe refresher in accordance with the present invention, folded and locked in carrying position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective showing of the portable wardrobe refresher of FIG. 1, unfolded in vertically extended position for supporting clothes in the usual manner on hangers;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section through the structure as shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a side section of the structure of FIGS. 2 and 3, in the direction of the arrows 4-4, showing the regulator switch, and retractible electrical connecting cord;
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the lower portion of the structure of the previous figures, broken away to show the details of the steam generating equipment in the lower compartment and the hot air blower in the compartment above, and with the side panel open; and
FIG. 6 is a schematic of the electrical circuit for driving the heaters and blower motor for the structure indicated in the previous figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a waterproof, heat resistant zipper bag of a type conventionally used for storing garments or the like, folded double in carrying position. In this position the two halves are internally latched together by means of a conventional latch 2, having a tongue 2b. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the same bag in unfolded, vertically extended position, standing erect so as to support clothes on hangers.
In the embodiment under description, the bag, extended as shown in FIG. 2, is rectangular, inches high, when extended, 24 inches wide and 5 inches deep. The bag is preferably formed of a waterproof or water resistant plastic material fabric characterized by negligible water absorption and low water permeability, and which is capable of being subjected without deterioration to maximum continuous service temperature at least a high as the boiling point of water, so that the interior of the bag can be subjected to live steam for sustained periods, with a normal life expectancy. A preferred material for this purpose is polyethylene having a specific gravity at least exceeding about 0.935. Alternatively, other plastic film materials of similar characteristics can be used for this purpose, or a combination of plastic material, such as polyvinylchloride, laminated to cotton.
The three-dimensional rectangular shape of the bag like member, closed at the top, comprising rigid nylon, or alternatively, metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, about one-eighth inch thick, having a length and width coextensive with the upper end of the bag, to the inside of which it is rivetted or otherwise secured. Preferably, to protect the corners of the bag, the projecting edges b extend down an inch or two, as the bag is vertically extended, the corner portions of the bag being smoothly secured to the projecting edges 5b by a series of rivets 12.
At the top of the bag, centered in frame member 5, is a retractible hook member 5a which is disposed to move to a position flat against the end of the bag when the latter is in folded position, as shown in FIG. 1. The knobs 6a serve as supports for the bottom end of the bag, in folded position. Similar knobs, not shown, are on the other end. A series of small vent openings 50 is provided in member 5.
A conventional carrying handle 4 is disposed in carrying position atop the bag in folded position, as shown in FIG. 1. This is supported internally by being rivetted or otherwise secured to a slightly arcuate supporting member 7 of nylon, or metal or the like, which extends laterally the width of the bag, and is centered inside the vertically extended backside, as shown in FIG.2, and formed to shape the top of the closed bag, as indicated, in FIG. 1.
At the base of the bag 1, as shown in FIGS.2 and 5, are a pair of superposed compartments comprising a steam chamber and a hot air chamber 9 which are coextensive rectangular boxes I of rigid nylon, thinwalled metal or the like, which conform in shape to the interior of the bag, to which they are rivetted or other wise secured. These compartments may be, for example, 24 inches long, 5 inches deep and 8 inches high. A pair of flexible steam pipes 8 protrude upwardly from central positions at the two opposite sides of the lower steam compartment 10, and up through the hot air chamber 9. These pipes respectively extend to the top of the garment bag 1 on both sides and terminate on the inside ends of the supporting member 5. Each of the pipes 8, which may be, say, one-half inch in inner diameter and one-sixteenth inch thick, has a series of perforations 8a, about one-sixteenth inch in diameter and four inches apart, directed inwardly along their length,
which serve as steam vents for steam generated in the chamber 10, in a manner to be described. These pipes may, for example, be formed of any semirigid, flexible plastic material which will sustain contact with steam without harm, such as, for example, high density polyethylene; or, alternatively, they may be formed of thinwalled metal, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and may be jointed at the central portion in the manner of an electrical conduit so that they can be readily folded over when the case is in carrying position. These may be mounted to guides 7a, 7b on the inside ends of the arcuate member 7 (identical guides on the other side not being shown) so that when the bag is folded double, the pipes bend smoothly to the desired arcuate shape.
A rigid rectangular panel 3, shown closed in FIG. 1 and open in FIG. 5, opens in the ends of the compartments 9 and 10 to provide access to the control panel and working unit for the steam and dryer mechanism, which will be described in detail hereinafter. This is actuated by a handle 3a so that it pulls forward, pivoting about its lower end. When panel 3 closes, it is latched with a conventional latch 3b.
Clothing on hangers is stored in a conventional manner in the upper compartment 1 1 of the bag by hanging the hangers on the rigid crossrod 15, which extends through the thickness of the bag and is anchored at its ends to central positions on opposite faces of downwardly projecting long edges 5b. In the present embodiment, clothes compartment 1 l is about 42 inches long, 24 inches wide and 5 inches deep, although this may vary.
Access to compartment 1 1 is had by a front panel 13, about 20 inches wide and 40 inches long, which opens up in the manner indicated in FIG. 2 by means of a continuous zipper 14, which runs along a track in a clockwise direction from the lower left-hand comer, across the top, and down to the lower right-hand corner to open the bag, and in the opposite direction to close the bag. I
The bottom of compartment 11 is formed by a partition 23, about 24 inches long and 5 inches deep, which slopes downwardly in the manner of a drainboard to a centrally located opening 25a leading into a water return pipe 25 which extends vertically downward through the upper compartment 9 into the lower water storage compartment 10, where the water is released near the bottom of the latter compartment for generating steam. The partition or drainboard 23 is equipped with a pair of air vents 24a and 24b to the right and left respectively of the opening 25a, which permit air jets to flow out of the hot air chamber 9, and into clothesv chamber 11.
Referring now to FIG. 5, which shows in detail perspective the chambers 9 and 10 broken away to show the interior, the lower chamber is indicated as being partially filled, say, to a depth of 1 inch or 2, with liquid, which in general application of the invention will be water; although, it will be understood that other nontoxic, noncorrosive, noninflammable, volatile cleaning liquids can also be employed for the purposes of the present invention.
Extending laterally into one end of the chamber 10 is an immersion heater 16 for generating steam. This may take any of the forms well known in the art, such as, for example, a form similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,476,915 issued Nov. 4, 1969 to Michael J. Rapsis, in which case a high temperature metal or plastic sheath would be substituted for the frangible sheath there disclosed. Another much simpler type of immersion heater suitable for the purposes of the present invention is similar to those used for baby bottle sterilizers, and may be purchased on the market under the trademark Royal immersion heater, made in Japan, stock number 69, from a distributor located at P. O. Box 412, Flushing, New York 11372. Another suitable type of heater is one sold on the market under the trademark HEETGRID by the George Ulanet Company of Newark, New Jersey, and indicated as Model No. 288, in their catalog No. 60. The latter consumes watts when connected to a 1 l 5 volt outlet. The immersion heater 16 is supported in the end wall of the tank 10 by means of a fitting 16a so that it protrudes through the wall in a liquid tight seal. The electrical leads 17 extend to a junction 35 whichleads through tween the chambers and 11, are fluid tight, supporting the pipe 25 at their centers, which passes through a water tight seal. The partitions 21 and 22 also serve at their two ends to anchor and support the steam vent pipes 8 which protrude vertically upward in externally sealed relation to the partitions.
Supported in the air chamber 9, which is above the steam chamber, is a motor fan 26 which is of a conventional type, driven by a motor 26a of, say, one-quarter horsepower. Disposed inv grill-like fashion across the front of the fan 26 is a second electrical resistance heater 28 which serves to heat the turbulent air emerging from the fan. A series of air intake vents 19, say one-half inch in diameter, are located in spaced relation along the two broad sides and left-hand end of the air chamber 9.
FIG. 6 of the drawings is a schematic showing of the circuit of the present invention. The steam generating heater 16 is connected between the junction 35 and the button b of the switch 31 The rotatable wiper contact 34 of switch 31 is connected to one terminal of the 1 10-1 volt alternating current power source 33; and the other terminal of the latter leads to junction 35. The fan motor 26a, in series with a protective resistor 26b, is connected between button 0 of switch 31 and junction 35, in parallel with the hot air heater 28. Thus, when the wiper 34 is turned to button a of switch 31, the circuit is open; when button b is contacted, the steam generator is activated; and when button 0 is contacted, the fan and hot air heater are activated. The cord 32 is retractible into the case when cover 3 is closed.
It will be apparent that clothes can be refreshed and steamed, and then dried; or alternatively, a wash can be hung in the bag for drying. The bag can either be hung from an external hanger by means of retractible hook 5a, or, where no external hanger is available, can stand upright, supported by its own internal frame, including the semirigid steam pipes 8 and the top frame member The present invention is not limited to the specific form disclosed by way of example, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
1. A wardrobe refresher comprising in combination:
a bag constructed to receive garments for hanging,
a first moistureproof steam tank located in the bottom of said bag,
liquid heating means for generating steam interposed in said first tank,
a second hot air tank located above said first tank and including a fan and air heating means associated with said fan,
a pair of semirigid tubes protruding upwardly from opposite ends of said steam tank in sealed relation to said hot air tank and extending substantially the height of said bag in upright position,
said tubes supporting an end frame at the upper end of said upright bag,
said tubes each having a series of spaced perforations for conveying steam into the garment portion of said bag, and
means for alternatively connecting to a source of power said heating means for generating steam, and said air heating means including said fan.
2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bag including said tubes is constructed to be folded double and locked in carrying position,
said combination including a handle supported internally on said bag at a midpoint between said upper and lower ends in an upright position.
3. The combination in accordance with claim 2 wherein the supporting means for said handle is a semirigid member fastened to the back of said bag and having its long axis extending the width of said bag for providing stiffening to the top of said bag in folded position,
said semirigid member constructed to include inwardly projecting guide means at its two ends disposed to guide the flexing of said tubes in the opening and closing of said bag.
4. The combination in accordance with claim 1 including a slightly inclined drain board wherein said second tank for hot air is separated from the garment carrying portion of said bag by said drainboard serving as a partition there between,
the central portion of said drainboard surrounding and constructed to drain into a pipe located centrally relative to said tanks, said pipe disposed to pass in sealed relation through said hot air tank and to extend into and terminate in said lower steam tank for draining moisture into said tank, and
said drainboard including vents for the passage of hot air into said clothes carrying portion.
5. The combination in accordance with claim 3 including an outlet for draining liquid from said lower steam tank.
t #1 IIK ll

Claims (5)

1. A wardrobe refresher comprising in combination: a bag constructed to receive garments for hanging, a first moistureproof steam tank located in the bottom of said bag, liquid heating means for generating steam interposed in said first tank, a second hot air tank located above said first tank and including a fan and air heating means associated with said fan, a pair of semirigid tubes protruding upwardly from opposite ends of said steam tank in sealed relation to said hot air tank and extending substantially the height of said bag in upright position, said tubes supporting an end frame at the upper end of said upright bag, said tubes each having a series of spaced perforations for conveying steam into the garment portion of said bag, and means for alternatively connecting to a source of power said heating means for generating steam, and said air heating means including said fan.
2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bag including said tubes is constructed to be folded double and locked in carrying position, said combination including a handle supported internally on said bag at a midpoint between said upper and lower ends in an upright position.
3. The combination in accordance with claim 2 wherein the supporting means for said handle is a semirigid member fastened to the back of said bag and having its long axis extending the width of said bag for providing stiffening to the top of said bag in folded position, said semirigid member constructed to include inwardly projecting guide means at its two ends disposed to guide the flexing of said tubes in the opening and closing of said bag.
4. The combination in accordance with claim 1 including a slightly inclined drain board wherein said second tank for hot air is separated from the garment carrying portion of said bag by said drainboard serving as a partition there between, the central portion of said drainboard surrounding and constructed to drain into a pipe located centrally relative to said tanks, said pipe disposed to pass in sealed relation through said hot air tank and to extend into and terminate in said lower steam tank for draining moisture into said tank, and said drainboard including vents for the passage of hot air into said clothes carrying portion.
5. The combination in accordance with claim 3 including an outlet for draining liquid from said lower steam tank.
US00232704A 1972-03-08 1972-03-08 Portable wardrobe refresher Expired - Lifetime US3752373A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US23270472A 1972-03-08 1972-03-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3752373A true US3752373A (en) 1973-08-14

Family

ID=22874208

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00232704A Expired - Lifetime US3752373A (en) 1972-03-08 1972-03-08 Portable wardrobe refresher

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3752373A (en)

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3961458A (en) * 1974-07-05 1976-06-08 Svenska Textilforskningsinstitutet Pretreatment, packing, storing and finishing treatment of textile material products
US4690045A (en) * 1985-07-11 1987-09-01 Badger Robert J T Utility game bag system
US4894935A (en) * 1989-04-03 1990-01-23 Kretz David C Steam board with adjustable garment support
US5323897A (en) * 1992-09-02 1994-06-28 Sperber Donald S Portable enclosure - self-contained for wet articles
FR2704008A1 (en) * 1993-04-14 1994-10-21 Maitre Patrick Automatic crease-removing cabinet
US5609047A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-03-11 Nadia Wechsler Garment steaming device with safety nozzle
GB2307399A (en) * 1995-11-22 1997-05-28 Peter Anthony Rees Matthews Garment freshener
US5687278A (en) * 1996-07-26 1997-11-11 Frederick C. Turner Portable clothing steamer
US5730006A (en) * 1994-12-12 1998-03-24 Conley; Christopher T. Garment de-wrinkler
US20020154011A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-10-24 Merih Pasin Appliance for cleaning and refreshing fabrics with a built-in working indicator
US20040211227A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2004-10-28 Jackson Floyd G. Air Circulation System in a Clothes Refresher
US20070193999A1 (en) * 2004-08-04 2007-08-23 Hotboxx Llc Heated construction box
US20080134538A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2008-06-12 Mcfarland Martin Allen Systems and Methods for Drying a Plurality of Diverse Articles
US20080256989A1 (en) * 2005-02-08 2008-10-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Refresher and Machine for Washing or Drying with the Same
US20090119955A1 (en) * 2006-05-15 2009-05-14 Sog Kie Hong Garment refreshing apparatus
US20090151205A1 (en) * 2006-04-27 2009-06-18 Kim Jong-Seok Clothes refreshing apparatus and method for controlling the same
US20100058623A1 (en) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-11 Juan Fernandez Steamer
US20100083531A1 (en) * 2007-04-05 2010-04-08 Jiebo Hu Safe clothes drying machine with a large space structure
USD617063S1 (en) * 2008-06-13 2010-06-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Fabric refreshing device
US20110016930A1 (en) * 2007-08-06 2011-01-27 Jung Wook Moon Clothes treating apparatus
USD637369S1 (en) 2010-06-16 2011-05-03 Ingenious Designs, Llc Garment drying apparatus
US7941936B2 (en) * 2007-05-24 2011-05-17 Ingenious Designs Llc Garment drying apparatus
USD644383S1 (en) 2010-06-16 2011-08-30 Ingenious Designs, Llc Garment drying apparatus
WO2013015762A1 (en) * 2011-07-28 2013-01-31 Jaramillo Vincent I Steaming device and steaming method
US20130133702A1 (en) * 2011-11-30 2013-05-30 John H. Reid Mobile Spray Apparatus
US8464562B1 (en) * 2012-04-02 2013-06-18 Michael G. Colburn Garment steamer
US8904665B2 (en) 2004-05-24 2014-12-09 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a clothes refresher
US8950031B1 (en) 2009-11-30 2015-02-10 Vincent I. Jaramillo Steaming device and steaming method
US9328453B2 (en) * 2014-06-03 2016-05-03 Umm Al-Qura University Automatic ironing systems and methods
US9758923B2 (en) * 2015-03-19 2017-09-12 Nike, Inc. Portable steaming system for articles of footwear
WO2020055116A1 (en) 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothes care apparatus

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3190012A (en) * 1961-05-01 1965-06-22 Ruben L Gray Portable heating apparatus
US3417481A (en) * 1966-06-16 1968-12-24 Joseph F. Rumsey Jr. Attachment for dryers or the like
US3432939A (en) * 1966-11-23 1969-03-18 Central Quality Ind Inc Portable clothes dryer
US3594917A (en) * 1969-06-26 1971-07-27 Gary L Montgomery Garment bag with steamer
US3601292A (en) * 1970-01-19 1971-08-24 Bkg Inc Garment-treating apparatus
US3670425A (en) * 1971-02-11 1972-06-20 Rose Ellen Benjamin Clothes rejuvenator

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3190012A (en) * 1961-05-01 1965-06-22 Ruben L Gray Portable heating apparatus
US3417481A (en) * 1966-06-16 1968-12-24 Joseph F. Rumsey Jr. Attachment for dryers or the like
US3432939A (en) * 1966-11-23 1969-03-18 Central Quality Ind Inc Portable clothes dryer
US3594917A (en) * 1969-06-26 1971-07-27 Gary L Montgomery Garment bag with steamer
US3601292A (en) * 1970-01-19 1971-08-24 Bkg Inc Garment-treating apparatus
US3670425A (en) * 1971-02-11 1972-06-20 Rose Ellen Benjamin Clothes rejuvenator

Cited By (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3961458A (en) * 1974-07-05 1976-06-08 Svenska Textilforskningsinstitutet Pretreatment, packing, storing and finishing treatment of textile material products
US4690045A (en) * 1985-07-11 1987-09-01 Badger Robert J T Utility game bag system
US4894935A (en) * 1989-04-03 1990-01-23 Kretz David C Steam board with adjustable garment support
US5323897A (en) * 1992-09-02 1994-06-28 Sperber Donald S Portable enclosure - self-contained for wet articles
FR2704008A1 (en) * 1993-04-14 1994-10-21 Maitre Patrick Automatic crease-removing cabinet
US5730006A (en) * 1994-12-12 1998-03-24 Conley; Christopher T. Garment de-wrinkler
US5609047A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-03-11 Nadia Wechsler Garment steaming device with safety nozzle
GB2307399A (en) * 1995-11-22 1997-05-28 Peter Anthony Rees Matthews Garment freshener
US5687278A (en) * 1996-07-26 1997-11-11 Frederick C. Turner Portable clothing steamer
US20020154011A1 (en) * 2000-12-14 2002-10-24 Merih Pasin Appliance for cleaning and refreshing fabrics with a built-in working indicator
US6840068B2 (en) * 2000-12-14 2005-01-11 Whirlpool Corporation Appliance for cleaning and refreshing fabrics with a built-in working indicator
US20040211227A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2004-10-28 Jackson Floyd G. Air Circulation System in a Clothes Refresher
US7444840B2 (en) * 2003-04-23 2008-11-04 Whirlpool Corporation Air circulation system in a clothes refresher
US8904665B2 (en) 2004-05-24 2014-12-09 Whirlpool Corporation Method for operating a clothes refresher
US20070193999A1 (en) * 2004-08-04 2007-08-23 Hotboxx Llc Heated construction box
US8067715B2 (en) * 2004-08-04 2011-11-29 Hotboxx Llc Heated construction box
US20080134538A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2008-06-12 Mcfarland Martin Allen Systems and Methods for Drying a Plurality of Diverse Articles
US8555519B2 (en) * 2004-09-20 2013-10-15 Martin Allen McFarland Systems and methods for drying a plurality of diverse articles
US20080256989A1 (en) * 2005-02-08 2008-10-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Refresher and Machine for Washing or Drying with the Same
US20090151205A1 (en) * 2006-04-27 2009-06-18 Kim Jong-Seok Clothes refreshing apparatus and method for controlling the same
US8136273B2 (en) * 2006-04-27 2012-03-20 Lg Electronics Inc. Clothes refreshing apparatus and method for controlling the same
US8061066B2 (en) * 2006-05-15 2011-11-22 Lg Electronics Inc. Garment refreshing apparatus
US20090119955A1 (en) * 2006-05-15 2009-05-14 Sog Kie Hong Garment refreshing apparatus
US20100083531A1 (en) * 2007-04-05 2010-04-08 Jiebo Hu Safe clothes drying machine with a large space structure
US7941936B2 (en) * 2007-05-24 2011-05-17 Ingenious Designs Llc Garment drying apparatus
US20110016930A1 (en) * 2007-08-06 2011-01-27 Jung Wook Moon Clothes treating apparatus
US9096969B2 (en) * 2007-08-06 2015-08-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Clothes treating apparatus with moisture supply units
USD617063S1 (en) * 2008-06-13 2010-06-01 The Procter & Gamble Company Fabric refreshing device
US20100058623A1 (en) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-11 Juan Fernandez Steamer
US8272152B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2012-09-25 Products Of Tomorrow, Inc. Steamer
US8950031B1 (en) 2009-11-30 2015-02-10 Vincent I. Jaramillo Steaming device and steaming method
USD637369S1 (en) 2010-06-16 2011-05-03 Ingenious Designs, Llc Garment drying apparatus
USD644383S1 (en) 2010-06-16 2011-08-30 Ingenious Designs, Llc Garment drying apparatus
WO2013015762A1 (en) * 2011-07-28 2013-01-31 Jaramillo Vincent I Steaming device and steaming method
US20130133702A1 (en) * 2011-11-30 2013-05-30 John H. Reid Mobile Spray Apparatus
US8464562B1 (en) * 2012-04-02 2013-06-18 Michael G. Colburn Garment steamer
US8857228B2 (en) 2012-04-02 2014-10-14 Iwd Holdings, Llc Self-feeding steam generator
US9328453B2 (en) * 2014-06-03 2016-05-03 Umm Al-Qura University Automatic ironing systems and methods
US9758923B2 (en) * 2015-03-19 2017-09-12 Nike, Inc. Portable steaming system for articles of footwear
US20170332739A1 (en) * 2015-03-19 2017-11-23 Nike, Inc. Portable Steaming System for Articles of Footwear
US10357081B2 (en) 2015-03-19 2019-07-23 Nike, Inc. Steaming system for articles of footwear or other objects
WO2020055116A1 (en) 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothes care apparatus
CN112714811A (en) * 2018-09-12 2021-04-27 三星电子株式会社 Clothes nursing device
EP3814567A4 (en) * 2018-09-12 2021-08-18 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothes care apparatus
US11319664B2 (en) 2018-09-12 2022-05-03 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothes care apparatus
EP4290005A3 (en) * 2018-09-12 2024-02-28 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothes care apparatus

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3752373A (en) Portable wardrobe refresher
US3601292A (en) Garment-treating apparatus
US6622529B1 (en) Apparatus for heating clothes
US5730006A (en) Garment de-wrinkler
US3432939A (en) Portable clothes dryer
US4572364A (en) Clothes drying garment bag
US3576079A (en) Garment steaming and drying apparatus
USRE35834E (en) Article warmer with heated frame and flexible enclosure
US3670425A (en) Clothes rejuvenator
FI87370B (en) VAEGGMONTERBAR TORKTUMLARE.
US3626602A (en) Collapsible clothes dryer
US5394619A (en) Portable clothes dryer and room humidifier
US5806207A (en) Stand and heat recycler for laundry dryer
US3772713A (en) Steam bath unit
US3594917A (en) Garment bag with steamer
US3357109A (en) Portable dryer
KR102132154B1 (en) Steam care device for clothes
KR100710221B1 (en) Refresher
US3280477A (en) Garment hanger and dryer
KR20060095293A (en) Refresher
CN213232865U (en) Hanging and ironing integrated drying wardrobe
US3378179A (en) Inflatable bag for garment finisher
KR100808172B1 (en) Refresher
KR960000501Y1 (en) A dustcloth dryer
JPS5854078Y2 (en) futon dryer