WO2003057966A2

WO2003057966A2 - A fabric treatment system

Info

Publication number: WO2003057966A2
Application number: PCT/IL2003/000024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hanan Frum
Original assignee: Beer International Llc
Priority date: 2002-01-08
Filing date: 2003-01-08
Publication date: 2003-07-17
Also published as: IL147526A0; WO2003057966A3; AU2003208565A1; AU2003208565A8

Abstract

The present invention is a system for treating fabric with a combined automated system for performing any combination of cleaning fabric, drying fabric and ironing fabric comprising at least one treatment unit (41), including at least one pipe (42) for supplying said treatment agent, the pipe having at least one treatment agent outlet (43), at least one suspension system (30) for suspending fabric to be treated in treatment unit, and at least one activation element (16) for activating the treatment unit.

Description

A FABRIC TREATMENT SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system for treating fabric. Preferably, the

invention provides a combined automated system for performing any

combination of cleaning fabric, drying fabric and ironing fabric. More

preferably, the present invention provides an automated ironing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An 'iron' is widely defined as a device used to press fabrics. Irons

essentially either utilize dry heat or steam to achieve the end result, depending

on the type of iron being used. It is common practice to iron garments using an

iron and an ironing board on which the garment to be ironed is placed. Each

garment must be ironed one at a time, which inevitably is time consuming and

tedious.

Typically, different designs of iron are used for household use and

industrial use. Household irons are usually small electrically heated devices

with a handle and a weighted flat bottom. Numerous types of household iron

are known in the art, which include, electrical irons, non-electrical irons, steam

irons, non-steam irons and lightweight irons. The disadvantages of the available

household irons, and method of ironing include the following. Firstly, the

method of ironing involves intense physical effort. Secondly, the method is time consuming and thirdly, due to the physical posture adopted in the process,

ironing is a cause of problems in the lower back and spine.

Examples of industrial irons include complex ironing machines are well

known in the art. The ironing machines press garments individually, using

pressure. The industrial irons do not lend themselves for home use, due to their

complexity. In addition, the aforementioned disadvantages associated with

household irons are also applicable to the industrial designs.

The majority of today's household appliances work automatically and

are activated by a switch. Examples of such automated appliances include,

washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, kettles etc. It would be highly

advantageous to have a time-efficient, automated ironing device, which

functioned to iron several garments without the need for physical exertion, such

as described in the present invention.

Automated fabric washing devices and automated fabric diying devices

are well known in the art. Examples of combined fabric washing and fabric

drying devices are available. The advantages of such devices are obvious and

include, time-saving and space-saving of a multi-function machine. However,

with these types of combined devices known in the art, the method of ironing

must still be manually performed. As such the aforementioned disadvantages

associated with irons of the background art are still relevant. The background

art does not disclose a combined device, which can alternatively be used as a

fabric dry-cleaning device, a fabric drying device and a fabric ironing device,

such as is described in the present invention. It would be highly advantageous to have such a device, which could optionally function as a comprehensive

fabric treatment system, configured to optionally dry clean the fabric, dry the fabric and iron the fabric.

There is therefore a need for an automated system and method, such as

is disclosed in the present invention, to provide a solution to the

aforementioned problems and to be more efficient and cost-effective than

known ironing or fabric treatment devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system for treating fabric. Preferably, the

invention provides a combined automated system for performing any

combination of cleaning fabric, drying fabric and ironing fabric. More

preferably, the present invention provides an automated ironing system. The

treatment system is configured to effect optionally internal treatment, external

treatment or a combination of internal and external treatment. Preferably the

treatment system is configured to effect optionally internal ironing, external

ironing or a combination of internal and external ironing.

The present invention provides in a first embodiment an automated

system for treating at least one fabric item, the system comprising: (a) at least

one treatment unit, the treatment unit being configured to treat the fabric item

with a treatment agent, wherein the at least one treatment unit comprises: (i) at

least one pipe for supplying the treatment agent, (ii) at least one outlet, wherein

the at least one outlet is connected at one extreme to the pipe, the outlet expelling from a second extreme the treatment agent to treat the at least one

fabric item, (b) at least one suspension system for suspending the at least one fabric item in the treatment unit; and (o) at loast ano activation element for

activating the treatment unit.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one treatment unit is an ironing

unit.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one treatment unit is selected

from the group consisting of a combined dry-cleaning unit and ironing unit and

a combined drying unit and ironing unit and a combined dry-cleaning unit and

drying unit and ironing unit.

In a preferred embodiment the treatment agent is selected from the group

consisting of hot air, cold air, steam, vapor, chemical agent, gas and

combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one outlet is connected at a

second extreme to the fabric item effecting internal treatment of the fabric item.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one outlet is connected at a

second extreme to the microenvironment of the treatment unit effecting external

treatment of the fabric item.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one outlet is com ected at a

second extreme to the microenvironment of the treatment unit, and at least one

outlet is connected at a second extreme to the fabric item effecting a

combination of external treatment and internal treatment of the fabric item. In a preferred embodiment the treatment unit further comprises at least

one pipe for supplying a treatment additive agent.

In a preferred embodiment the treatment additive agent is selected from

at least one of the group consisting of fabric softener, fabric fragrance, anti-

static material, bleach, ironing aid agent and any combination thereof.

Preferably, the ironing agent is starch.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one suspension system is a

resilient suspension device.

In a preferred embodiment the resilient suspension device is a hanger.

In a further preferred embodiment the resilient suspension device

comprises: (a) a resilient hanging support configured to the shape of the fabric

item, the fabric item being hung on the resilient hanging support; (b) at least

one outlet connected to the resilient suspension device configured to internally

distribute at least one treatment agent to the treatment unit; and (c) at least one

outlet connected to the fabric treatment system for externally distributing at

least one treatment agent to the treatment unit.

In a further preferred embodiment the resilient suspension device further

comprises at least one securing element for securing the fabric item on the

resilient hanging support and impeding displacement of the fabric item in the

treatment unit.

In a further preferred embodiment the resilient suspension device further

comprises a button configured to effect quick release of the treatment agent to

the resilient suspension device. In a further preferred embodiment the resilient suspension device further

comprises a control unit associated with the treatment unit and configured to

control the function of the treatment unit.

In a second embodiment the present invention provides an automated

system for ironing at least one fabric item, the system comprising: (a) at least

one ironing unit, the ironing unit being configured to iron the fabric item with a

treatment agent wherein the at least one ironing unit comprises: (i) at least one

pipe for supplying the treatment agent, (ii) at least one outlet, wherein the at

least one outlet is connected at one extreme to the pipe, the outlet expelling the

treatment agent to effect ironing of the at least one fabric item; (b) at least one

suspension system for suspending the at least one fabric item in the ironing

unit; and at least one activation element for activating the ironing unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the automated ironing system the treatment

agent is selected from the group consisting of hot air, cold air, steam, vapor,

chemical agent, gas and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the automated ironing system the at least

one suspension system is a resilient suspension device.

In a preferred embodiment of the automated ironing system the resilient

suspension device is a hanger.

In a preferred embodiment of the automated ironing system the resilient

suspension device comprises: (a) a resilient hanging support configured to the

shape of the fabric item, the fabric item being hung on the resilient hanging

support; (b) at least one outlet connected to the resilient suspension device configured to internally distribute at least one ironing treatment agent to the

ironing unit; and (c) at least one outlet connected to the fabric ironing system for ex ernally distributing at least ono ironing treatment ttgont to this ϊrontrig

unit.

The present invention provides in a third embodiment an automated

combined system for treatment of at least one fabric item, wherein the

treatment is selected from the group consisting of dry cleaning, drying and

ironing or a combination thereof, the system comprising: (a) at least one

treatment unit, the treatment unit being configured to treat the fabric item with

a treatment agent wherein the at least one treatment unit comprises: (i) at least

one pipe for supplying the treatment agent, (ii) at least one outlet, wherein the

at least one outlet is connected at one extreme to the pipe, the outlet expelling

the treatment agent to treat the at least one fabric item; (b) a control element

configured to control the function of the treatment unit, the function selected

from the group consisting of dry-cleaning, drying and ironing or a combination

thereof; (c) at least one suspension system for suspending the at least one fabric

item in the treatment unit; and (d) at least one activation element for activating

the treatment function.

The present invention provides in a fourth embodiment a method of

automated ironing comprising the steps of: (a) providing an automated system

for ironing at least one fabric item, the system comprising: (i) at least one

ironing unit, the ironing unit being configured to treat the fabric item with a

treatment agent, wherein the at least one ironing unit comprises: a. at least one pipe for supplying the treatment agent, b. at least one outlet, wherein the at

treatment agent to effect ironing of the at least one fabric item; (ii) at least one

suspension system for suspending the at least one fabric item in the ironing

unit; and (iii) at least one activation element for activating the ironing unit; (b)

providing at least one fabric item to be ironed; securing the fabric item on the at

least one suspension system; expelling the treatment agent to the fabric item

suspended in the ironing unit; and (e) uncreasing and ironing the fabric unit

with the expelled treatment agent.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of automated ironing the

treatment agent is selected from the group consisting of hot air, cold air, steam,

vapor, chemical agent, gas and combinations thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of automated ironing the at

least one suspension system is a resilient suspension device.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of automated ironing the

resilient suspension device is a hanger.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of automated ironing the

resilient suspension device comprises: (a) a resilient hanging support

configured to the shape of the fabric item, the fabric item being hung on the

resilient hanging support; (b) at least one outlet connected to the resilient

suspension device configured to internally distribute at least one ironing

treatment agent to the ironing unit; and (c) at least one outlet connected to the fabric ironing system for externally distributing at least one ironing treatment

agent to the ironing unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of automated ironing the at

least one outlet is connected at a second extreme directly to the fabric item

effecting internal ironing of the fabric item.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of automated ironing the at

least one outlet is connected at a second extreme to the microenvironment of

the ironing unit effecting external ironing of the fabric item.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of automated ironing the at

least one outlet is connected at a second extreme to the microenvironment of

the ironing unit, and at least one outlet is connected at a second extreme to the

microenvironment of the ironing unit effecting a combination of external

ironing and internal ironing of the fabric item.

As used herein the term 'fabric' refers to any material that can be dry-

cleaned or dried or ironed.

As used herein the term 'automated system' includes semi-automated

and fully automated systems.

As used herein the term 'treatment unit' refers to the space in which the

treatment is carried out. The unit may be a closed space, semi-closed space or

open space. Preferably the treatment unit is a closed space.

As used herein the tenn 'treatment agent' refers to a substance used to

effect a treatment, such as but not limited to hot air, cold air, steam, vapor,

chemical agent and dry-cleaning chemical. The treatment agent is preferably in a gaseous state or a mixture of liquid and gas or in the liquid state. The

treatment agent can optionally include any material in a powdered solid state or

a combination of powder and liquid, gas or vapor.

As used herein the term 'treatment additive' refers to a non-essential

substance used to enhance a treatment, such as, but not limited to fragrance,

anti-static substance, starch and softener.

As used herein the term 'activation element' refers to a means of starting

the treatment.

As used herein the term 'suspension system' refers to any means for

hanging or suspending the item of fabric in the treatment system.

As used herein the term 'hanger' refers to any support on or by which

something may be hung.

As used herein the term 'internal treatment ' refers to treatment of the

inside of the fabric item, which is not exposed to the treatment

microenvironment, such as the inside of the trouser leg of a pair of trousers.

Internal treatment is preferably effected by action of the treatment agent, which

is employed directly to the fabric suspension device.

As used herein the term 'external treatment' refers to treatment of the

external surface of the treated fabric item, which is exposed to the treatment

microenvironment. External treatment is preferably effected by action of

treatment agent, which is expelled into the treatment unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of one embodiment of the fabric

treatment system of the present invention;

FIG. 2a shows a schematic structure of one embodiment of a resilient

shirt suspension device optionally used in the present invention;

5 FIG. 2b shows a schematic structure of one embodiment of a resilient

trouser suspension device optionally employed in the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the fabric treatment system

of the present invention.

l o DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a system for treating a fabric item. The present

invention provides in one embodiment an automated system for treating at least

one fabric item, the system comprising: (a) at least one treatment unit, the

treatment unit being configured to treat the fabric item with a treatment agent,

15 wherein the at least one treatment unit comprises: (i) at least one pipe for

supplying the treatment agent, (ii) at least one outlet, wherein the at least one

outlet is connected at one extreme to the pipe, the outlet expelling from a

second extreme the treatment agent to treat the at least one fabric item, (b) at

least one suspension system for suspending the at least one fabric item in the

20 treatment unit; and (c) at least one activation element for activating the

treatment unit. Preferably, the invention provides a combined automated system

for performing any combination of treatments, which include cleaning fabric,

drying fabric and ironing fabric. More preferably, the present invention provides an automated ironing system. The present invention further provides

methods of effecting internal treatment and external treatment or a combination

of internal and external treatment, by employing supply of treatment agent

internally and externally.

The main components of the system according to the present invention

include the activation and working mechanism of the treatment unit and the

structure of the treatment unit/s in which the fabric item to be treated is

optionally placed. In simplistic terms the working mechanism of the treatment

unit is effected by expelling treatment agent to a secured fabric item either

internally, externally or using a combination of both. The treatment unit is

optionally at least one closed unit, semi-open unit, or open unit. Preferably the

treatment unit is a closed unit. The fabric treatment system can optionally be a

drying machine, a washing machine, an ironing machine or any combination of

these machines. The washing machine is preferably a dry cleaning machine.

The treatment agent is optionally any suitable agent, which can effect the

desired treatment of the fabric item. Treatment agents include, but arc not

limited to hot air, steam, cold air, vapor, chemical agents, starch. The treatment

agent may optionally be in a gaseous state, semi-gaseous state, mixtur e of a

liquid and gas, or liquid. Hot air, dries fabric. Treatment agents such as steam

and vapor and hot air have an ironing effect. Dry cleaning uses chemicul agent

treatment agents and steam, hot air and vapor.

In one embodiment of the present invention the fabric treatment sy.->iem

is optionally an ironing system. The ironing system includes a body, which optionally comprises top and bottom panels, front and back panels and side

panels. The front panel is optionally configured to contain in any suitable

position, preferably at one extremity, the control panel. The control panel

optionally contains, the ironing program control button, which controls the type

of ironing to be used depending on the fabric item to be ironed, such as whether

steam should be added and optimal temperature for the fabric. In addition, the

control panel optionally contains the start/stop button and the safety handle for

opening and locking the door. It is envisioned that the control button and

start/stop button can optionally be any suitable button, dial or switch, such as

but not limited to push buttons, turn dials, manual buttons, electronic digital

displayed and controlled touch pad buttons, manual switches and dial gauges.

Preferably, when the door is opened by a user, the system automatically stops

working. Preferably, the door of the system is positioned below the control

panel, but can optionally be configured in any suitable position. In an

alternative embodiment, the system is a top loader, wherein the device is

configured to contain a door, situated on the top panel.

Optionally, at a second extremity of the front panel is located a

thermometer for monitoring the temperature of the treatment agent, which is

optionally hot air, steam or vapor, a generator of a flow of the gaseous

treatment agent, such as, but not limited to hot air, steam or vapor and a

container for the treatment agent, which is optionally hot air, steam or vapor.

Any suitable configuration of the thermometer, flow generator and the

treatment agent container is envisioned. Preferably, there is configured on either of the side panels, attachment

elements for attaching the ironed items. Any suitable number of suitable attachment elements can optionally be used in the system of the present

invention. Examples of attachment elements include but are not limited to

hooks, extended bars, handles, knobs, shelves, baskets, trays, clothe horses and

hangers.

The interior of one embodiment of the system of the present invention,

comprises at least one treatment unit. Preferably, there are multiple treatment

units. In one embodiment of the present invention the treatment unit contains

resilient suspension devices. Resilient suspension devices include, resilient

hanging supports configured to the shape of any type of garment or fabric

which need ironing, such as, but not limited to, upper torso resilient suspension

devices, trouser resilient suspension devices, skirt resilient suspension devices,

dress resilient suspension devices and tablecloth resilient suspension devices.

The garment or fabric item is manually hung by a user on a sectioned flexible,

resilient, hanging support. In the event that the length of the fabric item is too

long to fit in the treatment unit, the sectioned flexible resilient hanging support

is rotated so that the length of the fabric item is converted to the width of the

fabric item and in this way can fit in the treatment unit. The rotation function of

the resilient hanging support can optionally be used for any fabric item, which

does not fit in the treatment unit of the system of the present invention. The

fabric suspension device includes securing elements for securing the fabric item

in place. The fabric suspension device further includes an outlet which is optionally configured for distributing treatment agent, such as but not limited to

hot air, steam or vapor, and which is preferably, but not limited to being

permanently connected to the fabric suspension device. In this way the

treatment unit effects internal treatment of the fabric item. In addition, the

fabric suspension device comprises an outlet for distributing treatment agent,

such as, but not limited to hot air, which is preferably permanently connected to

the fabric treatment system. The hot air is therefore internally supplied to the

fabric suspension device. Preferably, configured to the fabric suspension device

is a button for quick release of the treatment agent, such as hot air to the fabric

suspension device. The expelled treatment agent, such as but not limited to hot

air, steam or vapor acts to uncrease and consequently iron the fabric item

attached to the fabric suspension device. Optionally, the treatment unit contains

a creasing function element, which acts to clamp the fabric item in a suitable

position, in order that the expelled steam acts to form a crease in the clamped

position.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention at least one

treatment unit is configured to include a treatment agent outlet pipe, such as hot

air outlet pipe, which preferably runs along the inside of the treatment unit.

There is preferably an opening in the treatment agent outlet pipe for expelling

the treatment agent to the fabric suspension device (internal treatment agent

supply). The treatment agent outlet pipe also preferably includes at least one

opening for expelling the treatment agent to the treatment unit (external

treatment agent supply). Any suitable number of openings is possible. The expelled treatment agent, which is essentially the external treatment agent

supply source, acts to treat a fabric item secured in the treatment unit, such as

but not limited to iron and uncrease the fabric item. Optionally, the treatment

unit includes at least one treatment additive supply pipe, which supplies to the

treatment unit a treatment additive, such as but not limited to a fabric softener,

fabric fragrance and an ironing aid substance, such as but not limited to starch

or a combination thereof. The treatment additive supply pipe includes at least

one treatment additive outlet through which the treatment additive is expelled

to the treatment unit and in this way to the fabric item secured in the treatment

unit. The treatment additive supply pipe is optionally configured to run along at

least one of the side panels of the treatment unit.

Preferably, the treatment unit includes at least one other outlet pipe for

supplying at least one treatment agent. The additional outlet pipe is optionally

configured, but is not limited, to run along at least one of the side panels of the

treatment unit. Attached to one extremity of the at least one outlet pipe is at

least one outlet for releasing at least one treatment agent to the treatment unit.

Treatment agents include but are not limited to hot air, cold air, steam, vapor,

chemical agent, gas and combinations thereof. The external air flow of steam

and hot air or vapor act to uncrease the fabric item secured in the treatment unit

and consequently iron the item. In this embodiment the fabric item to be treated

is secured in at least one treatment unit optionally by a hanger, or by the fabric

suspension device described above or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment of the present invention the fabric treatment

system is a combined dry-cleaning, dryer and ironing system. The combined

dry-cleaning, dryer and ironing system functions by utilizing at least one of the

three possible treatments. Optionally, the combined dry-cleaning, dryer and

ironing system employs two or all of the possible treatment functions. The

combined dry-cleaning, dryer and ironing system is preferably configured in

the same way as described for the ironing system. The combined dry-cleaning,

dryer and ironing system includes a body, which optionally comprises top and

bottom panels, front and back panels and side panels. The front panel is

optionally configured to contain in any suitable position, preferably at one

extremity, the control panel. The control panel optionally contains, the

treatment program control button, which controls which type of treatment,

cleaning, drying or iron is to be used. Optionally, each of the treatment

functions can have separate control functions for separate treatment control. In

addition, the control panel optionally contains the start/stop button and the

safety handle for opening and locking the door. It is envisioned that the control

button and start/stop button can optionally be any suitable button, dial or

switch, such as but not limited to push buttons, turn dials, manual buttons,

electronic digital displayed and controlled touch pad buttons, manual switches

and dial gauges. Preferably, when the door is opened by a user, the system

automatically stops working. Preferably, the door of the system is positioned

below the control panel, but can optionally be configured in any suitable position. In an alternative embodiment, the system is a top loader, wherein the

device is configured to contain a door, situated on the top panel.

Optionally, at a second extremity of the front panel is located a

thermometer for monitoring the temperature of the treatment agent, which is

optionally hot air, steam or vapor, a generator of a flow of the gaseous

treatment agent, such as, but not limited to hot air, steam or vapor and a

container for the treatment agent, which is optionally hot air, steam or vapor.

Any suitable configuration of the thermometer, flow generator and the

treatment agent container is envisioned.

Preferably, there is configured on either of the side panels, attachment

elements for attaching the cleaned, dried and ironed items. Any suitable number

of suitable attachment elements can optionally be used in the system of the

present invention. Examples of attachment elements include but are not limited

to hooks, extended bars, handles, knobs, shelves, baskets, trays, clothe horses

and hangers.

The interior of one embodiment of the combined dry-cleaning, diyer and

ironing system of the present invention, comprises at least one treatment unit.

Preferably, there are multiple treatment units. In one embodiment of the present

invention the treatment unit contains fabric suspension devices. Fabric

suspension devices include, resilient hanging supports configured to any type of

garment or fabric which need ironing, such as, but not limited to, upper torso

resilient suspension devices, trouser resilient suspension devices, skirt resilient

suspension devices, dress resilient suspension devices and tablecloth resilient suspension devices. The garment is manually hung by a user on a sectioned

flexible, resilient, hanging support. In the event that the length of the fabric item is too long to fit in the treatment unit, the sectioned flexible resilient

hanging support is rotated so that the length of the fabric item is converted to

the width of the fabric item and in this way can fit in the treatment unit. The

rotation function of the resilient hanging support can optionally be used for any

fabric item, which does not fit in the treatment unit of the system of the present

invention. The fabric suspension device includes securing elements for securing

the fabric item in place. The fabric suspension device further includes an outlet

which is optionally configured for distributing at least one treatment agent and

which is preferably, but not limited to being permanently connected to the

fabric suspension device. Treatment agents include but are not limited to hot

air, cold air, steam, vapor, chemical agent, gas and combinations thereof. In

addition, the fabric suspension device comprises an outlet for distributing a

treatment agent such as hot air, which is preferably permanently connected to

the fabric treatment system. The treatment agent is therefore internally supplied

to the fabric suspension device. Preferably, configured to the fabric suspension

device is a button for quick release of the treatment agent to the fabric

suspension device. The expelled treatment agent, such as hot air, steam, dry

cleaning chemical agent or vapor acts to optionally dry clean, dry or uncrease

and consequently iron the fabric item attached to the fabric suspension device.

In an alternative embodiment of the combined dry-cleaning, dryer and

ironing system of the present invention at least one treatment unit is configured to include a treatment agent outlet pipe, such as but not limited to a hot air

outlet pipe, which preferably runs along the inside of the treatment unit. There

is preferably an opening in the treatment agent outlet pipe for expelling the

treatment agent to the fabric suspension device (internal treatment agent

supply). The treatment agent outlet pipe also preferably includes at least one

opening for expelling the treatment agent to the treatment unit (external

treatment agent supply). Any suitable number of openings is possible. The

expelled treatment agent, which is essentially the external treatment agent

supply source, acts to dry clean, clean or iron and uncrease a fabric item

secured in the treatment unit, depending on the treatment function which is

working. Optionally, the treatment unit includes at least one treatment additive

supply pipe, which supplies to the treatment unit a treatment additive, such as

but not limited to a fabric softener, fabric fragrance and an ironing aid

substance, such as but not limited to starch or a combination thereof. The

treatment additive supply pipe includes at least one treatment additive outlet

through which the treatment additive is expelled to the treatment unit and in

this way to the fabric item secured in the treatment unit. The treatment additive

supply pipe is optionally configured to run along at least one of the side panels

of the treatment unit.

Preferably, the treatment unit includes at least one other treatment agent

outlet pipe for supplying optionally steam or hot air or vapor or a gaseous

chemical treatment agent or a combination thereof to the system of the

invention. The outlet pipe is optionally configured, but is not limited, to run along at least one of the side panels of the treatment unit. Attached to one

extremity of the at least one outlet pipe is at least one outlet for releasing a

treatment agent, optionally steam or hot air or vapor or gaseous chemical agent

or a combination thereof to the treatment unit. The external air flow of steam

and hot air or vapor or chemical agent act to clean, dry or uncrease the fabric

item secured in the treatment unit. In this embodiment the fabric item to be

treated is secured in at least one treatment unit optionally by a hanger, or by the

fabric suspension device described above or a combination thereof.

The interior of the system of the invention is preferably made from any

suitable heat resistant and rust resistant material, such as but not limited to

stainless steel, galvanized metals, Plastics and carbon fiber reinforced

materials. The exterior of the device is preferably made from any suitable heat

resistant and rust proof material, such as but not limited to stainless steel,

galvanized metals, Plastics and carbon fiber reinforced materials. The exterior

of the device is optionally coated with a ceramic, acrylic, Teflon or any heat

and rust resistant coating and is optionally of any suitable color and shape. The

outlet pipes are optionally made from any suitable material, such as but not

limited to rubber, resilient materials and standard hosing.

The principles and operation of systems according to the present

invention may be better understood with reference to the figures. The figures

show one embodiment of the present invention and are not limiting.

Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the fabric treatment system of the

present invention 10. The fabric treatment system 10 can optionally be a drying machine, a washing machine, an ironing machine or any combination of these

machines.

For description purposes only the system of the invention is referred to

in the figures as an ironing system, which is in no way limiting. The figures can

equally be described as combined or separate dry-cleaning-dryer-ironing

systems.

As shown in Figure 1 , the fabric treatment system 10 includes the body

of the system 11. The body of the system 11 optionally comprises a top panel

23, a bottom panel 26, a front panel 27, a back panel 28, and side panels 24 and

25. The front panel 27 is configured to contain preferably at one extremity the

control panel 13. The control panel 13 optionally contains, but is not limited to

the ironing program control button 14, the start/stop button 16 and the safety

handle for opening and locking the door 15. The control button 14 and

start/stop button 16 can optionally be any suitable button, dial or switch, such

as but not limited to push buttons, turn dials, manual buttons, electronic digital

displayed and controlled touch pad buttons, manual switch and dial gauge.

When the door 12 is opened, the system 10 automatically stops working.

Preferably, the door 12 of the system 10 is positioned below the control panel

13. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the system 10 is a top loader,

wherein the device is configured to contain a door 12, situated on the top panel

23. In the case of a top loader the fabric items to be treated are placed in the

system of the present invention from an opening in the top panel 23. Optionally, at a second extremity of the front panel 27 is located a

thermometer for monitoring the temperature of the hot treatment agent 19, a

generator 20 of a flow of the gaseous treatment agent, such as, but not limited

to hot air, steam or vapor and a container 21 for the gaseous treatment agent,

such as steam, hot air, and vaporized materials. In the present invention it is

envisioned that any suitable configuration of the thermometer 19, treatment

agent flow generator 20 and the treatment agent container 21 is possible.

The interior of the system of the present invention 10, comprises at least

one treatment unit 22. Preferably, there are multiple units, such as but not

limited to 3 treatment units as shown in Figure 1 as 22a, 22b and 22c. Each

unit may optionally be configured to execute a different treatment or the same

treatment. In addition, each treatment unit may optionally employ a different or

the same resilient suspension device. Preferably, there is configured on either

of the side panels 24 and 25, attachment elements 18 for attaching the ironed

items. Any suitable number of suitable attachment elements 18 can optionally

be used in the system of the present invention 10. Examples of attachment

elements 18 include but are not limited to hooks, extended bars, handles, knobs,

shelves, baskets, trays, clothe horses and hangers.

Preferably, attachment elements 18 are readily collapsible or foldable

into side panel 25.

The interior of the system 13 is preferably made from any suitable heat

resistant and rust resistant material, such as but not limited to stainless steel,

galvanized metals, Plastics and carbon fiber reinforced materials. The exterior of the device 13 is preferably made from any suitable heat resistant and rust

proof material, such as but not limited to stainless steel, galvanized metals,

Plastics and carbon fiber reinforced materials. The exterior material is

optionally coated with a ceramic, acrylic, Teflon or any heat and rust resistant

coating and is optionally of any suitable color and shape.

FIG. 2a shows a schematic structure of one embodiment of a shirt

resilient suspension device used in the present invention 30. The shirt resilient

suspension device 30 can be used to secure any type of upper torso garment,

such as but not limited to jackets, shirts, jumpers, waistcoats, sweaters and

cardigans. For the purposes of description of Fig 2a only, which is in no way

limiting, the upper torso garment will be referred to as a shirt. The shirt resilient

suspension device 30 is optionally employed in the treatment unit of the system

described in Figure 1 (not shown in figure 2) and or the treatment unit

described in figure 3 (not shown in figure 2).

As shown in Figure 2a the shirt resilient suspension device 30 includes

preferably a flexible, sectioned, resilient shirt hanging support 35 for hanging

the shirt. The shirt securing device 30 element further includes at least one shirt

securing element 37, preferably configured to hold an extremity of the body of

the shirt in place and at least one sleeve securing element 36, preferably

configured to hold the sleeve of the shirt in place. The shirt suspension device

further includes an outlet for distributing a treatment agent such as hot air 33,

which is preferably, but not limited to being permanently connected to flexible

shirt suspension device 30. Preferably, flexible shirt suspension device 30 is readily expandable to

be tightly accommodated by any garment being processed, either by a user

prior to processing or automatically according to the dimensions of the

garment.

In addition, the shirt suspension device 30 includes an outlet for

distributing a treatment agent such as hot air 31, resulting in an internal

treatment agent supply, the outlet 31 preferably permanently connected to the

fabric treatment system (not shown). Configured to the shirt suspension device

30 is a button for quick release of the treatment agent such as hot air 32 to the

shirt suspension device 30. The expelled treatment agent such as hot air, steam

or vapor from outlets 33 and 31 act to uncrease and consequently iron the shirt

attached to the shirt suspension device.

Preferably a neck/collar securing element 34 is provided for securing

and uncresing the neck/collar portion of a shirt, blouse or any other upper

garment.

More preferably, Preferably, shirt suspension device incorporates a

quick release mechanism for readily replacing and exchanging between

alternate suspension devices 30.

FIG. 2b shows a schematic structure of one embodiment of a trouser

suspension device employed in the present invention. The trouser suspension

device 30a can be used to secure any type of trouser garments, such as but not

limited to shorts, swimming trunks, Bermuda shorts long Johns, boxer shorts,

tights and culottes. Preferably, flexible shirt suspension device 30a is readily expandable to

be tightly accommodated by any garment being processed, either by a user

prior to processing or automatically according to the dimensions of the

gaπnent.

For the purposes of description of Fig 2b only, which is in no way

limiting, the trouser garment will be referred to as trousers. The trouser

suspension device 30a is optionally employed in the treatment unit of the

system described in Figure 1 (not shown in figure 2) and or the treatment unit

described in figure 3 (not shown in figure 2).

As shown in Figure 2b, the trouser suspension device 30a preferably

includes a sectioned flexible trouser hanging support 35a for hanging the

trousers. The trouser suspension device 30a further includes at least one trouser

securing element 38, preferably configured to hold the seat of the trousers in

place. The trouser suspension device 30a further includes an outlet for

distributing a treatment agent, such as hot air 33a, which is preferably, but not

limited to being permanently connected to the trouser suspension device 30a.

Preferably, trouser suspension device 30a is substantially flexible, for

readily facilitating processing trousers and under garments of a variety of

lengths and sizes.

In addition, the trouser suspension device 30a comprises an outlet for

distributing a treatment agent such as hot air 31, which is preferably

permanently connected to the fabric treatment system (not shown). Configured

to the trouser suspension device 30a is a button for quick release of the treatment agent, such as hot air 32 to the trouser suspension device 30a. The

expelled treatment agent such as hot air, steam or vapor from outlets 33a and

31 act to uncrease and consequently iron the trousers attached to the (rouscr

suspension device.

Preferably a neck/collar securing element 34 is provided for securing

and uncresing the neck/collar portion of a shirt, blouse or any other upper

garment.

More preferably, Preferably, shirt suspension device incorporates a

quick release mechanism for readily replacing and exchanging between

alternate suspension devices 30.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the treatment unit of the fabric

treatment system of the present invention. As shown in figure 3, the treatment

unit 41 is configured to include a treatment agent outlet pipe, such as hot ait-

outlet pipe 42, which preferably runs along the inside of the treatment unit 4 .

There is preferably an opening 43 in the treatment agent outlet pipe, such as hot

air outlet pipe 42 for expelling the treatment agent, such as hot air (internal

treatment agent supply) to the fabric item suspension device (not shown ) as

described in figures 2a and 2b. The fabric item suspension device (not shown)

is secured in the treatment unit by a fast release suspension element 44, which

connects the fabric item suspension device to the opening 43 in the treatment

agent outlet, pipe, optionally a hot air outlet pipe 42. In addition, the treatment

agent outlet pipe, optionally a hot air outlet pipe 42 includes at least one

opening for expelling the treatment agent such as hot air opening 45 to the treatment unit 41. Figure 3 shows one embodiment with two openings 45 for

expelling the treatment agent such as hot air to the treatment unit 41, but

optionally any suitable number of openings is possible. The expelled treatment

agent such as hot air, steam or vapor, from opening 45 (external treatment agent

supply) acts to uncrease and consequently iron the fabric item secured in the

treatment unit.

Preferably any of openings 45 is readily displaceable, along any garment

being processed, for increased efficiency in processing.

More preferably, the distance between any openings 45 and the garment

being processed is readily controllable for enhanced processing.

Optionally, the treatment unit 41 includes at least one treatment additive

supply pipe 46, which supplies to the treatment unit 41 a treatment additive,

such as but not limited to a fabric softener, fabric fragrance and an ironing aid

substance, such as but not limited to starch. The treatment additive supply pipe

includes at least one treatment additive outlet 47 through which the treatment

additive is expelled to the treatment unit 41. The treatment additive supply pipe

46 is optionally configured to run along at least one of the side panels of the

treatment unit. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the treatment unit with two

treatment additive supply pipes 46. Preferably the treatment unit 41 includes at

least one additional outlet pipe 48 for supplying a treatment agent optionally

steam or hot air or vapor or gaseous chemical agent or a combination thereof

(external treatment agent supply) to the ironing microenvironment 50 of the

system of the invention. Preferably, any and all sub-elements of micro environment 50 as

described herein are readily controllable by a user, including but not limited to,

facilitating a unidirectional flow of heat, steam, treatment elements and the like.

The outlet pipe 48 is optionally configured to run along at least one of

the side panels of the treatment unit. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the

treatment unit with two outlet pipes 48. Configured to one extremity of the at

least one outlet pipe 48 is at least one outlet 49 for releasing optionally a

treatment agent such as steam or hot air or vapor or gaseous chemical agent or a

combination thereof to the ironing microenvironment 50 of the treatment unit

41. The expelled treatment agent, which is optionally hot air, steam or vapor

from outlet 49 acts to uncrease and consequently iron the shirt attached to the

shirt suspension device. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the treatment unit

with two outlets 49.

Preferably, a first heating element 52 is attached to, or integrally formed

with, each outlet 49 for readily controlling the temperature of air, steam, gas

and treatment materials.

Preferably, a second heating element 54 is attached to, or integrally

formed with, opening 43 for readily controlling the temperature of air, steam,

gas and treatment materials.

More preferably, a first filter 56 is attached to, or integrally formed with

each outlet 49, for filtering air, steam, gas and treatment materials passing

through each outlet 49. More preferably, a second filter 58 is attached to, or integrally formed

with opening 43, for filtering air, steam, gas and treatment materials passing

through opening 43.

Advantages of various embodiments of the present invention include,

time saving, due to the high speed of ironing, highly reduced physical exertion,

due to elimination of manual operation of the iron and reduced back problems

due to no need to adopt ironing pose for any length of time. In addition, the

combined treatment system, which includes any combination of fabric cleaning

action, fabric drying action and fabric ironing action, saves space and money by

eliminating the need for multiple cumbersome automated machinery.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number

of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and

other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An automated system for treating at least one fabric item, the

system comprising:

(a) at least one treatment unit, said treatment unit being configured to

treat the fabric item with a treatment agent, wherein said at least one treatment

unit comprises:

(i) at least one pipe for supplying said treatment agent,

(ii) at least one outlet, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at one extreme to said pipe, said outlet expelling from a

second extreme said treatment agent to treat said at least one

fabric item,

(b) at least one suspension system for suspending said at least one

fabric item in said treatment unit; and

(c) at least one activation element for activating said treatment unit.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one treatment unit is

an ironing unit.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one treatment unit is

selected from the group consisting of a combined dry-cleaning unit and ironing

unit and a combined drying unit and ironing unit and a combined dry-cleaning

unit and drying unit and ironing unit.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein said treatment agent is selected

from the group consisting of hot air, cold air, steam, vapor, chemical agent, gas

and combinations thereof.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at a second extreme to said fabric item effecting internal treatment of

said fabric item.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at a second extreme to the microenvironment of said treatment unit

effecting external treatment of said fabric item.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one outlet is connected at

a second extreme to the microenvironment of said treatment unit, and at least

one outlet is connected at a second extreme to said fabric item effecting a

combination of external treatment and internal treatment of said fabric item.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said treatment unit further

comprises at least one pipe for supplying a treatment additive agent.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said treatment additive agent is

selected from at least one of the group consisting of fabric softener, fabric fragrance, anti-static material, bleach, ironing aid agent and any combination

thereof.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said ironing agent is starch.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one suspension

system is a resilient suspension device.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said resilient suspension device

is a hanger.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein said resilient suspension device

comprises:

(a) a resilient hanging support configured to the shape of said fabric

item, said fabric item being hung on said resilient hanging support;

(b) at least one outlet connected to said resilient suspension device

configured to internally distribute at least one treatment agent to said treatment

unit; and

(c) at least one outlet connected to said fabric treatment system for

externally distributing at least one treatment agent to said treatment unit.

14. The system of claim 13 further comprising at least one securing

element for securing said fabric item on said resilient hanging support and

impeding displacement of said fabric item in said treatment unit.

15. The system of claim 13 further comprising a button configured to

effect quick release of said treatment agent to said resilient suspension device.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit

associated with said treatment unit and configured to control the function of

said treatment unit.

17. An automated system for ironing at least one fabric item, the

system comprising:

(a) at least one ironing unit, said ironing unit being configured to iron

the fabric item with a treatment agent wherein said at least one ironing unit

comprises:

(i) at least one pipe for supplying said treatment agent,

(ii) at least one outlet, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at one extreme to said pipe, said outlet expelling said

treatment agent to effect ironing of said at least one fabric item;

(b) at least one suspension system for suspending said at least one

fabric item in said ironing unit; and

(c) at least one activation element for activating said ironing unit.

18. The automated system of claim 17, wherein said treatment agent

is selected from the group consisting of hot air, cold air, steam, vapor, chemical

agent, gas and combinations thereof.

19. The automated system of claim 17, wherein said at least one

suspension system is a resilient suspension device.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said resilient suspension device

is a hanger.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein said resilient suspension device

comprises:

(a) a resilient hanging support configured to the shape of said fabric

item, said fabric item being hung on said resilient hanging

support;

(b) at least one outlet connected to said resilient suspension device

configured to internally distribute at least one ironing treatment

agent to said ironing unit; and

(c) at least one outlet connected to the fabric ironing system for

externally distributing at least one ironing treatment agent to said

ironing unit.

22. An automated combined system for treatment of at least one

fabric item, wherein said treatment is selected from the group consisting of dry

cleaning, drying and ironing or a combination thereof, the system comprising:

(a) at least one treatment unit, said treatment unit being configured to

treat said fabric item with a treatment agent wherein said at least one

treatment unit comprises:

(i) at least one pipe for supplying said treatment agent,

(ii) at least one outlet, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at one extreme to said pipe, said outlet expelling said

treatment agent to treat said at least one fabric item;

(b) a control element configured to control the function of said

treatment unit, the function selected from the group consisting of dry-

cleaning, drying and ironing or a combination thereof;

(c) at least one suspension system for suspending said at least one

fabric item in said treatment unit; and

(d) at least one activation element for activating said treatment function.

23. A method of automated ironing comprising the steps of :

(a) providing an automated system for ironing at least one fabric

item, the system comprising:

(i) at least one ironing unit, said ironing unit being configured

to treat the fabric item with a treatment agent, wherein said at least one

ironing unit comprises: a. at least one pipe for supplying said treatment agent,

b. at least one outlet, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at one extreme to said pipe, said outlet

expelling said treatment agent to effect ironing of said

at least one fabric item;

(ii) at least one suspension system for suspending said at least

one fabric item in said ironing unit; and

(iii) at least one activation element for activating said ironing

unit;

(b) providing at least one fabric item to be ironed;

(c) securing said fabric item on said at least one suspension system;

(d) expelling said treatment agent to said fabric item suspended in

said ironing unit; and

(e) uncreasing and ironing said fabric unit with said expelled

treatment agent.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said treatment agent is selected

and combinations thereof.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said at least one suspension

system is a resilient suspension device.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein said resilient suspension device

is a hanger.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein said resilient suspension device

comprises:

(a) a resilient hanging support configured to the shape of said fabric

item, said fabric item being hung on said resilient hanging support;

(b) at least one outlet connected to said resilient suspension device

configured to internally distribute at least one ironing treatment agent to

said ironing unit; and

(c) at least one outlet connected to the fabric ironing system for

externally distributing at least one ironing treatment agent to said ironing

unit.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at a second extreme directly to said fabric item effecting internal

ironing of said fabric item.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein said at least one outlet is

connected at a second extreme to the microenvironment of said ironing unit

effecting external ironing of said fabric item.

30. The system of claim 27, wherein at least one outlet is connected

at a second extreme to the microenvironment of said ironing unit, and at least

one outlet is connected at a second extreme to the microenvironment of said

ironing unit effecting a combination of external ironing and internal ironing of

said fabric item.

31. The automated system according to any one of claims 1-16,

substantially as herein described and with reference to the figures.

32. The automated system for ironing according to any one of claims

17-21, substantially as herein described and with reference to the figures.

33. The automated combined system according to claim 22,

substantially as herein described and with reference to the figures.

34. The method of automated ironing according to any one of claims

23-30, substantially as herein described and with reference to the figures.

35. The automated system for ironing according to claims 31-33

further comprising a quick release mechanism for readily replacing and

exchanging between alternate suspension devices.

36. The automated system for ironing of claim 27, wherein any said

outlet is readily displaceable, along any garment being processed.

37. The automated system for ironing of claim 27, wherein any

distance between any said outlet and a garment being processed is readily

controllable.