Laundering aid removing adherent matter from fabric articles
US7441345B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F58/203
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A laundering aid having a core member, such as an elastomeric ball member, that includes a covering comprising an abrasive or brush-like material adapted for engaging and lifting matter, such animal hair, adherent to the surface of fabric articles when the laundering aid is placed into contact with clothing and other fabric articles within an operating tumble-type clothes dryer. The covering may further include a second material comprising a material that substantially lacks characteristics for lifting matter from other fabric, the first material being disposed adjacent to or over the first material to form a series of discrete sections having different properties that facilitate the dislodgement and or removal of the hair or other fine matter. The exemplary elastomeric ball member may be inflated for shape retention, while allowing for expansion when heated during the drying cycle. An exemplary method for using the laundering aid comprises the steps providing a laundering aid comprising a brush-like or abrasive outer covering adapted to engage and lift adherent matter and introducing the device into a tumble-type dryer with one more fabric articles, then operating the dryer until …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.