Apparatus and System for Lint Removal

Abstract

An apparatus and a system comprise a joining mechanism comprising a first part and a second part. The first part is configured for joining to an iron. A lint removal unit is configured to be operable for removing particles from a surface of a material. A connector mechanism comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for joining to the lint removal unit. The second end is configured for joining to the second part of the joining mechanism where using the iron on the material places the lint removal unit on the surface of the material for removing particles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/365,497, entitled “Attachable & Detachable Lint Remover Product, filed on Jul. 19, 2010 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to clothing care. More particularly, the invention relates to a lint remover attachment system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. Ironing of clothing and removing of lint from the same piece of clothing is conventionally a two-step process. Typically, the cloth is ironed first and then a lint remover is rolled over the clothing.

By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that typical lint removers are handheld devices that are rolled or brushed over the item from which the lint is to be removed. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary adhesive lint remover, in accordance with the prior art. This lint remover comprises a cylindrical roll 101 of mildly adhesive material capable of expunging lint and other undesirable elements from clothing materials and a handle 103 for driving cylindrical roll 101 over clothing.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary adhesive lint remover, in accordance with the prior art;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary hook for a lint remover attachment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic side view of the hook, and FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic side view of the hook attached to an iron; and

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary lint remover attachment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic side view, and FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic top view.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a variety of apparatus and systems for lint removal are described.

In one embodiment an apparatus comprises a lint removal unit being configured to be operable for removing particles from a surface of a material. A connector mechanism comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for joining to the lint removal unit. The second end is configured for joining to an iron where using the iron on the material places the lint removal unit on the surface of the material for removing particles. In another embodiment the lint removal unit comprises a cylindrical member being operable for collecting the particles. In yet another embodiment the first end of the connector mechanism is rotatably joined to the cylindrical member for enabling the cylindrical member to roll on the surface of the material. In still another embodiment the cylindrical member is removable from the connector mechanism. In another embodiment the second end of the connector mechanism comprises a part of a joining mechanism for joining to the iron. In yet another embodiment the connector mechanism comprises two members. Each of the two members comprises a first member end and a second member end. The first member ends are joined to the cylindrical member. In still another embodiment each of the first member ends is joined to separate ends of the cylindrical member. In another embodiment the second member ends are joined to the part of a joining mechanism. In yet another embodiment the part of a joining mechanism comprises a hook shaped structure. In still another embodiment the hook shaped structure comprises a hook joined to each of the second member ends. In another embodiment each of the two members comprises a rod. In yet another embodiment the lint removal unit comprises an adhesive material for collecting the particles. In still another embodiment the adhesive material is layered.

In another embodiment a system comprises means for joining to an iron, means for removing particles from a surface of a material, and means for connecting the particle removing means to the iron joining means where using the iron on the material places the particle removing means on the surface of the material for removing particles.

In another embodiment a system comprises a joining mechanism comprising a first part and a second part. The first part is configured for joining to an iron. A lint removal unit is configured to be operable for removing particles from a surface of a material. A connector mechanism comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for joining to the lint removal unit. The second end is configured for joining to the second part of the joining mechanism where using the iron on the material places the lint removal unit on the surface of the material for removing particles. In another embodiment the lint removal unit comprises a cylindrical member comprising a surface comprising an adhesive material being operable for collecting the particles. The cylindrical member is rotatably joined to the cylindrical member for enabling the cylindrical member to roll on the surface of the material. The cylindrical member further being configured to be removable from the connector mechanism. In yet another embodiment the connector mechanism comprises two members. Each of the two members comprises a first member end and a second member end. Each of the first member ends is joined to separate ends of the cylindrical member. The second member ends are joined to the second part of the joining mechanism. In still another embodiment the first part of the joining mechanism comprises two hook shaped structures each comprising an adhesive pad for joining to a surface of the iron. In another embodiment the second part of the joining mechanism comprises two hook shaped structures being configured for removably joining to the first part of the joining mechanism. In yet another embodiment each of the two members comprises a rod.

Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

A practical embodiment of the present invention provides a lint remover attachment system. In many practical embodiments the lint remover attachment system is designed as an attachment to an iron, such that it enables both ironing and lint removal from a piece of cloth simultaneously.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary hook 201 for a lint remover attachment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic side view of hook 201, and FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic side view of hook 201 fastened to the rear surface of an iron 203. In the present embodiment, means for joining to the iron, hook 201 comprises an adhesive pad 205 that is capable of attaching hook 201 to a surface such as, but not limited to, iron 203. Hook 21 is made of plastic; however, hooks in some alternate embodiments may be made of various different materials including, without limitation, metal. It is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may be implemented in which hooks are integrated into the body of the iron rather than being attached to the iron with adhesive.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary lint remover attachment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic side view, and FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic top view. In the present embodiment, the lint remover attachment system comprises a cylindrical lint remover 301 and two connector rods 303 attached to two hooks 305, which are fastened to an iron 307. Means for removing particles from a surface of a material, cylindrical lint remover 301 comprises a roll of adhesive material capable of removing lint from clothing by allowing the lint to stick onto its sticky surface and an axle mechanism that allows lint remover 301 to roll like a wheel. The axle mechanism runs through the center of cylindrical lint remover 301 and is exposed on both circular end surfaces where means for connecting to hook 201, connector rods 303, fit into the axle mechanism, with one rod 303 on each side of lint remover 301. In some alternate embodiments, the cylindrical lint remover may be implemented without an axle mechanism. In these embodiments, alternate means for enabling the lint remover to roll may be used such as, but not limited to, attaching the connector rods to the lint remover in such a way that the lint remover rotates around this connection point or providing end caps on the lint remover that comprise rotating means. In other alternate embodiments, non-rolling lint removers may be used. In embodiments comprising non-rolling lint removers, these lint removers may have shapes other than cylindrical shapes such as, but not limited to, flat rectangles.

In typical use of the present embodiment, the lint remover attachment system enables an end-user to iron a piece of clothing and remove lint at the same time. Connector rods 303 emanating from cylindrical lint remover 301 are latched onto hooks 305 that are fastened to the rear of iron 307. As a user moves iron 307 across a cloth item to be ironed, connector rods 303 pull or push cylindrical lint roller 301 along with iron 307. The axle mechanism within cylindrical lint remover 301 enables cylindrical lint remover 301 to roll as it moves across the cloth, and the sticky surface of cylindrical lint remover 301 collects any lint or other particulates that may be present on the cloth. It is believed that the heat from iron 307 may increase the effectiveness of lint remover 301.

After using the lint remover attachment system for simultaneous ironing and lint removing, the user can detach connector rods 303 from hooks 305 and store cylindrical lint remover 301 and connector rods 303 away. In some alternate embodiments, the connector rods may be permanently attached to the iron. In the present embodiment, the sticky surface of cylindrical lint remover 301 can be peeled away after it has gathered sufficient lint, thereby exposing a fresh adhesive surface for more lint removal. When the roll of adhesive material on cylindrical lint remover 301 is completely used up, cylindrical lint remover 301 can be replaced with a new lint remover. To remove cylindrical lint remover 301 once it is used, connector rods 303 are detached from the axle mechanism of cylindrical lint remover 301 and lint remover 301 is removed. Then, connector rods 303 are attached to a new lint remover via the axle mechanism of the new lint remover. In some alternate embodiments, the connector rods may be permanently attached to the lint remover. In these embodiments the entire lint remover connector rod assembly is removed and replaced when the roll of adhesive material is used. In some alternate embodiments the lint remover attachment systems may be implemented with various different types of lint removers rather than rolls of adhesive material such as, but not limited to, washable adhesive rollers, fabric lint removers, sponges, combs, brushes, etc.

The attachable/detachable lint remover attachment system according to the present embodiment can be used on many types of irons irrespective of manufacturer, source of energy and other factors that can differentiate irons. Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable attachment means may be used to attach the connection rods to the iron such as, but not limited to, snaps, elastic bands, clips, etc. Some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be implemented that can be attached to an iron with a single hook. In these embodiments the connector rods may both latch onto the single hook. Alternatively, the connector rods may attach to a cross rod that runs parallel to the cylindrical lint roller. This cross rod may then latch onto the hook.

In another alternate embodiment, an iron comprises an embedded lint remover assembly that is permanently fixed to the iron. In this embodiment, the iron comprises a hollow section with a cover at its rear end where the lint remover assembly is stored. When the cover is opened, the lint removal assembly is activated and becomes a trailer to the iron. When the cover is closed, the lint removal assembly is safely tucked away in the hollow. Other alternate embodiments may comprise permanent lint removal assemblies that do not store away within the iron.

Further exemplary and ALTERNATIVE embodiments and implementation variations are described in the following.

The lint assembly system provides a mechanism to remove a ply of sticky surface after it has fully collected lint from clothing or provides a convenient way for the user to easily remove a spent ply of sticky surface.

Example Implementations

Described in some detail are two example implementations (A and B), without limitation, of an embodiment of the invention, as follows: Attachable and Detachable Lint Removal Assembly. Permanently affixed Lint Removal Assembly.

[A] Attachable and Detachable Lint Removal Assembly.

The attachable and detachable Lint Removal assembly can be used with any iron in the market today. The sticky surfaces of the 2 hooks are affixed to the rear end of the iron. The two connector rods are attached to the hooks. A cylindrical lint remover roll is fixed in between the two connector rods. This assembly makes the lint remover a trailer to the iron, where the cylindrical lint remover fully rests on the clothing being ironed and thus as the iron is operated on the clothing is both pressed and cleaned of lint.

[B] Permanently Affixed Lint Removal Assembly.

The Permanently affixed Lint Removal Assembly is an implementation of the invention that can be used to manufacture a combo iron (Iron+Lint remover assembly). This implementation embodies an iron which has a hollow at the rear end. The lint remover assembly will reside in the hollow when it is not in use and safely stored away by a hollow cover. The lint remover assembly is held in place in the hollow by the 2 connector rods. On one end, the two rods are permanently affixed to corners inside the hollow. The cylindrical lint removal assembly then fixed to the other end of the two rods. When lint remover is in use, it resembles the appearance of an aerator dragged by a lawn mower. The cylindrical lint remover, can be replaced when its layers are exhausted with a new roll. The connector rods can/cannot be removed. The hollow will have a cover. The cover will have a latch that can be released and locked. (Just like a battery component of a toy car. The battery housing is the hollow, the battery is the lint remover assembly and the cover can be released to let the battery fall out or closed to make the battery stay in.) such that when lint assembly is not in use, the cover seals it off the ironing board. And when the user desires to iron and remove lint from the clothing material, removing the latch engages the lint assembly for action. This assembly makes the lint remover a trailer to the iron, where the cylindrical lint remover fully rests on the clothing being ironed and thus as the iron is operated on the clothing is both pressed and cleaned of lint.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a lint remover attachment system according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the connector rods may vary depending upon the particular type of connection used. The connections described in the foregoing were directed to rear-mounted implementations; however, similar techniques are to connect the lint remover attachment system to various different locations on an iron including, without limitation, the front or the sides. Implementations of the present invention that can be mounted to the iron in different locations are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a lint removal unit being configured to be operable for removing particles from a surface of a material; and

a connector mechanism comprising a first end and a second end, said first end being configured for joining to said lint removal unit, said second end being configured for joining to an iron where using the iron on the material places said lint removal unit on the surface of the material for removing particles.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said lint removal unit comprises a cylindrical member being operable for collecting the particles.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which said first end of said connector mechanism is rotatably joined to said cylindrical member for enabling said cylindrical member to roll on the surface of the material.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, in which said cylindrical member is removable from said connector mechanism.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said second end of said connector mechanism comprises a part of a joining mechanism for joining to the iron.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, in which said connector mechanism comprises two members, each of said two members comprising a first member end and a second member end, said first member ends being joined to said cylindrical member.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, in which each of said first member ends being joined to separate ends of said cylindrical member.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, in which said second member ends being joined to said part of a joining mechanism.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, in which said part of a joining mechanism comprises a hook shaped structure.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, in which said hook shaped structure comprises a hook joined to each of said second member ends.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, in which each of said two members comprises a rod.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said lint removal unit comprises an adhesive material for collecting the particles.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, in which said adhesive material is layered.

14. A system comprising:

means for joining to an iron;

means for removing particles from a surface of a material; and

means for connecting said particle removing means to said iron joining means where using the iron on the material places said particle removing means on the surface of the material for removing particles.

15. A system comprising:

a joining mechanism comprising a first part and a second part, said first part being configured for joining to an iron;

a lint removal unit being configured to be operable for removing particles from a surface of a material; and

a connector mechanism comprising a first end and a second end, said first end being configured for joining to said lint removal unit, said second end being configured for joining to said second part of said joining mechanism where using the iron on the material places said lint removal unit on the surface of the material for removing particles.

16. The system as recited in claim 15, in which said lint removal unit comprises a cylindrical member comprising a surface comprising an adhesive material being operable for collecting the particles, said cylindrical member being rotatably joined to said cylindrical member for enabling said cylindrical member to roll on the surface of the material and said cylindrical member further being configured to be removable from said connector mechanism.

17. The system as recited in claim 16, in which said connector mechanism comprises two members, each of said two members comprising a first member end and a second member end, each of said first member ends being joined to separate ends of said cylindrical member, said second member ends being joined to said second part of said joining mechanism.

18. The system as recited in claim 15, in which said first part of said joining mechanism comprises two hook shaped structures each comprising an adhesive pad for joining to a surface of the iron.

19. The system as recited in claim 18, in which said second part of said joining mechanism comprises two hook shaped structures being configured for removably joining to said first part of said joining mechanism.

20. The system as recited in claim 17, in which each of said two members comprises a rod.