Abstract: A pipe stopper includes an expandable stopper body defining a stopper cavity and configurable in an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration; a pressure assembly comprising a pressure housing and a piston, the piston slidably engaged with a housing cavity of the pressure housing, the piston operatively connected to the expandable stopper body; and a valve stem define a stem fluid pathway, the valve stem movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein, in the open position, the stem fluid pathway is in fluid communication with the housing cavity and the expandable stopper body is movable to the expanded configuration, and in the closed configuration, the stem fluid pathway is not in fluid communication with the housing cavity and the expandable stopper body is movable to the contracted configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable textile treatment device comprising a heatable soleplate (4) intended to be in contact with a textile (TXT) for treating the textile. The heatable soleplate (4) comprises a soleplate opening (H). The device comprises a module (MD) comprising an image sensor (5) for taking an image of the textile to be treated through the soleplate opening (H), and a control unit (8) configured for a) executing an algorithm stored in said portable textile treatment device, using the taken image as an input of the algorithm, to obtain a classification of the textile, and for b) controlling, based on the classification, at least one operating parameter of the portable textile treatment device. The module (MD) and the control unit (8) are integrated within the portable textile treatment device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer fiber and superabsorbent polymer fiber prepared thereby. According to the preparation method of the present invention, superabsorbent polymer in the form of fiber or non-woven fabric that maintains super absorbency function can be prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer fiber and superabsorbent polymer fiber prepared thereby. According to the preparation method of the present invention, superabsorbent polymer in the form of fiber or non-woven fabric that maintains super absorbency function can be prepared.

Abstract: A nonwoven web made of plastic fibers and having a web thickness less than 2 mm (preferably less than 1.5 mm) and a grammage less than 30 g/m2 (preferably less than 25 g/m2) and conveyed this web in a travel direction so that it physically contacts a guide or treatment roller. A stabilization plate extending in and transversely to the travel direction of the nonwoven web is provided upstream or downstream of the roller in the travel direction, and the nonwoven web is guided in the travel direction past the stabilization plate such that a spacing between a face of the stabilization plate turned toward the nonwoven web and the nonwoven web face is 0 to 20 mm (preferably 0.1 to 10 mm, and very preferably 0.2 to 5 mm).

Abstract: An appliance for treating a textile. The appliance has a textile contact surface adapted to interact with the textile to be treated, an airflow generating device, and a first outlet connected to the airflow generating device. The first outlet is arranged adjacent to the textile contact surface. The first outlet is arranged to direct an airflow through the first outlet in an airflow direction that is directed away from a normal of the textile contact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition comprising a rubber and a processing additive wherein the processing additive is a functional reactive diluent having at least one functional group in the molecule which is not an olefinic unsaturation, to a process of compounding such rubber compositions, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A system for steaming clothes is disclosed. A steamer is connected through a hose to a steaming component having a plurality of connecting tubes, where the steaming component having the plurality of connecting tubes, where the plurality of connecting tubes connects to a plurality of detachable ventilating tubes, where the plurality of the detachable ventilating tubes have a plurality of holes to expel steam. The steaming component with the plurality of connecting tubes are configured to hold an article of clothing that fits around the steaming component and the plurality of connecting tubes, where the steaming component is configured to receive the steam from the steamer to expel the steam through the plurality of holes to entirely steam an entire portion of the article of clothing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steamer head for a garment steamer comprising a main body (2) with a front end (8), a steam outlet (11) and an air inlet (25) formed in the front end (8). A suction force is applied to draw air through the air inlet (25) so that a fabric of a garment disposed proximate the front end (8) is drawn against the front end (8) by the suction force. Further, steam is applied to the fabric of a garment through the steam outlet (11). The front end (8) of the main body (2) comprises first and second surfaces (10, 2). The steam outlet (11) is formed in the first surface (10) and the air inlet (25) is formed in the second surface (12), so that the fabric is drawn against the second surface (12) and steam is applied to the fabric at the first surface (10). The first and second surfaces (10, 12) together forma convex surface. The present invention also relates to a garment steamer comprising a 10 steamer head and a method of removing creases from a garment using a garment steamer.

Abstract: A pad system for facilitating treatment of a fabric includes a pad which is placed adjacent to a support surface, and fabric grips which secure the fabric against the pad. The fabric grips may be attachable to the pad. The fabric grips may be used to arrange the fabric on the pad and provide tension to the fabric to facilitate fabric treatments such as steaming, heating and/or pressing.

Abstract: A cap platen to securely hold headwear, such as caps, hats, and the like, so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the cap automatically. The platen has a vise plate to support the bill of a cap and a face plate attached to the vise plate to hold the crown of cap. Arms can be attached to the vise plate or the face plate to apply a biasing force against the sides of the cap pushed the sides of the cap outwardly away from the face plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steamer head for a garment steamer comprising a main body (2) with a front end (8), a steam outlet (11) and an air inlet (25) formed in the front end (8). A suction force is applied to draw air through the air inlet (25) so that a fabric of a garment disposed proximate the front end (8) is drawn against the front end (8) by the suction force. Further, steam is applied to the fabric of a garment through the steam outlet (11). The front end (8) of the main body (2) comprises first and second surfaces (10, 2). The steam outlet (11) is formed in the first surface (10) and the air inlet (25) is formed in the second surface (12), so that the fabric is drawn against the second surface (12) and steam is applied to the fabric at the first surface (10). The first and second surfaces (10, 12) together forma convex surface. The present invention also relates to a garment steamer comprising a 10 steamer head and a method of removing creases from a garment using a garment steamer.

Abstract: A multi-layer textile comprises a first layer of textile, a second layer of textile and an intermediate layer interposed between the first layer and the second layer, the intermediate layer being a layer of calendered textile.

Abstract: A handheld telescopic ironing device for pressing clothing, fabric and the like comprising two handles joined at the distal end with a pivotal hinge, each handle comprised of an elongated hollow outer handle housing and at least one elongated hollow inner handle housing concentrically aligned and telescopically mounted within outer handle housing with a locking means to hold the with inner handle housing and outer handle housing at extended or contracted lengths. Attached to the two handles are heads each having a pressing surface mounted on a hollow head housing so that the two pressing surfaces oppose each other. The telescopic ironing device is further comprised of at least one heating element disposed within one or more of internal cavities of the head housing and has an optional steam feature.

Abstract: A dispensing vessel for introducing moisture into a clothes drying environment includes a sponge-like core configured to at least temporarily retain a moistening substance therein, a generally oblong-shaped cover substantially surrounding the core and retaining the core in a compressed condition, and a moistening substance retained within the core. The cover includes a fill opening defined therethrough, the fill opening providing access to an interior of the cover from an exterior of the cover, a plurality of protuberances spaced generally evenly from one another, each protuberance having a generally conical shape, and one or more dispensing openings, each dispensing opening disposed at a distal end of a protuberance of the plurality of protuberances, and each dispensing opening providing access to an exterior of the cover from an interior of the cover. Furthermore, each of the dispensing openings is not positioned generally opposite the fill opening.

Abstract: A portable, handheld iron (10) is provided having a pair of opposing soleplates (25, 35) with a lip (26, 36) for reaching hard to reach areas on a garment. The soleplates (25, 35) are disposed on respective upper and lower portions (20, 30) pivotally connected by a hinge (40). The upper and lower portions (20, 30) are moveable between open and closed positions. The longitudinal axes B of the upper and lower portions (20, 30) are offset from the plane of the soleplates (25, 35) by an offset angle ? when in the closed position. The offset angle ? provides the iron (10) with an ergonomic advantage in reaching hard to reach areas. In an embodiment, at least one of the soleplates (25, 35) is provided with a plurality of vents (27) for delivering wrinkle releasing steam.

Abstract: An improvement in a steam powered pressing iron, in which steam is supplied by a boiler. The steam collects in a steam chamber inside a body 5, and heats the iron. A lever 8 is depressed by a thumbpad 9 to actuate a steam discharge valve 10. The steam discharge valve 10 discharges the steam to a garment being pressed. The improvement includes a steam trap valve 36. The steam trap valve discharges condensate to a discharge return connector 38, through the return hose to the boiler. The steam trap valve 36 is a thermodynamic steam trap, for preventing the flow of hot steam back to the boiler. But when in contact with cold condensate, the steam trap valve 36 automatically permits the flow of condensate back to the boiler. Cold condensate is automatically purged from the iron without operator intervention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing pad comprising a solid material (1) which reversibly absorbs liquid and a liquid stain treatment composition which is absorbed by the solid material (1) which reversibly absorbs liquid. The invention relates to a process for treating a stain on a textile fabric with such an ironing pad by placing the ironing pad onto the stain and exerting heat and/or pressure on the ironing pad.

Abstract: A convertible appliance and related method for treating a garment. The appliance includes a housing, a water tank disposed in the housing, a soleplate removably attached to the housing, a first steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the soleplate in a first configuration when the soleplate is attached to the housing, a second steam chamber configured to generate and emit steam from the housing in a second configuration when the soleplate is removed from the housing, a valve arrangement configured to fluidly connect the water tank to the first steam chamber when in the first configuration, and alternately, fluidly connect the water tank to the second chamber when in the second configuration.

Abstract: A tunnel finisher in which the articles of clothing (14) are impinged on with steam pulses in a discontinuous fashion. This lowers the steam requirement. It is additionally provided that other points of the article of clothing (14) are continuously impinged on with steam, as a result of which no damage to the articles of clothing (14) occurs during the steam impingement. It is finally provided that transport hangers (15), on which the articles of clothing (14) hang while being transported through the tunnel finisher, are rotated in opposite directions, as a result of which halves of adjacent articles of clothing (14) alternately assume relatively large and relatively small spacings relative to one another. In this way, the articles of clothing (14) can be impinged on effectively and with steam.

Abstract: Steam irons with a steam valve that is controlled by an intuitively operated, usually pivotable handle may not provide consistent steam ironing behaviour due to the fact that the force exerted on the handle by the user may change over time. To overcome or mitigate the problem, the present invention provides a steam iron (1), comprising a by-pass (9) around the handle-operated valve (7). The by-pass allows a relatively small but continuous water stream to be transported from a water reservoir (6) to steam outlet openings (12) in the soleplate (11) of the iron. Consequently, subject to an ample supply of water, the steam iron provides a minimum of steam ironing comfort throughout a steam ironing session.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to an ironing surface for use in ironing ironable materials, and in particular relates to a pinnable pressable ironing surface on which ironable materials can be pinned and pressed with a hot iron.

Abstract: A pad system for facilitating treatment of a fabric includes a pad which is placed adjacent to a support surface, and fabric grips which secure the fabric against the pad. The fabric grips may be attachable to the pad. The fabric grips may be used to arrange the fabric on the pad and provide tension to the fabric to facilitate fabric treatments such as steaming, heating and/or pressing.

Abstract: A dispensing vessel for introducing moisture to a clothes drying environment includes a core and a cover substantially surrounding the core. The core is comprised of a sponge-like material for retaining a moistening substance within the core, and the cover has at least one opening extending through to the core for permitting the release of moisture to the clothes drying environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam generating apparatus (50) comprising a boiler (52) for receiving water to be heated, an opening (54, 126) in a wall of the boiler, the opening being closable by closing means (56, 128, 136), and a steam duct (58) for conducting steam generated in the boiler (52) to steam applying means (60), wherein a by-pass duct (62, 130) by-passing the steam duct (58) is provided for discharging steam from the boiler (52) to the steam applying means (60). The present invention further relates to a method of operating a steam generating apparatus (50).

Abstract: A handheld telescopic ironing device for pressing clothing, fabric and the like comprising two handles joined at the distal end with a pivotal hinge, each handle comprised of an elongated hollow outer handle housing and at least one elongated hollow inner handle housing concentrically aligned and telescopically mounted within outer handle housing with a locking means to hold the with inner handle housing and outer handle housing at extended or contracted lengths. Attached to the two handles are heads each having a pressing surface mounted on a hollow head housing so that the two pressing surfaces oppose each other. The telescopic ironing device is further comprised of at least one heating element disposed within one or more of internal cavities of the head housing and has an optional steam feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing pad comprising a solid material (1) which reversibly absorbs liquid and a liquid stain treatment composition which is absorbed by the solid material (1) which reversibly absorbs liquid. The invention relates to a process for treating a stain on a textile fabric with such an ironing pad by placing the ironing pad onto the stain and exerting heat and/or pressure on the ironing pad.

Abstract: Self-steaming benefit compositions for treating fabrics are described. The present invention relates to compositions which are both self-steaming and include one or more benefit agents to provide benefits to fabrics. The present invention also relates to a method for treating fabrics utilizing the self-steaming benefit compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: An ironing board for multifunctional use comprising a base (1), a body (5) with a work surface (6), which body has a first longitudinal axis (I-I) and is connected to the base. A column (7) extends between the body and the base, the column having a second longitudinal axis (II-II) and a tilting means. The tilting means is arranged for tilting the body about a tilting axis (T-T) extending substantially perpendicularly to both the first axis and the second axis. A system comprises such an ironing board and an iron for cooperation with the ironing board. The invention further relates to a method for refreshing an article and a method for pressing an article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for feeding pieces of cloth to a device for treating clothes, said apparatus (1) comprising: one or more sets of spreader clamps (20) arranged to be moveable away from each other for straightening of a fore edge of said pieces of cloth and for delivering said piece of cloth to the conveyor (40). At least one set of spreader clamps is configured for performing a movement between a receiving (M) and a delivery (A) position, where the spreader clamps in the receiving position (M) have a first predetermined orientation relative to the conveyor (40); and wherein the spreader clamps (20) in the delivery (A) position have a second predetermined orientation, where the straightened piece of cloth is essentially in parallel with the conveyor (40). Hereby it is accomplished that the pieces of cloth can be received in the spreader clamps (20) from a random feeding position on the charger station (70).

Abstract: A garment care system comprising a steam generator (7) having a steam outlet (19), and at least one garment care handset (3) having a steam inlet (31) arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening (33) for releasing steam and a steam control unit (37) arranged for controlling a valve (21) for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit comprises a selection means (43) having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch (41) electrically connected to the selection means and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option. The at least two options provide the user with the flexibility to choose or select the way he/she wants to operate the steam release of the handset. The user may select the option that fits best the task at hand. The handset may be an iron suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet or a garment steamer suitable for cooperation with a steam generator having a steam outlet.

Abstract: An ironing cloth includes a fabric sleeve having a top layer, an intermediate layer and an attachment layer. The top layer and the intermediate layer are attached to form an upper portion of the sleeve. The attachment layer is attached to the upper portion of the sleeve on a side of the intermediate layer such that an opening for receiving a lid of a top loading washing machine is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A method of applying a fabric relaxant to a textile surface provides a substantially wrinkle-free textile surface. The method includes moistening the textile surface, applying the fabric relaxant onto the moistened textile surface, and drying the moistened textile surface using steam. The fabric relaxant includes a hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane polymer having at least one positively-charged functional group.

Abstract: A method of removing wrinkles, and a device to assist in wrinkle removal is provided. Wrinkles are removed from items such as clothing, linens, curtains, upholstery, fabrics and the like by placing a handheld pad on one side of the item, a wrinkle-removing device (such as a nozzle of a garment steamer) on the other side of the item, and pressing a portion of the item between the pad and the wrinkle-removing device. The wrinkle-removing device and the pad are moved about the item compressing a small portion of the item at a time until the wrinkles are removed from the entire item. The pad device of the instant invention includes a working surface against which a portion of the item is pressed by the wrinkle removing device, and a handgrip for the user to support the pad on a user's hand. The pad includes a foam core that insulates the user's hand from heat of the wrinkle-removing device. The foam core is located within a heat-reflective pouch to further insulate the user's hand and to aid in wrinkle removal.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for wrinkle reduction in fabrics, including washable clothes, dry cleanable clothes, linens, bed clothes, draperies, window curtains, shower curtains, table linens, and the like requiring little, if any, pressing, ironing, and/or steaming are disclosed.

Abstract: Fabrics are treated with a film-forming material and a blowing agent, typically ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate, and ironed. The fabrics thus acquire dry wrinkle resistance, in addition to the benefit provided by the film-forming material.

Abstract: To improve a smoothing effect on items of clothing by subjecting the items to moisture and heat and, thereby, relaxing the fabric of the clothing items to reduce creases, an apparatus and a method of smoothing includes subjecting the items of clothing, preferably, in a heated and moistened state, to at least one gas jet, in particular, a compressed air jet, which is not aligned parallel to the clothing item and which exerts a force on the clothing item. Advantageously, the clothing item is subjected to gas jets from both sides.

Abstract: Composition spray applied on fabrics to de-wrinkle and refresh while protecting colors which leaves no discernable residue. Quality water, one or more alcohol(s) and one or more surfactant(s) penetrate the fabric weave. One or more acids lower pH to stabilize sensitive dyes, thus ensuring color-safeness. Alcohols hasten drying and fragrances mask alcohol odor and help consumers identify the product. Mechanical action(s) by the user enhances wrinkle removal or imparts shape. Optional malodor-eliminating compounds keep fabrics fresh longer, or refresh malodorous garments. Optional specific quaternary ammonium compound reduces static cling but does not significantly increase residues. The composition de-wrinkles commercial fabrics, and clothing from casual to fine, spray applied using a pre-compression sprayer. The composition is environmentally friendly, safe for use on all types of fabrics, and safe for use at home or commercially.

Abstract: Polymer compositions, while providing suitable wrinkle control, also tend to dispense poorly when sprayed. The present invention shows that when viscosity of polymer compositions is minimized spray dispensing improves. Several approaches to minimizing the viscosity of polymer compositions are disclosed. Methods of controlling wrinkles in fabrics comprise treating fabrics with a variety of polymer compositions following a variety of methods. Articles of manufacture comprise (1) a container or substrate, (2) a wrinkle controlling composition, and (3) a set of instructions.

Abstract: Polymer compositions, while providing suitable wrinkle control, also tend to dispense poorly when sprayed. The present invention shows that when viscosity of polymer compositions is minimized spray dispensing improves. Several approaches to minimizing the viscosity of polymer compositions are disclosed. Methods of controlling wrinkles in fabrics comprise treating fabrics with a variety of polymer compositions following a variety of methods. Articles of manufacture comprise (1) a container or substrate, (2) a wrinkle controlling composition, and (3) a set of instructions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selecting dispensers having optimal spray patterns for use together with aqueous wrinkle removal and/or reduction compositions to minimize the potential to stain fabrics and significantly reduce drying time associated with aqueous-based wrinkle control compositions. The present invention also relates to wrinkle control compositions suitable for use in dispensers with optimal spray patterns and articles of use including instructions for use. The present invention also relates to methods of use for wrinkle control compositions in dispensers with optimal spray patterns.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ironing aid composition which is suitable for pouring directly into the water reservoir chamber of a steam iron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selecting dispensers having optimal spray patterns for use together with aqueous wrinkle removal and/or reduction compositions to minimize the potential to stain fabrics and significantly reduce drying time associated with aqueous-based wrinkle control compositions. The present invention also relates to wrinkle control compositions suitable for use in dispensers with optimal spray patterns and articles of use including instructions for use. The present invention also relates to methods of use for wrinkle control compositions in dispensers with optimal spray patterns.

Abstract: There are provided wrinkle reducing compositions and method for treating fabrics in order to improve properties of fabrics, in particular, reduction or removal of unwanted wrinkles, by means of an aqueous composition comprising a nonionic polyhydric alcohol humectant and a salt.

Abstract: There are provided wrinkle reducing compositions and method for treating fabrics in order to improve properties of fabrics, in particular, reduction or removal of unwanted wrinkles, by means of an aqueous composition comprising a water-soluble wetting agent and a salt.

Abstract: A process is provided for transferring an image from an imaged transfer sheet onto a receptor using a hand iron. The process provides for an improved transfer performance.

Abstract: A fabric refreshing composition is disclosed, which provides long-lasting fragrance retention, malodor reduction, and wrinkle abatement. This composition includes a water soluble silicone of the formula I: wherein M is 40 to 200, N is 0 to 20, and R1 is a polyethylene or a polypropylene ether; a fragrance composition; and an aqueous carrier comprising an emulsifier. Processes for refreshing fabrics using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selecting dispensers having optimal spray patterns for use together with aqueous wrinkle removal and/or reduction compositions to minimize the potential to stain fabrics and significantly reduce drying time associated with aqueous-based wrinkle control compositions. The present invention also relates to wrinkle control compositions suitable for use in dispensers with optimal spray patterns and articles of use including instructions for use. The present invention also relates to methods of use for wrinkle control compositions in dispensers with optimal spray patterns.

Abstract: A composition containing water, alcohol and a silicone surfactant containing at least one polyether substituent group per molecule is useful in treating wrinkled fabric to reduced the amount of wrinkling.

Abstract: Polymer compositions, while providing suitable wrinkle control, also tend to dispense poorly when sprayed. The present invention shows that when viscosity of polymer compositions is minimized spray dispensing improves. Several approaches to minimizing the viscosity of polymer compositions are disclosed. Methods of controlling wrinkles in fabrics comprise treating fabrics with a variety of polymer compositions following a variety of methods. Articles of manufacture comprise (1) a container or substrate, (2) a wrinkle controlling composition, and (3) a set of instructions.