With Free Element Patents (Class 68/29)
  • Patent number: 9909244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for washing textile items to be washed, wherein the items to be washed and a washing liquid are introduced into a washing container. Then the washing container is dually asymmetrically centrifuged. During the dual asymmetrical centrifuging, the washing container is rotated about a first axis of rotation, which extends outside of the washing container, and simultaneously about a second axis of rotation, which extends through the washing container and is at an acute angle to the first axis of rotation. The washing process is thereby intensified and significantly accelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Chemspeed Technologies AG
    Inventors: Rolf Gueller, Daniel Juchli, Carine Marcos
  • Patent number: 9404210
    Abstract: A washing machine and a washing method, comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, and solid particles as a washing medium. The inner cylinder is driven into rotation by a driver unit. A side wall of the inner cylinder is spirally shaped and drives the particles into a spiral movement and flipping within the inner cylinder. When the inner cylinder is spinning, the screw thread drives the particles into flipping in all directions, back-and-forth and up-and-down, within the inner cylinder, thus allowing for increased mixing between clothes and the particles, for simplified washing process while also for improved cleaning rate, and for facilitated recycling of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignees: HAIER GROUP TECHNIQUE R & D CENTER, HAIER GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhengbao He, Chunfeng Lao
  • Publication number: 20140317860
    Abstract: A washing machine and washing method thereof, comprising an inner tub, an outer tub and solid particles as washing medium. The inner tub, whose inner wall is arranged with lifting ribs protruding inward, rotates under the driving power of a driving device. Inside the washing machine, there is an air circulation channel, wherein, a fan is arranged. Both ends of the air circulation channel communicate to the inner tub. A discharge hole for recycling the particles and a feeding hole for putting in the particles are arranged at the front end of the inner tub. When the washing process comes to an end, both the clothes and particles can be dewatered and dehydrated simultaneously, so the washing procedures get simplified. Besides, blowing air towards the inner tub to separate and recycle the particles is conducive to 100% recycling of the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: QINGDAO HAIRI GAOKE MODEL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhengbao He, Chunfeng Lao
  • Patent number: 7950090
    Abstract: An article for distress-washing fabric comprising a hollow float and at least one distressing feature projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the float, wherein the article is substantially wear resistant and does not produce residue as a result of impact with fabric, internal surfaces of a washing machine and additional articles for distress-washing fabric. A method for distress-washing fabric utilizing an article described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Man Fung Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kat Tsui, Eric Chi Shun Lee
  • Patent number: 7725971
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning sidewalls of a liquid container. The cleaning device includes a cover that can be removably disposed over a flotation device. The cover has a lower cleaning portion that cleans the sidewalls of the container upon contact with the sidewalls. The cover also has an upper noncleaning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Russell L. Harmer
  • Publication number: 20040019978
    Abstract: An magnetic/electromagnetic apparatus and process for for laundering garments in an industrial, commercial or residential application with the steps of: Application of permanent magnetics or electromagnetism to the interior or exterior of a washing machine to elevate the normal cleaning ability of water via increasing solvency by magnetic influence to clean laundry without the use of chemical laundry detergents; magnetic apparatus is submerged in washing water inside drum of machine, affixed to the exterior of the drum where water is contained, or to the incoming water line to the machine; a plurality of shapes and sizes whereby the magnetic apparatus may be placed within or permanently installed on/in either a commercial or residential sized washing machine; apparatus is within a close proximity to the wash water whereby the magnetic emittance may effectively induce eddy currents to affect the water; a plurality of magnetic apparatuses may be necessary for any washing machine exceeding 5 pound laundry capaci
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Steven Smulowitz
  • Publication number: 20030192353
    Abstract: A clothe-washing ball is constructed to include a ball body, the ball body having a plurality of mounting holes spaced from one another in the periphery thereof, and a plurality of bundles of bristles respectively fastened to the mounting holes of the ball body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chih-Chung Li
  • Patent number: 5511265
    Abstract: A cleaning aid for fabric washing machines is provided that improves the cleaning ability without using environmentally damaging detergents, excess water or longer cleaning cycles. The cleaning aid uses scrubbing devices having different buoyancy. The different buoyancy result in the scrubbing devices being distributed throughout the fabric cleaning machine, assuring that most areas of the fabric in the machine are benefited. The fabric scrubbing devices can be made with a material such as plastic or rubber. The scrubbing devices can be covered with flexible bristles to enhance their scrubbing ability. The shape of the bristles can be manipulated for particular uses. The resulting combination is a cleaning aid that can be used in conventional washing machines and improve the washing ability of these machines without damaging environmental side effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ralph N. Caputo
  • Patent number: 5475992
    Abstract: A method and equipment for the surface-treatment of textiles, whereby the textiles are processed by mechanically stressing their surfaces, illustratively to achieve fading/wash-out effects, thereby simulating substantial wear of a garment, additional waste removal being minimized. A liquid-holding container is provided to receive the textiles being treated, with wooden bodies being present in the liquid and evincing such a density that either they float at the surface and/or within the liquid. An agitator keeps the textiles being treated in motion inside the liquid and between the wood bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Wiegert Textilhandel GmbH
    Inventor: Susanne Wiegert
  • Patent number: 5330538
    Abstract: A method for producing a dyed cotton fabric having an improved characteristic salt-and-pepper look and the product thereof. The process includes forming a plurality of individual cotton yarns having a twist multiple value of at least 4.6 and, preferably, subjecting the twisted cotton yarn to exposure to a caustic solution under tension. The yarn then is dyed under tension by exposure to a dye liquor. The treated yarn is used to produce a woven fabric, which after being abraded, has a lighter portion dispersed throughout a darker portion. In the preferred embodiment the twist multiple value of the cotton yarn threads varies within the range of between 4.6 and 10.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Burlington Industries
    Inventors: Edward W. Teague, Jarvis L. Clark, Max H. Hance
  • Patent number: 5245722
    Abstract: The method for washing articles consists in introducing large elements into the machine drum with the articles to be treated, the elements having a flattened shape with rounded edges. Increasing the number of large elements and/or addition of an enzyme complex and/or a powder having similar properties and/or a material such a pumice results in premature (but controlled) wear of the articles to be treated. The invention considerably reduces the quantity of detergent products required for washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Sylvie Dameron
  • Patent number: 5093948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process of premature wear of textile articles. It is characterized in that instead of using bodies 2 of material known for its abrasive power, the articles are agitated with the bodies 2, which over at least a thick peripheral layer if not in totality have a homogeneous structure of relatively flexible material, having a Shore hardness of between 50 and 70, and an index of compression of 55 to 80, and preferably 65 to 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: SA Duhamel
    Inventors: Michel Val, Claude Blankiet
  • Patent number: 4881385
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing textiles with a mixture of solid bodies and/or liquid, such as stones in a chemical solution or the like, in order for example to achieve a "worn" look, this apparatus being provided with a drum (1) driven for rotation wherein said drum (1) is formed with end walls (4) having a polygonal periphery and abutting number of flat outer wall plates (2) and at least one circular track (8, 9) each of which rolls over at least one pair of wheels (10) supported by a frame (12) so obtaining a rigid and sturdy structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Frank M. P. Lambrechts
  • Patent number: 4841751
    Abstract: The apparatus of the invention allows for efficient and safe decolorizing or dyeing of cloth articles using bleach or dye-impregnated stones or granules. The apparatus includes a cylindrical drum with longitudinal baffles along its inner surface. Liner sheets are attached to adjacent baffles, thereby lining the entire drum. The sheets flex inwardly due to gravity as the drum is rotated, thereby dislodging any residual materials layered thereon. The apparatus also provides for separation of treated articles from stones and re-impregnation of the stones with a bleaching agent or a dyestuff solution or dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Golden Trade S.r.l.
    Inventor: Francesco Ricci
  • Patent number: 4765100
    Abstract: A method of "stone washing" jeans is disclosed. The process involves tumbling jeans without water and in the presence of resin-bonded abrasive members in a first elongated tumbler drum having a generally horizontal axis, discharging the jeans and abrasive members from the first tumbler drum, separating the abrasive members utilizing an oscillating conveyor, feeding the jeans to a second elongated tumbler drum having a perforated wall and a generally horizontal axis of rotation to remove any remaining abrasive members from the jeans and thereafter removing the treated jeans from the second tumbler drum while recycling the abrasive members to the first tumbler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Cookeville Uniform Rental, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis O. Majors
  • Patent number: 4750227
    Abstract: An abrasive structure for stone washing garments in a wash medium and a method for abrading garments using that abrasive structure to achieve controlled abrasion of those garments are disclosed. The abrasive structure has a uniform abrasive surface which will not damage or excessively wear fabrics and garments being subjected to the stone washing method, which will not deteriorate during use, and which will provide uniformly stone washed garments having a consistent nap and a low level amount of textile wear. The abrasive structure is formed of a substantially form-retaining material having a resilient abrasive surface. For example, the abrasive structure may be formed of a block of form-retaining material substantially impervious to aqueous washing systems and a resilient layer of synthetic abrasive material substantially surrounding the block and affixed to the exterior surfaces of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Dexter Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Hopkins, Thomas Holst, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4575887
    Abstract: A method of abrading fabric garments in a washing machine. The garments are placed in the washing compartment of a washing machine and the machine is filled with sufficient hot water to cover the garments. The garments are thoroughly soaked, and then the compartment is drained of sufficient water to enable the compartment to accept a predetermined amount of small sized abrasive particles to uniformly abrade the garments. The abrasive particles are added to the compartment and agitated until the garments are uniformly abraded. Next the compartment is drained of substantially all of the water and abrasive with the drainage fluid passing through a filter or trap capable of separating the abrasive from the water; rinsing and redraining are accomplished, and the sand removed from the filter for reuse in subsequent abrading operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventor: Julio C. Viramontes