US 8,407,914 B2 · Passive heat management system

Abstract

A device for refreshing fabrics by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles without requiring that the fabrics to be put through an entire standard laundry process. The device comprises an extractable drawer which is pulled out of the device to allow for loading of a fabric into a receiving region. The extractable drawer can then be closed transporting the fabric into the interior of the device. A fabric treatment composition is sprayed or otherwise dispensed onto the fabrics when the device is operated. The device comprises an air flow path and a heating element which allows for the fabrics to be treated during use and comprises a passive heat management system within the shell to minimize formation of hot spots and direct air flow away from the side walls. The extractable drawer of the present invention can be positioned to extract laterally or vertically out of the shell of the device.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A device for treating fabrics comprising:

a cabinet, said cabinet comprising:
a. a shell having two side walls and forming an opening;
and
b. an extractable drawer comprising:
i. a drawer face comprising an outer surface;
and
ii. a supporting member,
wherein said drawer face and said supporting member form a receiving region adapted to operably support a fabric, and
wherein said extractable drawer is adapted to fit within said shell and can be extracted through said opening of said shell;
c. a heating element contained within said device;
d. a passive heat management system within the shell, said passive heat management system formed of a material having a thermal conductivity, measured at 25° C., of from about 5 W/(mK) to about 430 W/(mK) and a linear thermal expansion coefficient of from about 2 to about 100 (×10−6 in/in-° F.);
and
e. an air flow path positioned to direct air through said receiving region.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Passive heat management system

Life of this patent

Passive heat management system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17