Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
1
FABRIC REFRESHING CABINET DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fabric treatment devices which are used to remove odors and wrinkles from
clothing are
known. These devices can generally be split into two categories, steam
generating devices and
fluid dispensing devices which wet the fabrics with water, chemical
compositions, or
combinations thereof. Devices of both categories typically wet the fabric with
steam or the fluid,
then subject the wetted fabric with heat and circulating air to allow the
fabric to be dried, thereby
decreasing any odors and wrinkles. Despite the many attempts to provide
convenient stand alone
devices for deodorizing and dewrinkling clothing, there remains a need to make
devices which
are time efficient, consume less space, and are easy to use.
The use of steam to deodorize and dewrinkle clothing is well known in the art.
For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,961 discloses a clothing treating machine
comprising a steam
generator located in the lower region of the fabrics housing; a fan and
heating means are also
provided to deliver hot air and/or ambient air into the interior of the
device. Furthermore,
weighted clamps and inflatable hangers can be used to assist in the removal of
wrinkles. Devices
of this type, however, have been found to have many drawbacks. The device
typically heats a
volume of water to boiling point, thereby generating steam. Heating the water
to boiling point
requires a considerable amount of energy and heat. Further, the heating device
used by the
apparatus requires a certain amount of time to reach the temperature required
to heat the water to
boiling temperature. Typically, the device does not activate the heating
element until the user
inserts clothing and turns the device on. This process typically takes an
unacceptable amount of
time. If the device were to continually heat a volume of water at or near
boiling point, the
amount of time needed to generate and circulate the steam within the device
could be reduced.
This option, however, is costly in terms of energy consumption. Additional
techniques of using
steam to deliver a fabric care composition onto the fabrics have also been
attempted. Many
fabric care compositions, however, are not suitable for being delivered onto
fabrics via steam for
a variety of reasons, including but not limited to difficulty in being
vaporized into the steam, long
evaporation times, and low rate of deposition onto the fabrics.
Another type of fabric treating device which distributes fluids, such as water
and/or
chemical compositions, onto the fabrics by misting within the device or
distributing the fluid
directly onto the fabrics. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,346 to Chen et al.
distributes a
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
2
chemical composition onto the fabrics in an allegedly "controlled manner" by
generating a mist
from a reservoir containing said chemical composition and circulating it
within the device such
that the fabric becomes purportedly "uniformly distributed". The chemical
composition is
dispensed within the cabinet interior region by combining it with the air
stream under pressure
provided by the compressor and passing it through the atomization nozzle. One
known problem
with this approach is that the mist may undesirably collect unevenly at
certain portions of the
fabrics depending on the flow of air within the device. Another problem is
that the device may
take an undesirably long amount of time to sufficiently wet the fabrics as the
mist circulating
within the device is difficult to control and direct onto the fabrics within
the device.
Yet another type of fabric treating device involves the use of ultrasonic
nebulizers to
distribute the fluids onto the fabrics are known. See e.g. U.S. Pat. No.
6,726,186 to Gaaloul et
al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,137 Jonsson et al. One problem with the use of
ultrasonic nebulizers
is that the ultrasonic nebulizers can become contaminated from contact with
the treatment
composition, thereby causing build-up on the spraying or misting portion of
the ultrasonic
nebulizer. Solutions to this problem include protective liquid or gel medium
and a covering
membrane but membranes are prone to be soft and easy to break making the
approach using
ultrasonic nebulizers has been found to offer limited usefulness. Another
drawback to ultrasonic
nebulizers is that the ultrasonic nebulizers are typically designed for low
flow rates, such as low
as 2 grams of fluid / minute per nebulizer head. Increasing the flow rates has
been found to be
problematic as increased flow through the nebulizer could result in
insufficient fluid distribution.
Further, the known techniques of distributing fluid via ultrasonic nebulizer
have provided limited
control. Also, these devices frequently have droplet coalescence which can
impede the
distribution when the ultrasonic nebulizer is positioned at the top of the
device dispensing down
onto the fabrics, and/or at the bottom of the device to dispense and/or mist
upwards onto the
fabrics. Another problem with top down and bottom up techniques is that they
tend not to
uniformly wet the fabrics, instead focusing mainly on the top or bottoms of
the fabrics.
Additional complex air circulation techniques are typically necessary to
address these problems.
The placement of sprayer heads in a perpendicular orientation to the plane of
the fabrics
has also been attempted. One problem with this approach is that the fabrics
should be a certain
distance away from the sprayer heads such that the fluid can be properly
dispersed and not
excessively concentrated on one spot as the spray occurs. Excessively wide
devices raise a new
set of problems as space efficiency is an important factor when the device is
used in a domestic
CA 02726030 2012-12-04
3
setting. One approach has been to position the sprayer heads on only one wall
of the device
such that they spray one side of the fabrics. The distribution of fluid,
however, will be
undesirably rich on one side of the fabrics where the sprayer is and poor on
the opposite side.
Another problem related to these devices is that the way the device is opened
to allow
the user to access the area to hang or place the clothing. Devices which
include a swinging door
opening have a wide footprint and also require a large amount of space to
allow the device to be
accessed and used.
Despite these and other attempts to provide fabric refreshing devices, there
remains a
need for a device which addresses one or more of the above problems mentioned
herein, yet is
sufficiently time and energy efficient, minimizes space consumption, and is
user friendly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Certain exemplary embodiments provide a device for treating fabrics
comprising: a
cabinet, said cabinet comprising: a. a shell 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; and d. an air flow path positioned to direct air through said
receiving region; wherein
said shell comprises a pair of side walls, wherein at least one of said side
walls comprises at
least one side protrusion extending away from device and said side protrusion
contains at least
one dispensing head.
In yet another aspect of the present invention is provided a method of
treating a fabric
comprising placing a fabric into the receiving region of the device of the
present invention;
dispensing onto a fabric treatment composition upon at least a portion of said
fabric; actuating
said heating element; and venting said device to allow the air and fabric
treatment composition
to be vented away from the fabrics, thereby drying and refreshing the fabrics
by removing
wrinkles and/or malodors.
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
4
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention wherein the extractable drawer is in a partially opened
position.
FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the extractable drawer is in a closed position.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of extractable drawer which is suitable for use
any shell
disclosed herein, to form a device in accordance with at least one embodiment
of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 7 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 8 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 9 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 10 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the extractable drawer extends out vertically.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of
the present invention wherein the extractable drawer extends out vertically
like in FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a device for treating fabrics comprising: a
shell which
is preferably in the form of a non-collapsing cabinet comprising a opening;
and a extractable
drawer comprising: a drawer face comprising an outer surface; a supporting
member such as a
rod, pole, beam, hooks or other member capable of suspending a fabric or a
fabric hung upon a
fabric hanging member such as a hanger, wherein said drawer face and said
supporting member
form a receiving region adapted to operably support a fabric, and wherein said
extractable drawer
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
is adapted to fit within said shell; a heating element contained within said
device; and an air flow
path positioned to direct air through said receiving region. It has
importantly been found that the
present invention provides users with a versatile device which can refresh,
dewrinkle, and
provide additional benefits to fabrics such as clothing and other textiles in
a quick and efficient
5 manner. Further, since the extractable drawer of the present invention
provides users with a
simple yet user friendly way to load the cabinet with fabrics without having
to reach into the
device and potentially touch or brush up against interior shell walls of the
device which may have
a greasy or filmy feeling residue left over from an earlier use. As used
herein, fabrics include one
or more items of clothing, garments, textiles, towels, table cloths, drapes,
chair covers, and the
like. As defined herein, "operably support" means that the suspending member
is capable of
directly supporting a fabric hung thereon, or of supporting a fabric hanging
member which can
have a fabric hung thereon.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a footprint which is compact in width
such that
the device can be used in a bedroom, closet or other living space where larger
wider devices are
inconvenient. The small footprint width of the present device is achieved from
the extractable
drawer design. The present invention occupies less horizontal floor space
compared to devices
which include a hinged door because the extractable drawer consumes the same
or a smaller
horizontal footprint compared to the shell of the cabinet compared to
conventional hinged doors
which include a wider footprint from the sweeping action of the hinged doors.
As such, the
present device is more compact and convenient to use in various rooms of the
home. Further, the
present device is believed to appear more streamlined than conventional
devices and is suitable
for use in varying rooms in a home and provides sufficient spray or misting
capability to
effectively wet the fabrics quickly, yet still achieves an effective
distribution of the composition.
It has been determined that it may be desirable to construct the shell to have
a larger
peripheral size than the drawer face of the extractable drawer, when the
device is viewed facing
the drawer face of the expandable drawer. In one embodiment, at least one
portion of the shell
extends laterally or horizontally beyond the periphery of the drawer face of
the extractable
drawer, such as when the device is viewed in a frontal view. See e.g. FIG. 2.
In one
embodiment, one or both of the sides of the shell extend beyond the periphery
of the drawer face
of the expandable drawer. In yet another embodiment, the side portions of the
shell further
comprise one or more side protrusions which further extend beyond the
periphery of the drawer
face and provide greater lateral distance from the receiving region of the
extractable drawer. By
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
6
extending the lateral width of the device, the present invention is able to
facilitate the inclusion of
dispensing heads (including but not limited to sprayer headsõ hydraulic
nozzles, sonic or
ultrasonic nebulizers, pressure swirl atomizers, high pressure fog nozzle, and
combinations
thereof) positioned at a desired distance from any fabrics contained within
the device. Extending
the periphery of a portion of the shell beyond the periphery of the drawer
face of the extractable
drawer allows the device to increase the distance between the dispensing heads
to the fabrics
without requiring that the entire device be made to have an unnecessarily
large width. Further, by
minimizing the width of the drawer face, yet providing for a shell which
extends laterally or
horizontally beyond the periphery of the device, or one or more side
protrusions, the device
appears thinner, yet can still achieve sufficient composition distribution
onto the fabrics.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 10 for treating fabrics comprising a
shell 100
forming at least one opening, wherein the extractable drawer 200 is in a
partially opened
position. In this embodiment, the extractable drawer is shown as a frontal
drawer which can be
pulled out or actuated out of the opening formed in said shell via any
suitable mechanical or
manual means. Non-limiting examples of mechanical means to extract the drawer
include spring
loaded drawers, a chain driven drawers, and levered drawers. In another
embodiment, the
extractable drawer can be positioned to exit the shell in an upwards or
vertical direction as
opposed to a lateral or horizontal direction. See FIG. 10 compared with FIG.
1. In one
embodiment, the extractable drawer comprises one or more sliding members such
as a wheel or
glide with or without roller bearings, which can be adapted to slide along a
rail provided from
said shell. In one embodiment the shell is a non-collapsing member comprising
a pair of side
walls, a top, a front wall, a rear wall and a base wall, wherein at least a
portion of one of said top,
front wall and rear wall can be formed from said drawer face of said
extractable drawer. The
extractable drawer 200 comprises a drawer face 210 having an outer surface
212. In one
embodiment, said drawer face at least partially seals said opening of said
shell in a closed
position. Where the drawer face does not fully seal the opening of said shell,
a gap in the seal
can perform the function of an inlet and/or outlet vent in the venting system
of the device. In
another embodiment, the drawer face fully seals said shell in a closed
position. In yet another
embodiment, the outer surface of the drawer face forms a flush closure with
the shell.
The extractable drawer is shown with an optional handle 213 for accessing the
extractable
drawer from the interior of the shell. The extractable drawer further
comprises a supporting
member 230 which can operably support one or more fabrics, said drawer face
supporting
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
7
member form a receiving region for said fabric Suitable supporting members
include a rod, pole,
beam, rope, cord, or hooks extending from the drawer face into the interior of
the shell. In one
embodiment, the supporting member further comprises a hook or notch to support
a fabric
hanging member such as a hanger. In another embodiment, the supporting member
supports a
The extractable drawer is shown with an optional rear face 220 and an optional
base 240.
In this position, the rear face is contained within the shell such that the
extractable drawer is not
30 The device shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a heating element 300 and
an air flow path
400. When the extractable drawer is in a closed position, the air flow path
directs at least a
portion of the air to and/or through the receiving region. The heating element
can be positioned
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
8
within the shell at any location which allows the heating element to transfer
heat, either through
convection, conduction, or radiation, to the interior of the shell,
particularly to the receiving
region, more particularly to any fabrics contained within the receiving
region. Suitable heating
elements include heating wire or coil, an infrared lamp, a microwave heating
element, and
combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the heating element 300 can be
provided to be flush
with the lower portion of the shell such that it does not obstruct the closing
of the extractable
drawer when the rear face is moved towards the back of the shell.
The air flow 400 is facilitated by a venting system comprising an inflow vent
410 and an
outflow vent 420. In one embodiment, the inflow vent is positioned below the
outflow vent.
This is believed to allow for natural convection and movement of the heated
air to escape without
the need for active air flow. In another embodiment, the inflow vent is
poisoned above the
outflow vent. Air flowing from the inflow vent to the outflow vent can be by
natural convection
or via forced draft. In the case of forced draft, a fan or other forced air
movement means can be
inserted in the air flow path. Preferably the fan is near the inflow vent 410
or the outflow vent
420 in order to avoid interference with the sliding door mechanism. The air
flow means can be of
any design but typically will be a fan of radial, centrifugal, or crossflow
blower design as needed
to achieve the desired flow rate.
In one embodiment, the outflow vent comprises an air filter system such as a
charcoal
filter. The air filter system can be used to capture malodors from the treated
fabrics or interior of
the device and/or used to capture excessive fragrance or perfumes provided
from the fabric
treatment composition. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed
that by providing
a air filter system in the outflow vent, any malodors released from the
fabrics will not be released
into the ambient air surrounding the device. This is particularly desirable
when the device is used
in the home in the bedroom or other rooms where the released malodors may be
noticeable. The
air filter system is preferably replaceable. In another embodiment, the
outflow vent comprises a
chemical capture member to remove moisture and/or other materials from the
effluent. In
another embodiment, the device further comprises an air filtering and/or
treatment system. In
one embodiment the inflow vent can be positioned below the outflow vent such
that cool ambient
air can be sucked into the shell by the movement of the heated air within the
device (heated by
the heating element 300). The heated air moving up the receiving region will
pass over and
through any fabrics located in the receiving region allowing the fabrics to
dry. Without intending
to be bound by theory, it is believed that the heat allows for control or
killing of certain
CA 02726030 2011-03-31
9
rnicrooranisms and bacterials as well as removal of odor causing entities
which can be present on
the fabrics. This anti-microbial benefit is believed to be the result of
subjecting the fabrics to a
sufficiently high temperature to control, remove, and possibly kill the
microorganisms and/or
bacterias.
In one embodiment the air treatment (freshening, deodorizing, disinfecting,
etc) system is
part of or, provided in the vicinity of, the outflow vent such that air
expelled from the device
carries with it air treatment ingredients. Non-limiting examples of suitable
liquid active materials
comprise perfumes, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor
counteractants,
household cleaners, disinfectants, sanitizers, repellants, insecticide
formulations, mood
enhancers, aroma therapy formulations, therapeutic liquids, medicinal
substances, or mixtures
thereof. These and other suitable actives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,490,815. In one
embodiment, the device allows the consumer to manually or automatically
determine the dosage
rate and/or frequency of doses for emitting the air treatment composition.
Although the air
treatment device can be part of the outflow/venting system (such as by using
the expelled air to
emit the air treatment ingredients) the air treatment device can also be a
separate element from
the outflow venting system.
Those of skill in the art will understand that where a vent or heating element
is provided
in the device in the vicinity of the rear face when the device is in a closed
or operating position,
the rear face is designed such that air and/or heat can pass through the one
or more apertures
formed in the rear face to enter the receiving region and fabrics supported
within the device. As
such, in one embodiment, the rear face comprises one or more apertures
positioned to facilitate
the passage of the air through said air flow, and to allow heat to enter the
receiving region and to
exit the device with any evaporated fabric treatment composition and malodors.
Further, where
internal parts such as wires and dispensing heads are provided in the interior
of the device, the
rear face is operably designed such that upon opening and closing the
extractable drawer, the rear
face does not strike any internal parts of the device. In yet another
embodiment, the opening or
closing of the extractable drawer further actuates other elements which would
allow the device to
begin running.
The device depth 12 (not shown) which can be calculated by measuring the total
depth of
the device when the extractable drawer is in a closed position within the
shell. In one
embodiment, where the drawer face does not recede into the shell, the device
depth would be
equal to the sum of the shell depth 120 and the drawer face depth 220. Where
the drawer face
-
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
recedes into the shell such that the outer surface of the drawer face is flush
with the shell, the
device depth is equal to the shell depth 120. In one embodiment, the device
depth is from about
24 inches to about 60 inches, alternatively from about 30 inches to about 48
inches, alternatively
from about 36 inches to about 42 inches. The shell also comprises a height
125.
5 Further, as shown in this embodiment, the shell has a width 127 and the
drawer face has a
width 227. In one embodiment, the device has a greatest lateral width of less
than about 28
inches, alternatively less than about 20 inches, alternatively less than about
16 inches,
alternatively less than about 12 inches. As defined herein, the greatest
lateral width is determined
when the device is viewed in a frontal view. The greatest lateral width can be
measured at the
10 base, the shell or any protrusions extending away from the shell, or the
drawer face of the
extractable drawer, depending on which element has the greatest width. In one
embodiment, the
device comprises a width ratio, as defined by the ratio of the greatest
lateral width of the device
to the greatest lateral width of the drawer face of the extractable drawer, of
from about 9 to about
1, alternatively from about 4 to 1.2, alternatively from about 2 to 1.5.
Importantly, it has been found that by providing a device having said width
ratio of less
than about 2 provides the desired appearance that the device has the general
width of the door, yet
allows for an increase in the distance from the fabrics located in the
receiving region to the
position of the sides of the device where the dispensing heads are located.
In one embodiment the device comprises a footprint aspect ratio of from about
1 to about
30, alternatively from about 2 to about 15, alternatively from about 3 to
about 10, alternatively
about 5. The footprint aspect ratio is a ratio of the greatest lateral length
of the device 12 to the
greatest lateral width of the device, such as from the optional base stand or
the shell width. It has
surprisingly been found that the present invention is versatile and can be
suitably placed in many
different areas when used in a domestic capacity. For example, the present
device can be placed
alongside a conventional washer and/or dryer device when used in the laundry
area of a home.
Importantly, by providing a device which has a footprint aspect ratio as
defined herein, the device
is versatile and can be used and fit into small spaces such as in the bedroom
or other living area,
along side a wall or within a closet. The device can be placed alongside a
cabinet, dresser, TV
stand, or couch. Importantly, when the device is opened, the footprint width
does not increase.
Devices which include one or more hinged doors or releasably sealed openings,
such as by
zipper, attached to a cabinet require larger footprint widths because the
doors or openings tend to
swing or drape beyond the width of the device when in a open position. It is
believed that by
CA 02726030 2012-12-04
11
providing a device having the dimensions as defined herein, the appearance of
the device is
considerably less obtrusive compared to fabric treatment and refreshing
devices disclosed in the
art. It is also believed that by providing a device having the dimensions as
defined herein, the
device will be more readily and conveniently used in the bedroom or other
living areas, making
the device more readily accessible to a user during the act of dressing,
undressing, changing-
clothes and the like.
FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with the present invention,
wherein the
extractable drawer 200 is in a closed position. The shell 100 can comprise a
larger width than the
drawer face of the extractable drawer. In one embodiment, the device further
comprises one or
to more protrusions extending beyond the frontal planar periphery of the
drawer face 210. In this
embodiment, the protrusion comprises the shell 100, shown having a larger
width, height than the
drawer face. In addition, FIG. 2 shows two additional side protrusions 130
formed on the side
walls of the shell. As such, the shell width 127 is now measured as the widest
lateral distance
between the two points on opposing sides of the shell when measured on a plane
perpendicular to
the center line 14 of the device. As defined herein, the center line is the
central axis of the
device. The side protrusions can be provided in a variety of suitable shapes
which allow for a
slight increase in the distance between dispensing heads and suspended fabric.
The device of the present invention further comprises a plurality of
dispensing heads 620
positioned on the side walls of the shell 200. In one suitable embodiment, the
dispensing heads
comprises one or more sprayer heads and optionally one or more ultrasonic
nebulizers.
Dispensing heads are preferred where the flow rate of the fabric treatment
composition is desired
to be high, for example greater than 2 grains of fluid per minute per nozzle.
Non-limiting
examples of suitable dispensing heads and sprayer heads are provided in U.S.
Serial No.
61/163924 to Meschkat et al, filed March 28, 2009 upon which US 2010/0242302
claims
benefit. In one embodiment, where the device comprises one or more of said
side protrusions
130, one or more of the dispensing heads 620 can be positioned on the interior
of the side
protrusion to increase the lateral distance between the head 620 and any
fabric contained within
the receiving region. Those of skill in the art will understand that by
providing two or more sets
of dispensing heads positioned on each side wall of the shell, the fabric can
be wetted in a faster
more efficient manner. Further, by increasing the horizontal distance between
the dispensing
heads and the fabric, the dispensed fluid has more space to disperse and cover
more area on the
fabric.
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
12
In one embodiment, the device comprises a lateral distance between the
receiving region
where a fabric is placed (which can be determined as the central line or axis
14 of the device) and
at least one dispensing head positioned on either a side wall of the shell or
on a side protrusion of
less than about 12 inches, alternatively less than about 8 inches,
alternatively less than about 6
inches and at least about 4 inches, alternatively at least about 6 inches,
alternatively at least about
inches. FIG. 2 further shows an optional dispensing heads 623 positioned at
the top of the
shell, oriented to spray downwards onto any fabric within the device.
Additional spray heads can
be placed throughout the interior of the device such as on the interior
portion of the drawer face
or rear face, or base 240 where the dispensing heads are preferably situated
for maximum fabric
10 coverage, avoiding spray interference by any of the supporting members.
In one embodiment where the dispensing heads comprise one or more sprayer
heads, the
sprayer heads preferably comprise one or more spray nozzles, such as 2, 3 4,
or 6 spray nozzles.
Multiple sprayer nozzles in the sprayer head allow for effective distribution
of a benefit
composition directly to a garment to be treated to minimize application time.
Dispensing of a
benefit composition can be achieved using any suitable device such as a
hydraulic nozzle, sonic
or ultrasonic nebulizers, pressure swirl atomizers, high pressure fog nozzle
or a combination
thereof, to deliver target particle sizes and coverage pattern. Non-limiting
examples of suitable
nozzles include nozzles commercially available from Spray Systems, Inc. such
as Spray Systems,
Inc. of Ponoma, Calif, under the Model 40 Nos.: 850, 1050, 1250, 1450 and
1650. Another
suitable example of a spray head or nozzle is a pressure swirl atomizing
nozzle made by Seaquist
Dispensing of Gary, 111. under the Model No. DU3813.
Discharge nozzles can act as a fluid atomizing nozzle, using either a
pressurized spray, or
a dual fluid nozzle using air assist. Pressurized spray nozzles have an
advantage of not requiring
high pressure air to assist atomization of the treatment fluid. Special nozzle
designs can be
employed as well, for example utilizing a high voltage power supply to act as
an electrostatic
spray nozzle.
Suitable spray heads can be solitary nozzles or a compound nozzle containing
more than
one nozzle. In one preferred embodiment there are 4 spray heads housed within
a side protrusion
on each side of the device with each spray head comprising 4 individual spray
nozzles that are
mounted in a dome shaped housing. Nozzle design typically will be chosen in
conjunction with
the shell design. If no side protrusion or a thin side protrusion is desired,
a nozzle providing a
wider angle of spray is typically used to get broad coverage where there is a
short distance to the
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
13
garments to be treated. A wider protrusion distance can facilitate a nozzle
with a slightly
narrower angle of spray to achieve acceptable coverage.
Nozzle flow rates can vary depending on the number of nozzles utilized.
Typically the
nozzle flow rate times the number of nozzles times the spray time will produce
the desired
amount of benefit composition to be applied. In a preferred mode the total
spray time is less than
about 200 seconds, more preferably less than about 100 seconds and even more
preferably less
than about 10 seconds. In one preferred embodiment where there are a total of
8 compound
nozzles of 4 individual nozzles each, the spray time utilizing a small pump
and pressure swirl
nozzles, is about 2 seconds with a total benefit composition sprayed of up to
about 10 grams,
alternatively up to about 25 grams, alternatively up to about 50 grams,
alternatively up to about
100 grams. Those of skill in the art will understand that by increasing the
number of spray
nozzles in the device, the total device flow rate can be increased, for
example one spray nozzle
can provide an increase of about 1 gram per second. In addition to the spray
heads, the device
can also comprise one or more ultrasonic nebulizers, such as those known in
the art
Optionally, the benefit composition may be heated prior to spraying. Pre-
heating the
benefit composition prior to spraying may be accomplished by any heating
element such as a
heating wire or coil, an infrared lamp, microwave heating, radiative heating
or heating-means
known to one of skill in the art.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of extractable drawer 200 for use with a device
in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present invention. The extractable drawer
comprises a
supporting member 230 such as in the form of a rod, pole or beam, attached to
both said drawer
face 210 and said optional rear face 220. In one embodiment, the extractable
drawer comprises a
single hanging member, in another embodiment, multiple supporting members are
provided, such
as in the form of multiple supporting members. In another embodiment, the
device further
comprises one or more fabric hanging members supported by said supporting
member. Said
fabric hanging members are preferably removably attached to said supporting
member by a hook,
snap on fitment, or other suitable mechanism to allow the fabric hanging
member to be supported
on said supporting member while positioning the fabrics within the receiving
region. In another
embodiment, said one or more fabric hanging members are permanently attached
to said
supporting member. In another embodiment, said one or more fabric hanging
members are
hingedly attached to said supporting member.
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
14
As explained herein, the optional rear face can form a generally snug fit with
the interior
dimensions of the shell such that a user cannot access any components behind
the rear face when
the extractable drawer is fully extended in an open position. Those of skill
in the art will
understand that the rear face should not occupy the exact internal dimensions
of the shell where
wires, tubes, hoses, dispensing heads, vents, or other internal elements are
required to run within
the shell alongside the side walls or in the back of the shell. Further, where
the device comprises
one or more side protrusions, the side protrusions would also extend laterally
beyond the
dimensions of the rear face such that any dispensing heads contained within
the side protrusion
are not unduly contacted by the moving rear face. In one embodiment, where the
back of the
shell comprises one or more of said vents of said venting system, the rear
face can be operably
designed to include apertures to allow air passing through said vents to pass
into the receiving
region of the extractable drawer. Further, the extractable drawer comprises a
base 240. The base
can have the same width as the drawer face or a smaller width. In one
embodiment, the base
comprises a hole to allow exposure to any heating element provided below the
extractable
drawer, and/or a channel to facilitate heated air flow either by natural or
forced draft convection.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the side protrusions 130 are shown
having an arcoidal
shape. Suitable shapes for the side protrusions include any prism shape, such
as a rectangle,
square, or other polygon (as shown in FIG. 6); or an arcoidal shape, such as a
circle, oval, or
ellipse. FIG. 4 is shown have a device depth 12 which is the depth of the
device in a closed
position. As shown in this embodiment, the device depth can be the sum of the
depth of the
drawer face and the shell. In another embodiment, where the drawer face 210 of
the extractable
drawer rests flush to the rest of the shell, the device depth is generally
equal to the shell depth 120
(unless the outer surface of the drawer face further comprises any elements
which extend
outwards such as a drawer handle 213.)
FIG. 5 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention. The device of FIG. 5 is similar to the device of FIG. 4
except that FIG. 5
further comprises a base stand 800. In embodiments comprising a base stand,
the footprint width
of the device is the larger of either the greatest width of the drawer face or
shell, or the greatest
width of the base stand. In this embodiment, the footprint width would be
measured as the
greatest width of the base stand.
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 6 shows a side protrusion having a rectangular or
quadrilateral shape
such as a squared or rectangular prism shape 134. FIG. 6 further comprises a
second extractable
drawer 500 comprising a second drawer face 510.
5 In one embodiment, the extractable drawer is recessed into the interior
of the shell. A
hinged outer shell door can be provided to further enclose the extractable
drawer within the shell.
Optionally, this outer shell door can include an aperture where the knob or
handle of the
extractable drawer is exposed such that a user can pull the knob or handle and
in one single
motion hingedly open the outer shell door and extract the extractable drawer.
In one
10 embodiment, the knob or handle protrudes out of the aperture in the
outer shell door.
The device of the present invention preferably contains a source of a fabric
treatment
composition. In one embodiment, the source of fabric treatment composition
comprises a
reservoir 610 positioned in the second extractable drawer 500 or a reservoir
630 positioned in the
upper portion of the shell. Where the reservoir is positioned in the second
extractable drawer, the
15 reservoir can be accessed by pulling out the second extractable drawer.
Where the reservoir is
positioned in the shell forming the upper extractable drawer, an opening in
the shell can be
provided to allow access to the reservoir. The reservoir for a fabric
treatment composition is
operably connected to said one or more dispensing heads provided within said
device, wherein
said one or more spray heads are oriented to dispense said fabric treatment
composition towards
said receiving region. Importantly, the reservoir can be a refillable or
replaceable reservoir.
In another embodiment, said source of said fabric treatment composition
comprises: a
reservoir for a fabric treatment composition, operably connected to a
plurality of dispensing
heads provided within said device; a detached spray member; a fluid transport
member operably
connected to a building piping system; and a combination thereof. Suitable
detached spray
members include known hand spray products, such as FEBREZE@ fabric spray,
DOWNY
Wrinkle Release sprayers or any other commercially available spray apparatus,
such as starch
sprays or bottled perfume sprays, or aerosol can products, such as FEBREZE@
Air Affects.
Suitable detached spray member sizes include 12 oz. containers and 27 oz.
containers. The
detached spray member can be a bottle which can be provided separate from the
device or can be
removably attached to the device such as in a bottle stand. In one embodiment,
where the user
desires just to wet the fabric with water, the source of the fabric treatment
composition can be
provided from another device such as a laundry machine or a faucet in the
home. Suitable
CA 02726030 2012-12-04
=
16
sources of fabric treatment composition include fluid dispensing systems as
disclosed in U.S. Serial
No. 61/099602 to Smith et al, filed Sept. 24, 2008 upon which US 2010/0071777
claims benefit and
U.S. 61/138539 to Smith et al, filed Dec. 18, 2008 upon which US 2010/0161143
claims benefit
FIG. 7 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention. This device is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
however the side
protrusions are shown having a concave curved interface 135 between the side
protrusion 134 and
the side wall. Further, FIG. 7 is supported atop an optional base stand 801,
said optional base
stand creating a footprint width 827 which is greater than the drawer face
width 227. The
optional base stand provides increased stability against overturning
especially in light of the
footprint aspect ratio. In this embodiment, the greatest lateral width of the
device is the width of
the optional base stand 827 which is shown as being greater in width than the
width of the portion
of the shell forming the side extensions. Where the optional base stand is
removed or not
provided, the greatest lateral width would be the shell width 127.
FIG. 8 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 8 coinprises a rounded top 150. In one embodiment, the
rounded top
comprises a surface which is not perfectly smooth and can be used to support a
fabric laid
thereon. By increasing the coefficient of friction of the rounded top, fabrics
can be draped atop
the machine. In one embodiment, the static coefficient of friction of the top
(rounded as shown in
FIG. 8 or flat as shown in FIGs. 1 ¨ 7) is greater than about 0.10 relative to
common fabrics like
viscose, cotton, and nylon. In one embodiment, the top of the device has a non-
smooth finish, for
example a corrugated finish, a textured finish (resembling a course sand
paper), or has an rough
surface coating such as a rubber or silicone coating. Further, FIG. 8 shows an
embodiment,
wherein the device is supported on a flat base stand 802, having a footprint
width of 827.
Additionally, the optional handle 213 can have any shape suitable for gripping
and pulling. In
one embodiment, the element shown in 213 can be a button a user could push to
release and/or at
least partially eject the extractable drawer from the shell. This button can
be a single activation
trigger pulling the drawer in and turning the machine on for operation. The
extractable drawer
can be spring loaded such that it will automatically extend away from the
shell when actuated. It
is believed that by providing an extractable drawer which is connected to the
hanging member, by
the single motion of extending the extractable drawer, the hanging member is
automatically
extracted. Thus no additional step of accessing the interior of the device
and/or pulling out a
hanging rod is needed. Further, by automatically exposing the hanging member,
there is no need
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150
PCT/US2009/045935
17
for the user to touch or contact any interior contents of the device. The
interior contents of the
device are likely to form deposits and/or buildups of dust or any dried fabric
treatment
composition upon repeated use. By decreasing the amount of contact a user
needs to make with
the interior contents, the use of the device is simplified and becomes more
hygienic and clean.
In another embodiment, the cabinet may comprise a user interface which
comprises the
aggregate means by which users can interact with the device, including, for
example, any device
or computer program portion of the appliance. In various embodiments, the use
interface may
comprise an input, an output, or a combination thereof. The input allows the
user to enter
information into the device 10 to manipulate or control the operation of the
appliance. The
output allows the device 10 to produce effects for the benefit of the user. In
various
embodiments, the input and output may comprise visual, audio, and tactile
devices. In one
embodiment, the input may be configured as a touch keypad and the output may
be configured as
a display, light emitting indicator, and/or audible alarm.
In one embodiment, the device further comprises one or more drains (not shown)
to allow
excess fabric treatment composition to drain out of the cabinet into an
optional drain pan (not
shown). The drain can be in the form of an aperture formed within the base of
said extractable
drawer and/or an aperture formed in the lower portions of the shell. In
embodiments comprising
a second extractable drawer, the drain pan can be positioned with the
extractable drawer or below
the second extractable drawer such that any excess fabric treatment
composition which reaches
the drain pan can evaporate similar to a drain pan in a conventional
refrigerator or freezer.
FIG. 9 is a frontal view of a device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the side walls of the shell can form a
plurality of side
protrusions 137. Each of said protrusions preferably contains at least one
dispensing head. By
providing side protrusions throughout the height of the device, the dispensing
heads can
efficiently and quickly wet the entire fabric contained within the receiving
region of the
extractable drawer, on both sides of the fabric. Further, FIG. 9 shows an
embodiment wherein
the device comprises a base stand 803 which can be wheels or sleds to allow
for easy movement
and portability of the device.
FIG. 10 shows a frontal view of a device in accordance with the present
invention wherein
the device comprises an extractable drawer 200 which opens by extending the
drawer in a vertical
or upward direction away from the shell 100. Suitable methods to extend the
drawer away from
the shell (or extract the drawer upwards) include spring loaded members
provided within the
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
18
device or chain driven or leveled mechanisms which can allow for automatic
opening. In one
embodiment, the extractable drawer is pulled upwards manually. As shown in
this figure,
extractable drawer 200 comprises a drawer face 210 and has a greatest lateral
width of the drawer
face of the extractable drawer 227. The device in this embodiment further
comprises a greatest
lateral width device of 127.
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a device which also comprises an
extractable drawer
200 which opens by extending the drawer in a vertical or upward direction away
from the shell
100. Expandable drawer 200 comprises a drawer face 210 having an outer surface
212. As
shown in this embodiment, extractable drawer 200 comprises a supporting member
230. Where
fabrics are hung off said supporting member in the receiving region, the
fabrics will be
transported into the interior of the device when the extractable drawer is
closed. The device
further comprises a depth 12 and a height 125.
Additional optional elements include: one or more visible indicia provided on
the
exterior of the device to communicate the status of the device during
operation; a sound indicator
to communicate the status of the device during operation. In one embodiment,
the visible indicia
comprises a countdown timer, a red/yellow/green status light system, blinking
lights which can
blink at different rates depending on the status of the operation, or any
other light which is
conventionally used with home appliances or devices. In another embodiment,
the sound
indicator wherein the sound indicator is operably connected to a controller so
the sound indicia
can change depending on the stage; preferably below 70 dB.
In one embodiment, while the device is in operation, the level of noise
generated by the
device during operation is less than 50 decibels at about 3150 Hz frequency,
alternatively at
about 4,000 Hz frequency, and alternatively at bout 5,000 Hz frequency.
Without intending to be
bound by theory, it is believed that this level of noise is sufficiently quite
that it does not disturb
any persons or pets which may be sleeping or resting during operation of the
device. This has
been found to be particularly important when the device is used in a bedroom
or in a closet
adjacent to or connected to a bedroom. It is believed that a human is
typically sensitive to noises
across the audible spectrum of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
The device is powered by a power source selected from the group consisting of:
a solar
power member; plug in AC or DC power source; a battery; fuel cell, latent heat
accumulator, and
combinations thereof.
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
19
SUITABLE FABRIC HANGING MEMBERS
Fabrics can be placed in the receiving region of the fabric treatment device
by any
appropriate method known in the art. In one embodiment, one or more fabrics
are hung on one or
more fabric hanging members. Said fabric hanging members are removably or
fixedly attached
to said suspending member. In one embodiment, the suspending member is in the
form of one or
more bars, poles, ropes and so forth, which can be attached to the front face
and/or rear face of
the extractable drawer. (See e.g. FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.) In another embodiment,
the suspending
member extends from the drawer face of the extractable drawer. (See e.g. FIG.
10.) In one
embodiment, the suspending member suspends more than one fabric hanging
members (such as
conventional clothing hangers or any other hangers disclosed below). Any
suitable fabric
hanging member can be used in accordance with the present invention.
Preferably, the fabric
hanger member is made of a material which is not susceptible to forming rust
or melting or
deforming within the device while in operation. Non-limiting examples of
suitable fabric
hanging members are described in EP Pat. Nos. 812556, 670135 and 683999; DE
29713157; U.S.
Pat. No. 7,328,822, 6,964,360, 6,817,497, 5,511,701, 5,085,358 and 5,664,710;
US Pub.
2008/00616, 2005/0023310; and JP 110572999.
In addition to providing a fabric hanging member within the device, in one
embodiment,
the device further comprises a method to apply tension to the fabrics within
the cabinet such that
wrinkles are reduced during operation of the device. The fabrics hung within
the receiving region
of the present device can also be weighted or stretched such that the fabric
is under tension, to
improve wrinkle reduction. Tensioning systems such as hanging weights and
stretching devices
are well known to those skilled in the art. See e.g. EP Pat. No. 587173; DE
Pat. No. 4435672;
and US Pat. No. 5,344,054. Preferably, the fabrics are tensioned after placing
them into the
container and before starting the process or at the start of the process. This
stretching or so-called
tensioning of the fabric helps the relaxation of wrinkles during the process
and provides a
restoring force to the fabric to reestablish an unwrinkled orientation as the
device operates.
Preferred stretching systems include weighted as well as lightweight
compactable or
retractable stretching systems, wherein the system comprises a tensioning
device like a spring.
The latter systems have the benefit of not adding extra weight to the cleaning
and refreshing
apparatus, along with the possibility of adjusting tensioning force and
direction as required.
Preferably, these systems are mounted inside the container at its bottom. One
example of such a
system is a roller blind that is conventionally used as sun filter for cars
and commercially
CA 02726030 2010-11-26
WO 2009/158150 PCT/US2009/045935
available from Halfords. This system is a roller blind which can be extended
or compacted by
means of a roll-up spring mechanism. Only slight modification of this system
is needed to adapt
it to the tensioning of fabric. One preferred adaptation involves attaching
the housing of this
system at the bottom of the apparatus and providing one or more clamps at the
other side so that
10 In one embodiment, the hanging member and optional tensioning system are
movable
within said shell. By moving the hanging member and optional tensioning
system, the receiving
region with any fabrics contained therein can be moved from one side of the
device to another,
such as in a lateral direction. Moving the fabrics laterally allows for
increased distance from the
dispensing heads positioned on the interior of the opposite side wall and /or
optional
FABRIC TREATMENT COMPOSITION
Any conventional liquid and/or fluid fabric treatment composition can be used
as a fabric
treatment composition without deviating from the present invention. Suitable
fabric treatment
compositions include any liquid or fluid composition which reduces and/or
removes wrinkles,
malodors, and/or delivers any other desirable fabric treatment benefits.
Additional suitable fabric
treatment compositions include perfumes and fragrances which can impart
desirable odors upon
CA 02726030 2012-12-04
21
Although the present device is preferably used for refreshing a fabric or
garment, such as
by reducing malodors and/or wrinkles, it is possible to use a composition
which can be stain
repellent and/or also assist in the removal of stains, soil, discolorations
and/or other undesirable
affects from the wearing and use of the fabrics.
In one embodiment, the fabric treatment composition comprises water and
optionally a
member selected from the group consisting of surfactants, perfumes,
preservatives, bleaches,
auxiliary cleaning agents, shrinkage reducing compositions, organic solvents,
antimicrobial
agents, and mixtures thereof. Said fabric treatment composition include both
volatile and non-
volatile ingredients. Suitable organic solvents are glycol ethers,
specifically, methoxy propoxy
propanol, ethoxy propoxy propanol, propoxy propoxy propanol, butoxy propoxy
propanol,
butoxy propanol, ethanol, isopropanol, wrinkle removing agents, in-wear anti-
wrinkling agents,
semi-durable press agents, odor absorbing agents, volatile silicones and
mixtures thereof. Fabric
shrinkage reducing compositions that are suitable for use are selected from
the group consisting
of ethylene glycol, all isomers of propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol,
hexanediol and mixtures
thereof. In one embodiment, the fabric shrinkage reducing compositions are
selected from the
group consisting of neopentyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol,
1,3-butanediol, 1-
octanol and mixtures thereof. Suitable surfactants include a nonionic
surfactant, such as an
ethoxylated alcohol or ethoxylated alkyl phenol, and is present at up to about
2%, by weight of
the fabric treatment composition. Preferred auxiliary cleaning agents include
cyclodextrins and
dewrinkling agents, such as silicone containing compounds. Especially
preferred anti-wrinkling
agents include volatile silicones, some of which can be purchased from the Dow
Corning
Corporation. One such volatile silicone is D5 cyclornethicone decamethyl
cyclopenta siloxane.
Typical fabric treaunent compositions herein can comprise at least about 80%,
by weight, water,
preferably at least about 90%, and more preferably at least about 95% water.
Non-limiting
examples of suitable fabric treatment compositions are provided in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,726,186 to
Gaaloul et al.
Another suitable fabric treatment composition is the polymer composition
having
specified pH for improved dispensing and improved stability of wrinkle
reducing composition
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,840 and the aqueous wrinkle control
composition disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,058 both references to Frankenbach et al.
In yet another embodiment, the fabric treatment composition U.S. Serial Nos.
61/130913
filed June 12, 2008 and 60/993765 filed September 14, 2007 both to Roselle et
al upon which
CA 02726030 2012-12-04
97
US 2009/003803 claims benefit. For example one suitable fabric treatment
composition
comprises a water soluble quaternary ammonium surfactant, typically the
minimum levels of
the water soluble quaternary agent included in the composition are at least
about 0.01%,
preferably at least about 0.05%, more preferably at least about 0.1% while
typical maximum
levels of water soluble quaternary agent are up to about 20%, preferably less
than about 10%,
and more preferably less than about 3% and generally in the range of about
0.2% to about
1.0%; a substantially water insoluble oil component or oil mix, wherein the
oil components
may have a clogP of >1. Typically the minimum levels of the oil component
included in the
composition are at least about 0.001%, preferably at least about 0.005%, even
more preferably
at least about 0.01% and typically maximum levels of oil components are up to
about 5.0%,
preferably less than about 3%, and generally in the range of about 0.05% to
about 1%; optional
ingredients as disclosed in the two incorporated U.S. Patent Applications, and
balance of water.
METHOD OF REFRESHING A FABRIC
A method of treating a fabric comprising placing a fabric into the receiving
region of the
device; depositing a fabric treatment composition upon at least a portion of
said
fabric; actuating said heating element; and venting said device. In one
embodiment, the step of
depositing said fabric treatment composition comprises dispensing the fabric
treatment
composition onto the fabrics, such as by spraying, vaporizing, or misting. In
one embodiment,
the step of actuating said heating element further comprises a step of heating
the air within the
device to at least about 80 C, alternatively at least about 70 C,
alternatively at least about 50
C. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that this
application of heat not only
helps dry the fabric but also may have odor removal and/or microbial control
benefits. Further,
where a fabric treatment composition is used which includes antimicrobial
agents, the addition of
heat may give surprising odor control and anti-microbial benefits to the
fabric. In another
embodiment, said method of treating said fabric is completed within about 15
minutes,
alternatively within about 10 minutes, alternatively within about 8 minutes.
In one embodiment,
the method further comprises pressing a single button to turn on the device.
It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given
throughout this
specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower
numerical limitations
were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given
throughout this
specification includes every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher
numerical limitations
CA 02726030 2012-12-04
93
were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this
specification includes
every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range,
as if such
narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
All parts, ratios, and percentages herein are by weight and all numerical
limits are used
with the normal degree of accuracy afforded by the art, unless otherwise
specified.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being
strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise
specified, each such
dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range
surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 min" is
intended to mean
"about 40 mm".
All documents cited in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION are, in the
relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document
is not to be
construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present
invention. To the extent
that any meaning or definition of a term or in this written document conflicts
with any meaning
or definition in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or
definition assigned to the
term in this written document shall govern.
Except as otherwise noted, the articles "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or
more."
