Patent Description:
Fabrics are common materials that can be used in such as garments and furnishing. They are typically able to absorb a fluid. This unique property means that they can be easily contaminated by contaminants such as food, drinks and writing markers, typically resulting in undesired spots on the fabric that cannot be easily removed without washing the fabric. These spots, which are often referred to as stains, may be removed through different burdensome processes.

In some occurrences, the stains may even require extensive local pre-treatment process prior to the laundry process. These are troublesome processes that can only take place when the whole fabric is due for washing.

The stain treatment process to be applied to a stain may depend on the classification of the stain. For instance, some stains are enzymatic stains which require the application of enzymes in removal. There are also some stains that can be oxidized and can be removed with an oxidizing agent.

The stains could be physically or chemically bonded to the fabrics. Again, the bonding types may affect the selection of stain removal process. Regardless of the stain types or stain bonding characteristics, most of the stain treatment processes may involve the application of a chemical reagent to the stains. The chemical reagent acts upon the stains directly.

Following the stain treatment process, the chemical reagent is usually removed to prevent undesired post-treatment effects, such as the possibility of skin irritation, allergic reactions, fabric bleaching, fabric oxidation or undesired chemical odor. In the existing step of removing the chemical reagent, it is likely that the whole fabric will be washed in a laundry machine, even if the chemical reagent was only applied to a small area of the fabric. The washing of the whole fabric is potentially time consuming and unnecessary, especially if the objective of the wash was just to remove the chemical reagent.

Specifically, at current, stain remover devices/solutions available on the market employ the following principles:.

These products often require <NUM> to <NUM> minutes of operation or waiting time before satisfactory effects can be obtained. In some instances, these products are unable to remove the stains effectively and efficiently.

The usage of an appropriate chemical can enhance the stain removing capability. Pad steam bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide with Peroxy acid is a method used in textile batch bleaching processes. This textile treatment processes decolorize the natural coloring matter present in the cloth. The process time required for high temperature hydrogen peroxide bleaching process ranges from <NUM> minutes to few hours. The high temperature is required because hydrogen peroxide bleaching produces good results at temperatures above <NUM>.

To reduce energy consumption of the bleaching process, bleach activators and catalysts were developed to reduce the process temperature. Bleach activators and catalysts are compounds that react with hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution to form peroxy acids. Unlike the pure hydrogen peroxide bleaching process, the peroxy acids are able to produce good results even at temperatures below <NUM>. Therefore, bleach activators are common components of most laundry detergents.

Based on the above-mentioned investigation and analysis, the existing stain removing devices commonly require long application and waiting time. Moreover, the stain spots are not always easily or fully removed, leaving unsightly marks. These are known disadvantages of existing stain removing devices.

Document <CIT> discloses a stain removal device having a vibrating head adapted to strike a surface, a fluid container and a supply channel for providing fluid from the fluid container to the vibrating head.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable device for removing stains on fabrics that avoids or mitigates above-mentioned problems.

The present invention is based on providing a stain removing device (the "device") implementing the functions of stain removing, and/or rinsing and/or drying.

The combination of those functions allows an effective stain treatment, without the need for washing the whole piece of fabric.

The removal of stain spots immediately upon staining is usually preferred. Local removal of stains without the need of washing the whole garment is highly desired. This may keep the fabrics look clean even if the next laundry cycle is not immediate. Therefore, a small and portable device, which is able to locally remove the stains in a quick manner, brings lot of benefits.

An advantage of a device providing localized stain removing, rinsing and drying for fabric treatment is that it is compatible with most of the commercially available garment treatment / stain treatment chemical reagents. Using the stain removing, drying and/or rinsing device, washing and removal of the chemical reagent is limited to only the local area that needs to be washed.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a portable stain removal device according to the invention for locally removing a stain on a fabric comprises:.

This combination of applying chemical reagent and heat allows accelerating the chemical reaction for stain removal. In other words, the stain is removed faster.

The portable stain removal device according to the invention allows a convenient removal of stains on a fabric, and allows the fabric continue to be in service immediately after the stain treatment. The fact that the device is portable, for example hand-held, makes it use easy by a user.

Preferably, the heater is chosen among the set defined by a heating plate, a hot liquid heater, a steam heater, an infrared radiation heater, a microwave heater, a hot air heater, and an exothermic reaction heater.

The heater may apply heat to the stained area of the fabric during the process of stain removing to accelerate the speed of the chemical reaction and thus improve effect of stain removing (i.e. combines heat with said chemical reagent to jointly remove said stains on said fabrics). Heat may be provided by a heat generating component that transmits heat to the fabric, stain, reagent applicator and/or reagent. Depending on whether the heat shall be applied to the fabric by means of hot steam, hot liquid, radiation and/or hot air different kind of heaters have to be used.

Preferably, the stain removal device further comprises a liquid tank for containing water and/or a chemical neutralizer. The liquid tank is configured to dispense water and/or chemical neutralizer into the chemical container and/or onto the fabric.

The liquid tank is configured to dispense water into the chemical container to dissolve the solid stain removal material placed (manually by user) in the chemical container.

The rinsing allows removing the excessive chemical residue after the stain removal process is completed. This is to prevent undesired chemical reaction. Examples of these undesired chemical reactions include color fading, oxidation of fabric, releasing of chemical odor and potential skin allergy of the user.

This combination of stain treatment and rinsing allows not only stain removal, but also removing the excessive chemical residue after the stain removal process is completed. This is to prevent undesired chemical reaction.

Preferably, the heater is configured to:.

Heating the liquid tank allows generating hot water for better dissolving a solid stain removal material put into the chemical container and used to create the chemical reagent, and for increasing the concentration of the chemical reagent. Moreover, treating the stain with a heated chemical reagent will also improve the chemical reaction for stain removal.

Heating the liquid tank allows generating hot water and/or hot chemical neutralizer to be applied on the already treated stained, to increase the rinsing effect.

Heating the liquid tank allows generating hot water and/or steam for dissolving a solid stain removal material placed into the chemical container, for forming the chemical reagent under a liquid form.

Heating the chemical container allows a better dissolving of the solid stain removal material used to create the chemical reagent, and also allows increasing the concentration of the chemical reagent. Treating the stain with a heated chemical reagent will also improve the chemical reaction for stain removal.

The application of heat and the application of chemical reagent to the fabric can be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, the chemical reagent can be applied on the fabric before or after heat is applied to the fabrics. The heat provides the benefit of increasing the chemical reaction rate for stain removal. Moreover, heat also prevents premature saturation of the chemical reagent which would reduce the concentration and effectiveness of the reagent. In this invention, heat can be applied to both the chemical reagent and the fabric and stained area for optimal stain removing performance. However, the present invention can also function if heat is only and solely applied to either the fabric or the reagent.

In a second aspect of the invention, the portable stain removal device comprises:.

In this embodiment, the stain removal accessory is mounted on the device by user, which brings more flexibility and convenience for user.

Preferably, the device comprises an insert slot for receiving the stain removal accessory.

This solution allows an easy mounting of the stain removal accessory on the device. Preferably, the chemical container is vented.

A ventilation of the chemical container prevents excessive gas build-up during dissolving a chemical solid with water.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the portable stain removal device comprises:.

This combination of rinsing and drying allows not only removing the excessive chemical residue after the stain removal process is completed, but also evaporating the wet of the treated stained area so that the fabric can continue to be in service immediately after the stain treatment.

Heating water for rinsing will improve the rinsing effect. Heating the chemical neutralizer for rinsing will improve the rinsing effect. It is preferred to use either water or chemical neutralizer, but not necessarily both in a given rinsing step.

In the following description, it is noted that the terms chemical reagent and stain removing material can be used indifferently.

The invention relates to a portable stain removal device (the "device") implementing any combination of the following functions:.

<FIG> are respectively a back (or front) view, a side view and a top view of an example of a portable device <NUM> for treating a stain on a fabric according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> are illustrations of a portable device <NUM> according the present invention during various steps of stain treatment of a stained area <NUM> of a fabric <NUM>.

<FIG> is a simplified functional diagram of a portable device <NUM> for removing stain on a fabric <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as the device <NUM> illustrated in the example of <FIG>.

In a first aspect of the invention, the portable stain removal device <NUM> comprises:.

It is noted that the chemical container <NUM> can also be referred to as a "chemical tank".

Examples of some corresponding implementations are illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>.

For example, the heater <NUM> is chosen among the set defined by a heating plate, a hot liquid heater, a steam heater, an infrared radiation heater, a microwave heater, a hot air heater, and an exothermic reaction heater.

Optionally, the device <NUM> comprises a liquid tank <NUM> for containing water and/or a chemical neutralizer. The liquid tank <NUM> is configured to dispense water and/or chemical neutralizer into the chemical container <NUM> and/or onto the fabric <NUM>.

Preferably, the heater <NUM> is configured to:.

The heater <NUM> can be arranged adjacent to a heating plate <NUM> which is arranged at the front head of the device <NUM>, as illustrated on <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. The heater <NUM> can thus communicate thermal energy to the heating plate <NUM>, for example by conduction. If the heating plate <NUM> is put in contact with the fabric, the fabric can thus be heated.

The heater <NUM> can also be arranged adjacent to the chemical container <NUM>. The heater <NUM> can thus communicate thermal energy to the chemical container <NUM>, for example by conduction. The chemical reagent being inside the chemical container <NUM> can thus be heated. The heated chemical reagent can thus be applied on the fabric <NUM>, for example via an opening <NUM> arranged in the heating plate <NUM>.

The chemical container <NUM> is intended to contain a chemical reagent under a liquid form. The chemical reagent can be directly filled-in (by user) in the chemical container <NUM>. Alternatively, the chemical reagent is obtained by dissolving a stain removing material under a solid form, with water, inside the chemical container <NUM>.

The stain removing material under solid form may take the form of powder or granule.

The chemical container <NUM> is preferably vented to prevent excessive gas build-up during the preparation of the chemical reagent by dissolving the stain removing material.

For example, the dispensing mechanism <NUM> is chosen among the set defined by mechanically actuated chemical dosing pump, an electrically actuated chemical dosing pump, a pressure based nozzle, a velocity based nozzle, a spray, and a dripping by gravity or any exerted force.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a dispensing mechanism <NUM> corresponding to a mechanically actuated chemical dosing pump, activated manually by user.

<FIG> shows a dispensing mechanism <NUM> corresponding to an electrically actuated chemical dosing pump activated electrically by user via the chemical dosing trigger <NUM>.

When the liquid tank <NUM> is implemented and contains water, during the step of stain removing, water inside the liquid tank <NUM> can be carried to the chemical container <NUM>, for example via a (electric) liquid pump 3a as illustrated in <FIG>, establishing a fluid flow path between the liquid tank <NUM> and the chemical container <NUM>. Water carried from the water tank <NUM> is used in order to dissolve a stain removing material under a solid form being into the chemical container <NUM>.

The heating of the liquid tank <NUM> can be performed by the heater <NUM>, for example by arranging a second portion of the heater <NUM> being in contact with a below part of the liquid tank <NUM>.

If the heater <NUM> provides sufficient thermal energy to the liquid tank <NUM>, water into the liquid tank <NUM> can be evaporated into steam, and the generated steam can be carried to the chemical container <NUM>. The generated steam can thus be used to dissolve a stain removing material initially under a solid form into a liquid form <NUM>. The steam can be carried directly by a fluid path, for example a simple tube (not shown) arranged between the liquid tank <NUM> and the chemical container <NUM>.

Preferably, the chemical container <NUM> is vented. The vent can for example be arranged as a small opening (not shown) in an upper part of that chemical container <NUM>.

In a second aspect of the invention, the portable stain removal device <NUM> is adapted to cooperate with a detachable stain removal accessory containing a stain removing material <NUM>.

An example of such a portable stain removal device is for example illustrated by the portable stain removal device <NUM> in <FIG>, when cooperating with a stain removal accessory <NUM>.

To this end, the portable stain removal device <NUM> comprises:.

The liquid in the liquid tank <NUM> is preferably water.

An example of a corresponding implementation is illustrated in <FIG>.

In this implementation of <FIG>, compared to embodiments of <FIG>, <FIG>, only a liquid tank <NUM> is implemented. For example, the liquid tank <NUM> is arranged at the front head of the device <NUM>.

Means for generating steam and/or hot liquid for example correspond to a steam chamber <NUM> arranged in the front head of the device <NUM>. The steam chamber <NUM> is heated by a heater, such as heater <NUM>. The steam chamber <NUM> is intended to evaporate the liquid carried from the liquid tank <NUM>. To this end, the heater <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the steam chamber <NUM>. A heating plate <NUM> is arranged at the front head of the device <NUM>. The heating plate <NUM> may correspond to the external face of the steam chamber <NUM>.

If the heater <NUM> is not switched-on, the steam chamber <NUM> is equivalent to a fluid path that does not substantially affect the temperature of the liquid. In this case, the liquid exiting the steam chamber <NUM> is a cold liquid (or room-temperature). Alternatively, cold water can be generated by connecting an additional fluid path (not shown) directly on the fluid tank <NUM>.

If the heater <NUM> is switched-on, and supplied with energy not sufficient to evaporate the liquid from the liquid tank <NUM>, the steam chamber <NUM> is equivalent to a heater that elevates the temperature of the liquid. In this case, the liquid exiting the steam chamber <NUM> is a hot liquid. Alternatively, hot liquid can be generated by arranging a portion of the heater <NUM> adjacent to the liquid tank <NUM>.

If the heater <NUM> is switched-on, and supplied with energy sufficient to evaporate the liquid from the liquid tank <NUM>, steam exits the steam chamber <NUM>.

The steam and/or the cold liquid and/or the hot liquid may exit the steam chamber <NUM> at the opening <NUM> facing the stain removal accessory <NUM>.

Means for carrying the steam and/or the cold liquid and/or the hot liquid correspond to:.

Preferably, the stain removal device <NUM> comprises means for heating the fabric <NUM> and/or the stain removal accessory <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may for example be used to this end.

The heater <NUM> can be arranged adjacent to the heating plate <NUM>. The heater <NUM> can thus communicate thermal energy to the heating plate <NUM>, for example by conduction. If the heating plate <NUM> is put in contact with the fabric, the fabric can thus be heated.

If the stain removal accessory <NUM> is mounted adjacent or next to the heating plate <NUM>, the stain removal accessory <NUM> can also be heated, for example by conduction. Heating the stain removal accessory <NUM> indirectly helps to heat the generated chemical reagent for a more efficiency chemical reaction for stain removing.

In the embodiments of <FIG>, various elements are supplied in electrical energy by the power supply <NUM>.

Regarding the embodiment of <FIG>, the opening <NUM> on the heating plate <NUM> is sized to enable the outgoing steam <NUM> to have a certain velocity. This velocity is a function of the size of the opening and the steam rate. For a steam rate of <NUM>/min, the optimal opening dimension is <NUM> in diameter. This combination gives a good steam rate and velocity to enhance the rinsing because the velocity creates a pressure difference between the treatment side and underside of the fabric <NUM>. The pressure difference pushes the fluid <NUM> through the fabric <NUM>. The relatively low steam rate also enables longer operation without the need for a large liquid tank <NUM>.

Optionally, the steam rate can be between <NUM>/min and <NUM>/min. The diameter of the opening <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM>. The steam <NUM> can be pure dry steam <NUM> (commonly transparent and hard to be envisaged by naked eyes) or wet steam <NUM> (commonly white color). It was observed that wet steam <NUM> (steam with droplets of water) produced better rinsing results but wetter fabric <NUM>.

Rinsing duration is dependent on the required quality of rinse. It was observed that rinsing duration should be at least <NUM> seconds with this defined opening size and steam rate. The rinse duration should be at least <NUM> seconds for such a device <NUM> of the present invention.

Optionally, after the rinsing process, the heating plate <NUM> may also be used for drying. During drying, the heating plate <NUM> should have a temperature between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, various elements are supplied in electrical energy by a cordless power supply <NUM> comprising a base cooperating with a detachable energy accumulator (for example a rechargeable battery). The process of supplying electricity to the heater <NUM> is controlled by a control unit <NUM>. In particular, the control unit <NUM> receives information from the temperature sensor <NUM> to control the heater <NUM>.

Preferably, the device <NUM> comprises an insert slot <NUM> for receiving the stain removal accessory <NUM>. The insert slot <NUM> is further described along with <FIG> and <FIG>.

In a third aspect of the invention, the portable stain removal device <NUM> comprises:.

Examples of some corresponding implementations are illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, as already presented above.

In the embodiment of <FIG> although the dispensing mechanism <NUM>, 3a, <NUM> have been described as separate elements, they could actually be combined into a single dispensing mechanism (not shown) connected to a valve selector (not shown) for defining various fluid paths to carry fluid from the chemical container <NUM> and the fluid tank <NUM>.

During the step of rinsing, when water and/or chemical neutralizer is contained in the liquid tank <NUM>, water and/or chemical neutralizer carried by the dispensing mechanism <NUM> is applied to the fabric <NUM> in order to rinse the stained area already treated/removed.

<FIG> shows a dispensing mechanism <NUM> corresponding to an electrically actuated chemical dosing pump activated electrically by user via the rinsing trigger <NUM>.

The rinsing process allows rinsing the chemical reagent on the fabric and for removing the generated rinsing medium. The main objective of this rinsing process is to stop the chemical reaction upon the complete removal of the stain, so as to prevent further chemical reactions. Specifically, the rinsing process involves the sub-processes of diluting/neutralizing the chemical reagent and the removal of the diluting/neutralizing medium after the dilution/neutralization. For the best rinsing result, these chemical residues should be extracted from the fabric.

The first step of rinsing involves the addition of a fluid for dilution or neutralization of the chemical reagent. The fluid can be drawn from a reservoir and dosed onto the fabric through an opening on the device. The fluid may also take the form of a powder or solid. Fluid may also be applied through another carrier (not necessarily water), which could be another fluid, such as a chemical neutralizer, or another combination of fluids. The rinsing fluid dosing rate can be between <NUM>/min and <NUM>/min.

The fluid also has a second function of carrying the chemical reagent out of the fabric, i.e. the second step of rinsing.

According to the invention, the rinsing process works on two main principles: Dilution and Extraction. In dilution, fluid is flushed onto the fabric to dilute and flush out the chemical reagent. During the extraction process, fluid extraction, such as by using chemical neutralizer, may be applied to enhance the rinsing. With every cycle of dilution and extraction, the residual chemical concentration is reduced. Optionally, dilution may take place concurrently with extraction.

Multiple rounds of fluid addition and fluid removal can/may be conducted for more thorough rinsing.

Preferably, a brush <NUM> (optionally electro-mechanical motor brush) is arranged at the flow exit of the dispensing mechanism <NUM>. The brush itself performs a mechanical action on the stained area. The brush <NUM> is for scrubbing the fabric, in particular by one or more of rotary motion, tapping motion, rubbing motion, and ultrasonic pulsing. The brush supports the mechanical removal of the stain spot, and provides a mechanical means and a pressure means of helping the rinse fluid pass through and out of the fabric. The brush <NUM> provides a mechanical means and a pressure means of helping the rinse fluid <NUM> pass through the fabric <NUM> and/or out of the fabric <NUM>.

The brushing efficiency is improved by the flow of water and/or chemical neutralizer spread at proximity of the brush, or even inside the brush.

Drying of the post-rinsed fabric relies on removal of the wet/moisture in the fabric. In general, there are at least three possible means in wet/moisture removal.

An example of direct heating for drying is with the heating plate <NUM>, such that water is evaporated off, similar to drying with an electrical iron. To this end, the heating plate <NUM> is then directed to the stained fabric <NUM>.

For other examples, the heat is produced by means of radiation and/or hot air to vaporize the wet on the fabric.

As for the heating plate <NUM>, the plate should be between <NUM> to <NUM>. A temperature of <NUM> gives the optimal balance between drying speed and reduced risk of scorching fabric. The moisture can also be removed effectively by moving heated air of at least <NUM>.

The device according to the invention can utilize one or more of these three drying means (absorbent backing pad, heating and air flow) and still fit within a portable device.

As shown on <FIG>, the device <NUM> comprises a temperature switch <NUM> that enables two temperature settings. This is optional but could be beneficial for treating different fabric types. For instance, delicate fabrics <NUM> require lower temperature for drying, while normal fabrics <NUM> can withstand higher temperatures for faster drying.

<FIG> shows the beginning of the stain removal process, wherein the chemical container <NUM> of the device <NUM> is preferably first heated, such that the chemical container <NUM> reaches a temperature of at least <NUM>. The optimal temperature is between <NUM>-<NUM>, though a temperature range of <NUM> to <NUM> is acceptable. The stain removing material is added in the chemical container <NUM> and dissolved by water and/or steam to form an aqueous chemical reagent.

Alternatively, this chemical solution can be prepared outside of the device <NUM> and added to the device as an aqueous solution.

<FIG> shows the chemical treatment phase of the stain removal process. When the stain removing material has dissolved, it is applied onto the stained area <NUM> of the fabric <NUM> by activating the chemical dosing trigger <NUM>. The chemical dosing trigger <NUM> activates the dispensing mechanism <NUM> to dispense the dissolved chemical through an outlet <NUM> on the heating plate <NUM>. As the dissolved chemical is being dispensed, the heating plate <NUM> should be placed on the surface of the stained fabric <NUM> to enable heating of the wetted fabric <NUM>.

The heat provided during the stain removing process is optional, but can greatly enhance stain removal result and speed by accelerating the chemical reaction.

Alternatively, heat can be applied through other forms of heating, such as hot air, steam, microwave and exothermic reaction.

<FIG> shows the rinsing phase. Once the stain visibility has been reduced to a level that is acceptable by the user, the device <NUM> will enter the phase of rinsing.

In the rinsing phase, a brush head <NUM> of the device <NUM> is placed on the fabric <NUM> that is to be rinsed. The rinsing trigger <NUM> is then activated to activate the dispensing mechanism <NUM>. Water is pumped from the liquid tank <NUM>, through the dispensing mechanism <NUM> and out from an outlet next to the brush <NUM>. This process dilutes the chemical residue and washes the fabric <NUM> using water or aqueous solution. At the same time, the motorised brush head <NUM> is activated to provide mechanical scrubbing action to push the waste water through and out of the fabric <NUM>. Alternatively, the motorised brush <NUM> may be replaced by a sub-device that is able to provide mechanical action, such as a tapping motion, a forward-backward linear motion or a circular motion. Alternatively, a chemical neutraliser may be applied to neutralise the residual chemical.

<FIG> shows the drying phase. When rinsing is completed, the user moves on to the third process, which is the drying process. This process is optional and is independent of the stain removal process as such. However, it brings extra convenience to the user, such that the treated fabric <NUM> can be used almost immediately without waiting for the fabric <NUM> to dry. The temperature switch <NUM> of the device <NUM> is first activated to raise the temperature of the heating plate <NUM> to approximately <NUM>. Alternatively, a temperature range of <NUM> to <NUM> is suitable for drying. The heating plate <NUM>, which will be used for drying, should preferably be cleaned prior to the drying process. The heating plate <NUM> is placed onto the rinsed fabric <NUM> to provide for localised drying, similar to the action of an electric iron. The process is completed upon drying of the fabric <NUM>. Alternatively, drying may be achieved through other means of providing heat or air movement, such as hot air over <NUM> may also be used for drying, radiation, moving air or vacuum extraction.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of the stain removal device <NUM> cooperating with a stain removal accessory <NUM> according to the invention.

In the present context, it is noted that the stain removal accessory according to the invention can also be called a "chemical bleach applicator".

The stain removal accessory <NUM> comprises:.

It is noted that the holder <NUM> can also be called a "frame".

The stain removal accessory <NUM> is adapted to release the stain removing material <NUM> on the stained area when cooperating with the stain removal device.

Preferably, the container <NUM> is disposable.

The stain removing material <NUM> corresponds to bleach chemical. Most of stain removing material <NUM> (Sodium percarbonate, TAED, DOBA, NOBS, etc) used in a laundry cleaning or dish washer products are in solid form (e.g. powder, granule). The stain removing material <NUM> requires to be dissolved in fluid <NUM> generated by device <NUM> in order to release H<NUM>O<NUM> or peroxy acid. In particular, fluid <NUM> corresponds to water and/or steam. H<NUM>O<NUM> or peroxy acid kills bacteria and removes stains on a material like fabric, glass, or plastic by oxidizing the stain molecules from colored structure to colorless structure.

<FIG> shows the chemical formation of H<NUM>O<NUM> from sodium percarbonate.

<FIG> shows the chemical formation of peroxy acid from TAED.

<FIG> shows the chemical formation of peroxy acid from DOBA.

The stain removing material <NUM> may contain:.

The stain removing material <NUM> is a chemical reagent in solid form (powder, granule), or in liquid form (in this case the liquid is held in a wet bag or wet tissue).

Preferably, the container <NUM> takes any of the forms defined by a bag, a pad, a cartridge, a sachet, and a capsule. The container <NUM> may looks like a "tea bag" with fluid-permeable external layer, for example made of density paper, fabric, non-woven fabric, porous plastic, etc..

The stain removal accessory <NUM> is adapted to release the stain removing material <NUM> on the stained area <NUM> when cooperating with the stain removal device <NUM>.

Preferably, as illustrated, the holder <NUM> comprises a frame structure arranged at least partly around the container <NUM>. For example, the frame structure can be circular, elliptic, arc-shaped, triangular, rectangular, square, semi-circular or semi-elliptic.

The right-side view of <FIG> shows an exploded view of the mounting of the stain removal accessory <NUM> when cooperating with device <NUM>.

The stain removal accessory <NUM> can be mounted onto the steam venting face (sometimes combined with the heating plate together) of the device <NUM>. Device <NUM> may correspond to a steam generation device, for example a garment steamer.

<FIG> are internal schematic views of the stain removal device <NUM> and the stain removal accessory <NUM> according to the invention.

Preferably, a guide head <NUM> is further assembled to the holder <NUM>. Alternatively, the guide head <NUM> is assembled to the front side of the device <NUM>, while the guide head <NUM> enclosing the stain removal accessory <NUM>. The guide head <NUM> may comprise a back end interface <NUM> and a front end interface <NUM>. The back end interface <NUM> receives the fluid <NUM> generated by the device <NUM>. The front end interface <NUM> gathers the fluid <NUM> into a spout <NUM> facing the stained area on a fabric.

A liquid tank <NUM> supplies water to a dispensing mechanism <NUM>, for example a pump. The dispensing mechanism <NUM> supplies water <NUM> to a steam engine <NUM>. A pressing trigger <NUM> allows activating the dispensing mechanism <NUM>. The steam engine <NUM> supplies steam <NUM> to the guide head <NUM>. The heating plate <NUM> is in thermal connection the steam engine <NUM>, so that the heating plate <NUM> can be heated.

In a first working mechanism, the fluid <NUM> generated by the device <NUM> is steam and passes through the container <NUM>. The bleach solid <NUM> inside the container <NUM> is then dissolved by the steam condensation and carried out onto the stained area.

In a second working mechanism, the container <NUM> is used with (hot) water <NUM> generated by the stain remover device <NUM>. To this end, water from the water tank <NUM> is carried by an additional pump (not shown) to the front head of the device <NUM>. A heating element (not shown) is implemented if hot water is intended to be generated. The (hot) water/steam <NUM> passing through the container <NUM>, and carries out the dissolved bleach solution <NUM> onto the stained area.

In a third working mechanism, if the stain removing material <NUM> is under liquid form in the container <NUM>, there is no need for the device <NUM> to provide water and/or steam. The front head of the device <NUM> holding the stain removal accessory <NUM> is directly applied on the stained area.

<FIG> shows various schematic perspective views of a stain removal device <NUM> using a guide head <NUM> for treating the stain on a fabric according to the present invention.

The opening <NUM> on the heating plate <NUM> is sized to enable the outgoing steam <NUM> to have a certain velocity. This velocity is a function of the size of the opening and the steam rate. For a steam rate of <NUM>/min, the optimal opening dimension is <NUM> in diameter. This combination gives a good steam rate and velocity to enhance the rinsing because the velocity creates a pressure difference between the treatment side and underside of the fabric <NUM>. The pressure difference pushes the fluid <NUM> through the fabric <NUM>. The relatively low steam rate also enables longer operation without the need for a large liquid tank.

Preferably, the holder <NUM> of the stain removal container comprises a hand grip <NUM> (also called a holding tab) allowing to easily inserting the holder <NUM> of the stain removal accessory <NUM> into the insert slot <NUM> of the stain removal device <NUM>.

Furthermore, the holder <NUM> of the stain removal container <NUM> may comprise a rear <NUM> to create a thermal contact with the heating plate <NUM> when the holder <NUM> is attached to the device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a set of schematic usage illustrations of the stain removal device <NUM> with a stain removal accessory <NUM> according to the invention.

Device <NUM> comprises the guide head <NUM> attached to the steam venting face of the device <NUM>, and with which the stain removal accessory <NUM> is intended to be cooperate, for example by inserting the stain removal accessory <NUM> in the slot <NUM> arranged in the guide head <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

As most of bleach contents <NUM> (Sodium percarbonate, TAED, DOBA, NOBS, etc.) used in a laundry cleaning or dish washer product is in solid form (e.g. powder, granule), the bleach solid chemical contained in the container <NUM> requires to first be dissolved in water <NUM> in order to release H<NUM>O<NUM> or peroxy acid. To this end, the stain removal accessory <NUM> is attached to the device <NUM> in order to release the dissolved bleach solution <NUM>.

The stain removing material <NUM> are cleaning agents that are pre-filled in the container <NUM>. Once dissolved by water and/or steam, the stain removing material <NUM> are dispensed onto the stained area <NUM> of the fabric to react with, dissolve or cover the stain molecules. To this end, the front head of the device <NUM> can be brought into close contact with the stained area <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The device <NUM> may also provide heat to the stained area <NUM> in order to accelerate the chemical reaction, dissolving or covering rate. Heat sources include but are not limited to steam, conduction, infrared heat and microwaves. For example, a heating plate <NUM> can be used to generate heat by conduction.

In order to activate the stain treatment process, the rinsing pump is activated via the pressing trigger <NUM> (possibly repeatedly) so that water (and/or steam) can pass through the container <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the rinsing process. The main objectives of this stain rinsing process are:.

It is noted that in order to guarantee that the fluid <NUM> used for rinsing (i.e. water, steam, chemical neutralizer or a combination of all) is not contaminated by the chemicals remaining in the container <NUM>, the stain removal accessory <NUM> (or at least the container <NUM>) needs to be removed from device <NUM> before starting the rinsing step.

<FIG> shows the detachment of the stain removal accessory <NUM> and guide head <NUM> from the device <NUM>. The stain removal accessory <NUM> can for example be attached/detached via a rotating movement.

The rinse process can be achieved by either neutralization of the bleach chemical or dilution of the bleach chemical. For the best rinsing result, these chemical residues should preferably be extracted from the fabric by an absorption means (for example a backing pad, a tissue, a towel. ) or by mechanical forces. The rinsing process is activated by the pressing trigger <NUM> (possibly repeatedly).

Drying of the already rinsed fabric <NUM> relies on removal of the moisture on the fabric <NUM>. The moisture can be evaporated through direct heating with the heating plate <NUM> (~<NUM>-<NUM>) or heated air <NUM>(~<NUM>-<NUM>).

Other embodiments of a stain removal device according to the invention are now described.

<FIG> depicts an example of a device according to the invention for a detachable stain removal accessory <NUM> taking the form of a liquid-chemical cartridge.

<FIG> depicts an example of a device according to the invention for a detachable stain removal accessory <NUM> taking the form of a powder-chemical cartridge.

It is noted that the term powder may either refer to non-aggregated powder particles, or aggregated powder particles equivalent to forming a solid chemical.

The usage of this device can be classified into the three main processes - stain removal, rinsing and drying. These processes occur as the listed order.

To begin the stain-removal process, the liquid-chemical cartridge (or alternatively the powder-chemical capsule/pouch) is coupled to the device.

<FIG> depicts an example of a detachable stain removal accessory <NUM> according to the invention taking the form of a liquid-chemical cartridge.

The cartridge is intended to be coupled to the device by at least one locking stud <NUM>.

Alternatively, screw threads (not shown) may be present on both the cartridge and device to enable the cartridge to be screwed into the device.

The cartridge comprises an outlet <NUM> to let the liquid chemical exit the cartridge for stain treatment.

The outlet may comprise a valve mechanism (not shown) that opens only when coupled to the device.

Alternatively (not shown), the liquid-chemical cartridge is perforated, for example by a hollow needle or a pin arranged in the device, when coupled to the device.

Alternatively (not shown), the liquid-chemical cartridge comprises a removable cover (for example made of aluminum) that can be peeled off by the user before the cartridge is placed in the device. In that case, the stain removal device comprises a cover system (not shown) intended to cover the uncovered outlet and allow liquid chemical to exit the cartridge for stain treatment.

The detachable liquid-chemical cartridge may be in the form of a hard or semi-soft container containing liquid chemical, with an outlet for the liquid chemical.

A liquid-chemical cartridge is intended to be used one time or multiple times. For example, the volume of liquid-chemical contained can range between 50cc and 150cc.

<FIG> depicts an example of placement in a device of a detachable stain removal accessory <NUM> according to the invention taking the form of a liquid-chemical cartridge <NUM>.

The device cavity <NUM> into which the cartridge locks has an outlet that allows liquid chemical to pass from the cartridge to the device interior.

<FIG> depicts an example of tube arrangement and fluid flow in a device according to the invention using a liquid-chemical cartridge <NUM>.

There are two fluid flow paths when the device employs a liquid-chemical cartridge:.

In the liquid-chemical flow path, the liquid chemical flows from the liquid-chemical cartridge <NUM> to the chemical-dosing pump to the chemical-dosing nozzle.

In the water flow path, water flows from the water tank to the rinsing pump to the rinsing-water nozzle.

<FIG> depicts an example of a detachable stain removal accessory (<NUM>) according to the invention taking the form of a powder-chemical cartridge <NUM>.

The cartridge is attached to the stain removal device by placing it into a cavity in the device and closing the cavity, for example by a hinged enclosure (not shown).

The hinged enclosure closes the cavity and locks to the device via at least one locking stud. Besides securing the powder-chemical cartridge in the device, the enclosure also serves to supply water to the cartridge from the water tank.

The cartridge comprises an inlet <NUM> to allow water to enter the cartridge and dissolve the powder chemical.

The cartridge also comprises a porous outlet <NUM> for the dissolved-powder chemical solution. Alternatively, the entire cartridge may be a soft, flexible and porous pouch containing the chemical powder. The porous material should have a pore size smaller than the grain size of the chemical powder. An example of such a flexible and porous pouch <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>.

Alternatively, a solid-chemical block or pill can be used instead of a powder chemical on the condition that the solid chemical can be dissolved by water.

The detachable powder-chemical cartridge may be in the form of a hard or semi-soft capsule containing chemical powder.

A powder-chemical cartridge is preferably intended for single use. Indeed, the diluted powder does not have a long life-duration in terms of efficiency to treat stains.

<FIG> depicts an example of a soft, flexible and porous powder-chemical pouch <NUM> according to the invention.

<FIG> depicts an example of placement of a detachable stain removal accessory taking the form of a powder-chemical capsule in a device according to the invention.

The powder-chemical capsule <NUM> is placed in a cavity <NUM> closed by an enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of placement of a detachable stain removal accessory taking the form of a powder-chemical pouch in a device according to the invention.

The powder-chemical pouch <NUM> is placed in a cavity <NUM> closed by an enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of placement of a detachable stain removal accessory taking the form of a solid-chemical pill in a device according to the invention.

The solid-chemical pill <NUM> is placed in a cavity <NUM> closed by an enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of placement of a detachable stain removal accessory taking the form of solid-chemical granules in a device according to the invention.

The solid-chemical granules <NUM> is placed in a cavity <NUM> closed by an enclosure <NUM>.

The device cavity into which the cartridge is placed has an outlet that allows chemical solution to pass from the cartridge to the device interior. Irrespective of the form factor of the powder-chemical cartridge (powder-chemical capsule, powder-chemical porous pouch, solid-chemical pill, or solid-chemical granules), the cartridge is coupled to the device by placing the cartridge in the device cavity and closing the cartridge enclosure. Also, irrespective of cartridge form factor, the powder or solid chemical is dissolved within the device cavity before the resultant chemical solution exits the cavity.

<FIG> depicts an example of tube arrangement and fluid flow in a device using a detachable stain removal accessory <NUM> taking the form of a powder-chemical cartridge.

There are two fluid flow paths when the device employs a powder-chemical cartridge:.

In the water and chemical hybrid flow path, water flows from the water tank to the chemical-dosing pump to the cartridge enclosure to the powder-chemical cartridge, where it dissolves the powder chemical to form a chemical solution. The chemical solution then flows from the cartridge to the chemical-dosing nozzle.

Note that the terms pod, capsule, pouch, pill, or equivalent can be used indifferently to designate the cartridge.

After the cartridge is coupled to the device, the heated plate is turned on to a first temperature setting (lower temperature), such that the heated plate reaches a temperature of at least <NUM>. The optimal temperature is between <NUM> and <NUM>, though a temperature range of <NUM> to <NUM> is also acceptable.

The liquid chemical is dosed onto the stained fabric by activating the chemical-dosing trigger. The chemical-dosing trigger is equivalent to a switch that activates the chemical-dosing pump to pump liquid chemical from the liquid-chemical cartridge to a chemical-dosing outlet near the heated plate.

Alternatively, the chemical-dosing trigger causes the chemical-dosing pump to pump water from the water tank to the powder-chemical capsule/pouch, dissolving the powder to form a chemical solution. The chemical-dosing pump then continues to pump the chemical solution (dissolved powder) from the powder capsule/pouch to the chemical-dosing nozzle. When the liquid chemical or chemical solution (dissolved powder) has been dispensed, the heated plate should be placed on the surface of the stained fabric to enable heating of the wetted fabric. The heat is optional, but can greatly enhance stain removal result and speed by accelerating the chemical reaction. Alternatively, heat can be applied through other forms of heating, such as hot air, steam, microwave and exothermic reaction.

Dosing and heating of the stained fabric should be repeated until the stain visibility has been reduced to an acceptable level.

Once the stain visibility has been reduced to a level that is acceptable by the user, the device will enter the second phase of stain removal, which is rinsing process.

In the rinsing phase, the rinsing-pump trigger is activated. Water is pumped from the water tank through the pump and out from a rinsing-water nozzle near the heated plate. This process dilutes the chemical and washes the fabric.

<FIG> depicts an example of a device according to the invention equipped with a brush <NUM>.

The brush head (optionally motorized) is activated at the same time to provide optional mechanical scrubbing action to push the waste water out of the fabric.

Alternatively, the brush may be replaced by an accessory or feature (not shown) that is able to provide mechanical action, such as a tapping motion, a forward-backward linear motion or a circular motion.

Alternatively, a chemical neutralizer may be applied to neutralize the residual chemical.

When rinsing is completed, the user moves on to the third process, which is the drying process. This process is optional and does not affect the stain-removal process.

However, the drying process brings extra convenience to the user, such that the treated fabric can be used almost immediately without waiting for the fabric to dry. The temperature switch of the device is for example switched to the second temperature setting (higher temperature) to raise the temperature of the heated plate to approximately <NUM> which gives the optimal balance between drying speed and reduced risk of scorching fabric under treatment.

More generally, a temperature range of <NUM> to <NUM> is suitable for drying. The heated plate, which will be used for drying, should preferably be cleaned prior to the drying process. The heated plate is placed onto the rinsed fabric area to provide for localized drying, similar to the action of an electric iron. The process is completed upon drying of the fabric.

Alternatively, drying may be achieved through other means of providing heat or air movement, such as hot air, radiation, moving air or vacuum extraction.

Preferably, the device according to the invention comprises a heating unit (not shown) to heat the liquid (or diluted) chemical before being applied on the stained area. The goal is to accelerate the reaction. For example, the liquid (or diluted) chemical is heated to reach a value in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The heating can be done via different approaches:.

<FIG> depicts a flow chart of a method according to the invention of treating a stained area by a stain removal device as described above.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step (<NUM>) of rinsing the stained area.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step (<NUM>) of drying the stained area.

Claim 1:
A portable stain removal device (<NUM>) for locally removing a stain on a fabric (<NUM>), comprising:
- a chemical container (<NUM>, <NUM>) for containing a chemical reagent,
- a dispensing mechanism (<NUM>) for dispensing the chemical reagent out of the chemical container (<NUM>) onto the fabric (<NUM>), and
characterized in that the portable stain removal device (<NUM>) further comprises:
- a heating plate (<NUM>) arranged at the front head of the device (<NUM>),
- a heater (<NUM>) for heating the fabric (<NUM>) and/or the chemical reagent, the heater (<NUM>) being arranged adjacent to the heating plate (<NUM>).