Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/219,403, filed Sep. 16, 2015 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/219,046, filed Sep. 15, 2015. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to textile cleaning and in particular to stain removing devices and methods for cleaning clothing, fabric and other textiles. 
         [0004]    Related Art 
         [0005]    Various patents describe apparatus directed to removing stains on clothing through mechanical means and chemicals. These patents generally disclose the concept of applying a cleaning fluid to a stained area to remove a stain. The cleaning fluid may be water or water with some chemical agents such as detergents. Movement of the fabric causes the cleaning fluid to be absorbed by the fabric to lift a stain. Rinsing away or otherwise removing the cleaning fluid after the cleaning agent has lifted some of the staining material completes the cleaning process. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 656,802 describes a piston system where a fluid is manually pushed through a stained fabric. U.S. Pat. No. 2,552,853 describes a syringe apparatus that forces fluid through a stained fabric while keeping the wet area to a minimum size. U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,180 describes a vacuum cleanser having an applicator that applies cleaning fluid and suction at its nozzle to clean a particular area of fabric. U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,163 describes a stain cleaning enclosure with a brush that is operated manually. Fluid may be introduced onto scrub surface with a squeeze bottle. U.S. Pat. No. 7,536,745 describes an apparatus for spot cleaning fabric by getting a fluid to go through the stain. 
         [0007]    Some commercial stain removers that clean small stains also exist. These products are basically chemicals that are applied on the stained area and react with the stain to make it less visible For example, TIDE TOGO instant stain remover operates in this manner. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 8,709,099 describes a fluid cleaning agent and surfactant package that is applied to a stain. In general, such solutions do not work on all stains (e.g., ketchup, oil, sauce, jam, and the like). 
         [0008]    From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    A stain removing device that primarily uses water pressure and flow and, optionally, detergent to clean the stain is disclosed. In general, the stain removing device comprises an enclosure that surrounds and encapsulates a stained area of fabric. The enclosure is then closed, providing a somewhat watertight volume around the stained area to prevent the remainder of the fabric from getting wet. The stain removing device is especially advantageous in circumstances where washing facilities or not convenient or available. In addition, the encapsulation of stained fabric improves drying time once cleaning is complete. The stain removing device does not require an electrical power source and may be constructed in various sizes, including portable sizes. 
         [0010]    Various stain removing devices and methods relating to the same are disclosed herein. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment a stain removing device comprises an enclosure and a cover. The enclosure comprises a rigid portion having an orifice, a resilient portion opposite the orifice, and a detergent compartment attached to the resilient portion. The cover comprises a top end, a bottom end, and one or more water inlets at the top end. At least the bottom end of the cover has a peripheral shape that corresponds to the orifice so that the cover can enclose the enclosure. 
         [0011]    The detergent compartment may be enclosed with a cap. The cap may comprise one or more holes, one or more protrusions or both. In addition, the detergent compartment may be formed from one or more helicoid springs. A ledge may be formed in the enclosure to engage a cover. The enclosure and the cover may be cylindrical, and the resilient portion may be dome shaped. A wall may be around the water inlets to prevent spillage when water is poured into the water inlets. 
         [0012]    In another exemplary embodiment, a stain removing device comprises an enclosure comprising an orifice and a resilient portion, a detergent compartment within the enclosure and attached to the resilient portion, a cap at the detergent compartment, and a cover that encloses the orifice, wherein the cover is removable from the orifice. 
         [0013]    One or more holes may be in the cap, one or more protrusions may extend from the cap or both. The detergent compartment may comprise one or more helicoid springs. In addition, the cover may comprise one or more water inlets. A ledge along an interior wall of the enclosure may be provided to engage the cover. Also, the resilient portion may be dome shaped. 
         [0014]    In another exemplary embodiment, a method of removing a stain with a stain removing device is disclosed, with such method comprising positioning a stained area of a fabric at an orifice of an enclosure of the stain removing device, and enclosing the orifice of the enclosure with a cover. The fabric is held between the cover and a portion the enclosure when the enclosure is enclosed with the cover. The method also includes pouring water into one or more water inlets of the cover, and actuating a resilient portion of the enclosure. Actuating the resilient portion moves a detergent compartment towards and away from the stained area of the fabric to clean the stained area. The water may be poured out of the water inlets after actuating the resilient portion of the enclosure. 
         [0015]    The fabric is typically held between a bottom edge of the cover and a ledge of the enclosure when the orifice of the enclosure is enclosed with the cover. The detergent compartment may be opened to add detergent into the detergent compartment. The detergent compartment may comprise a cap having one or more holes, one or more protrusions or both. The detergent compartment may comprise one or more helicoid springs. 
         [0016]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary stain removing device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary enclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary agitator; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary cover; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary stain removing device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an exemplary stain removing device; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary stain removing device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplary stain removing device; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a front view of an exemplary stain removing device; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary enclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary detergent compartment cap; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view and a bottom view of an exemplary cover; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an exemplary stain removing device; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a flow diagram illustrating operation of an exemplary stain removing device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
         [0033]    Clothing stains caused by food, drinks, or other substances are common and may occur where a washing machine is unavailable. Hand washing using tap water and soap is the relied upon. This is cumbersome, time consuming and tends to wet a large area of the clothing. In addition, such cleaning may be ineffective. 
         [0034]    The stain removing device disclosed herein makes the stain removal process quicker and easier, and provides cleaning primarily using water pressure and flow. The stain removing device will typically clean a small area of fabric quickly and without wetting an area much larger than the stain itself. The stain removing device is especially advantageous for those away from home or away from a change of clothes. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a stain removing device  104  may comprise an enclosure  116 , a water inlet  108  to receive water flow, and a water outlet  112 . A water inlet  108  may be a fluid conduit and may have various diameters, including diameters to fit common faucets, taps, hoses or other water sources. Also, a water inlet  108  may have a flexible or resilient tip (i.e., distal end), for example made of rubber or another flexible plastic material, that may also or alternatively be cone shaped or tapered to connect to a wide range of water sources. 
         [0036]    A water outlet  112  allows water to exit the stain removing device  104  after it has circulated through the device or has otherwise been “used.” It is contemplated that a water outlet  112  need not be very long or be connected to a drain or the like since the cleaning operation will typically occur at a sink. The water outlet  112  is dimensioned to keep enough water inside the enclosure  116  during operation so adequate cleaning can occur. In other words, a water outlet  112  may be large enough to keep water circulating, while being small enough to keep water from immediately flowing out of the enclosure without staying in contact with a stain. In some embodiments, a water outlet  112  has an increased diameter relative to the water inlet  108  to let more water out so the stain removing device  104  is not filled with water. 
         [0037]    A detergent compartment  124  may be attached to the enclosure  116  and hold detergent, in pellet or liquid form. It is contemplated that various soaps, such as bathroom or hand soap, may be used in some embodiments. A detergent compartment  124  will typically be in fluid communication with the enclosure  116 . For example, a permeable wall (e.g., a grid or mesh), one or more openings or the like may be at a proximal end of the detergent compartment  124  to permit water to mix with the detergent therein. The detergent compartment  124  may be opened to allow detergent to be placed therein. For example, a detergent compartment  124  may have a door or removable cover, or be removable from an enclosure  116 . Alternatively, a detergent compartment  124  may be located in, or along, a water inlet  108 , so that detergent therein is constantly exposed to the water flow during cleaning. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the enclosure  116  may contain an agitator  136 , which may comprise a turbine or shaft  128  having one or more blades  120 , that are propelled or rotated by water flow to gently rub a stained fabric. The blades  120  are primarily provided to agitate and move water across and through a stained fabric. In some embodiments, one or more blades  120  may also brush a stained fabric. Various numbers and shapes of blades  120  may be used. 
         [0039]    As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , the ends of a shaft  128  may engage corresponding detents  132  or the like to rotatably mount the agitator  136  to the enclosure  116 . As can be seen, detents  132  may be at opposite sides of an enclosure  116 . It is noted that the inside surface of the enclosure  116  may be shaped, such as the curved “pill” shape shown in  FIG. 1 , to facilitate fluid circulation to increase cleaning efficiency as well. For example, the interior of an enclosure  116  may have various textures or protrusions to facilitate fluid circulation relative to a stained fabric. 
         [0040]    It is contemplated that some embodiments of the stain removing device  104  will not include an agitator  136 . In such embodiments, the interior surface of an enclosure  116  may be designed to maximize the water flow at and through the stained fabric, without using a rotating agitator  136 . In such embodiments, cleaning relies only upon water flow, detergent or both as there are no moving parts inside the enclosure  116 . 
         [0041]    An enclosure  116  also comprises an opening or orifice  152  that may be defined by an edge or rim  140 . One or more grooves  148  may be formed along the rim  140 , such as to hold one or more gaskets, O-rings or other seals  144 . A corresponding cover  404 , such as shown in  FIG. 4 , is provided to enclose the orifice  152  tightly. A cover  404  may comprise a wall  408  that extends around its periphery. One or more grooves  412  may be formed at the inner surface of the wall  408  to receive the seal  144  of the enclosure  116 . It is noted that a cover  404  may have one or more of its own gaskets, O-rings or other seals. In operation, the stained area of a fabric may be positioned at the orifice  152  of an enclosure  116  of the stain removing device  104 . Thereafter, a cover  404  may be pushed onto the enclosure  116  to fit around the rim  140  of the enclosure and squeeze the stained fabric therebetween. This tightly seals the orifice  152  of the enclosure  116  helping to prevent the fabric outside the enclosure from getting overly wet during cleaning. Once cleaning is complete, the cover  404  may be removed to release the fabric. This also opens the enclosure  116  to allow its interior to be cleaned and dried. 
         [0042]    As can be seen, an enclosure  116  holds the rotating agitator  136  and contains the water, detergent and the stained fabric during cleaning. A cover  404  can open or close the enclosure  116 . When closed, the enclosure  116  is at least somewhat water tight, while also not squeezing the fabric too tightly. A closed enclosure  116  does not need to be completely waterproof but will keep water from flowing freely to wet the fabric outside the enclosure. Alternatively or in addition, it is contemplated that a clamp may be used to press the cover  404  against the enclosure  116  to secure the cover thereto during cleaning. 
         [0043]    The stain removing device  104  may take several forms. As shown and described above, a stain removing device  104  may have an agitator with straight blades  120 . In an alternate embodiment, a stain removing device  104  may have a helicoid agitator  136 , such as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . It is contemplated that other blade configurations may also be used, such as to maximize the rotation speed, the water flow, or fabric brushing or agitation. 
         [0044]    The embodiment of  FIGS. 5 and 6  also illustrate a stain removing device  104  with a curved opening or orifice  152 . One advantage of a curved orifice  152  is that water flow close to a stain and surface of a stained fabric that is close to the blades  120  is increased when a helicoid agitator  136  is used, or more generally if the water moves in a circular manner in a stain removing device&#39;s enclosure  116 . 
         [0045]    It is noted that a water inlet  108  and water outlet  112  may be positioned relative to the axis of rotation or shaft  128  of an agitator  136  in various ways. To illustrate,  FIG. 1  shows a water inlet  108  that is perpendicular to the agitator&#39;s axis of rotation. This increases the rotation speed on a straight blade turbine.  FIG. 5  shows an embodiment with a water inlet  108  and water outlet  112  parallel to the enclosure  116  and the agitator&#39;s shaft  128  and axis of rotation. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of the stain removing device  104  with a dual compartment enclosure  116 . A turbine compartment  716  contains a turbine  708  comprising one or more blades  712  attached to a rotatably mounted shaft  732  that creates movement with water flow received via a water inlet  108 . An agitator compartment  720  that contains a rotatably mounted agitator  136  comprising one or more blades or brushes  724  that rub a stained fabric. The turbine compartment  716  may be smaller than the second compartment  720 . The water inlet  108  and water outlet  112  may be arranged to maximize water flow speed in the turbine compartment  716  while allowing some water to flow on the stained fabric in the agitator compartment  720 , without filling the agitator compartment. One or more small holes  728  may be formed in the turbine compartment  716  to spray water on the stained fabric and into the agitator compartment  720 . A small hole  728  may have a nozzle that directs water spray. 
         [0047]    In operation, water from a water source flows into the turbine compartment  716  via a water inlet  108 . The water speed in the turbine compartment  716  is maximized to create movement in the agitator compartment  720 , where an agitator  136 , which shaft  128  is connected to the turbine shaft  732 , rubs the fabric and generates water movement. The turbine compartment  716  is typically not in contact with a stained fabric. The agitator compartment  720  is where the cleaning occurs with an agitator  136  propelled by the turbine  708 . Detents, such as disclosed above, may be at the interior of each compartment  716 ,  720  to rotatably mount the turbine  708  and agitator  136 . 
         [0048]    Detergent may be positioned along the water path in such a way that the water reaching the fabric contains some detergent, such as via a detergent compartment as described above. An agitator compartment  720  will typically not fill with water during cleaning because its water outlet  112  is large enough to prevent water from accumulating. Partial filling of the agitator compartment  720  allows the agitator  136  therein to spin faster than it would in an enclosure  116  or compartment filled with water. Therefore, higher fabric rubbing speed is generated for cleaning purposes. 
         [0049]    Operation of an exemplary stain removing device will now be described with regard to the flow diagram of  FIG. 8 . At a decision step  804 , if sufficient detergent is not present (such as in a detergent compartment), detergent may be added at a step  808 . If sufficient detergent is present, the stain of a fabric may be positioned at an orifice of the stain removing device at a step  812 . 
         [0050]    At a step  816 , the orifice may be enclosed or capped, such as with a cover. As described above, a cover may be pushed onto or otherwise attached at the orifice to enclose the orifice. At a step  820 , a water inlet may be connected to a water source, such as a faucet or tap. This may occur by inserting a distal end of the water inlet into the outlet of the water source. Typically, the stain removing device will be used at a sink to allow water exiting its water outlet to drain into the sink. Optionally however, it is contemplated that a water outlet may be connected to a drain. 
         [0051]    At a step  824 , water flow may be started, such as by activating or opening the water source. Water then flows into the enclosure via the water inlet and propels the agitator (or turbine) therein. As described above, an agitator will typically be rotatably mounted inside the enclosure. The agitator creates a regular water flow tangent to the stained fabric and may also rub the fabric gently by its rotation. Depending on the specific embodiment, an agitator may have one of these two functions, or both. If the agitator is to rub the stained fabric, its blades will typically be made of a soft flexible material with a size or shape to engage the stained fabric. Both water flow and fabric rubbing may contribute to an efficient cleaning action. 
         [0052]    At a step  828 , water flow may be stopped, such as by deactivating or closing the water source. The water flow may be stopped after a predetermined period, such as after  3  minutes of cleaning, or may be stopped as desired by a user. At a step  832 , the cover may be removed to release the now cleaned fabric. Thereafter, the fabric may be dried at a step  836 . Since the cover provides a seal with the enclosure, the fabric will typically dry quickly in that only a limited portion of the fabric will become wet during the cleaning process. It is noted that if, after releasing the fabric, the fabric is not cleaned to a user&#39;s satisfaction, the cleaning process may be repeated one or more additional times, such as by starting at step  804  or step  812  of the process. 
         [0053]    Various other embodiments are contemplated as well. For instance, in another embodiment, the enclosure is made of two approximately equal size halves, and a stained fabric is captured between two similar volumes of water during cleaning. A water outlet of the first half may feed into the water inlet of the second half to create a continuous flow of water around the stained fabric without relying solely on the water flowing through the stained fabric, from one side to the other. In such embodiment, each half of the enclosure may comprise a broad and loose plastic mesh or other permeable surface very close to the stained fabric, to hold the fabric generally in place during cleaning. The enclosure halves can also contain some light plastic balls that will move with the water flow and create some mechanical movement around the stained fabric when they gently bump into the fabric. This contributes to cleaning efficiency. 
         [0054]    In another embodiment, a battery powered electric motor may be included and used to assist turbine or agitator rotation, and therefore increase the cleaning efficiency. The motor may be switched on and off by a user, or automatically controlled by the detection of water, the closure of the enclosure or both. It is noted that the device may be constructed in various sizes to achieve various cleaning areas, such as of a square inch or less or even above  10  square inches. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 9-14  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a stain removing device  104  that is not propelled by a water source. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the stain removing device  104  may comprise an enclosure  908  and a cover  904 . Both the enclosure  908  and cover  904  may be hollow. The cover  904  may have a top end  916  and a bottom end, with the bottom end being inserted into an orifice  920  of the enclosure  908  when the stain removing device  104  is assembled. As can be seen, the cover  904  may be sized such that it fits into the orifice  920  to cover and generally enclose the enclosure  908 . 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , it can be seen that the enclosure  908  may comprise a closed end  1016  and an orifice  920  opposite the closed end, and will typically be formed from a flexible or soft material such as rubber or TPE, that can be depressed or otherwise distorted when pressed or otherwise engaged. As can be seen, the enclosure  908  may be dome shaped in some embodiments. 
         [0057]    A ledge  1008  may be in the enclosure  908  to prevent a cover  904  from being inserted beyond a particular point (i.e., beyond the ledge). A ledge  1008  may also contribute to the water tightness between an enclosure  908  and its cover  904  in that a seal may be formed between the ledge  1008  and the bottom end of an inserted cover. The ledge may be wide enough to present a flat surface where cover  904  can rest. 
         [0058]    A detergent compartment  1004  may be inside the enclosure. As can be seen, the detergent compartment  1004  may comprise a hollow cylinder where pellet, liquid or other detergent may be placed. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the detergent compartment  1004  is formed with helicoid springs. Some detergent can escape the detergent compartment  1004  through the spaces between the springs during cleaning. It is noted that the detergent compartment  1004  may alternatively be formed as a solid structure, such as if helicoid springs are not used. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a cap  1104  may be provided to enclose the detergent compartment  1004 . The cap  1104  may be attached to a top edge  1012  of the detergent compartment  1004  to hold detergent within the detergent compartment. A cap  1104  may be attached in various ways. For instance, it is contemplated that a cap  1104  may be threaded and screwed onto the top of a detergent compartment  1004 . A cap  1104  may also or alternatively be attached via a hinge, clip or with other mechanisms. 
         [0060]    A cap  1104  may comprise holes  1108  to let detergent out of its detergent compartment  1004  during cleaning. The holes  1108  may also facilitate circulation of water and detergent in and out of a detergent compartment  1004 . A cap&#39;s upper surface may also or alternatively comprise several small bumps, balls or other protrusions  1112  that rub a stained fabric to create mechanical movement and pressure changes for cleaning purposes. 
         [0061]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the top end  916  of a cover  904 . As can be seen, the top end  916  may be enclosed, such as with a panel  1208  or the like. The panel  1208  will typically include one or more water inlets  1204  and may be inset below the edge of the top end  916  to make it easier to pour water into the water inlets without spilling. The water inlets  1204  may be openings that are wide enough to let water in when poured into stain removing device, but narrow enough to keep water from splashing out during operation. A bottom edge  1212  of the cover  904  may be inserted into an enclosure to assemble the stain removing device, such as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0062]    A bottom detail view illustrating the bottom end  1220  of the cover  904  is also shown in  FIG. 12 . As can be seen, the bottom edge  1212  may be various widths or have an inward extending rim or ledge. One or more circular ridges  1216  may be at the bottom edge  1212  of a cover  904  to create circular pressure points around a stain, to further limit the amount of water moving away from the washing area, into the fabric, by capillarity action. The ridges may have various shapes and sizes, such as a thin triangular shape (from a cross sectional perspective) such that their point of contact with the fabric is a thin circle. A cover  904  will typically also provide a cavity  1224  between its top end  916  and bottom end  1220 . Water is contained within the cavity  1224  during cleaning operations. 
         [0063]    As stated with regard to  FIG. 10 , the bottom edge  1212  may engage a ledge  1008  within the enclosure  908  when assembling the stain removing device. It is contemplated that a gasket, O-ring or other seal may be at the bottom edge  1212  to help seal the cover and enclosure when the stain removing device is assembled. Alternatively or in addition, a gasket, O-ring or other seal may be at the ledge. One or more groove may be formed to hold a seal in place. 
         [0064]      FIG. 13  shows an exploded view illustrating how elements of the stain removing device and a stained fabric  1304  may be arranged for operation. As can be seen, the stain  1308  may be positioned such that it is adjacent the cap  1104 . When the stain removing device is assembled, such as by inserting the cover  904  into the orifice  920  of the enclosure  908 , the stained fabric  1304  is captured between the bottom edge  1212  of the cover  904  and the ledge  1008  of the enclosure  908 . 
         [0065]    Water tightness around the stain  1308 , which prevents additional areas of the fabric  1304  from becoming wet, may be ensured by pressure of the bottom edge  1212  against the ledge  1008 . As stated, a gasket, O-ring or other seal around bottom edge  1212  may also be provided, such as in a groove, to improve water tightness and reduce friction on the fabric  1304 . Once closed around the stain  1308 , the enclosure  908  and its cover  908  keeps water from wetting a larger area than the section that is enclosed in the stain removing device. This is advantageous in that it improves drying time for the fabric  1304 . 
         [0066]    It can also be seen from  FIG. 13 , that detergent  1312  may be placed within the detergent compartment  1004  that is enclosed by a cap  1104 . As described above, a cap  1104  may have one or more holes  1108 , protrusions  1112  or both to aid with detergent and water mixing and agitation which improves cleaning. When the stain removing device is assembled, the cap  1104  may be adjacent the stain  1308 . 
         [0067]    Operation of an exemplary stain removing device that is not propelled by a water source will now be described with regard to the flow diagram of  FIG. 14 . At a decision step  1404 , if insufficient detergent is in the stain removing device, such as in its detergent compartment, detergent may be added at a step  1408 . A detergent compartment may be opened to add detergent and closed thereafter to enclose the detergent compartment. 
         [0068]    If sufficient detergent is present, at a step  1412 , the stained area of a fabric may be positioned at an orifice of the enclosure. At a step  1416 , the orifice of the enclosure may be covered, such as by inserting a cover into the orifice. As described above, this captures the fabric between the enclosure and the cover, namely between the bottom edge of the cover and the ledge of the enclosure. At a step  1420 , water may be added, such as by pouring water into one or more water inlets of the cover. Typically, the stain removing device will only be partially filled with water. It is noted that, if effervescent detergent is used, the water will activate the detergent causing it to release gas and cleaning solution. 
         [0069]    As can be seen, the stain removing device may contain the stained area of the fabric, water and detergent. The water inlets allow the stain removing device to receive water and also allow air and gas circulation into and out of the stain removing device during cleaning. At a step  1424 , the resilient portion of the enclosure may be actuated, such as by gently tapping the stain removing device against a flat surface, causing the detergent compartment  1004  and cap  1104  to move up and down. The water inlets are large enough to allow air and gas circulation when the detergent compartment  1004  and cap  1104  are moving up and down, but small enough to keep the water from splashing out of the stain removing device. 
         [0070]    The cap may come into contact with the fabric during actuation of the resilient portion. As describe above, the cap is designed to create friction and water circulation around and through the fabric and stain to improve cleaning. The cap may include one or more holes, protrusions or both for such purposes. The holes also permit detergent in the detergent compartment to mix with water and exit the detergent compartment. It is contemplated that a cap may also or alternatively include one or more brushes. 
         [0071]    The resilient portion may be pushed or tapped against a hard surface to actuate the resilient portion. As the resilient portion is pushed inward or engaged, it bends and pushes the detergent compartment and cap upward towards the fabric. The cap then contacts the fabric and creates water circulation and changes in local pressure. This induced water and detergent movement contribute to the cleaning of the stain from the fabric. Since the resilient portion is formed from a resilient material, it will return to its original shape or configuration, thereby moving the detergent compartment and cap back downward away from the fabric. Actuation may continue by pushing or tapping the resilient portion inward once again. 
         [0072]    It is noted that, in some embodiments, vertical motion created by actuation of a resilient portion, such as by a user deforming, pushing in or otherwise engaging the resilient portion, may be converted to some rotational movement of the cap, water, detergent or various subsets thereof. Referring to  FIG. 10 , rotation can be achieved using a detergent compartment  1004  comprising helicoid springs. The springs may be coiled around a main revolution axis of the stain removing device. As the springs are compressed, they drive the cap into a rotational movement that increases rubbing of stained fabric and therefore helps with cleaning. 
         [0073]    Actuation may continue for a predetermined period of time or as desired by a user. Water may be removed or drained at a step  1428 . This may occur by turning the stain removing device upside down, causing the fluid therein to pour out of the water inlets at the top of the cover. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the cover may be removed and the remaining fluid therein poured out. 
         [0074]    At a step  1432 , the cover may be removed, such as by removing the cover from the enclosure&#39;s orifice, to release the fabric. The fabric may be dried at a step  1436 . Since the stain removing device limits wetting of additional areas of the fabric, drying time will be reduced. If additional cleaning is desired, the cleaning process may be repeated one or more additional times, such as by returning to step  1404  or step  1412 . 
         [0075]    Various other embodiments are contemplated as well. For instance, in one embodiment, the stain removing device may comprise a horizontal grid or mesh right above the enclosure&#39;s ledge to counter the pressure of the piston, and prevent excessive bending of a stained fabric. In operation, the cap squeezes the stained fabric against this grid every time it actuated upward. This pressure replicates the batting method used a century ago when washing machines did not exist. 
         [0076]    In another embodiment, a spring may be attached between the detergent compartment and the cap. The movement itself is still generated by the user in such embodiment. In another embodiment, the detergent compartment and cap may be a single part removably attached to a resilient portion of the enclosure. For instance, a proximal end of the detergent compartment may snap or clip into a groove in the resilient portion. The detergent compartment and cap may be removed from the resilient potion to place detergent therein, and then be reattached to the resilient portion for use. 
         [0077]    In another embodiment, a battery powered electric motor may be used to actuate the resilient portion. This motor may either be switched on and off by the user, or automatically controlled by the detection of water, the closure of the enclosure or both. In such embodiments, a user need not move the device to perform the cleaning. The motor may also be activated by a user generated vertical movement, be used to rotate the cap to improve cleaning or both. 
         [0078]    The stain removing device will typically be sized such that the area to be cleaned is a few square inches. However smaller or larger versions of the stain removing device can be made to obtain cleaning areas of a square inch or less or even above ten square inches. Also, the stain removing device may be constructed from low cost plastics in one or more embodiments. The parts of the stain removing device are generally mechanically simple and easy to manufacture. This provides a low cost of manufacturing allowing the stain removing device to be disposable in one or more embodiments. 
         [0079]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.

Technology Category: d