Automatic ironing systems and methods

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9328453-B2
Application number	US-201414364215-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 3, 2014
Priority date	Jun 3, 2014
Publication date	May 3, 2016
Grant date	May 3, 2016

Abstract

An automatic ironing system and method comprise a volumetric enclosure configured to receive an article to be steamed, and a base configured to support, power, and provide steamed water to the volumetric enclosure. The system also comprises a rotary engine configured to rotate the article when activated, and at least one steam nozzle configured to direct steam towards the article. The system also comprises a receptacle configured to receive condensed steam from the volumetric enclosure and to recirculate the condensed steam for re-use, and a controller configured to monitor one or more variables of the automatic ironing system and adjust parameters according to instructions.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. An automatic ironing system, comprising:
a volumetric enclosure configured to receive an article to be steamed;
a base configured to support, power, and provide steamed water to the volumetric enclosure;
a rotary engine configured to rotate the article when activated;
at least one steam nozzle configured to direct steam towards the article;
a receptacle configured to receive condensed steam from the volumetric enclosure and to recirculate the condensed steam for re-use;
a controller configured to monitor one or more variables of the automatic ironing system and adjust parameters according to instructions; and
a scanning device configured to identify the article.

2. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , wherein the volumetric enclosure includes an anti-heat material.

3. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , wherein the rotary engine is adjustable to alternate between clockwise and counter clockwise rotations.

4. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one steam nozzle includes multiple pliable steam nozzles of varying vertical lengths.

5. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one steam nozzle includes a flexible material.

6. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a purge system configured to remove deposits from the at least one steam nozzle and the receptacle.

7. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a water filter attachment configured to filter incoming water prior to circulation within the volumetric enclosure.

8. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , further comprising:
one or more hanger attachments configured to attach to the rotary engine and to suspend the article to be steamed.

9. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , further comprising:
one or more flexible weight extensions extending from the base and configured to attach to an edge of the article.

10. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a fabric sensor configured to identify a fabric of the article.

11. The automatic ironing system of claim 1 , wherein the volumetric enclosure is expandable and collapsible in a vertical and horizontal direction.

12. An automated method of ironing an article, comprising:
dispensing steam within a volumetric enclosure, via one or more flexible steam nozzles;
rotating an article suspended from a rotary engine of the volumetric enclosure;
capturing condensed steam in a reservoir for recirculation within the volumetric enclosure;
controlling one or more parameters according to instructions, via a controller connected to the volumetric enclosure; and
identifying the article via a scanning device.

13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
expanding and collapsing the volumetric enclosure in a vertical and horizontal direction.

14. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
adjusting one of an amount and a rate of the dispensing.

15. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
purging the one or more flexible steam nozzles and the reservoir to remove deposits.

16. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
issuing an alert signal when a level of water in the reservoir is below a set amount.

17. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
identifying a fabric of the article via a fabric sensor.

18. The method of claim 12 , further comprising:
supporting, powering, and providing the volumetric enclosure with steam via a powered base connected to the volumetric enclosure.

Assignees

• Univ Umm Al Qura

Inventors

• Al-Zahrani Fahad Mohammed

Classifications

• D06F73/02 Primary

  having one or more treatment chambers · CPC title

• D06F67/005

  Stands or cabinets · CPC title

• D06F87/00

  Apparatus for moistening or otherwise conditioning the article to be ironed or pressed (apparatus for smoothing or removing creases from garments or other textile articles by formers, cores, stretchers or internal frames, with the application of heat or steam D06F73/00 {; devices used in combination with a laundry dryer D06F58/203}) · CPC title

• D06F69/00 Primary

  Ironing machines not otherwise provided for · CPC title