DRYER BALL COMPRISING AN ELASTOMERIC CORE AND A PLURALITY OF ABSORBENT ELEMENTS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a dryer ball used with a laundry drying appliance. Specifically, the dryer ball can reduce drying time, reduce static electricity, and/or reduce wrinkles in the laundry being dried.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wrinkles on garments and bedding are generally viewed as unsightly and undesirable. Wrinkles in fabrics are often formed when a consumer forgets or fails to remove a load of clothes from a clothes dryer when the drying cycle has been completed. Even when laundry is removed immediately after drying, wrinkles are often still present. After drying, the clothes are in a jumbled state within the interior of the clothes dryer. When left unattended, the fabric forms wrinkles under the weight of the clothes. Further, during the washing process, washing machines use agitators and rotating drums to mix and rotate the laundry, which also leave the items crumpled prior to transfer to the dryer. As a result, consumers must use an iron to smooth out the wrinkles, which is a time consuming and tedious chore.

In response, consumers often add dryer sheets to the wet laundry in a clothes dryer to soften the laundry and minimize wrinkles. However, dryer sheets are disposable and are typically discarded by a consumer after one drying cycle. Dryer balls made of wool, plastic, or rubber have also been developed as a reusable alternative to dryer sheets. However, prior art dryer balls do not reliably provide fabric softening and de-wrinkling properties to the laundry being dried. In addition, conventional dryer balls have a limited lifespan and must be frequently replaced.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide a dryer ball that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art to reduce wrinkles, reduce static electricity, reduce drying time, and/or provide softening of laundry in a clothes dryer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a dryer ball for use in conventional clothes drying machines. The term “clothes drying machine” or “clothes dryer” refers to a hot air dryer that includes a rotating drum within with laundry to be dried is subjected to a flow of heated air. The dryer ball comprises a central core comprising an elastomeric material, fiber, or both. The core also comprises an exterior surface (e.g., outermost surface of the core). The core includes a plurality of absorbent elements, each with a first end and a second end. The term “absorbent” refers to a property of a material in which it can absorb water or other liquids. The term “absorbent material” refers to a material that has absorbent properties. The first end of each absorbent element is attached to the exterior surface of the central core and the second end is unattached to the central core. The absorbent elements are uniformly distributed (e.g., evenly distributed and/or spaced) about the exterior surface of the central core.

In some embodiments, the elastomeric material is selected from rubber, silicone, thermoplastic polymer, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the central core comprises about 100 weight percent elastomeric material or about 100 weight percent fiber.

In some embodiments, the fiber is selected from wool, cotton, polyester, kapok, cellulose, silk, linen, hemp, jute, cellulose acetate, lyocell, rayon, viscose, spandex, nylon, bamboo, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the central core comprises an inner elastomeric layer surrounded by an outer fiber layer.

In some embodiments, the central core comprises an inner fiber layer surrounded by an outer elastomeric layer.

In some embodiments, the core has a diameter of 2-6 inches.

In some embodiments, the absorbent elements are configured as strips, loops, or both strips and loops.

In some embodiments, each absorbent element comprises a length of 0.1-1 inch, a width of 0.05-0.5 inches, and a thickness of 0.01-0.25 inches.

In some embodiments, the dryer ball comprises about 100-500 absorbent elements.

In some embodiments, the absorbent elements are selected from cotton, cellulose, wool, felt, nylon, bamboo, polyester, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of reducing drying time of wet laundry (e.g., clean, wet laundry from a conventional washing machine) dried using a clothes drying machine comprising an internal rotating drum. The “drying time” is the time period required by a clothes dryer cycle to sufficiently dry a load of wet or damp laundry. Specifically, the method comprises adding a volume of wet or damp laundry to the internal rotating drum of the clothes drying machine. The method includes adding at least one disclosed dryer ball to the internal rotating drum of the clothes drying machine. The method includes initiating a drying cycle of the clothes drying machine, wherein the at least one dryer ball bounces within the internal drum during the drying cycle, such as by bouncing between the walls of the drying machine drum as it rotates. As a result, the bouncing aerates the laundry to reduce drying time. The term “aerates” includes the introduction of air into the wet or damp laundry. For example, as the dryer ball bounces within the drum interior, it moves, jostles, and carries the laundry items as it bounces, thereby separating the laundry items from each other and allowing air within the drum to better reach the items. Stated another way, the dryer ball allows for a greater percentage of the surface area of each item of laundry to be exposed to the heated air during drying.

In some embodiments, static electricity is produced within the interior of the rotating drum and wherein the dryer ball reduces or eliminates the static electricity. “Static electricity” refers to static electric charges generated on a surface of an object where number of positive charges is not equal to that of negative charges. During a drying cycle, as fabrics rub against each other, the friction creates the electric charge, often creating static electricity.

In some embodiments, the method further includes applying an additive to the absorbent elements of the dryer ball prior to adding to the internal rotating drum of the clothes drying machine. The term “additive” refers to any element that provides a characteristic to the laundry. Suitable additives can include (but are not limited to) fragrances, anti-wrinkle compounds, fabric softeners, and the like.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of reducing wrinkles in wet laundry dried using a clothes drying machine that includes an internal rotating drum. Specifically, the method comprises adding a volume of wet or damp laundry to the internal rotating drum of the clothes drying machine. The method includes adding at least one dryer ball of claim 1 to the internal rotating drum of the clothes drying machine. The method includes initiating a drying cycle of the clothes drying machine, wherein the at least one dryer ball bounces within the internal drum during the drying cycle, aerating the laundry and reducing wrinkles in the laundry.

In some embodiments, the method includes wetting the plurality of absorbent elements of the at least one dryer ball prior to adding to the internal rotating drum of the clothes drying machine, wherein the wet absorbent elements steam the laundry during the drying cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dryer ball comprising a core and a plurality of absorbent elements in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2a is a cross sectional view of the dryer ball of FIG. 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of a dryer ball core in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 2c and 2d are cross-sectional views of a dryer ball core with multiple layers in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3a is a sectional side view of an absorbent loop configured on a dryer ball core in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3b is a side view of an absorbent loop in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3c is a side plan view of an absorbent strip configured on a dryer ball core in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3d is a top plan view of an absorbent loop in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3e is a top plan view of an absorbent strip in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3f is a side view of an absorbent strip in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a conventional clothes dryer in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating one method of using a dryer ball in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating one method of using a dryer ball to remove or eliminate wrinkles in dried clothing in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alteration and further modifications of the disclosure as illustrated herein, being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

Articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means at least one element and can include more than one element. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods. Thus, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “slightly above” or “slightly below” the endpoint without affecting the desired result.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures.

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention, and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a dryer ball that reduces the amount of time it takes a load of laundry to dry and also decreases or eliminates wrinkles in the dried laundry. The dryer ball can also eliminate or reduce static electricity and provide a softening characteristic to the dried laundry. The term “laundry” includes any fabric items that are conventionally washed and dried using home or commercial appliances (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels, and the like). As illustrated in FIG. 1, dryer ball 5 comprises a central core surrounded by an exterior layer of absorbent material 15. Advantageously, the dryer ball can be added to a conventional dryer and the dryer activated to provide benefits to the laundry being dried. Specifically, as the ball heats up, the air pressure within the core increases, causing the ball to bounce higher and more often within the interior of the dryer drum. As a result, the spinning laundry items are aerated, reducing drying time and preventing wrinkles in the clothing as it dries. The exterior absorbent material of the ball can also be used to steam the clothing, further reducing wrinkles and static electricity, as described in detail below.

As noted above, dryer ball 5 includes central core 10. The term “core” refers to the center of the dryer ball, which can have a unitary construction (e.g., a single layer as opposed to multiple layers). FIG. 2a illustrates one embodiment of core 10 surrounded by absorbent material 15.

In some embodiments, core 10 can comprise one or more elastomeric materials. The term “elastomeric” refers to a material or composite that can be extended or elongated by at least 25% of its relaxed length and that will recover, upon release of the applied force, at least 10% of its elongation. Suitable elastomeric materials can include (but are not limited to) rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or combinations thereof.

The term “rubber” refers to any material that includes polymers of the organic compound isoprene. Rubber therefore includes natural and/or synthetic polymeric substances that have the ability to undergo deformation under the influence of a force and regain their original shape once the force is removed. Suitable rubber materials can include (but are not limited to) polyisoprene (“natural rubber”), synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, polychloroprene, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, metallocene-based poly(ethylene-co-octene) (POE) elastomer, poly(ethylene-co-butene) (PBE) elastomer, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS) elastomer, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic elastomer, protein resilin, protein elastin, ethylene oxide-epichlorohydrin copolymer, polyurethane, urethane-urea copolymer, or combinations thereof.

The term “silicone” refers to a polymer comprising repeating units of siloxane (e.g., repeating units of silicon and oxygen). Silicones exhibit the physical characteristics of rubber in some embodiments.

Thermoplastic elastomers include a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers (e.g., plastic and a rubber) that comprise materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. Suitable TPEs can include (but are not limited to) styrene block copolymers, polyester based TPE, polyamide TPE, copolyester TPE, styrene TPE, urethane TPE, nylon based TPE and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer, polyurethane block copolymers, thermoplastic elastomer with crosslinked rubber, ethylene propylene copolymer (EPR), ethylene 1-butene copolymer (EBR), ethylene 1-pentene copolymer, ethylene 1-octene copolymer (EOR), propylene 1-butene copolymer (PBR), propylene 1-pentene copolymer, propylene 1-octene copolymer (POR), styrene butadiene styrene terpolymer (SBS), styrene isoprene styrene terpolymer (SIS), styrene ethylene/butylene styrene tetrapolymer (SEBS), and/or styrene ethylene/propylene styrene tetrapolymer (SEPS).

Thus, in some embodiments, core 10 can comprise about 100 weight percent rubber or about 100 weight percent silicone or about 100 weight percent TPE. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the core can include blends of rubber, TPE, and silicone in some embodiments. For example, the core can comprise a blend of about 1-99 weight percent rubber (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99 weight percent rubber) and/or about 1-99 weight percent silicone (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99 weight percent weight percent silicone) and/or about 1-99 weight percent rubber (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 99 weight percent TPE).

Alternatively, core 10 can include one or more fiber materials selected from wool, cotton, polyester, kapok, cellulose, silk, linen, hemp, jute, cellulose acetate, lyocell, rayon, viscose, spandex, nylon, bamboo, or combinations thereof. The term “fiber” therefore broadly includes natural fibers produced by plants and animals (e.g., cellulose, lignin, cotton, hemp, jute, sisal, silk, wool, cashmere, angora, mohair).

The term “wool” refers to any commercially useful animal hair product such as sheep, camel, rabbit goat, llama wool, merino wool, Shetland wool, cashmere wool, alpaca wool, mohair, and the like. In some embodiments, the wool can be compressed wool (e.g., wool exposed to pressure and weight such that the wool fibers settle and release any pockets of air). Compressed wool may be referred to as “felt.” In certain embodiments, the core 10 can include wool yarn that has been twisted or wound into a ball and felted by washing and drying the ball several times in succession.

“Cotton” refers to a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll (or protective case) around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the mallow family Malvaceae. Cotton fiber primarily includes cellulose and optionally minor percentages of waxes, fats, pectins, and water. Cotton fiber is most often spun into yarn or thread and used to make a soft, breathable, and durable textile. The term “cotton” thus refers to the fiber and the textile produced from the fiber.

“Polyester” refers to a category of polymers that include one or two ester linkages in every repeat unit of the main chain. Polyesters include naturally occurring materials, as well as synthetics (such as polybutyrate). Natural polyesters and a few synthetic polyesters are biodegradable. Polyester fibers can be spun together with natural fibers to produce a cloth with blended properties. For example, cotton-polyester blends can be strong, wrinkle-resistant, tear-resistant, and can reduce shrinking.

“Kapok” refers to a cotton-like plant fiber obtained from the seed pods of a number of trees in the Malvaceae family, commonly used for stuffing mattresses and pillows, for padding and cushioning, and as insulation.

Cellulose is an organic compound with the formula (C₆H₁₀O₅)n. Cellulose is a polysaccharide that includes a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units. Cellulose is an important structural component of the primary cell wall of green plants, many forms of algae, and oomycetes.

The term “silk” refers to a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is primarily fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. Silk is one of the strongest natural fibers.

“Linen” refers to textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is very strong, highly absorbent, and dries faster than cotton. Linen textiles can be made from flax plant fiber, yarn, and can also be woven and knitted. Linen is hypoallergenic which makes it a desirable material for people with allergies or chemical sensitivities.

Hemp is a plant in the botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial use, such as rope and textiles. Hemp bast fibers can be used to make textiles that are 100% hemp. However, hemp can be blended with other fibers, such as flax, cotton, silk, and/or virgin and recycled polyester to make woven fabrics.

The term “jute” refers to long, rough, shiny bast fiber that is spun into coarse, strong threads. Jute is produced from flowering plants in the genus Corchorus, of the mallow family Malvaceae.

Cellulose acetate fiber (one of the earliest synthetic fibers) is based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose (“biopolymers”). Thus, “cellulosic fibers” include any acetate ester of cellulose (usually cellulose diacetate).

“Lyocell” is a semi-synthetic fiber that can be used to make textiles. Lyocell is a form of regenerated cellulose made by dissolving pulp and dry jet-wet spinning. Lyocell is 50% more absorbent than cotton and has a longer wicking distance compared to modal fabrics of a similar weave.

Bamboo fibers are harvested from the perennial flowering plants making up the subfamily Bambusoideae of the grass family Poaceae. The bamboo fibers can be made into textiles, yarn, and/or can be blended with other fibers (such as hemp or spandex).

The term “rayon” (also referred to as “viscose”) is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural sources of regenerated cellulose, such as wood and related agricultural products. Rayon has the same molecular structure as cellulose. Many types and grades of rayon fibers and films exist. For example, some imitate the feel and texture of natural fibers such as silk, wool, cotton, and linen. Rayon can be woven or knit to make textiles.

Spandex is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. Spandex is a polyether-polyurea copolymer derived from the reaction of a diol and a diisocyanate. Spandex fibers are produced by several spinning technologies. Typically, a concentrated solution of the polymer is drawn through spinnerets at temperatures where the solvent evaporates.

The term “nylon” refers to a family of synthetic polymers with amide backbones, usually linking aliphatic or semi-aromatic groups. Nylons are thermoplastic and can be melt-processed into fibers, films, and diverse shapes.

The core can include one or more of the disclosed fibers in any suitable form. For example, the term “fiber” can include raw fibers, yarns, fabrics, or combinations thereof. Core 10 can comprise about 100 weight percent of a single fiber (e.g., compressed wool). Alternatively, the core can comprise a blend of fibers or fiber materials (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 weight percent of two or more of the fibers, totaling 100 weight percent).

Core 10 can be configured in any desired size. For example, in some embodiments, the core can include a diameter of about 4 inches. The term “diameter” refers to the length of a straight line segment that passes through the center of a circle and whose endpoints lie on the circle. As illustrated in FIG. 2b, core 10 can include diameter 20 of at least about (or no more than about) 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, or 6 inches. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the diameter of the core can be outside the given range (e.g., larger or smaller).

The core can also be constructed in any desired cross-sectional shape, such as (but not limited to) circular or oval. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and any cross-sectional shape can be used.

In some embodiments, core 10 comprises a single layer of elastomeric material, fiber material, or blends thereof (as shown in FIG. 2b). However, the presently disclosed subject matter also includes a core comprising at least two layers. For example, the core can include inner layer 10a surrounded by outer layer layer 10b, as shown in FIGS. 2c and 2d. The inner layer can comprise elastomeric material and the outer layer can comprise a fiber (or blend of fibers). In other embodiments, the core inner layer can include one or more fibers, while the outer layer comprises one or more elastomeric material. Advantageously, a dual layer core can be beneficial in promoting bouncing of the ball to aid in aeration (provided by the elastomeric material) while also steaming the fabric (provided by the fiber material).

The core outer layer diameter can be about 10 percent to about 500% larger than the inner layer diameter (e.g., at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 76, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500 percent larger or more). For example, if the diameter of the inner layer is 1 inch, the diameter of the outer layer can be 1.1 inches (10% greater than the diameter of the inner layer) or 5 inches (500% greater than the diameter of the inner layer) or anywhere in between.

The core also includes exterior 25 that is covered by one or more absorbent materials 15. For example, in some embodiments the absorbent material can absorb at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more times its weight in water.

In some embodiments, the absorbent material can be configured in flexible loops 30 about the exterior surface of core 10. The term “loop” refers to a portion of material that is folded or doubled upon itself to leave an opening between the portions, as shown in FIG. 3a. Alternatively, the absorbent material can be configured as a plurality of strips 31, as shown in FIG. 3b. The term “strip” refers to narrow portion of material, with a length greater than its width. In some embodiments, a combination of loops and strips can be used. The loops and/or strips extend from the exterior of the core and function to physically strike and thereby soften laundry during drying.

Each loop or strip can have length 35 of about 0.1-1 inch (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 inch). The term “length” refers to the longest straight line distance from free ends 40 of the loop when aligned to doubled end 41, as shown in FIG. 3b. The length of a corresponding strip refers to the longest straight line distance from first end 42 to opposed second end 43, as shown in FIG. 3c.

Each loop or strip can include width 45 of about 0.05-0.5 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, or 0.5 inches), as shown in FIGS. 3d and 3e. The term “width” refers to the longest straight line distance between adjacent side edges 50 of a loop or side edges 51 of a strip.

Each loop and/or strip can have thickness 46 of about 0.01-0.25 inches (e.g., at least/no more than about 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, or 0.25 inches). The term “thickness” refers to the distance between opposed top and bottom surfaces or faces of an item (e.g., top and bottom faces 47, 48 of strip 31), as shown in FIG. 3f.

In some embodiments, exterior surface 25 of the core can include at least about (or no more than about) 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 loops or strips. The loops and/or strips can cover about 100% of the surface area of the core exterior (e.g., there are no open spaces or gaps). Thus, the loops and/or strips can be uniformly distributed about exterior surface 25 of the core.

As noted above, loops 30 and strips 31 are constructed from one or more absorbent materials. The term “absorbent material” refers to a material that can absorb and retain fluid, such as water. Suitable absorbent materials can include (but are not limited to) cotton, cellulose, wool, felt, nylon, bamboo, polyester, or combinations thereof. The shell may be made of a permeable material that can withstand the anticipated heat of a dryer

The absorbent material can be terrycloth in some embodiments. The term “terrycloth” refers to a fabric woven with numerous protruding loops of thread that can absorb large amounts of water. Terrycloth is typically manufactured by weaving or knitting. For example, terrycloth can be woven on special looms that have two beams of longitudinal warp through which the filler or weft is fired laterally. Terrycloth can be constructed from cotton, polyester, or combinations thereof. Thus, the terrycloth can comprise about 100% cotton, about 100% polyester, or blends of polyester and cotton (e.g., about 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 99 weight percent polyester and about 99, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, or 1 weight percent cotton, to total 100 weight percent).

In some embodiments, the absorbent material can be microfiber. Microfiber materials are made from synthetic fiber finer than one denier or decitex/thread, having a diameter of less than ten micrometers. The most common types of microfiber are made of polyesters, polyamides, and combinations of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene.

Loops 30 and/or strips 31 are attached to the exterior surface of core 10 using any suitable method, such as (but not limited to) the use of adhesives, mechanical closures (e.g., clips, staples, fasteners), sewing, and the like.

The disclosed dryer ball can be used to treat fabrics or textiles, for example, to impart softness, remove or eliminate wrinkles, to impart scent (i.e., apply fragrance to), and/or decrease static build up when the treated textile is dried.

In use, one or more dryer balls 5 can be added to a conventional clothes dryer, along with a volume wet, clean laundry. Clothes dryers are well known powered household appliances that are used to remove moisture from a load of clothing, bedding, and other textiles (typically after being washed in a washing machine). As illustrated in FIG. 4, clothes dryers 55 often include a rotating interior drum 60 through which heated air is circulated to evaporate moisture while the drum is rotated to maintain air space between the articles being dried. The dryers continuously draw in the ambient air around them and heat it before passing it through the interior drum. The items to be dried are inserted into the interior of drum 60, and adjacent door 65 is then closed. The dryer can then be activated, beginning the drying process by exposing the wet items to heated air. The dryer is run at the desired heat cycle and time, either to a completely dry condition, or in a slightly moist condition (e.g., a fluff cycle or a dry cycle is run at appropriate heat level (e.g., low heat) for a length of time (e.g., several minutes)).

As illustrated in the schematic of FIG. 5, prior to activating dryer 55 to begin the drying process, one or more dryer balls 5 can be added to the interior of drum 60 along with the items to be dried. The drying cycle can then be initiated as the drum rotates. While the heated air is cycled into the interior of the drum, the elastomeric core 10 of the dryer ball bounces around the interior of the drum as the drum rotates. Specifically, as the ball heats up, the air pressure within core 10 increases, which promotes higher bouncing within the drum at a quick rate. As a result, the items to be dried (e.g., clothing) become aerated and thus dry more quickly compared to clothing dried without the use of dryer balls 5.

It is common for static electricity to increase over the course of the laundry cycle. As the rotating drum operates, the laundry being processed intermingles, resulting in an exchange of electrons between items that increases the static electricity within the drum. The static electricity causes the individual laundry items (e.g., articles of clothing) to adhere together and can result in a general inconvenience when taking the articles out of dryer 55 and performing later laundry steps, such as folding and putting the articles away. The presence of static electricity can also result in pet hair being attracted to and adhering to the laundry.

In some embodiments, loops 30 and/or strips 31 of the dryer ball can be moistened with water prior to adding to the interior of drum 60. As heat from the dryer cycle contacts the wet loops and/or strips, the water converts into steam, which functions to steam the clothing or bedding, thereby reducing wrinkles and eliminating static electricity buildup.

Optionally, one or more additives can be applied to loops 30 and/or strips 31 prior to adding to the interior of the dryer drum. For example, essential oils, perfumes, anti-static materials, and the like can be added to confer a desired quality to the laundry being dried. The additive can be applied to the surface of the loops or strips using any type of application, such as a dropper, syringe, or sprayer.

For example, the additive can include one or more essential oils, such as angelica root oil, anise oil, arnica blossom oil, basil oil, bay oil, champaca blossom oil, citrus oil, silver fir oil, silver fir cone oil, elemi oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, pine needle oil, galbanum oil, geranium oil, ginger grass oil, guaiac wood oil, gurjun balsam oil, helichrysum oil, ho oil, ginger oil, iris oil, jasmine oil, cajeput oil, calamus oil, chamomile oil, camphor oil, canaga oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, pine needle oil, copaiba balsam oil, coriander oil, spearmint oil, caraway oil, cumin oil, labdanum oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, lime blossom oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, balm oil, mint oil, musk seed oil, muscatel oil, myrrh oil, clove oil, neroli oil, niaouli oil, olibanum oil, orange blossom oil, orange oil, origanum oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, peru balsam oil, petitgrain oil, pepper oil, peppermint oil, pimento oil, pine oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, sage oil, sandalwood oil, celery oil, spike oil, star anise oil, turpentine oil, thuja oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, vetiver oil, juniper berry oil, wormwood oil, wintergreen oil, ylang-ylang oil, hyssop oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon leaf oil, citronella oil, lemon oil and cypress oil.

After the drying cycle has ended, the dry and wrinkle-free clothing or bedding is then removed from drum of the dryer and put away for later use. Dryer ball 5 is placed into storage until needed for the next cycle of the dryer with a new load of clothing or bedding. Alternatively, the dryer ball can remain within the interior of the dryer between uses.

The dried clothing and/or bedding exhibits one or more beneficial qualities. For example, dried clothing can exhibit reduced (or eliminated) wrinkling. “Reduced wrinkling” can include a decrease in wrinkling (compared to laundry dried in the absence of dryer ball 5) of at least about (or no more than about) 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 percent). “Eliminated wrinkling” refers to the absence of noticeable wrinkles in the dried laundry. The dried clothing and/or bedding can exhibit reduced static electricity (e.g., reduction of at least about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 percent compared to laundry dried without dryer ball 5). The dried laundry can exhibit increased softness levels compared to laundry dried without the disclosed dryer ball. The dried laundry can be dried in a shorter amount of time compared to laundry dried in the absence of dryer ball 5 (e.g., at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 percent shorter).

In some embodiments, dryer ball 5 can be used with dry, wrinkled clothing (e.g., clothing that has been dried but exhibits noticeable wrinkling). As shown in FIG. 6, the laundry can be added to the interior of the clothes dryer, along with one or more dryer balls 5. In some embodiments, the dryer ball exterior can be moistened prior to adding to the clothes dryer as noted above. The drying cycle is initiated, thereby reducing the amount of wrinkling in the laundry or eliminating the wrinkles from the clothing. At the end of the cycle, the dry and unwrinkled (or reduced wrinkled) laundry is removed from the dryer. The one or more dryer balls can be removed and placed into storage or can remain within the dryer interior for the next load of laundry.

After going through the dryer cycle, the removed clothing and/or bedding exhibits one or more beneficial qualities after going through a drying cycle with dryer ball 5. For example, clothing can exhibit reduced (or eliminated) wrinkling. The clothing and/or bedding can exhibit reduced static electricity (e.g., reduction of at least about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 percent compared to laundry dried without dryer ball 5). The laundry can exhibit increased softness levels.

The disclosed dryer ball offers many advantages. For example, the dryer ball speeds up the drying process in a conventional dryer 55, thereby saving on energy costs. Stated another way, with the use of dryer ball 5, conventional dryers take less time to dry a load of clothing due to the added aeration of the laundry, as noted above. As a result, less energy is used, saving consumers on their electric bill over time.

In addition, the absorbent loops and/or strips of the dryer ball are configured to absorb moisture from moist clothes in the dryer, additionally speeding up the drying cycle by removing excess moisture.

Dryer ball 5 is easy to use, such that even children or the elderly can effectively use the ball to decrease wrinkles and speed up clothes drying.

The dryer balls can be reused for many dryer cycles before they need to be replaced. In some embodiments, the dryer balls can be used for over 100, 250, 500, 750, or 1000 drying cycles of a clothes dryer.

The disclosed dryer ball can effectively reduce wrinkles in clothing, saving consumers time and effort of ironing the clothing.

Unlike commercially available dryer sheets, dryer ball 5 can be reused repeatedly, thereby minimizing waste.

The disclosed dryer ball can effectively eliminate or reduce static electricity present in the dried laundry.

Dryer ball 5 can impart upon the laundry being dried a pleasant and desirable fragrance while simultaneously reducing electrostatic charges in the laundry (e.g., the essential oils can contribute to the removal of the static electricity).

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.