초록 ▼

An article and method are disclosed for controlling the build-up of static electricity within a clothes dryer by adding the article to the dryer along with a load of fabrics to be dried. The article comprises a bladder formed from a waterproof, moisture-permeable material, such as expanded polytetra

An article and method are disclosed for controlling the build-up of static electricity within a clothes dryer by adding the article to the dryer along with a load of fabrics to be dried. The article comprises a bladder formed from a waterproof, moisture-permeable material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Within the bladder is a sponge or other water-absorbent material. The article releases sufficient moisture during tumbling of the article with the fabrics to prevent the build-up of static electricity on the fabrics. To avoid loss of moisture from the bladder when it is not in use and during the early portions of the dryer cycle, the waterproof material utilized can be one that is moisture-impermeable at room temperature, but that becomes moisture-permeable at the elevated temperatures that exist within the dryer during the later portions of the dryer cycle. The article includes a fill spout for adding water and other fabric conditioning agents to the bladder. Fabric conditioning agents carried by the bladder can also be microencapsulated to provide a timed release of the agents so that fabric conditioning can be provided continuously and over a large number of dryer loads.

대표청구항 ▼

An anti-static article for controlling build-up of static electricity within a clothes dryer, comprising: a bladder defining a chamber adapted to hold a volume of water, said bladder comprising a moisture-permeable, waterproof material; a closeable fill spout on said bladder having an opening that p

An anti-static article for controlling build-up of static electricity within a clothes dryer, comprising: a bladder defining a chamber adapted to hold a volume of water, said bladder comprising a moisture-permeable, waterproof material; a closeable fill spout on said bladder having an opening that permits fluidic communication with said chamber; and a first water-absorbing material contained within said bladder; a second water absorbing material comprising an absorbent, woven layer between said waterproof material and said first water-absorbing material; whereby, when said bladder is filled with water and inserted into a clothes dryer water is absorbed by said first water-absorbing material and heat within the clothes dryer produces water vapor within said bladder and permits the water vapor to permeate said waterproof material, thereby decreasing the amount of static electricity within the clothes dryer.