TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiments generally relate to the field of textile coating and systems for monitoring textile coating life-cycles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Coating textiles in antimicrobial, antibacterial, or antiviral solutions may provide for limited effectiveness over time due to coating life reducing over time, and in particular, with repeated washes.

SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] The variations described herein relate to a system for managing coated textiles and continued monitoring and tabulation of information relating to coating life-cycle and effectiveness as it relates into microbial, antibacterial, or antiviral properties. The system may include a method for monitoring wash cycles and wash frequency with respect to the textiles such that coating life and effectiveness may be monitored and measured over time. The system may incorporate an application implemented on a smart device constructed and arranged to facilitate the receiving, storing, and cataloging of information relating to wash frequency and coating life. The system may be implemented within a setting, such as, but not limited, a hospital such that garments, bedding, and other textiles may be managed to increase antimicrobial, antibacterial, or antiviral effectiveness over time. The system may generate alerts and recommendations when the system has determined that coating efficacy has reduced.

[0005] Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosing optional variations, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system for managing coated textiles according to some embodiments described herein;

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a computing device according to some embodiments described herein;

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system for managing coated textiles according to some embodiments described herein;

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a system for managing coated textiles according to some embodiments described herein; and

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a system for managing coated textiles according to some embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described system and methods of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood from there.

[0013] It is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the system. Accordingly, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0014] In this disclosure, the various embodiments may be a system, method, apparatus, and/or computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. A computer application product can include, among other things, a computer- readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] As used herein, the term “user(s)” may refer to individuals, professionals, groups, entities, and any individuals using or relying on the system for managing textiles including management of textile wash frequency and coating life-cycle monitoring. [0016] In this disclosure, the terms “device,” “devices,” “computing device,” or “smart device” may include computers, phones, smart phones, tablets, laptops, televisions, smart speakers, smart cars, thermostats, locks, cameras, appliances, watches, or devices broadly included in the concept of the “internet of things.” Devices may be connected or in communication with other devices via any number of wireless protocols and non-wireless protocols. Wireless protocols may include, broadly, wireless internet, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, near- field communication, ultra-high frequency radio, or the like. Devices may be connected or in communication with other devices such as local computers, phones, smart phones, tablets, laptops, televisions as well devices not considered local.

[0017] As used herein, “GUI” may refer to any graphical user interface that includes at least one interactive component between a user and the application. A GUI may include a plurality of fillable fields, clickable buttons, database displays, or the like. A GUI may be adaptable for use on several devices such as computers, phones, smart devices, tablets, laptops, televisions, or the like.

[0018] In this disclosure, terms “store,” “storage,” “data store,” “data storage,” “database,” and substantially any other information storage component relevant to operation and functionality of a component are utilized to refer to “memory components,” which are entities embodied in a “memory,” or components comprising a memory. Those skilled in the art would appreciate that the memory and/or memory components described herein can be volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, or both volatile and nonvolatile memory.

[0019] In this disclosure, “cloud” or “cloud storage” or “cloud-based system” may refer, generally, to software and services operating and communicating through the internet rather than on a local device. A cloud-based server system may enable various user devices to access the stored data on a server via the internet. The cloud or cloud-based services may enable a user or users to access the same or different files and applications from virtually any device. The files or applications being accessed and used may be stored on servers, computers, or any local or distant computer device. User devices may access the files or applications stored in the cloud via the Internet and most commonly via a wireless connection.

[0020] Generally, a computing device will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass data storage devices; however, a computing device need not have such devices. The computer readable storage medium (or media) can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non- exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium can include: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. In this disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0021] In this disclosure, the various embodiments may be a system, method, apparatus, and/or computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. A computer application product can include, among other things, a computer- readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Generally, a system for managing coated textiles and continued monitoring and tabulation of information relating to coating life-cycle and effectiveness as it relates into microbial, antibacterial, or antiviral properties and may incorporate an application implemented on a computing device constructed and arranged to facilitate the receiving, storing, and cataloging of information relating to wash frequency and coating life. Coated textiles may include RFID tags on or within the textile including a unique identifier associated with the respective coated textile. The application implemented on the smart device may be constructed and arranged to scan RFID tags within textiles and garments and may generate or allow user input for indication of information, such as, but not limited to come off wash cycles, wash frequency, wash time, wash date, and other various information such that, overtime, wash life-cycle data may be tabulated per each unique textile.

[0023] Generally, a textile, fabric, liner, linen, bedding, or apparel may include an RFID tag on or within the textile. For example, an RFID tag may be sewn into the hem of a shirt. The RFID tag may include a unique identifier associated with the particular textile such that the system is able to identify unique textiles according to their corresponding RFID tag. The RFID tag may include product technical information relating to the textile or coatings deposited thereon. [0024] An antimicrobial, antibacterial, or antiviral coating may be applied to a portion of or the whole textile. The coating may be SARS-CoV-2 resistant.

[0025] A user may acquire a coated textile or a plurality of coated textiles such as in the case of hospital garments and may scan the respective RFID tags of each coated textile to store the identification of the coated textile within the system. During the life-cycle of the coated textile, the RFID tag may be scanned during each wash cycle such that, over time, the wash history of a particular coated textile may be collected and tabulated. Upon scanning an RFID tag, the system may identify the particular coated textile and systematically generate or, optionally, receive from a user, additional information relating to the coated textile, such as, but not limited to, wash duration, wash frequency, wash date, wash time, textile color, textile condition, and other data may be added to the system to further facilitate tracking of the coated textile. This system may generate alerts and recommendations with respect to wash frequency, wash life-cycle data, and coating life-cycle data such that the efficacy of the coating on the textile may be maintained or, where the efficacy of the coating has dropped below a predefined value, the textile may be taken out of use and discarded or recoated.

[0026] As a non-limiting example, the methods and systems described herein may be implemented in a hospital or health care setting such that antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral coatings on textiles such as garments and bedding may be monitored overtime. As an example, hospital bedding having an antiviral coating thereon may be scanned into the system via an RFID tag within a hem of the bedding. The RFID tag may be scanned by a computing device such as a smart device or any number of computing devices commonly used in a healthcare setting. The bedding may go through a wash cycle and the system may tabulate the details of the wash cycle such that upon subsequent RFID tag scans, previous wash cycles will be indicated to a user. In the same way, the system may systematically generate a coating life cycle expectancy or efficacy estimation value such that coating efficacy may be monitored over time by the system and a user. Where coating efficacy has fallen below an estimated or predetermined threshold value, the system may indicate that the betting should be taken out of use and recoated or discarded.

[0027] As a non-limiting example, the methods and systems described herein may be implemented in combination with consumer apparel such that antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral coatings on apparel such as sportswear may be monitored overtime. As an example, basketball jerseys having an antibacterial and antimicrobial coating thereon may be scanned into the system via an RFID tag within a hem of the jersey. The RFID tag may be scanned by a computing device such as a smart device before, during, or after D jersey is put through a wash cycle such that the system may tabulate the details of the wash cycle. Subsequent RFID tag scans may output previous wash cycle details to a user. The system may systematically generate a coating life cycle expectancy or efficacy estimation value such that coating efficacy may be monitored over time by the system and a user. Where coating efficacy has fallen below an estimated or predetermined threshold value, the system may indicate that the betting should be taken out of use and recoated or discarded.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system for managing coated textiles including a user 60 utilizing a computing device 20 in operable communication with a network 40 in operable communication with a system for managing coated textiles implemented on a cloud- based server 70 or computing device in operable communication with the network 40. The computing device 200 may be constructed and arranged to scan RFID tags, receive information specific to the RFID tag, and adjust or manage information related to specific RFID tags. A user 60 may use the computing device 200 to read, adjust, and manage information relating to an RFID tag 12 disposed on or within a particular textile 10. According to some embodiments, the textile 10 may be in the form of apparel, bedding, or other various textile-based products.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of computing device 200 implementing a system for managing coated textiles. The computing device 200 may include a standalone computer or mobile computing device, workstation, network computer, laptop, or the like. The computing device 200 may include a processor 250 coupled to a memory 220 via a bus 270. The processor 250 may be constructed and arranged for the execution of computer readable program instructions including the system for managing coated textiles instructions 230. The bus 270 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The computing device 200 may include various input and output devices 260 in operable communication with the processor 250. The input and output devices 260 may include a variety of devices such as video devices, audio devices, displays, or the like. In some instances, the input and output devices 260 may be separate from the computing device 200. The computing device 200 may include memory 220 which may include computer readable application instructions 230. The memory 220 may include data storage 240 which may include data accessible by the application instructions. The computing device 200 main include a network interface 280 constructed and arranged to allow the computing device 200 to communicate with and over a network 40 in communication with a cloud-based server or computing device. Various computing devices 200 executing the system for managing coated textiles instructions 230 may be in operable communication with one another over the network 40. The system for managing coated textile instructions 230 may be executed locally on a user 60 computing device 200 or on a cloud-based server 70, local area network server, or network of local computing devices.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system for managing coated textiles 70 that may include a login module 302, a registration module 304, a GUI module 308, and an RFID tracking module 306. FIG. 3 depicts the system for managing coated textiles 70 implemented on a cloud based server system, local area network server, or network of local computing devices. However, it should be understood that the system for managing coating textiles may be implemented locally on the user’ s 60 computing device 200 or on a plurality of user 60 computing devices 200.

[0031] The login module 302 constructed and arranged to allow a user to sign into the system for system functionality. The login module may also receive information from a user such as name, phone number, email, passwords, and other secure login information such as biometric data. The login module may include secure verification methods such as a one-time password or captcha functionality security measures. The login module may include password recovery and password reset functionality.

[0032] The registration module 304 may be constructed and arranged to receive and store user information within the memory of a computing device or on a network-based server, such as, but not limited to, cloud storage. The registration module may be constructed and arranged to receive information such as, but not limited to, username, affiliation, industry, type of textile being used, or the like. It is contemplated that information received during registration may include a wide variety of information and the examples given should not be considered limiting. The registration module may also be constructed and arranged to allow a user to modify their input after initial registration.

[0033] The RFID tracking module 306 may be constructed and arranged to scan RFID tags, receive data, read data, adjust, and manage data associated with each unique RFID tags. The RFID tracking module may be constructed and arranged to tabulate wash life-cycle data including, but not limited to, wash frequency, wash duration, and the like for each unique textile. Multiple textiles and textile coatings may be systematically monitored for wash life- cycle data and coating life-cycle data. The RFID tracking module may determine a recommendation based on wash life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data that the textile and coating thereon may remain in a use cycle by determining efficacy of the antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiviral coating based on wash life-cycle data. Alternatively, the RFID tracking module may determine a recommendation based on wash lifecycle data and coating lifecycle data that the textile and coating thereon should be removed from use due to reduced efficacy of the coating. The system may then provide alerts and recommendations with respect to coating efficacy and the need to recoat a textile.

[0034] The GUI module 308 may be constructed and arranged to display on a computing device information relating to wash frequency, wash duration, wash life-cycle data, and coating life-cycle data such that a user viewing the data may make informed decisions regarding the efficacy of coatings and if a textile needs to be recoated. The GUI may be constructed and arranged to allow a user to search and filter various textiles and predefined groups of textiles or search and filter various textiles based on determined coating efficiency. The GUI module may provide, via a shared graphical user interface over a network in operable communication with the least one computing device, access to similar data sets as previously described.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing coated textiles that may perform a series of steps or may implement a specific set of computer readable application instructions on a computing device. According to step 400, a textile may be provided having an RFID tag on or in a portion of the textile. Alternatively, an RFID tag may be attached to the textile. In step 402, a solution may be applied to the textile and allowed to dry to form a coating. The coating may be antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiviral. According to step 404, a user may use a computing device to scan the RFID tag to confirm the coating has been applied to the textile or that the coating should be at or near maximum efficacy. According to step 406, each time the textile is washed or ran through a wash cycle, a user may subsequently scan the RFID tag prior to or after each wash. According to step 408, the system may receive information relating to the scanned textile and may tabulate wash life-cycle data including, but not limited to, wash frequency, wash duration, and the like for each unique textile. In this way multiple textiles and textile coatings may be systematically monitored for wash life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data. In step 410, a user may scan an RFID tag within a coated textile to receive generated wash life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data for the attached textile. In this way, wash life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data may be viewed and monitored overtime. According to step 412, the system may generate a recommendation based on washes life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data that the textile and coating thereon may remain in a use cycle by determining efficacy of the antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiviral coating based on wash life-cycle data. For instance, but not limited to, a predetermined threshold of washes may be implemented in the system to ensure that a coated textile is not washed so often as to reduce coating efficacy below a certain efficacy rate. Alternatively a threshold value may be established to monitor wash cycle frequency and avoid coated textiles being washed more often than a particular threshold value. According to step 414, the system may monitor wash life cycle data and coating life-cycle data and generate an alert when predetermined threshold values are met or exceeded. The alert may appear via the GUI module on a user device within the system. According to step 416, the system may additionally generate a recommendation that the textile be taken out of use temporarily such that the text album may be recoated with a solution. In step 418, the textile may be recoated with a solution and allowed to dry to form a coating. The recoated textile may then be reintroduced into the use cycle of the textile.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a system for managing coated textiles according to some embodiments described herein. According to step 500, a user may use a computing device to scan the RFID tag to confirm the coating has been applied to the textile or that the coating should be at or near maximum efficacy. According to step 502, each time the textile is washed or ran through a wash cycle, a user may subsequently scan the RFID tag prior to or after each wash. Alternatively, textiles may be scanned mid wash where capable. According to step 504, the system may receive information relating to the scanned textile and may tabulate wash life-cycle data including, but not limited to, wash frequency, wash duration, and the like for each unique textile. In this way, multiple textiles and textile coatings may be systematically monitored for wash life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data. In step 506, a user may scan an RFID tag within a coated textile to receive generated wash life-cycle data and coating life cycle data for the attached textile. In this way, wash life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data may be viewed and monitored overtime by a user in addition to system-based monitoring. According to step 508, the system may generate a recommendation based on washes life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data that the textile and coating thereon may remain in a use cycle by determining efficacy of the antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiviral coating based on wash life-cycle data. For instance, but not limited to, a predetermined threshold of washes may be implemented in the system to ensure that a coated textile is not washed so often as to reduce coating efficacy below a certain efficacy rate. Alternatively, a threshold value may be established to monitor wash cycle frequency and avoid coated textiles being washed more often than a particular threshold value. Go to textiles that are determined to be fit for continued use may be indicated as such and continued use may occur. According to step 510, the system may monitor wash life-cycle data and coating life-cycle data and generate an alert when predetermined threshold values are met or exceeded. The alert may appear via the GUI module on a user device within the system. According to step 512, the system may additionally generate a recommendation that the textile be taken out of use temporarily such that the textile may be recoated with a solution.

[0037] The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.

[0038] According to variation 1, a method for management of coated textiles may include incorporating at least one RFID tag into at least one textile, the at least one RFID tag having a unique identifier corresponding to the at least one textile; coating the textile in a solution; drying the solution; and providing an application including an RFID tracking module. The application may be constructed and arranged to systematically track wash cycles performed on the textile, including scanning the at least one RFID tag to identify the unique identifier corresponding to the at least one textile prior to washing the at least one textile; tabulating wash data relevant on the at least one textile; and alerting a user when washes performed on the at least one textile reaches a predetermined value.

[0039] Variation 2 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in variation 1 , further including recoating the textile in a solution after washes performed reaches a predetermined value.

[0040] Variation 3 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 1 through 2, further including scanning the at least one RFID tag to identify the unique identifier corresponding to the at least one textile after recoating the textile in a solution; and indicating that the at least one textile has been recoated within the application.

[0041] Variation 4 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 1 through 3 wherein the application may be further constructed and arranged to correlate tabulated washes to effectiveness of the solution.

[0042] Variation 5 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 1 through 4 wherein the solution may be at least one of antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiviral.

[0043] Variation 6 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 1 through 5 wherein the solution may be SARS-CoV-2 resistant. [0044] Variation 7 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 1 through 6, wherein the at least one computing device may be a smart device in operable communication with a network.

[0045] Variation 8 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 1 through 7 wherein incorporating at least one RFID tag into at least one textile includes sewing the RFID tag into a hem of a textile.

[0046] Variation 9 may include a method for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 1 through 8 wherein the RFID tracking module may be constructed and arranged to receive, store, and catalog information including at least one of estimated coating life, wash time, wash date, wash frequency, or wash duration.

[0047] According to variation 10, a system for management of coated textiles may include at least one textile; at least one RFID tag in the textile; a coating on the textile; at least one computing device including a memory that stores computer-executable components; a processor that executes the computer-executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer-executable components include and an application in communication with the computing device, the application including a RFID tracking module. The application may be constructed and arranged to systematically track wash cycles performed on the at least one textile, including scanning the at least one RFID tag to identify the unique identifier corresponding to the at least one textile prior to washing the at least one textile; tabulating washes performed on the at least one textile; and alerting a user when washes performed reaches a predetermined value.

[0048] Variation 11 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in variation 10, further including recoating the textile in a solution after washes performed reaches a predetermined value.

[0049] Variation 12 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 10 through 11, wherein the application may be further constructed and arranged to correlate tabulated washes to effectiveness of the coating and generate an alert indicating reduced effectiveness of the coating.

[0050] Variation 13 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 10 through 12, wherein the solution may be at least one of antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiviral.

[0051] Variation 14 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 10 through 13, wherein the solution may be SARS-CoV-2 resistant. [0052] Variation 15 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 10 through 14, wherein incorporating at least one RFID tag into at least one textile includes sewing the RFID tag into a hem of a textile.

[0053] Variation 16 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 10 through 15, wherein the RFID tracking module may be constructed and arranged to receive, store, and catalog information including at least one of estimated coating life, wash time, wash date, wash frequency, or wash duration.

[0054] According to variation 17, a method for management of coated textiles may include incorporating at least one RFID tag into the hem of at least one textile, the at least one RFID tag having a unique identifier corresponding to the at least one textile; coating the textile in a solution; and drying the solution. The method may further include providing at least one computing device including a memory that stores computer-executable components; a processor that executes the computer-executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer-executable components include and an application including an RFID tracking module constructed and arranged to receive, store, and catalog information including at least one of estimated coating life, wash time, wash date, wash frequency, or wash duration. The application may be constructed and arranged to systematically track wash cycles performed on the textile, including scanning the at least one RFID tag to identify the unique identifier corresponding to the at least one textile prior to washing the at least one textile; tabulating wash data relevant on the at least one textile; alerting a user when washes performed on the at least one textile reaches a predetermined value; recoating the textile in a solution after washes performed reaches the predetermined value; and receiving an indication that the at least one textile has been recoated within the application.

[0055] Variation 18 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in variation 17, wherein the solution may be at least one of antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiviral.

[0056] Variation 19 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 17 through 18, wherein the application may be further constructed and arranged to correlate tabulated washes to effectiveness of the solution.

[0057] Variation 20 may include a system for management of coated textiles as in any of variations 17 through 19, further including a GUI module constructed and arranged to indicate wash life-cycle data and coating data including at least one of estimated coating life, wash times, wash dates, wash frequency, wash durations, or recoating information. [0058] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0059] An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for anyone of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations, and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0060] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings without departing from the following claims.