Apparatus and method of forming an improved fabric dryer ball

Abstract

Described herein are various dryer accessory devices primarily forming a fabric dryer ball with an absorbent material interior, such as a sponge material interior, and a conductive or metal banding or metallic-based sleeve or cover for covering the sponge interior. In one example, an exterior of the dryer ball is made of wool with a cut-out on the bottom to allow water (or other liquids) to be added to the sponge interior. The water turns into steam from the heat of the hot dryer which lessens wrinkles in clothes. An aluminum band or another form of metal is located around the sponge interior which dissipates the static in clothes.

1 . A dryer appliance accessory comprising:
 an absorbent material member;   a conductive material member disposed at least partially about and in contact with the absorbent material member; and   a fabric cover layer disposed substantially about the conductive material member and the absorbent material member.   
     
     
         2 . The dryer accessory of  claim 1  wherein the fabric cover layer includes at least one an opening exposing the absorbent material member. 
     
     
         3 . The dryer accessory of  claim 1  wherein the shape of the absorbent material member is substantially spherical and is made from a sponge or cellulose material. 
     
     
         4 . The dryer accessory of  claim 1  wherein the conductive member is formed from a metallic material and is configured into one of a metal band, a metal mesh sphere, a metal spiral sphere, a homogenous spherical member, metallic spray, infusion or coating. 
     
     
         5 . The dryer accessory of  claim 4 , wherein the metallic member is configured from one of aluminum, steel, conductive metal and other conductive materials. 
     
     
         6 . The dryer accessory of  claim 3 , wherein the sponge member is configured to absorb a liquid agent. 
     
     
         7 . The dryer accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric cover layer includes at least one opening exposing the absorbent material member. 
     
     
         8 . A dryer appliance accessory comprising:
 an absorbent member; and   a fabric cover layer disposed substantially about the absorbent member.   
     
     
         9 . The dryer accessory of  claim 8  wherein a conductive member is disposed at least partially about and in contact with the absorbent member. 
     
     
         10 . The dryer accessory of  claim 8  wherein the fabric cover layer is a composite of fabric with one or more conductive elements embedded therein, the composite fabric cover layer being disposed at least partially about the absorbent member.