Abstract: A sheet folding device that enables a single operator to easily fold bed sheets (fitted and flat), bed spreads, tablecloths and other sheet-like materials, the device employing a sheet clutching clamp 20 and a folding bar 28 both attached to a mounting plate 7. Placement of the mounting plate 7 onto any vertical surface enables the device to accommodate articles of differing sizes. A sheet clutching clamp 20 in my preferred embodiment is a spring clip 20. The folding bar 28 is the element about which a fold is made. In my preferred embodiment a 90 degree hook with an elastomeric sleeve 40 is effective for this task. The present invention can be mounted to a wall, mobile cart or any vertical surface. A sheet may refer to a bed sheet (fitted or flat), bed spread, tablecloth or any other material that requires folding. To fold a sheet, an operator slides a portion of the sheet, such as a corner, into the spring clip 20.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a certain garments in a twisted manner when drying or not being worn to produce a desired appearance when worn. The apparatus consists of a helical structural frame having a top and bottom and a longitudinal axis therebetween with a pitch large enough to permit portions of a garment to be manually forced and twisted between aligned and spaced-apart segments of the frame.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus for creating a decorative bow, including: a frame member having a central opening; and at least two hook members disposed on the frame member around the opening, the at least two hook members being constructed so that a continuous elastic band can be stretched between a selected pair of the at least two hook members across the central opening, such that loops of fabric may be formed between sides of the continuous elastic band, between the elastic band and another elastic band, and/or between the elastic band and the frame member, two or more of the loops of fabric forming the decorative bow.

Abstract: A temporary hemming device includes a flexible member having a first end and a second end and being made of a material which feels comfortable on skin, and a fastening device for fastening the first end to the second end through a garment, wherein the fastening device comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is attached to the first end and the second part is attached to the second end. A method for making a temporary hem includes folding an edge of a garment, placing a temporary hemming device over the folded edge, and affixing the temporary hemming device to make the temporary hem. A temporary hemming device includes a folded edge of a garment and a temporary hemming device securing the folded edge in place.

Abstract: A hanger is comprised of a one-piece body having a hook portion for the receipt of a display rod, a central portion depending from the hook portion, the body defining in the central portion a transverse opening therethrough fully bounded by the central portion, a fold line portion depending from the central portion and a flap segment depending from the fold line segment, the central portion, the fold line portion and the flap segment jointly defining a slot in the body which opens into a margin of the body. A wallet displayed by the hanger has a fold part disposed in the transverse opening and at least first and second parts extending from the fold part. The first part is disposed between hanger flap segment and the hanger central portion and the second part is disposed fully exteriorly of the hanger.

Abstract: Method for storing foam covers and for installing foam covers on clothes hangers, and apparatus to perform the method. A supply of foam covers are loaded on an insert spindle. The insert spindle is suspendable, and is formed to receive therein the hook of a clothes hanger. The insert spindle may further define a spreader to assist in spreading the slot of a foam cover over the hook of the clothes hanger. After suspending the insert spindle having at least one foam cover installed thereon, the operator inserts the hook of a clothes hanger into a hanger pocket formed at a lower end of the insert spindle. To install the cover onto the hanger the operator, by grasping the foam cover at either end thereof with the thumb and forefinger of each hand, and pulling the cover with a downward and outward motion, will cause the foam cover to slide down the insert spindle over the hook and onto the clothes hanger.

Abstract: A coat hanger bag is provided which comprises a pressure bag, a press bar, a hanger member, puller body, a hook, a coat hanger, and a spring. The coat hanger bag is characterized in that the said coat hanger formed as a whole with the pressure bag. The coat hanger bag having a bore provided on its upper part for threadedly securing with the puller body and a receiving space formed on its lower part for receiving hanger member. A moving member is provided within the body of the hanger member. In operation, the sucking tube is threaded into the bore of the coat hanger thereby applying a force on the upper plate which presses the spring and thus, the lower plate is moved downwardly away from the plate of the body and thus, the air within the bag is allowed to flow out of the bag so as to accomplish the object of making a vacuum coat hanger bag.

Abstract: An air flow guide for a garment sleeve is formed from an elongated, flat strip of flexible, semi-stiff material adapted to be rolled into an adjustable diameter tube and inserted into a garment sleeve adjacent a cuff portion thereof. Hook and eye type fastening means are provided on the strip of material for detachably securing the strip in the desired diameter tubular configuration. A strap may be detachably connected to the tube for securing the tube to the forearm of a wearer to properly position the tube to direct a flow of air into the garment through the garment sleeve.

Abstract: This invention disclosed herein deals with an apparatus for removing and stacking trousers after they have been processed through a separate apparatus for crease permanency or pressing.

Abstract: This invention disclosed herein deals with an apparatus for removing and stacking trousers after they have been processed through a separate apparatus for crease permanency or pressing.

Abstract: A plastic clip constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongated frame portion. The elongated frame portion includes a guide channel having a closed end and an open end. The closed end is located at a position proximal to a first end of the frame portion and the open end is located at the opposite end of the guide channel from the closed end. The frame portion further includes channel a blocking portion for blocking the open end of the guide channel. The blocking portion comprises a looking tab attached to the frame portion adjacent to the open end of the guide channel. The blocking means further comprises tab engaging portion for releasably receiving and securing the looking tab. The arrangement thereby permits a plurality of similar articles to be clipped by inserting them onto the guide channel and securing them there by closing engaging the blocking portion.

Abstract: A portable garment hanger device for suspension from a vehicle window. The device has a generally elongated, flexible strap. A retainer element is attached on one end of the flexible strap and a hanger receiving member is attached to the opposite end. The hanger receiving member has a body with first and second flat sides. A rigid hook extends from the base of the hanger receiving member outwardly to one side. The sides of the hanger receiving member are flat and somewhat larger than necessary so that an advertising message can be printed on either side. The flexible strap is drapable across the upper edge of a retractable automobile window with the retainer outside the window and the hanger receiving member in the passenger compartment. The raised window holds the flexible strap against the window frame to secure the device in place. In another preferred embodiment, the retainer element and the body of the hanger receiving means have complementary latching elements.

Abstract: The sock organizer is made from molded polycarbonate plastic from a die. The sock organizer is suitable for use in the water and heat in a washing machine. The sock organizer includes a clamp like device with a plurality of parallel finger elements to grasp socks therebetween. The clamp has two sides that are shut to secure the socks in place. The sock organizer may be placed directly from the washer to the dryer to keep the socks organized during the laundry process.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a cuff into a sleeve of a garment. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for holding the cuff in a generally open configuration. A sleeve opener opens the sleeve of a garment sufficient to allow insertion of the cuff into the sleeve. The sleeve opener includes a support surface for supporting the sleeve and a pick-up head for engaging an upper layer of the sleeve. The pick-up head is mounted for vertical movement relative to the support surface to lift the upper layer of the sleeve and includes means for effecting relative movement between the holding fixture and the sleeve opener to insert the cuff into the sleeve.

Abstract: A tape for shaping garments comprised of a thin narrow malleable metal strip, a thin narrow backing strip of a flexible material, coated on one side with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, bonded to the metal strip, and an easily removable protective strip overlying the metal strip. The metal strip is preferably formed from malleable copper, aluminum or mild steel, such that it can be easily shaped by hand. The backing strip is wider than the metal strip whereby its adhesive coated side portions extend outwardly from the edges of the metal strip for bonding the protective strip. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the backing strip is eliminated by adhesively coating the metal strip and bonding the protective strip directly to the metal strip.

Abstract: A portable garment hanger device for suspension from a vehicle window. The device has a generally elongated, flexible strap. A retainer element is attached on one end of the flexible strap and a hanger receiving member is attached to the opposite end. The hanger receiving member has a body with first and second flat sides. A rigid hook extends from the base of the hanger receiving member outwardly to one side. The sides of the hanger receiving member are flat and somewhat larger than necessary so that an advertising message can be printed on either side. The flexible strap is drapable across the upper edge of a retractable automobile window with the retainer outside the window and the hanger receiving member in the passenger compartment. The raised window holds the flexible strap against the window frame to secure the device in place. In another preferred embodiment, the retainer element and the body of the hanger receiver have complementary latching elements.

Abstract: A hair growing mannequin head for practicing hair styling and hair cutting. The inventive device includes a mannequin head having a removable hair supply assembly mounted thereon for dispensing hair from an upper portion of the mannequin head. The removable hair supply assembly includes a pair of perforated helmet portions pivotally mounted together and a reel supplying hair for protrusion through the perforations. The helmet portions are biased into an offset position to lock the hair extending through the perforations for permitting cutting and styling of the hair exterior of the hair supply assembly.

Abstract: An intimate garment protector for protecting a garment or multiple garments, namely bras, during laundering. The device comprises first and second basket members that are designed and configured to receive the cup portions of at least one bra. Preferably, the basket members have a generally dome-like or conical-like shape. The device further includes first and second biasing members wherein the first biasing member is designed and configured to be received within the first basket member and the second biasing member is shaped and configured to be received within the second basket member. Accordingly, by placing the cup portions of the bra or bras in the basket members and then placing the biasing members thereupon, a sandwich-like configuration is formed that protects the shape and contours of the bra during the washing process.

Abstract: A device for a stocking turning machine for automatically separating only partially turned stockings from completely turned stockings.Each stocking which leaves the automatic stocking turning machine is conducted by a chute into a pneumatically operating ejection tube which bears two photocells with corresponding reflectors. The adjustable distance between the two photocells is such that when the stocking in question has been completely turned, its toe and the stocking welt simultaneously darken the two photocells. A cylinder is then actuated in such a manner that a guide chute which is connected to it assumes a deflection position shown in solid lines in the drawing, whereby the stocking falls into the container, whereupon the guide chute again returns into its starting position.

Abstract: A portable cage device for transport, storage and styling is disclosed which has application to wigs, hairpieces and hats. The structures in accordance with the invention uses a cage structure to establish adequate support, protection and a structure for manipulating head form to top of cage to accomplish styling of a wig. A vertical neck lever is pivoted with in the cage to a position on top of cage to become a sturdy styling stand. The cage structure is portable and compact. This invention arrangement allows for easy observation of a styled or unstyled wig or hat while simultaneously providing protection and support. The cage structure is lightweight, strong, easily assembled and/or disassembled for storage and/or shipping. The cage also allows for custom modification of cage dimensions. Assembly of cage requires no special tools, skills or materials.

Abstract: A cap holder apparatus includes a base assembly adapted to be attached to a support surface. A plurality of clamp members project from the top surface of the base assembly. Each of the clamp members includes a round contour adapted to contact a round contour on a head covering such as a cap or hat. The clamp members are arrayed on the base assembly such that free ends of the clamp members are parallel to each other. Fasteners or an adhesive are provided for attaching the base assembly to a support surface. The clamp members are in a form of portions of walls of a cylinder, and the clamp members are concentric to each other. Apertures may be provided in the base assembly to receive screws for attaching the base assembly to a support surface. If an adhesive layer, located on the bottom surface of the base assembly, is employed, a non-adhesive barrier layer is placed upon the layer of adhesive material until the adhesive layer is ready for use, upon which time the barrier layer is removed.

Abstract: A clothing protection apparatus for protecting clothing or the like during storage and transportation. The apparatus having a top attachment device to secure onto the top of a door thus allowing the user to easily manipulate the invention during use. A looping hook is use to secure the invention onto a clothing rail when the invention is not in use. A lower attachment device is provided to support a clothing hanger and the accompanying garment for positioning before a protective cover is to be installed. A common roll of protective covering is provided with perforations between each cover. To use the device, a clothing hanger and clothing garment is placed onto the lower attachment device whereupon the protective covering is unrolled while simultaneously being wrapped around the clothing garment until the first perforation of the cover is reached. The protective cover is then torn at the perforation and the hook of the clothing hanger is pulled through the opening provided at the top of the protective cover.

Abstract: A feeder for guiding stockings in a looping machine includes a mechanism for rapid adjustment of the opening width between two mutually facing guide bars provided with two horizontal mutually parallel rods loaded by respective springs pressing the rods against an actuating element mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis running perpendicular to the rods and provided with an angularly displaceable grip for displacing the rods and one of the guide bars connected fixedly therewith toward and away from the other guide bar.

Abstract: A hanger holder assembly for carrying garments on coat hangers in an automotive vehicle has a receptacle (A) for removably receiving an upwardly extending post of a vehicle hanger bracket which is integrally mounted above a supporting side member (B) having a flat surface to aid in limiting rotation of the receptacle upon the post and for permitting a connecting side member (C) to extend downwardly therefrom supporting a horizontal hanger mounting bar (D) which is connected by a bracing member (E) to a junction with the connecting side member and the receptacle wherein the assembly is integrally molded of plastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a pleated effect to a tablecloth. A hoop having a plurality of undulating portions is positioned below the table top and above the floor such that the tablecloth is supported by the hoop with folds of the tablecloth falling between the undulating portions. In order to provide an effect of fullness, the hoop diameter is selected to be greater than the table top diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for the creation of appliques for quilting. Employing a shape plate with an opening in the desired shape of the applique and a corresponding template adapted to be inserted into the opening, quilting material can be easily flattened through ironing or similar methods into uniform and readily applied appliques. The present invention permits the efficient and safe production of even intricate appliques and lends itself to many improvements.

Abstract: A device for adding extra stuffing to quilted items. A trapunto rod consists of a tube 10 which holds the stuffing material, an ejection means (piston) 14 driven by a linear drive means (inner rod) 12 which slides inside the tube and ejects the stuffing material at a specific location between the layers of a quilted item, and a handle 16 which stops the piston at its ejecting limit.

Abstract: In a method for winding round the button stem of a button sewn by a sewing thread to an article of clothing, in which a winding thread made from an elastomeric plastic is wound on under tension onto the thread bundle formed from sewing thread between the button and the article of clothing, in a simpler manner a reliable fixing of the winding thread end is brought about in that the winding thread, following the wrapping of the thread bundle, is drawn off the stem in a direction roughly at right angles to the axis with a tension increased to beyond its yield point, before the separation thereof at the button stem. The thread end extending over several coil turns is firmly fixed between the previously placed coil turn as a result of its diameter greatly reduced by complete elongation. Two embodiments of an apparatus for performing the method are also described and the apparatus is constructed as a compact, esily handleable hand-operated device.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for folding a sock cuff, which comprises a blade mounted on and projecting from a support, a first carriage mounted for reciprocal movement along and over said blade and having first gripping means adapted to space and grip the open end of a sock such that movement of the carriage along the blade will substantially envelop the blade with the sock, a second carriage mounted for reciprocal movement along said blade and having second gripping means adapted to move transversely to the blade to grip the sock covering said blade, and means for actuating (i) said carriage to reciprocally move said carriage along said blade, (ii) said first gripping means to grip and release the open end of said sock and, (iii) said second gripping means to reciprocally move said means along the blade and transversely thereto. A process of folding a sock cuff, more particularly, a `walk` sock cuff, is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing socks is disclosed which utilizes a boarding or blocking machine of the type having a plurality of sock boarding (blocking) forms which are movable within a track. Socks to be block (boarded) are applied to the boarding forms with a free yarn end or string still attached to each sock. Clipping assemblies are mounted on either side of the track in position to automatically sever the extending string as each boarding form moves past the clipping assemblies. A vacuum system is associated with each clipping assembly to continuously remove the severed strings and other loose materials resulting from the clipping operations. By employing the clipping asemblies in combination with and in association with the boarding machine, the previously required, separate, string severing operations can be eliminated.

Abstract: The closed loop cable system was designed for preventing the theft of coats, but could be used for many other applications. When used for theft prevention, a length of cable is passed through one or both sleeves of the coat to form a loop, and the cable ends, which are provided with mating ferrules are then mated together and then crimped. The cable loop through bath sleeves prevents anyone from trying the coat on, and through one sleeve enables customers to try the coat on, but alerts clerks that it has not been paid for, and thus prevents anyone from putting a coat on and walking out without paying for it. A specialized tool is used to crimp ferrules on the ends of the cable together, and the same tool can be used to cut the cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for automatically folding long hose, wrapping them up in dressing paper and packing them into an envelope using dressing paper capable of being folded in three on two crease lines. A sheet of the dressing paper, fed on to the start position of a conveyor unfolded, is intermittently transferred at a constant interval firmly held by a suction belt; to begin with one third on one side of the dressing paper, to form the inner-flap part, is bent up during transfer; on its arrival at next stop, a pair of hose are put on the central part of the dressing paper, to form the back cover part; the inner-flap part is laid on the hose; one of the hose ends behind the other on the conveyor is laid on the inner-flap part. A weighting plate, after having pressed them together, moves forward in order to tense the hose, and pass through under a fixed plate on which the other hose end is placed, whereby the second hose end is put on the first one.

Abstract: A shaping machine which is provided for the shaping of panty hose and other hosiery articles includes two substantially vertically extending elongated blades. A motor driven belt drive extends along each of the longitudinal lateral edges of the blades. Each of these belt drives includes at least one endless belt which has a run that projects beyond the blades in such a manner that the contour of this belt run delimits the contour of the blades at their longitudinal sides. The directions of movement of the belt drives are chosen in such a manner that the outer runs of the respective belts move upwardly in the pulling-on position of the blades and downwardly in the pulling-off positions of the blades. The front one of the blades additionally includes a holding arrangement for insert sheets, the holding arrangement being supplied with the insert sheets by a supply device which is arranged laterally next to the blades on the machine frame.

Abstract: An automated sleeve transfer apparatus and method adapted to receive continuous webs of material including pairs of left and right sleeves alternating between cuff-to-cuff and shoulder-to-shoulder relation and having a die cutting mechanism for receiving the pairs of sleeves from the webs is disclosed having a circular wheel having rotatable vacuum plates on its circumference for carrying pairs of sleeves along a circular path to a transfer point, a conveyor for transferring successive severed pairs of cuff-to-cuff sleeves from the die cutting mechanism to the vacuum plates on the circumference of the circular wheel, a mechanism within the circular wheel for rotating the vacuum plates to turn each sleeve end for end to rearrange the sleeves from cuff-to-cuff to shoulder-to-shoulder relation while moving along the circular path before said transfer point, a second conveyor for receiving successive severed pairs of shoulder-to-shoulder sleeves from the die cutting mechanism and for conveying the sleeves in spac

Abstract: A welt applicating apparatus (10) is disclosed which positions welts (12) on individual garment panels (14) for adhesive attachment. The apparatus (10) includes a holding clamp assembly (136) which moves the tape sideways against fixed guide surfaces (176) to align the welt. A transfer clamp assembly (138) clamps the welt with a transfer clamp (202) and moves the welt into a preselected position between side plates (240-242) of the apparatus (10). A trimming assembly (248) is activated to move inwardly to trim the edges of the welt with cutting blade assemblies including movable blades (266-268) and stationary blades (262-264). A vacuum nozzle (278) collects the material trimmed and the backing layer cut by the cutting assemblies. A setting clamp assembly (282) clamps the welt in the preselected position with an extendable setting clamp mounted on a setting clamp arm (284). The arm pivots adjacent the garment panel. The setting clamp is extended to position the welt against the garment panel (14).

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus which forms and folds a precut pocket patch and sets it in position on a garment panel, ready to be sewn by an adjacent sewing machine. The apparatus comprises a holding blade on which a precut pocket patch is manually positioned, and a pocket patch-forming and folding assembly located over the holding blade. The latter and the assembly are vertically movable one with respect to the other and to an underlying garment panel support table. The assembly includes a forming plate, having a flat underface and a downwardly-extending rim at its periphery creating a cavity to receive the pocket patch; the latter is clamped and its margin creased by the rim about the edge of the holding blade. The assembly further carries around its periphery folding blades which move inwardly underneath the holding blade to complete the folding of the pocket patch. The contour of the holding blade and of the plate cavity corresponds to the desired contour of the folded patch.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for incorporating a pocket bag (30) into a garment panel (84) includes several operational stations (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24). The pocket bag (30) and the garment panel (84) are held in place by a manually moveable template (44). The pocket bag (30) and garment panel (84) are adhesively interconnected at the first station (12). A slit (122) is formed at the second station (14). The edges of the slit (122) are folded back and secured to form a pocket slot (184) at the next two stations (16, 18). If desired, a welt (240) can be installed at another station (20). If desired, a facing strip (268) can be installed over the welt (240) and/or slot (184) at another station (22). The periphery of the closed pocket bag (30) is secured at the last station (24), after which the panel (84) can be assembled into a garment.

Abstract: A cloth snag repair tool is described for removing snags from one side of a cloth. The tool includes a shaft having a length between 60 mm and 90 mm and a maximum diameter between 0.635 mm and 1.65 mm. The shaft has a cloth penetration surface section beginning at a pointed forward end. The cloth penetration surface section has low frictional surface characteristics to enable the shaft to be initially easily inserted into the cloth at a snag location without substantially disturbing the snag. The shaft has a frictional surface section intermediate the cloth penetration surface section and a rear end. The frictional surface section has high surface characteristics to engage and frictionally draw the snag through the cloth as the shaft is forced through the cloth. In a preferred form, the frictional surface section is machine roughened with diamond shaped knurls covering between one third and two thirds the length of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for buttoning garments such as shirts including a frame supporting surface which supports the garment to be buttoned, such frame comprising a plurality of pairs of spaced plates for fixedly holding the buttonhole strip of the garment, a plurality of hook-shaped members positioned to extend through the buttonholes into contact with the button strip, a plate adjustably supporting the button strip so as to move the buttons into engagement with the extended hook-shaped members; the hook-shaped members and attached buttons being drawn through corresponding buttonholes, and the hook-shaped members and pairs of plates being disengaged from the buttoned garment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for and method of handling sheet material for forming, for example, bib aprons in a simple and economical way. Sheets of material are automatically directed along a feed path to a folding station at which a string or strip is formed into a "V" shape in spaced juxtaposition above the sheet material. Opposed corners of the sheet material are folded over legs of the "V" and the apex of the "V" is thereafter severed to form neck tie elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a lining in an end of a neck-tie comprising; a supporting surface for supporting the end of a strip of tie material containing heat fusible fibres, means for forming a pleat along the longitudinal axis of said strip of tie material, means for clamping a lining against said strip of tie material along two lines diverging from said pleat, and means for providing heat at said two-lines to fuse the lining and material together at said lines and thereby form a pointed end to the lining and material.