Abstract: A sleeve pressing apparatus and shoulder tensioning system for removing wrinkles proximal to a shoulder seam of a shirt sleeve. The apparatus includes a means for mounting a pair of sleeves proximal to a working surface. A means for positioning moves the means for mounting and the sleeves to a second position between a pair of pressing members during a pressing operation. The tensioning system includes a means for tensioning each shoulder seam concurrently with the pressing operation. A timing control device extends at least one gripping arm for tensioning each shoulder seam concurrently with the pressing operation for pair of sleeves. A method for pressing a shirt sleeve and concurrently tensioning a sleeve shoulder seam is also disclosed.

Abstract: A peripheral safety guard apparatus for protection of an operator of a garment finishing press. The guard bar encircles the press head and includes connection to a pivotable connector member positioned to connect with a reciprocating activation device controlling actuating valves in communication with a source of pneumatic power for movement of the press head. Upon manipulation of the guard bar by an operator, the guard bar moves in advance of movement of the press head between an open, inoperative position and a closed, operative position. After manipulation of the guard bar, the activation device actuates valves with resulting movement by transfer of pneumatic power of the press head between inoperative and operative positions. Movement of the guard bar in advance of the press head between inoperative and operative positions, protects the operator from entrapment of a body part during downward movement of the press head to the operative position.

Abstract: A vacuum control barrier and buck cover system for positioning on the press buck of a garment press for reducing the force of the vacuum applied to a portion of a garment by the press buck. The vacuum control barrier includes a barrier sheet dimensioned to cover at least a substantial portion of the air pervious surface of the rear portion of the press buck through which a vacuum is applied to a garment such that the barrier sheet reduces or eliminates the force of the vacuum applied to the garment through the air pervious surface of the rear portion of the press buck relative to the vacuum force applied to the garment through the air pervious surface of the front portion of the press buck. The buck cover system includes a front cover portion for covering at least a substantial portion of the air pervious surface of the front portion of the press buck, and a rear cover portion for covering at least a substantial portion of the air pervious surface of the rear portion of the press buck.