Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading flat articles of clothing into a laundry processing unit is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame having an entrance opposite an end of a conveyor belt, at least one loading post controlled by an operator, with a first pair of clamps for an article of clothing, and a device for lifting the clamps until the article is transferred to a second pair of clamps associated with a spreader, including a pivoting arm supporting clamps connected to a slide slidably mounted on a tilted guide rail and rotation driving means of arm and translation driving means of slide serve to move clamps in a combined translation and rotation trajectory. The apparatus comprises further features adapted to produce relative movements and to adopt different positions with respect to frame in order to provide at least one operating mode and at least one transport mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a transfer device between a conveyor supplying articles and a second conveyor whereon the articles are spread out, the transfer means including, between the supply conveyor and the second conveyor, a vertical passage wherein each article is successively brought in vertical position and clamps, and means for gripping the article including a slider provided with suction means. The device includes, opposite the means gripping the article, a fixed stop located on a same side of the vertical plane of the article as the supply conveyor, and against which the gripping means are urged to be supported during the phases opening of the clamps and transferring the upper end of the article onto the gripping means.