Abstract: A device for removing the wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment. A working surface defines a plurality of openings. Each of first and second sleeve holders are secured proximate an opening at a proximal end of each sleeve holder. First and second air bags are each configured to substantially surround a cooperating sleeve holder. Each sleeve holder and cooperating air bag is adapted to be received within a sleeve of the garment to extend the sleeve from the working surface. In one embodiment, a steam transfer device is configured to selectively transfer steam into each air bag and outwardly through each air bag to an interior surface of the sleeve. In another embodiment, a heated air transfer device is configured to selectively transfer heated air into each air bag and outwardly through each air bag to an interior surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A device for removing the wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment. A working surface defines a plurality of openings. Each of first and second sleeve holders are secured proximate an opening at a proximal end of each sleeve holder. First and second air bags are each configured to substantially surround a cooperating sleeve holder. Each sleeve holder and cooperating air bag is adapted to be received within a sleeve of the garment to extend the sleeve from the working surface. In one embodiment, a steam transfer device is configured to selectively transfer steam into each air bag and outwardly through each air bag to an interior surface of the sleeve. In another embodiment, a heated air transfer device is configured to selectively transfer heated air into each air bag and outwardly through each air bag to an interior surface of the sleeve.

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 safety guard system and deactivation device for protection of an operator of a garment press. A guard bar is manipulated in concert with movement of a press head between operative and inoperative positions. Manipulation of the guard bar reciprocates an activation device for sequentially activating actuatable valves which control the transmission of pressurized air to a head closing piston and cylinder for press head movement. A deactivation device is positioned proximal to the activation device to control reciprocation thereof. The deactivation device is retracted when pressurized air is interrupted to the garment press, resulting in restraint of activation device and deactivation of the actuatable valves, along with movement of the press head and guard bar to an inoperative position.

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.

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 safety guard system and deactivation device for protection of an operator of a garment press. A guard bar is manipulated in concert with movement of a press head between operative and inoperative positions. Manipulation of the guard bar reciprocates an activation device for sequentially activating actuatable valves which control the transmission of pressurized air to a head closing piston and cylinder for press head movement. A deactivation device is positioned proximal to the activation device to control reciprocation thereof. The deactivation device is retracted when pressurized air is interrupted to the garment press, resulting in restraint of activation device and deactivation of the actuatable valves, along with movement of the press head and guard bar to an inoperative 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.

Abstract: An air control valve system for a shirt body press wherein the shirt body press includes at least one mannequin which is positionable between two press plates. The mannequin defines at least two inflatable side air bags. The shirt body press further includes a blower system including a blower and a heat exchanger through which the blower exhausts. The air control valve system controls the flow of air out of the heat exchanger into inflatable air bags located at the sides and shoulders in two stages, a soft, or initial, air stage and a full pressure stage. The air control valve system includes at least one valve assembly for inflating the air bags. A flow controller can be mechanically adjusted to control the restricted flow rate of the soft air stage. A metering valve controls the rate at which the air flow rate is increased to the full pressure stage. The full pressure stage is timed to commence coincidentally with the closing of the press plates.

Abstract: A textile press with an ambidextrous closing system for closing and locking a press head against a buck. The textile press is configured with a pair of activators configured such that pressing and holding one of the activators causes the press head to engage the buck. Concurrently pressing the remaining of the pair of activators causes the press head to be locked in position when the press head moves into engagement with the buck. At the end of the timed pressing cycle or when a release activator is activated, the press head returns to the open position.