Abstract: A garment steamer includes a base body with a steam generator for generating steam, and a main body disposed at the upper side of the base body for moving the steam generated by the steam generator to the outside. A front press is hingedly fixed to the lower part of the main body to be attached to and detached from the front surface of the main body. A stretching means is disposed at opposite side surfaces of the main body to be unfolded outside the main body, and a pair of arm tensioners includes lower ends hingedly fixed to the front surface of the front press and upper ends configured to be turned and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A clothes care apparatus including a main body including a clothes care room, a support device arranged inside the clothes care room and configured to support clothes, and a steam generating device configured to supply steam into the clothes care room, wherein the support device includes a first support member, and a second support member and a third support member that are arranged in a first direction with respect to the first support member, the first support member and each of the second support member and the third support member are separated by a first separation distance, the second support member and the third support member are separated by a second separation distance in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, wherein each of the first separation distances, and the second separation distance are variable to, when the clothes are supported on the support device and steam is supplied by the steam generating device, prevent wrinkles.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an accommodation space formed therein to accommodate laundry, a door hingedly connected to the cabinet to open or close the accommodation space, a presser for applying pressure to laundry to remove wrinkles from laundry, and a presser-fixing structure for mounting the presser to the inner surface of the accommodation space or the door. The presser-fixing structure includes a support holder protruding from the inner surface of the accommodation space or the door and a presser-fixing recess formed concavely in the rear surface of the presser so as to allow the support holder to be inserted thereinto.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a lamination machine and lamination process for laminating a membrane to a three-dimensional (3D) target surface of an article, such as a footwear article, glove, clothing article, backpack, or other article. The lamination machine may include an inflatable former that is permeable to air. The inflatable former may have a shape that generally corresponds to a shape of the target surface. The membrane and target surface may be arranged on the former, with a heat-activated adhesive disposed between the membrane and the target surface. The lamination machine may further include a pump to pump heated compressed air into the former. The heated compressed air may inflate the former to press the membrane against the target surface and to activate the adhesive to bond the membrane to the target surface.

Abstract: A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a plurality of terminal blocks may include a fixture and a plurality of electrical contacts attached to the fixture. The electrical contacts may be configured to engage conductive screws of the plurality of terminal blocks. The electrical contacts may also be configured to be mechanically biased against the conductive screws. The connector may include a printed circuit board attached to the fixture and electrical contacts. The connector may also include a cable connector. The printed circuit board may electrically connect the cable connector to the electrical contacts. A connector system may include a plurality of such connectors. One or more securing elements may be employed to attach such connectors to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric sensor (1) for determining a fabric type. The fabric sensor (1) comprises a first structural component (2) comprising a first sensing surface (3), and a second structural component (4) comprising a second sensing surface (5). The first structural component (2) and the second structural component (4) are movable relative to each other to form a closed arrangement wherein the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5) hold the fabric. The fabric sensor (1) also comprises a thickness measurement mechanism (6) for measuring a thickness of the fabric when the fabric is held between the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5). The fabric sensor (1) also comprises a processing unit (7) coupled to the thickness measurement mechanism (6) and at least one of the first sensing surface (3) and the second sensing surface (5).

Abstract: The middle iron (3) is provided between the upper iron (1) and the lower iron (2). One of a trouser leg (4a) is set between the middle iron (3) and the lower iron (2) and the other of a trouser leg (4b) is set between the middle iron (3) and the upper iron (1). Both legs (4a, 4b) of the trouser (4) are held by the upper iron (1), the middle iron (3) and the lower iron (2) and pressed. This disclosure relates to the middle iron (3) such as the type of trouser-pressing machine. At the middle iron (3), in one side end part (3a) which the crotch (4c) of the trouser (4) setting on, only a portion (3b) corresponding to the crotch (4c) is formed to tapered shape gradually thinning toward the side of the middle iron (3).

Abstract: A shirt press finishing machine has a torso for carrying a shirt and a pair of front part and rear part side press irons. Iron receiving surfaces of the front and rear parts of the torso are covered with cushioning sheet materials and long and thin bags expanded by gas are attached to both sides of the front and rear sheet materials over substantially the entire longitudinal length of the sheet materials.

Abstract: A method of compressing a garment is disclosed and includes: forming the garment into a compact shape; placing the garment formed into a compact shape into a bag; placing the garment formed into a compact shape and bag into a compression machine; compressing the garment and bag in the compression machine forming a compressed garment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a glove (100) from a conveyor (200) characterized by: a camera (10); a pick-up assembly (20) comprising a pair of inner grippers (21) and two pairs of outer grippers (22); a pair of sensors (30); a robotic arm (40) mounted with the pick-up assembly (20); a processor.

Abstract: A device (1) for refreshing garments comprises means (5) for supporting a garment and means (3) for generating an air flow at the location where a garment is present when it is put in place on the supporting means (5). The supporting means (5) comprise two parts (6, 7) which are both suitable to be used for supporting a garment, and which are displaceably arranged with respect to each other. In this way, an enhanced functionality of the device (1) may be achieved in comparison with a device having supporting means which comprise only a single part.

Abstract: This invention comprises a torso 2 for use putting on a shirt 1, and a pair of a front part side press iron 3 and a rear part side press iron 4 for pressing the front and rear parts of the torso 2 to perform a press finishing of the shirts 1 This invention is iron receiving surfaces 2a of the front and rear parts of the torso 2 are covered with cushion-type sheet materials 5. This invention is long and thin bags expanded by supplying gas are attached to both side portions of the front and rear parts sheet materials 5 over the substantial entire longitudinal length of the sheet materials 5.

Abstract: A machine for forming and ironing folds in cloth has a plate frame on which are fixed a support and pressure system, a template on which the cloth is put, a moving system for moving a blocking plate which blocks the cloth, a guide system for guiding a folding element which folds outer edges of the cloth and an ironing plate. The guide system has a guide profile and a translating arm which is translated in a longitudinal direction and has a roller and a folding element. The arm is under pressure towards the guide profile so that the roller beats and slides along the edge of the guide profile. In this way, the folding element follows the movement of the arm according to the guide profile and moves in the longitudinal direction and a transversal direction.

Abstract: A shirt frame including a fixed frame installed on ground, a model installed on the fixed frame, for supporting a shirt, a front iron installed on the fixed frame and movable towards the model so as to iron a front part of the shirt supported on the model, a rear iron installed on the fixed frame and moveable towards the model so as to iron a rear part of the shirt supported on the model, a sleeve supporter installed on the fixed frame, for stretching a sleeve of the shirt supported on the model, and a lateral stretcher installed on the fixed frame and including at least one rods that are folded and unfolded in both directions with respect to the model so as to stretch lateral surfaces of the shirt supported on the model. The quality of an ironing operation is maximized, and an operating speed of a user is increased. Upper and lower surfaces of a sleeve of shirt are uniformly ironed, sleeves are easily supported, and thus creases of the sleeves are prevented.

Abstract: Improved pressing machines for pants, in reference to FIG. 1B an upper portion pressing machine for pants. The framework (11) has a contour shape of the upper portion of a pair of pants, making it easier to drape the upper portion of the pants over the machine for pressing. In reference to FIG. 2B a pressing machine for pressing the inseams and out seams on the legs of a pair of pants. The pressing framework (42) is wider at the rear side and narrower at the opposite end, allowing relatively small and large pants to be pressed. In reference to FIG. 3C the pressing machine is to be used on creased pants. The framework plate (73) has an indention (74). The seams of a pair of pants are aligned with the indention, when the plate (73) is brought down, it will not touch the seams. The pants are left with no impressions or shiny marks. All three pressing machines have steam and vacuum valve connections and are manually operated, by stepping on the foot pedals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a driving device for the clothes press iron 4 or 14 for pressing a front side or rear side of the torso 3 for putting on the clothes 2 and press finish the clothes 2. The driving device of this invention is formed by the vertical-oriented cylinder device 5 oscillated in a forward or rearward direction of the torso 3 and the link device 6 fixed at the extremity end of the rod 5a of this cylinder device 5 to convert an extending or retracting operation of the rod 5a into an advancing or retracting operation of the clothes press iron 4 or 14. The main body 6a of the link device 6 is preferably set such that six link members 10 are connected in a substantial hexagonal shape as seen from the side of the torso 3 by the axle member 9 along a lateral direction of the torso 3. In accordance with this invention, it is possible to restrict a depth size of the finishing machine and a compact-sized finishing machine and its space saving can be attained.

Abstract: A clothes pressing apparatus has a body block movable between a supply position at which an article of clothing can be placed on the body block and a press position at which pressing work can be achieved. A sleeve holder is also mounted on the base for holding sleeves of the an article of clothing and having a sleeve tucking iron. Also included are a body air supply device for supplying a first air blast suitable for pressing the body portion of the article of clothing, and a sleeve air supply device for supplying a second air blast for pressing the sleeve portion. The apparatus further includes a controller for operating the sleeve air supply device for supplying the second air blast only when the body air supply device is operated for supplying the first air blast.

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: Pressing of shirts on a shirt-shaped outer inflatable body advantageously takes place with tensioning the shirt in flat form. To achieve a non-round cross-section, in particular, in the trunk section of the outer body, a supporting framework and at least one inner inflatable body are disposed within the outer body, it being possible for the inner body to be supported on the supporting framework and to subject the outer body to pressure from the inside. For such a purpose, the inner inflatable bodies are inflated, in particular, by a higher pressure than the outer inflatable body. It is, thus, possible for the trunk region to be tensioned laterally outward and for the shirt to be pressed in an advantageously flat form. Using the inner bodies avoids raised edges or sharp points in the enclosure of the outer inflatable body. As a result, the shirts can be pressed without creases.

Abstract: An ironing device, to be used in ironing machines for ironing trousers by blowing hot air therethrough, comprises a driving construction, supporting a pair of carriages, each of which supports, in turn, at least an ironing block for ironing the trousers pockets, said driving construction being designed for bringing said carriages from an opened position, in which the trousers article is arranged on a tool for tensioning the pelvis region of the trousers article, and a pressing position, in which the pocket ironing blocks press the trousers pockets in the ironing block arranged inside the pelvis region of the pelvis region tensioning tool.

Abstract: The present invention enables the cloth shrunk through its washing to be finished in press to such a state as found in its new product. The present invention is comprised of a buck having a protruded curved upper surface on which a collar of the shirts 1 is mounted and a press iron having a concave curved iron surface for depressing the upper surface of the buck. A radius of curvature of the upper surface of the buck is selected to be larger than a radius of curvature of the iron surface of the press iron. The buck is divided at its central position into a right segment and a left segment so as to form a pair of right and left divided members. There is provided a depressing mechanism for turning each of the divided segments in an upward and outward direction at the time of pressing at the collar.

Abstract: A method and device for pressing items of clothing—in particular, shirts, blouses and jackets—includes a pressing dummy with an inflatable bag. At least a region of the inflatable bag extends into the neck, collar, or lower hem regions of the clothing. At the end of such region is disposed an air diverter for drying adjacent surfaces of the clothing item. The air diverter is connected to the inflatable bag as far as air supply is concerned. Should the airflow be weak or non-existent, then the air diverter—at least partly—retracts into the piece of clothing. Should the airflow be active, however, then the air diverter extends and takes on the form of a mushroom head. In such a form, the air diverter is in the working position thereof and, thus, ventilates the adjacent region of the piece of clothing from the underside of the mushroom head.

Abstract: Pressing of shirts on a shirt-shaped outer inflatable body advantageously takes place with tensioning the shirt in flat form. To achieve a non-round cross-section, in particular, in the trunk section of the outer body, a supporting framework and at least one inner inflatable body are disposed within the outer body, it being possible for the inner body to be supported on the supporting framework and to subject the outer body to pressure from the inside. For such a purpose, the inner inflatable bodies are inflated, in particular, by a higher pressure than the outer inflatable body. It is, thus, possible for the trunk region to be tensioned laterally outward and for the shirt to be pressed in an advantageously flat form. Using the inner bodies avoids raised edges or sharp points in the enclosure of the outer inflatable body. As a result, the shirts can be pressed without creases.

Abstract: A pressing body carries out pressing of shirts on a shirt-shaped inflation body, advantageously, by tensioning the shirt in a flat configuration and includes tensioning measures fixed to flat sections of the envelope of the inflation body, which draw the flat sections inwards or prevent the sections from adopting a round form on inflation. The tensioning measures can be, for example, flexible tensioning strips, connecting opposite regions of the envelope together and, furthermore, can partition those regions in which a reduced airflow occurs as a result of the thermal insulation.

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 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: Trousers and/or shorts are fed one at a time between conveyor belts, cuff end first, towards a hanger automatically dropped from a hanger bar into a hanger chute positioned in the path of travel of the trousers, A sensor senses the presence of a pair of trousers on the feed belts and activates a hanger transport mechanism which grabs a hanger from the end of a screw conveyor on a hanger bar feeding the hangers by gravity towards the screw end, which stops, separates and spaces the hangers. The hanger transport mechanism delivers a hanger forwardly over the hanger chute, and then retracts, dropping the hanger into chute. The cuffs of the trousers are fed through the hanger positioned in the chute.

Abstract: An ironing device, to be used in ironing machines for blowing-ironing trousers, comprises a driving construction, supporting a pair of carriages, each of which supports, in turn, at least an ironing block for ironing the trousers pockets, said driving construction being designed for bringing said carriages from an opened position, in which the trousers article is arranged on a tool for tensioning the pelvis region of the trousers article, and a pressing position, in which the pocket ironing blocks press the trousers pockets on the ironing block arranged inside the pelvis region of the pelvis region tensioning tool.

Abstract: A hat shaping arrangement. The hat shaping arrangement comprises an inflation assembly and a inflatable bladder assembly. The bladder assembly has an air receiving space, an air port, and a deflated state. The bladder assembly is configured to substantially conform to an interior circumference of a hat to be shaped when the bladder assembly is in said deflated state. The inflation assembly is in fluid communication with the air receiving space through the air port. The inflation assembly is adapted to selectively input air pressure to and release air pressure from the air receiving space through the air port to inflate the bladder assembly toward conformance with an interior surface of the hat and deflate the bladder assembly away from conformance with the interior surface of the hat to be shaped thereby facilitating the retention of the shape of the hat.

Abstract: A method for imparting durable press and softness characteristics to garments. The initial step of the process is to start with a garment in which the pH is between about 6 and 7. The garments are immersed in a mixture of water, a non-ionic wetter, a glyoxal resin and aminofunctional silicone, and a cationic HDPE in specific amounts, depending upon the type of fabric of which the garments are made. The mixture is extracted from the garments to a specific extent. After mixture extraction, the garments are pressed and baked.

Abstract: A combination automatic molding machine and associated cooling rack for pressed items, such as hats, using advanced features which produce a pressed items, such as a completed hat form from an unshaped configuration of a moldable material, such as felt, wool or straw. The combination can also be used to produce other flexible, inelastic fabric structures, such as molded insulation members within a wall or vehicle body. When a hat is first taken from the hat molding machine at a first large size, it is then placed upon the cooling rack, where the size is further varied by placing corresponding male crown inserts extending up from a flange placed upon the cooling rack. Preferably the male inserts are made of ABS Plastic. In effect, the molding rack is used to vary sizes for each hat upon the cooling rack. While the hat is in a warm, malleable state of a large size, the hat thus formed is squeezed through a fenestration hole of a smaller size reducer.

Abstract: A hat molding machine using advanced features will produce a completed hat form from an unshaped felt or wool configuration. The machine employs male and female hat molds. The female hat mold has embedded electric heating elements which are temperature controlled. Low pressure steam is piped into the female mold. Using three pneumatic cylinders and an automatic programmable air controller with timer for proper sequencing, a completed hat form shape including shape portion and flange brim portion results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ironing machine, in particular for ironing cloth articles such as shirts and the like. The machine comprises a base structure which supports a first ironing station provided with a dummy for supporting from inside a cloth article to be ironed and with pressing elements which are turned to the outside of the dummy. The inside of the dummy is coupled to suction elements, and the pressing elements are provided with a device for delivering a hot fluid such as hot air or steam. The machine further comprises a second ironing station for ironing the neck and cuffs of the cloth article to be ironed. This second station comprises a bottom ironing panel for supporting thereon the cloth article to be ironed and a top ironing panel which can be driven toward the end away from the bottom ironing panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressing a shirt comprising a shirt buck having a front and a back and opposite lateral sides therebetween and adapted to hold at least the front and back of the shirt in an orientation for being pressed, drive means to laterally move the shire buck between a loading zone and a shirt finishing zone, and a pair of chests positioned adjacent to the shirt buck at the shirt finishing zone, the chests being movable in pressing contact with a shirt on the shirt buck.

Abstract: A hat molding machine using advanced features will produce a completed hat form from an unshaped felt or wool configuration. The machine employs male and female hat molds. The female hat mold has embedded electric heating elements which are temperature controlled. Low pressure steam is piped into the female mold. Using three pneumatic cylinders and an automatic programmable air controller with timer for proper sequencing, a completed hat form shape including shape portion and flange brim portion results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compacting a plurality of flat, stacked, non-woven cotton and cotton blend articles from a normal size to a greatly reduced size to form a package of such articles that saves exterior packaging, shipping, handling, and warehouse costs. The pressure and time dwell are selected to compact the stacked articles to the extent necessary to cause the desired size reduction, but not sufficient to either damage the articles or compact them to the degree that a liquid is required to recover them from their compacted to their original state.

Abstract: Two-sided fusible tape is mounted in an effective manner upon the sleeve seam allowance of a garment comprising the steps of placing a jacket arranged inside out upon a heated stationary buck, the jacket being positioned on the buck so that the sleeve seam allowance is properly aligned. An exposed surface of a two-sided fusible strip is placed along the sleeve seam allowance, the other fusible surface being covered with a protective sheet. A vacuum communicating with the buck is drawn to retain the garment in the proper position. A pair of heated heads having pressing surfaces conforming to the shape of the buck are simultaneously driven toward the buck to press the fusible strip against the sleeve seam allowance of the garment, the heat from the buck and the heads activating the fusible. Steam may be ejected from the heads when the fusible employed requires steam for activation. The heads are withdrawn from the buck and the garment is removed in preparation for mounting a shoulder pad to the garment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for finishing a shirt comprising a buck with a first drive means to move the buck between a loading and a finishing zone; a pair of chests positioned adjacent to the buck at the finishing zone with a second drive means to move the chests between inoperative and operative positions; a pair of clips to receive an area of a shirt on the buck to be pressed at the region between the cuff and sleeve and to form an obstruction for the flow of heated air and steam therethrough during a finishing operation; steam lines for coupling a source of steam to the interior of the chests; air lines for coupling a source of negative air pressure to the buck for drawing a vacuum through the buck when the buck is in the loading zone for holding a shirt against the buck and to provide a positive air pressure to the interior of the buck to force the sleeves outwardly to effect their finishing; and a single blower to generate a positive air pressure and a negative air pressure coupled to the buck with associated

Abstract: Pressed garments are treated with microwaves to activate chemicals without heating the garments, resulting in permanent creases without fabric damage. An apparatus controls the process or curing cross-linking agent impregnated cellulosic fabric with microwave energy. The application allows finite control of the curing process necessary to impart a proper cure of wrinkle free fabric. The garment surface temperatures are continually remotely sensed. The microwave energy is cycled on and off so as not to overcure, avoiding loss of fabric memory and avoiding hot spots or burned fabric.

Abstract: A portable garment finishing machine (30) includes a hollow gripper (102) for gripping an edge portion of a suspended garment such that the gripper closes the edge portion upon itself in a spread condition. Treating fluid forced through the hollow gripper treats the gripper clamped garment portion while a longitudinally extendible conduit (32) conducts treating fluid interiorly of the garment. One of several embodiments of a fluid distributor (31, 316, 600), connected to the conduit, vertically traverses the garment interiorly and directs the fluid at interior garment surfaces. The treating fluid includes steam produced by vaporizing a water mist generated by ultrasonic means (450). A shoulder-shaped form (330) is provided to serve several functions including prevention of fluid escape through garment neck openings. The form is upwardly openable for receiving a garment hanger (344) such that the form can close over the hanger to avoid fluid loss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compacting to form a package of such articles that saves exterior packaging, shipping, handling, and warehouse costs. The pressure and time dwell are selected to compact the stacked articles to the extent necessary to cause the desired size reduction, but not sufficient to either damage the articles or compact them to the degree that a liquid or other means is required to recover them from their compacted to their original state.

Abstract: A pocket-folding device for folding a pocket blank and securing the folded pocket to a pocket-carrying article, the device having a locating fixture supported by a frame to receive the unfolded pocket blank, a top die and movable bottom die supported by the frame, and a vacuum hand associated with the frame selectively moving to pick up the unfolded pocket blank from the locating fixture and carry it and release it over the pocket form to form side and bottom-draped edges. The pocket form and pocket blank move up to mate with the top die. The bottom die then moves up to mate with the top die to form a die cavity around the pocket form and pocket blank while selectively directed air flows into the top die and folds the draped pocket edges around the pocket form. Heat is applied to the folded pocket edges to set pocket edge creases therein, and the pocket form, pocket and bottom die move downwardly to the original bottom die position with the pocket-folded edges held between the pocket form and the bottom die.

Abstract: A method of pleating an unfinished garment, wherein an unfinished garment prepared by sewing cloth parts together is folded around a core plate, the unfinished garment, thus folded, is placed in a case. The case containing the folded garment is inserted into a heat-treating apparatus, and the folded garment is simultaneously heat-treating and pleated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compacting a plurality of flat, stacked, non-woven, cotton, cotton blend, and fibrous articles from a normal size to a greatly reduced size to form a package of such articles that saves exterior packaging, shipping, handling, and warehouse costs. The pressure and time dwell are selected to compact the stacked articles to the extent necessary to cause the desired size reduction, but not sufficient to either damage the articles or compact them to the degree that a liquid or other means is required to recover them from their compacted to their original state.

Abstract: A height adjustable pants finishing device includes a pair of topping bucks positioned in the top portion of a pair of pants to be finished. Waist clamps hold the pants in the desired orientation; then, pressing plates engage pleats to hold the pleats for pressing. Additional pressing plates engage the top portion of the pants for high quality finishing of the top of the pants. The cuffs of the pants are clamped together, and steam is injected into the pants for finishing. After steaming, heated air is passed through the pants to set the creases.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously ironing front, rear and top portions of a shirt comprises two vertical movable ironing plates therebetween there is provided a dummy bearing a shirt to be ironed, the dummy including an upwardly movable top portion and the ironing plates having two concave top seats negatively reproducing the profile of the top of the dummy, the apparatus further comprising gripping elements to automatically grip and transfer the ironed shirt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compacting a sheet article, for example an article of underwear, to produce a stable, substantially rigid, compacted article. This reduces space required for storage and distribution and facilitates packaging of the article. Compaction is effected by placing the article, or a plurality of articles, in a mould cavity, and subjecting them to elevated pressure for a certain time. The pressure and time are selected to compact the article sufficiently to form the stable, rigid body, but simultaneously not being so great as to either damage the article or compact it so much that water or other liquid is required to recover the article from its compacted state to its original state.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism for use in a garment pressing machine includes a support frame, a guide rail secured to the frame, a carriage supported by the guide rail for linear movement between dressing and pressing positions, and a fluid actuator for moving the carriage. The carriage carries a pressing buck or mannequin. The indexing mechanism includes an indexing bar having one end pivotally attached to the carriage for linear movement therewith and a second end slidably and pivotally mounted within a guide attached to the support frame. The actuator is connected between the support frame and a central portion of the indexing bar. Extension and retraction of the fluid cylinder causes the indexing bar to pivot and slide about one end within the guide space and to drive the carriage between its dressing and pressing positions at its other end.

Abstract: A rounded pressing board substantially providing a line or point contact surface between the iron working surface and the bottom surface of a flat iron, thus reducing the force required to operate an iron and shortening the ironing time. The pressing board body is molded into a hollow shape by blow molding and the iron working surface of the pressing board body has a large number of projections to facilitate the application of steam to the cloth which is to be ironed and to provide the line or point contact surface.