Abstract: An integrated automated manufacturing system for finishing individual garments is provided. The system includes a conveyor system, a fixture constructed for movement on the conveyor in a predetermined orientation, a form mounted on the fixture for holding a garment for finishing in a predetermined fixed orientation relative to the fixture, and finishing stations to which the conveyor carries garments mounted on the fixtures. The fixture mounted form can be inflatable so that the garment mounted thereon can be inflated to its fully extended, three-dimensional form, and the finishing station can include a blower to inflate the form prior to the initiation of a finishing step. The finishing stations can include robot-manipulated tools, such as spray guns or abrasive wheels, for applying chemical or mechanical finishes to selected areas of the fixture mounted garment, washing and drying of the garments, automated garment inspection, or the application of tags and labels to the garments.

Abstract: A portable device is provided for drying and removing wrinkles from an article of clothing. The device is for use with a portable dryer of the type having a handle, internal fan, and nozzle from which heated air is blown. The device comprises an inflatable member capable of being hung and having a body portion comprised of an air permeable fabric, a sealing member for sealingly engaging the nozzle so that the nozzle is in communication with the interior of the inflatable member, and a fastener for securing the portable dryer in a fixed position relative to the inflatable member. The inflatable member is maintained in an inflated state by a continuous flow of heated air from the nozzle of the dryer. According to one aspect of the invention, the body portion of the inflatable member fits within and in contact with the article of clothing.

Abstract: An integrated automated manufacturing system for finishing individual garments is provided. The system includes a conveyor system, a fixture constructed for movement on the conveyor in a predetermined orientation, a form mounted on the fixture for holding a garment for finishing in a predetermined fixed orientation relative to the fixture, and finishing stations to which the conveyor carries garments mounted on the fixtures. The fixture mounted form can be inflatable so that the garment mounted thereon can be inflated to its fully extended, three-dimensional form, and the finishing station can include a blower to inflate the form prior to the initiation of a finishing step. The finishing stations can include robot-manipulated tools, such as spray guns or abrasive wheels, for applying chemical or mechanical finishes to selected areas of the fixture mounted garment, washing and drying of the garments, automated garment inspection, or the application of tags and labels to the garments.

Abstract: A shield for the inflatable side bags of both shirt and sleeve presser bag assemblies to substantially prevent the folding or pinching of the inflatable side bags during pressing. The shields are preferably fabricated from the same material as the body bag which is stiffer and less prone to folding than the side bag material. Folding and pinching of the inflatable side bags can be prevented when the shields extend to the point just past the point of maximum ballooning of the inflatable side bags.

Abstract: An inflatable wader tree receivable in the upper opening of footwear, such as fishing waders, and shaped, when inflated, to sealingly engage and distend the upper portion of footwear, an air inlet for inflating the tree, and mechanism for distending the lower portion of the footwear, when the tree is inflated, including an outlet in the lower portion of the inflatable tree for passing air from the inflatable tree to the lower footwear portion.

Abstract: The garment presser bag assembly includes an inner bag of woven nylon material open at its lower end and defining at its upper end neck and arm openings. An outer bag of net-like material also includes an open lower end and neck and arm openings at its upper end, with the two bags being connected together about their respective neck and arm openings, leaving the lower end of the outer bag movable with respect to the inner bag. An expandable ring element is movable along the length of the outer bag so as to constrict the expansion of the bags when inflated.

Abstract: An upright machine for finishing a sweater-like garment has a non-permeable bag that defines a lower hot air and steam-receiving and mixing chamber. A cross-extending, vertically adjustable stretch carriage is provided and has means for gripping the lower edge of the body of a garment being processed; it cooperates with an upper pair of horizontally outwardly extending sleeve and shoulder receiving and stretching, supporting arm frames. A vertically extending perforated plate assembly supplies steam bursts directly within the body of the garment, and means is also provided for directly supplying steam within shoulder and sleeve portions of the garment along the arm frames. A pair of oppositely positioned vertical side arms are adjustably suspended from inner end portions of the arm frames for inside engagement with the body of the garment for stretching it horizontally outwardly; and the carriage is employed to stretch the body longitudinally downwardly.

Abstract: A "stretcher" machine for ironing the shoulder, arm-hole and sleeve of an upper garment comprises a former and a stretcher. The former has an outer shape corresponding to the contour of at least one shoulder for carrying the garment in the wearing position. Means are provided for injecting steam and/or air at least into the interior of the sleeve when the garment is placed on the former. The stretcher is generally elongate and is firmly fastened to the former so as to occupy, in relation thereto, the natural position of an arm relative to the chest. The stretcher is arranged to engage longitudinally within the sleeve of the garment and to match the interior shape of the sleeve by tensioning the sleeve transversely. The means for injecting steam and/or air terminates within the stretcher and the stretcher comprises means for passing steam and/or air to the exterior and to the sleeve positioned on the stretcher.