Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet defining a treatment chamber in which clothes are treated. A door is coupled to the cabinet and a pants crease management apparatus is disposed on a rear surface of the door. The pants crease management apparatus includes a press plate coupled to the rear surface of the door, a press door coupled to the press plate, and a film disposed between the press plate and the press door. The film can be placed between side portions of pants when pressed in between the press plate and the press door in a process to remove wrinkles from the pants and put a crease in the pants.

Abstract: The feeding device comprises a pair of clamp assemblies (3) arranged to grasp corner portions of two contiguous corners of a flatwork textile article (30) and to move along transverse guides in opposite directions to spread the flatwork textile article (30) for depositing it on a feed conveyor. Each clamp assembly comprises a main clamp (6) supported on a main support (5) and having a pair of main jaws (7) providing a first frictional force, and a secondary clamp (9) supported on a secondary support (8) and having a pair of secondary jaws (10) providing a higher second frictional force. The secondary support is movable relative to the main support between a position adjacent to the main clamp and a position distanced from the main clamp to reduce an article protruding corner portion (31) remaining at a first side (S1) of the main jaws (7) in a closed position.

Abstract: A cap platen to securely hold headwear, such as caps, hats, and the like, so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the cap automatically. The platen has a vise plate to support the bill of a cap and a face plate attached to the vise plate to hold the crown of cap. Arms can be attached to the vise plate or the face plate to apply a biasing force against the sides of the cap pushed the sides of the cap outwardly away from the face plate.

Abstract: A mechanical garment press assembly enables users to mechanically press garments during travel and may be stored or carried in combination with standard carry-on luggage. The garment press assembly comprises opposed outer resilient planar members, each of which has a hinge end and a clamp end. A hinge member flexibly interconnects the hinge ends. Clamping structure clamps the clamp ends toward one another after a (wrinkled) garment section is received intermediate the opposed outer planar members for imparting primary wrinkle-removing forces into the target garment section. Tension members interconnect the hinge ends to the clamp ends and retain the resilient members is bowed tension for imparting secondary wrinkle-removing forces into the target garment section. Various portable assemblies are contemplated based on the foregoing basics as well as a home-based version. Certain garment pressing methods are also described based on the foregoing basics.

Abstract: Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing trousers, comprising a supporting structure (2) of at least two substantially vertical pressing plates (3), arranged so they are facing each other and moving from a home configuration, wherein the pressing plates are substantially a long way from each other, and a working configuration wherein the pressing plates are substantially close together, at least one ironing plate (4) substantially vertical and interposable between the pressing plates in the working configuration, at least one supporting element of at least one pair of trousers positionable with the legs laid respectively on the opposite sides of the ironing plate and automated positioning means of the trousers with respect to the ironing plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assembling a tensile fabric arrangement comprising engaging an end of a carrier member having a tensile fabric attached thereto with a first support member attached to a surface, engaging a second end of the carrier member with a locking member, extending the tensile fabric from the carrier member, engaging an end of a second carrier member for the tensile fabric with a second support member attached to the surface, engaging a second end of the second carrier member with a securing member; and applying a tension to the tensile fabric, wherein the tensile fabric is supported at its top edge only by the first and second support members but may optionally be further tensioned using a tensile structural assembly including a surface, guide hook, loop, and tie, which is also provided.

Abstract: Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing trousers, comprising a supporting structure (2) of at least two substantially vertical pressing plates (3), arranged so they are facing each other and moving from a home configuration, wherein the pressing plates are substantially a long way from each other, and a working configuration wherein the pressing plates are substantially close together, at least one ironing plate (4) substantially vertical and interposable between the pressing plates in the working configuration, at least one supporting element of at least one pair of trousers positionable with the legs laid respectively on the opposite sides of the ironing plate and automated positioning means of the trousers with respect to the ironing plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to quickly, easily and temporarily secure fabric to an ironing board or the like to facilitate the removal of hair, lint, or other particulate matter which is adhered to the surface of the fabric. The fabric to be cleaned is positioned on an ironing board in the same manner as placing the fabric on the board for ironing. A pressure applying member is placed over the fabric to be cleaned, most commonly near the longitudinal end of the fabric. Each end of the pressure applying member is connected to a tension mechanism such as a spring or elastomeric cord. The other end of the tension mechanism is connected, in turn, to a connecting means such as a J-hook. When the connecting means are hooked over the far and near edges of the ironing board, the tension mechanism is pulled taut, forcing the pressure member down with sufficient force to hold the fabric in place against the pull of a vacuum or lint brush.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pressing the sleeves of a shirt and the pleated areas of the sleeves adjacent the cuffs during the same pressing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iron device to be applied to ironing machine for ironing uncreased-trousers, the device comprising a supporting framework which supports an ironing head including trousers support elements as well as trousers bottom gripping elements, the ironing device further comprising a steaming drum coupled to a heating circuit for heating the trousers bottom gripping elements and a steaming duct coupled to the gripper elements.

Abstract: For gripping and stretching fabric such as art canvas, a system of specially-shaped gripping members are attached to the material in line along each edge in a manner that in co-operative engagement with the frame via special frame channels, facilitates two-dimensional stretching and mounting as well as subsequent dismounting of the material from the frame, rolling up for shipping or storage, and reassembly and re-mounting onto the frame. The gripping members slide into the frame channels which then engage a fixed or adjustable frame; optionally the fabric may be stretched around the frame perimeter. The gripping members are attached in pairs: one on each sides of the fabric, arranged in line near the edge of the fabric and are made to slide freely in the frame channels to enable two-dimensional stretching of the fabric. The members of each pair are permanently attached together by wire staples or thread, gripping the fabric between interfacing surfaces which may be shaped to enhance gripping.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressing the sleeves of a shirt comprises a pair of laterally spaced upright bucks over which the sleeves may be placed and pneumatically operated clamps mounted on the upper end of each of the bucks for holding the cuffs of the sleeves during a pressing operation. Each clamp includes a head or block having a vertical clamping surface, a pneumatic cylinder mounted within the block having its piston rod extending generally perpendicularly outwardly through the surface, and a T-clamp connected to the rod for movement toward and away from the surface upon actuation of the cylinder. A pneumatic control circuit controls operation of the cylinders. A hold down device located between the bucks applies tension to the sleeves of a shirt during a pressing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of obtaining a fine finishing condition of the cloth, for instance, pressing the cloths like collars and sleeves of the washed shirts and its device, wherein the upper smoothing iron is brought down against the cloth on the lower smoothing iron in order to press the cloth and during this step and in its previous step, vapor is sprayed to the cloth, extending it by a extending machine, while heat-pressing the cloth after it has recovered its original form.

Abstract: A hat ironing machine having a multiple cam shaft which is actuated by a driving member to push a position controlling frame so as to cause two molding heads to jut out to facilitate the holding of a hat to be pressed. Two support bodies which are linked with both ends of the multiple cam shaft are at work to actuate two brim-holding structures to move toward the molding heads to hold the brim of the hat. The steam is then released through the steam holes of the molding heads onto the hat being pressed. As soon as the pressing of the hat is completed, the multiple cam shaft is once again actuated by the motor such that the brim-holding structures release the brim of the hat so as to enable the machine operator to remove the hat from the machine.

Abstract: A cuff presser which enables even an inexperienced operator to easily remove a shirt from a sleeve stretcher without wrinkling its sleeves and cuffs. The cuff presser has a cuff pressing member including two separate hollow cylindrical members. A cylinder is mounted in the cylindrical members. It has a rod pivotably carrying at its tip a pivot plate. A rod of another cylinder is mounted to the pivot plate. A leaf spring is fixed to the pivot plate. The pivot plate is pivoted by extending the second cylinder to open and close the leaf spring, which protrudes outwardly from a groove formed in the side of one of the cylindrical member, relative to the side face of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member against which the leaf spring is pressed is moved by the first cylinder away from the other cylindrical member, on which is fitted a cuff.

Abstract: A shirt pressing apparatus includes a buck upon which a shin can be loaded before transferring the buck into a cabinet for pressing and finishing of the shirt. Movable with the buck is a pair of rods which have attached thereto cuff clamps. In accordance with the invention, each of the cuff clamps includes a pair of longitudinally chamfered pinch bars which are mounted in a clamp housing and biased into engagement with each other. The pinch bars are preferably made of Teflon.TM. and are readily replaceable when worn. The cuff portions of the shirts to be pressed are loaded between the pinch bars of the cuff clamps from below while the rods are located adjacent the buck. Thereafter, the rods are extended away from the buck to place sleeves of the shirt in tension during the pressing and finishing operation. When the shirt is finished and comes out of the cabinet, the rods remain in their extended positions during unloading of the shirt.

Abstract: Pants pressing apparatus including a buck around which an operator turns the top or waist end of a pair of pants and cycles a pressing head with respect to the buck to perform the top end pressing operation. The apparatus includes a rotator mechanism including a clamp assembly which grasps the bottom end or cuffs of the pants and turns the cuffs and legs of the pants incrementally through 360.degree. as the operator is topping the waist end of the pants. The finished pants are thus free of any undesirable wrinkles.

Abstract: An improved device for ironing cloth articles having different thicknesses, comprises a bottom ironing panel thereon there is movably supported a pivot member for supporting a resilient sheet element, and a driving cylinder for causing the pivot member to swing about a horizontal axis and a further driving cylinder for driving the pivot member along a direction substantially perpendicular to the ironing panel.

Abstract: A method and a machine for automatically handling a flat rectangular sheet, located in a bin, which ultimately grasps two adjacent corners, allowing the rest of the sheet to hang freely, making the sheets ready to be dried, pressed and folded. First, the sheet is grasped in an arbitrary location and dragged until the farthest corner is found. Second, this corner is grasped by a gripper, which is attached to a rail, allowing the sheet to be dragged and shaken until the diagonal corner is located. Third, this diagonal corner is grasped by a second gripper. Fourth, the two remaining corners are separated through the use of a separation guide. Fifth, one of these remaining corners is grasped by a third gripper. Sixth, the first gripper is released. Finally, the sheet is moved, through the use of the second and third gripper attached to independent rails which finally become parallel, to a location where the sheet can hang freely from the two grippers attached to adjacent corners.

Abstract: A device for taking trousers off a double-leg ironing machine having an ironing board receiving the trouser legs in spread position, a gripper mounted for motion along the ironing board including two clamping plates arranged in the transverse direction of the ironing board at least one of which is mounted for vertical motion and can be lowered to the surface of the ironing board. The gripper grips, raises and transports one trouser leg along the longitudinal axis of the board and releases it at the end of the other trouser leg. This positions the ends of the trouser legs together so that they can be gripped manually or mechanically and held by a clamping hanger for further transport. A transport system is provided.

Abstract: A method of gripping corners of a strip of cloth, which may be applied to, for example, systems for spreading strips of cloth, including a first step of suspending a rectangular strip of cloth by gripping one corner thereof, a second step of gripping the lowermost corner portion of the strip suspended in the first step, a third step of raising substantially vertically either one of the gripped points of the strip gripped in the first and second steps, a fourth step of applying braking force to the other gripping point in order to apply tension to the strip, and a fifth step of holding substantially horizontally one side of the strip having a corner portion which is adjacent to the gripped points and gripping the corner portion of the strip which is adjacent to the gripped points of the strip gripped in the first and second steps, respectively.

Abstract: A trousers ironing machine is provided with devices for automatically picking up trousers at the end of the ironing process and successively orderly gathering them. The machine comprises essentially a pair of side-by-side flat structures each including two portions of elongate shape which are arranged sequentially lengthwise. The two elongate portions can be moved toward and away from each other and jointly rotated through 180.degree. about an intermediate axis extending orthogonally to the plane of lay. Positioned above each flat structure is an ironing platen which is suitably set up to apply an appropriate pressure to the structure, a sliding gripper being arranged below the structure for gripping the ironed trousers and pulling them out of the structure.

Abstract: A spreader, counter, folder and stacker for laundered articles. The articles are discharged as circulated about an elongated bin. Clips on an endless chain pick the articles up from the bin one by one and elevate them. The clips are released by a cam to drop the articles one by one on traveling catches which pull them for spreading and carry them over a retarded rotation brush. This places a drag on the articles and elongates them for transfer one by one to a spreader bar. A series of spreader bars are provided and each carries the article draped over the bar past the radial tine of a counter. As each article engages a radial tine a drive is energized to a brush conveyor and a counted stack of articles is stacked on the conveyor and discharged from the conveyor to be picked up for use.

Abstract: A stretching and folding clamping assembly for retaining a workpiece in a predetermined position, wherein a lower clamp arm is pivotally and displaceably mounted on a support bracket. An upper clamp arm is pivotally attached to the lower clamp arm and a pair of attached toggle levers are connected at one end to the support bracket and at a further end to the upper clamp arm. A spring assembly is attached to the support bracket and toggle arms for biasing the toggle arms and upper clamp arm into one of two stable positions, namely an open position wherein end portions of the upper and lower clamp arms are spaced from one another or a closed position wherein end portions of the clamp arms are adjacent one another. A locking mechanism is arranged between one of the clamp arms and the support bracket to retain the clamp arms in the closed, stable position until a desired opening movement of the clamping assembly is initiated.

Abstract: Apparatus for spreading and feeding articles of flatwork such as sheets to an ironing machine and comprising a conveyor over which a beam with two movable clamps is arranged. The clamps are adapted to grip the article at two corners and to move apart to draw the upper edge of the article tight. The beam is stationary in order to simplify construction. Between the beam and the conveyor is a movable plate, onto which the upper edge of the article is transferred and from which plate the article is transferred to the conveyor by a movement of the plate in the moving direction of the conveyor.

Abstract: A seam press for tubular clothing articles, comprising a free pressing beam operable to receive an article with a seam portion thereof extending along the top side of the beam, and an elongated expander member located underneath the beam and designed and suspended so as to be generally vertically movable between an upper inactive position in which it allows for easy introduction of the article onto the beam and easy withdrawal therefrom, and a lowered operative position in which it is substantially freely flexible so as to be able to rest on the inner bottom side of the tubular clothing article and thereby stretch the article substantially uniformly throughout its length.

Abstract: A device for thermally applying a sticker or mark to a clothing article which essentially comprises a base to be horizontally supported on a support surface, a standard extending upwardly of the base, a manual operation handle pivoted to said standard, a stationary or pivotable heat plate on said standard, a pivotal or stationary holding plate for applying the sticker to the clothing article in cooperation with the heat plate and having holding means to hold the article and sticker in position during the sticker application operation.

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.

Abstract: A trouser pressing apparatus comprising two pairs of horizontal pressing plates, arranged at 90.degree. - 110.degree. to each other and two further pairs of pressing plates arranged above the horizontal pressing plates, carriages on which the lower plates are mounted, clamps for clamping the legs to the plates and for stretching the legs longitudinally, means for stretching the legs transversely, means for applying vacuum to the legs to hold them in position on the lower pressing plates and means for lowering the upper pressing plates onto the lower plates when these latter are in their rearward position and means for steaming and applying pressure to the trouser legs.