Abstract: Disclosed is a counterbalance apparatus, and a method for counterbalancing using an apparatus, having a center of motion that is internal or external to the apparatus. The apparatus and method are adapted to support a payload, having a load vector applied in a direction of the vector or gravity, that is positioned distal to the center of motion. The apparatus includes a gimbal adapted to support the payload and allow for its rotational movement about the center of motion generating a load torque therefrom, and a resilient member adapted to engage the gimbal and supply a support torque to counterbalance the load torque. The method includes a step of supporting the payload with a gimbal adapted to allow rotational movement of the payload about the center of motion to generate a load torque therefrom, and a step of configuring a resilient member to engage the gimbal and supply a support torque to counterbalance the load torque.

Abstract: A manually actuated heat press machine for applying a heat transfer to a substrate. The machine comprises a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. Pivotally connected to the housing is an actuation handle which is selectively moveable between a press position and a release position relative thereto. Attached to the actuation handle is an upper platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from the lower platen thereby. The upper platen is attached to the actuation handle so as to be in substantial alignment with and in spaced relation to the lower platen. Cooperatively engaged to the housing and to the upper platen is a linkage mechanism for maintaining the upper platen in substantial alignment with the lower platen when the actuation handle is moved between its press and release positions.

Abstract: A manually actuated heat press machine for applying a heat transfer to a substrate. The machine comprises a housing having a lower platen attached thereto. Pivotally connected to the housing is an actuation handle which is selectively moveable between a press position and a release position relative thereto. Attached to the actuation handle is an upper platen which is reciprocally movable toward and away from the lower platen thereby. The upper platen is attached to the actuation handle so as to be in substantial alignment with and in spaced relation to the lower platen. Cooperatively engaged to the actuation handle is an adjustment mechanism for selectively increasing or decreasing the spacing between the upper and lower platens when the actuation handle is in the press position. A decrease in the spacing between the upper and lower platens effectively increases the level of compressive pressure applied to the substrate and heat transfer therebetween when the actuation handle is moved to the press position.

Abstract: An ironing apparatus has a plurality of pairs of ironing bars mounted on a rotatable plate. The ironing bars are attached to a plurality of air distribution boxes which are attached to the plate, and each bar has a controlled suction work surface for holding a fabric part thereon. Two guide rails are mounted above the work surface and a slide box is coupled to the guide rails for sliding thereon. A steam iron is adjustably suspended from the slide box for ironing the seam of the fabric part. The guide rails are journaled to a pair of guide rods axially oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. The steam iron is moved along the path of the seam by moving the slide box on the guide rails, and by moving the guide rails on the guide rods.

Abstract: A portable ironing press uses a compression spring to generate pressure between two pivotable plates for smoothing out a garment. The press includes a chain-and-gear arrangement to selectively apply the pressure of the spring to the plates.

Abstract: An ironing apparatus has a controlled suction work surface for holding a fabric part thereon. Two guide rails are mounted above the work surface and a slide box is coupled to the guide rails for sliding thereon. A steam iron is adjustably suspended from the slide box for ironing the seam of the fabric part. The guide rails are journaled to a pair of guide rods axially oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. The steam iron is moved along the path of the seam by moving the slide box on the guide rails, and by moving the guide rails on the guide rods.

Abstract: In a press wherein an expandable buck and a heated pressing plate are utilized, provision is made for the expansion of the buck without interrupting the overall press finish of garments of varying dimension. The expandable buck includes a thickened longitudinally extending central buck member and two side members. These two side members telescope outwardly from the central buck member. In operation, a garment such as a shirt is passed over the expandable buck. The buck is then expanded at the side members until the garment at its full girth is stretched over the buck. The pressing plate is configured to coact with the buck. It includes an indentation that is configured to coact with the central buck member and thus effect pressing of that portion of the full girth of the garment that overlies the central buck member. It further includes side pressing surfaces designed for cooperative engagement at the expandable sides of the buck protruding beyond the central member.

Abstract: An ironing machine provided with a pair of press plates are juxtaposed with respective elastic webs on tensioning frames which can stretch the webs with the article to be pressed between them so as to tension the article outwardly from the center on both sides, the tension being maintained during pressing.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat transfer presses and more particularly to the transferring of a colored picture printed on paper to polyester knit goods by means of heat and pressure. The polyester cloth heat softens while the ink vaporizes and passes through the intercies of the cloth. The cooling of the cloth locks the vapors in the material producing the effect of a dyeing process.