Heating And Steaming Patents (Class 223/51)
  • Patent number: 11459697
    Abstract: A clothes care apparatus comprises a main body including a clothes care compartment, a clothes support member disposed in the clothes care compartment and including an air supply port provided to allow air to flow therein, a blower configured to form an airflow to be supplied to the clothes support member, and a nozzle provided to guide the airflow formed by the blower to the clothes support member, and including an airflow outlet disposed to face the air supply port, the airflow outlet provided to supply an airflow to an inside and an outside of the clothes support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Geon Ung Lee, Hyun Joo Kim, Eung Ryeol Seo, Dong Woo Shin, Seung-Mok Lee, Hwang Mook Cho
  • Patent number: 11395519
    Abstract: In selected examples, a clothes storage system includes a garment holder designed to receive and store at least one garment, an electromagnetic radiator attached to the garment holder, power circuitry configured to provide electrical drive to the electromagnetic radiator to cause the electromagnetic radiator to radiate radio frequency (RF) power, and a data interface configured to establish short range wireless communication links. The garment holder may be, e.g., a clothes hanger, a garment bag, a travel garment bag, or a walled enclosure such as a closet in a dwelling or an office. The data interface may be a short range RF transceiver, e.g., a Bluetooth® transceiver. The radiated RF power is received by the powered garments in/on the garment holder and converted into DC charging power used to recharge batteries of the powered garments. The data interface may allow the powered garments to communicate with external networks, e.g., the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: TECH GEAR 5.7, INC.
    Inventors: K C Bean, Tyson J. Mackjust
  • Patent number: 11261560
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the thermo-vacuum drying and processing of objects such as clothes. A vacuum ejector driven by high-pressure steam is employed to evacuate evaporated moisture mixed with air from a dryer vessel producing an intensification of the drying process such as can significantly reduce the energy and time requirements for the drying process and increase water utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: UTILIZATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, NFP
    Inventors: Yaroslav Chudnovsky, Dmytro Buyadgie, Olexiy Buyadgie
  • Patent number: 10870376
    Abstract: An assembly and method for steaming and/or heating a trim cover of an upholstered article is disclosed. The assembly includes a stand having a bottom end and a top end, an open frame attached to the top end of the stand and adapted to receive at least a portion of the trim cover, and a steam supply system. At least a portion of the steam supply system is adapted to fit within the frame and the steam supply system applies steam towards at least one interior steam zone of the trim cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventors: Stephan M Borzy, Richard J Palowitz
  • Patent number: 10232921
    Abstract: A thruster assembly that in addition to propulsion provides water flow to/from compartments and systems on board a vessel. In a first position, the thruster assembly provides propulsion/steering. Pivoted to a second position, operation of the thruster in a first direction draws a flow into the vessel and in a second direction draws a flow out of the vessel. The flows may be conveyed to/from compartments/systems on board the vessel via conduits in communication with a chamber having an opening through which the thruster drives the flows. The flows may be used to submerge/surface the vessel, or to provide systems cooling or serve other functions. Pivoted to a third position the thruster assembly is retracted and enclosed within the chamber to form a hydrodynamically clean exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ayotte, Scott M. Clifton, Chris G. Todter, Michael M. Todter
  • Patent number: 10233407
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at 200 degrees F. or greater. The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising washing fabric in a detergent having a wash pH of greater than 10, contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at less than 200 degrees F. The invention further provides a method of conditioning fabrics wherein softness, anti-static, and anti-wrinkle properties are imparted to the fabric wherein the conditioned fabric resists yellowing in industrial and institutional conditions wherein the wash pH is greater than 9 and/or the fabric temperature is 200 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Hodge, Julio R. Panama, Amanda R. Blattner, Nicholas Popp, David W. Gohl
  • Patent number: 9915022
    Abstract: A household laundry-drying machine comprising a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation and defining a laundry drying compartment, said drum comprising a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall which surrounds the laundry drying compartment, at least one laundry-agitation member associated to the cylindrical peripheral wall and protruding internally to the laundry drying compartment, an air heater for drying the laundry, and a conduit for conveying the air from the air heating means to the laundry drying compartment. The laundry-agitation member comprises a cavity in fluid communication with the laundry drying compartment, said cavity being suitable for containing at least one substance to be delivered in the laundry drying compartment during a drying cycle. The cavity of the laundry-agitation member is external to said means for conveying the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Indesit Company S.P.A.
    Inventors: Anna Cozzolino, Sandra Marinozzi, Roberto Tarabu
  • Patent number: 9062403
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunction machine for laundries, which comprises a body or frame (11) defining a treatment chamber (12) hermetically closed and equipped with means (15) for hanging elements (14), such as bed linen, clothes and garments, to be treated; means for removing stains, a wash and rinse; means for drying; and means for ironing said elements while they are hanging and stretched out in said treatment chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Sergio Zaglio
  • Publication number: 20150128664
    Abstract: A garment steamer (1) comprising a base body (10) accommodating a liquid water tank (26); a liquid water pump (32), having a water inlet (32a) and a water outlet (32b), wherein the water inlet (32a) is fluidly connected to the liquid water tank (26). The garment steamer also comprises a steam head (50) that is moveable with respect to the base body (10) and that accommodates a steam chamber (70), having a liquid water inlet and a steam outlet, wherein said steam outlet includes at least one steam nozzle (76); a heating element (72) that is provided in or adjacent said steam chamber (70), and configured to evaporate liquid water passing through said steam chamber. A liquid water tube (38b, 38c) fluidly interconnects the water outlet (32b) of the water pump (32) and the liquid water inlet of the steam chamber (70) in the steam head (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Milind Vishwas Date, Yong Jiang, Nicholas Lee, Maarten Theodoor Henric Pelgrim
  • Publication number: 20150114048
    Abstract: Electric household appliance comprising a steam generating base (1) connected by a steam line (2) to a tool (3) such as a crease removing head for the vertical removal of creases from linens, the appliance having at least one rod (5, 6) for the suspension of an article to be ironed, the rod (5, 6) being supported by a single pole (4) extending upwards from the base (1) and capable of occupying a work position in which the rod (5, 6) is disposed transversely to the pole (4), characterized in that the rod (5, 6) in the work position extends from just one side of the pole (4) and over a length greater than 25 cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Guy Ducruet, Audrey Panza, Arnaud Grienay, Lijing Zeng, Stephanie Lemaire
  • Patent number: 8904665
    Abstract: An expandable and collapsible enclosure is provided for a garment refreshing appliance. The appliance has at least either a top or a bottom rigid housing structure. The enclosure comprises a wall structure extending substantially an entire height of the enclosure. The wall structure is made of a flexible material. An opening is provided in the wall structure through which garments can be introduced into or removed from the enclosure. A zipper is attached at the opening to selectively open and close the opening. A snap attachment mechanism is located at either or both of the top and a bottom of the wall structure for securing the wall structure to the top and/or bottom rigid housing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: George F. Seiffert, Timothy J. Hicks, Shawn Oltz, Wesley Traylor, Floyd Jackson
  • Patent number: 8857337
    Abstract: A method for printing on a lower surface of a peak of a baseball cap comprising: a) printing an image on the lower surface of the peak when the peak is at an elevated printing temperature and when the peak is in a generally planar configuration; b) allowing the peak to cool to a temperature below an elevated formation temperature; and, c) heating the peak to the elevated formation temperature and applying a non-planar shape to the peak, wherein the peak comprises a deformable insert that is solid at the elevated printing temperature and deformable at the elevated formation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Accolade Group Inc.
    Inventor: Hyman Ngo
  • Publication number: 20140223973
    Abstract: The automated clothing steamer has a base, a column extending vertically therefrom, and a horizontal arm translating up and down the column. A steam dispensing head translates horizontally along the arm. The head has a steam dispensing nozzle. An article of clothing or fabric is clipped within a frame, which is immovably affixed to a post extending from the top of the column. The steam head and nozzle travel horizontally and vertically adjacent to the clothing or fabric, dispensing steam to remove wrinkles from the fabric. The head further includes sensors to determine the lateral and vertical extent of the fabric, and the general type of fabric (e.g., coarse denim or wool, medium weight cotton, fine silk, etc.) in order to control the amount of steam dispensed, and a controller for automating the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: MOHAMMED SALAH MOHAMMED ALREFAEI
  • Patent number: 8726534
    Abstract: A ventilated portable container is a carrying case or sports equipment bag for storing, carrying and drying sports equipment. The portable container includes a ventilator for drawing fresh air into the container and for encouraging stale air out of the container through at least one filtered air outlet. The portable container includes an exterior pocket having at least one air inlet and at least one air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Murray Chappell, Roger Robinet, E. Marie Costello, Joe Frei
  • Publication number: 20130193171
    Abstract: A system for steaming clothes is disclosed. A steamer is connected through a hose to a human torso device. The human torso device includes a plurality of holes, wherein a plurality of steam air jets are located in the plurality of air holes. This human torso device is configured to be encapsulated in an article of clothing, where the human torso device is configured to receive steam from the steamer then utilize the plurality of steam air jets to simultaneously expel the steam through the plurality of air holes to entirely steam an entire portion of the article of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: ABDUL SEAN CARTER
  • Patent number: 8141269
    Abstract: An expandable and collapsible enclosure is provided for a garment refreshing appliance. The appliance has at least either a top or a bottom rigid housing structure. The enclosure comprises a wall structure extending substantially an entire height of the enclosure. The wall structure is made of a flexible material. An opening is provided in the wall structure through which garments can be introduced into or removed from the enclosure. A zipper is attached at the opening to selectively open and close the opening. A snap attachment mechanism is located at either or both of the top and a bottom of the wall structure for securing the wall structure to the top and/or bottom rigid housing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: George F. Seiffert, Timothy J. Hicks, Shawn Oltz, Wesley Traylor, Floyd Jackson
  • Patent number: 7997003
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for drying plate-shaped products in a multi-level throughflow dryer, moist air stagnated under the housing ceiling is sucked away and delivered into the suction area of axial blowers arranged in the lower levels, where the moist air is then differentially admixed into a quantity of re-heated drying air, and the mixture is delivered to the nozzle boxes of the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Lindauer DORNIER Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Alfred Dotzler, Anton Hecht
  • Publication number: 20100299974
    Abstract: Appliance for the treatment of fabric articles comprising a water tank, a steam generator for diffusing steam in the direction of the fabric article and a water supply circuit of the steam generator comprising an electric pump, characterized in that said supply circuit comprises a flexible tube (12) and a device (13) for adjusting the flow of water sent to the steam generator comprising means (133) for compressing the flexible tube (12) so as to modify its cross-section of flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ROWENTA WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Björn Scheve, Matthias Hahn
  • Publication number: 20100037494
    Abstract: Steam wrinkle-removing appliance comprising a steam-producing boiling chamber (60) incorporated into a water tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) being in direct communication with the water tank (110) while being supplied with water by gravity via at least one supply line (70) extending from the tank (110), said boiling chamber (60) comprising a heating unit (4) and a steam outlet (62) through which the steam can freely flow toward a wrinkle-removing element (3) such as a steam brush, the tank (110) comprising a filling inlet (121A) in the upper part of the tank (110), characterized in that said steam outlet (62) is in direct communication with a hose (2) connected to the steaming element (3) so that the steam produced by the boiling chamber (60) is not diffused into the tank (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Krebs, Reinhard Ahlers, Stefan Panten
  • Publication number: 20090241614
    Abstract: A locking device for a telescoping pole for use with a retractable handle system, the pole having at least one moveable section slideably mounted in a guide member having at least one opening. The locking device includes a body fixed to the movable section, a locking member carried by the body and movable between locking an unlocking positions, a rotatable lever carried by the body and pivotable between a release position, in which relative movement is permitted between the movable section and the guide member, and a blocking position, in which the lever comes to bear on the guide member and exerts a force assuring a transverse immobilization of the moveable section in the guide member. The lever is coupled to the locking member to be displaced toward the blocking position when the locking member is engaged in the opening under the force produced by a restoring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Matthias HAHN
  • Publication number: 20090151205
    Abstract: A fabric refreshing apparatus is provided. The refreshing apparatus may include a case, and a receiving compartment, provided in the case to receive fabric articles. The apparatus may also include a steam generator, a fluid supply tank, and a drain tank. The steam generator supplies steam to receiving compartment to steam the fabric articles. The fluid supply tank supplies fluid the steam generator. The drain tank collects residual fluid from the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Jong-Seok Kim, Si Moon Jeon
  • Publication number: 20090145007
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Mehmet Serif Aydin
  • Publication number: 20090133298
    Abstract: A supplemental clothes treating apparatus is disclosed. A supplemental clothes treating apparatus includes a housing which defines an exterior appearance thereof, the housing having an accommodation space where clothes are accommodated; a tensile force supply unit which applies a tensile force to the clothes accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing; and a hot air supply device which supplies hot air to the clothes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myung Shik KIM, Ho II Jeon, Jong Hee Han
  • Patent number: 6840068
    Abstract: The present invention is primarily directed to an appliance suitable for refreshing/cleaning cloth items in a refreshing/cleaning cycle, said appliance comprising a collapsible or expandable container that is made from a material that defines an interior void space, a container opening, a humidity provider, a heating element, at least one vent and/or filter, and an air circulation device, wherein said appliance further comprises a device to prevent accidental opening of the appliance's container by the user while a refreshing/cleaning cycle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Merih Pasin, Tim Maria Joris Van Hauwermeiren, Carol Smith
  • Patent number: 6662979
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: John Hutterly, William V. Fries
  • Patent number: 6581809
    Abstract: The invention relates to an iron, press and/or steaming device for hats. In particular, it is directed at steaming or pressing baseball caps. The invention comprises two semi-spherical halves that are attached by a handle. The handle can be squeezed and made to collapse to make the two flat inner faces of the semi-spherical halves press together. Once pressed together, the two semi-spheres should look like a single sphere. Located on both the rounded outer surfaces and the flat inner surfaces of both semi-spheres are numerous steam vents. By squeezing the two halves together, the user can apply the flat inner surfaces of the semi-spheres as a steam press. This is particularly useful for pressing the bill/brim of a baseball cap or other hat. The spherical outer surface is useful for placing inside a hat for steaming. In a first embodiment the sphere in its fully expanded state is approximately half the diameter of an ordinary hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Sarah McElhinney
  • Publication number: 20030019891
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: William Fries
    Inventors: John Hutterly, William V. Fries
  • Patent number: 6311526
    Abstract: An expandable tunnel garment finishing apparatus including a front module having an entrance for receiving garments on hangers for being conveyed through the apparatus, an initial treatment zone downstream from the entrance for treating the garments with steam and heat, a final treatment zone downstream from the initial treatment zone for treating the garments with hot air, and an exit downstream from the final treatment zone and adjacent the entrance through which the finished garments exit the finishing apparatus. The finishing apparatus also includes a rear module communicating with the front module for receiving garments conveyed therefrom. The rear module includes a heating apparatus for heating the garments, and a U-shaped intermediate treatment zone downstream from the initial treatment zone and upstream from the final treatment zone for receiving the garments from the initial treatment zone and for delivering the garments to the final treatment zone and the exit of the front module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Leonard Automatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Neal Frushtick
  • Patent number: 6148545
    Abstract: A foot warmer which has a shape to fit into a boot and an insulating foam adjacent the top of the warmer. Below the insulating foam is a heat retaining material that can be heated in a microwave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: James L. Yeager, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5862522
    Abstract: A method and device for shaping the visors of caps is disclosed. In the method, the visor is curved into a predetermined curvature prior to being heated by hot steam having a temperature of about 100.degree. C. for about 5-150 seconds. The heated visor is cooled by a cool air current having a temperature of about 5.degree.-25.degree. C. for about 10-150 seconds. The device has heating and cooling units respectively connected to hot steam and cool air sources. A plurality of molds, used for shaping the visors, are received in at least one of the two units. Each of the molds includes two perforated panels, which are curved into the curvature and are assembled into a single body, with a plurality of spacers being interposed between the two panels and spacing the two panels apart from each other while def ining a curved gap between the two panels for receiving the visor of a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Yupoong & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoung-Woo Cho
  • Patent number: 5730006
    Abstract: This invention is a garment de-wrinkler that includes a garment bag with a threaded opening in the bottom thereof. A device for controlling the interior environment of the garment bag is inserted into the opening in the bag. The environmental controller is in the form of an exterior canister that is open at both end with a fan mounted adjacent the exterior end. A second canister is mounted interiorly of the exterior canister and includes heating electrodes to create steam from the water or other liquid contained in the interior canister. Air heating elements are provided in the area between the interior wall of the exterior canister and the exterior wall of the interior canister so that when ambient air is blown over the coil the air will be heated prior to entering the garment bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Christopher T. Conley
  • Patent number: 5561880
    Abstract: A steam cabinet includes a base assembly with a water pan and an electrical resistance heater subassembly mounted in thermally conductive relationship therewith. The water pan includes a water inlet and a water outlet. A cabinet assembly is mounted on the base assembly and includes front, back and opposite side walls. A roof structure is mounted on top of the side walls. The cabinet assembly front wall includes an opening which receives a door for providing access to the cabinet interior. The cabinet body side walls include receivers for mounting hanging rods extending therebetween and adapted for supporting multiple garments on hangers. A control system includes multiple float switches in the water pan which are activated by various water level conditions in the water pan. A microprocessor is provided for controlling the heater and water supply operation and timing the steam cabinet operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: A/C Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Allen, T. Christopher Carlin, Kenneth S. Allen
  • Patent number: 5528912
    Abstract: The present invention is a device that automatically removes wrinkles from clothing, either at home or while traveling. It requires a minimum of effort to assemble, use or dismantle and can be packed for travel in a small, lightweight case. Clothing is placed in a modified "wardrobe" type bag that contains a secured, but removable, hand-held steamer, with an automatic shut-off valve at the bottom. The bag is secured to the top of a doorway or some other spot, the clothes are hung inside the bag at the top, and the door is zippered shut. The switch is then turned on and left on. When the cycle is complete, an automatic shut-off switch turns the steamer and an indicator light off. The clothes may then be removed for drying. When the device is no longer needed to be in use, or in preparation for travel, it can be collapsed and folded into a space that is about 1/10 of a cubic foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Barry J. Weber
  • Patent number: 5516012
    Abstract: Apparatus for steam treatment and hot-air treatment of garments hanging on a conveyor by clothes hangers in a housing, into which the garments are introduced through an inlet lock and from which the garments are removed through an outlet lock. There is provided in the housing, after the inlet lock in the conveying direction, a steam treatment section with steam outlet nozzles directed onto the garments on both sides of the conveying path. After the steam treatment section in the conveying direction, a hot-air treatment section with at least one inlet opening is provided, which opening introduces hot air into the housing. At least one outlet opening is also provided, which removes hot air from the housing. The inlet and outlet opening are part of an air-circulation circuit system. At least one outlet opening is also provided, which removes hot air from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Veit GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Weigel
  • Patent number: 5459301
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: Alan E. Miller, James L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5419469
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Charles L. Urso
  • Patent number: 5356055
    Abstract: A method of pleating a garment, wherein an unfinished garment, prepared by sewing cloth parts together, is folded, rolled and twisted, and then attached to a holder. The holder holding the garment is placed in a heat-treatment apparatus, and the unfinished garment is heat-treated and pleated at the same time in the heat-treatment apparatus filled with saturated steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Miyake Design Jimusho d/b/a Miyake Design Studio
    Inventor: Naoki Takizawa
  • Patent number: 5333765
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Miyake Design Jimusho
    Inventor: Naoki Takizawa
  • Patent number: 5323897
    Abstract: A portable enclosure for the placement of wet articles for storage and at least partial drying. The enclosure includes a rigid plastic frame including an article hanger enclosed by a housing with a top, bottom and sides. At least three of the sides and the top are at least partially formed of a mesh material and at least the bottom is impervious. An exteriorly extending adjustable length strap with Velcro type closure means attached to the frame can be looped over an external support to support the enclosure and contents. A container is located in the bottom of the housing to catch any liquid dripping from the wet articles to contain the dripping within the housing. A zippered opening in one wall is provided for selected entry into the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Donald S. Sperber
  • Patent number: 5181333
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Paris Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5123266
    Abstract: A clothes steamer which can be secured to a wall such as the wall of a hotel room, the steamer including a housing with a heating element in it. The element boils water which is in the housing and causes a flow of steam along a flexible hose to a nozzle. An audible warning device is provided for indicating that an adequate supply of steam is being generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: David Tabraham
  • Patent number: 5094020
    Abstract: A steam closet for removal of wrinkles from clothing. The steam closet comprises an upright cabinet having sealingly engageable doors, a steam generation plant disposed within the cabinet, and a clothes hanger bar for receipt of clothing within the cabinet in spaced relationship to permit steam to circulate about all sides of the clothing hung within the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventors: Edward C. Wingfield, Edward P. Renaud
  • Patent number: 5094371
    Abstract: A finishing device for setting and finishing stockings hose such as stockings and panty hose through steam treatment while they are loaded onto templates, the finishing device including a pair of templates which intermittently move, a steam setting section, a stocking take-off section, and opening-closing mechanisms for the templates.When the templates having a stocking inserted thereon face the steam setting section, the stocking is steam set with steam supply. The steam setting section is composed of a two-part kiln. The templates are folded in two after the setting, and the stocking is taken off the templates at the stocking take-off section for the transfer to the packaging process, with the template open in parallel, ready for the insertion of another stocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignees: Takatori Corporation, Takatori Hitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyonori Takamura, Junko Yamada
  • Patent number: 5054218
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Veit GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Dieter Mai
  • Patent number: 5018371
    Abstract: A tunnel finisher is provided with an entrance and an outlet and respective pairs of air drums associated to the entrance and the outlet. The tunnel finisher comprises a conveyer with grippers for passing a garment to be treated through the tunnel finisher, a steam supply at the inner side of the inlet pair of air drums and close thereto, a recirculation apparatus for the atmosphere and a supply of air into the interior of the air drums. The conventional separation between the steam chamber and the finishing chamber is omitted by providing a detector actuated by a garment to be finished and controlling the cross-section of the air outlet of the recirculation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Gunther Riba
  • Patent number: 4875268
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting articles of clothing to a printing pallet for use with a screen printing machine which comprises a sleeve having a channeled portion to slidably receive the pallet, a support structure adapted to releasably support said sleeve in a position which facilitates the mounting of each article of clothing to the outer surface of the sleeve and the transfer of the article from the sleeve to the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Precision Screen Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Sandor Szarka
  • Patent number: 4623770
    Abstract: The portion to be creased of polyester fiber goods is subjected to pressing and high-frequency treatment by means of a press bar attached to an upper electrode of a high-frequency welding machine, whereby a solid crease can be imparted to the polyester fiber goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Masuji Kojima
  • Patent number: 4494683
    Abstract: A steam kiln (10) for the setting of pleats in fabrics. The steam kiln (10) has shielding walls (32, 40) disposed at a distance from the lateral inside walls (26) and from the roof (22). These shielding walls form an integrated system of air guiding chambers (34, 42) for the return of steam aspirated by a fan (46) through an opening (44) in the horizontal top shield (40) from the interior of the kiln into the bottom area of the kiln interior. Heating elements (28) are provided in the air guiding chambers (34) for the reheating and superheating of the steam atmosphere. The steam is injected into the bottom part of the steam kiln from an external steam source (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Kurt Kleber
  • Patent number: 4391602
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for smoothing and drying shaped articles having different fibrous components. In accordance with the disclosed process, the articles, after washing, are hung in the moist state and are heated for a relatively long period while the humidity is carefully regulated to a desired constant level. Subsequently, the articles are mechanically smoothed over a short period of duration by continuously blowing hot air against them uniformly and evenly over the surfaces thereof. The apparatus comprises a steaming chamber and a drying chamber, which are serially arranged and connected by a conveyor or the like to provide transport for the hanging articles. Orifices for introducing steam and nozzles for introducing hot air are provided in the walls of the steaming chamber, and nozzles are provided in the walls of the drying chamber for blowing hot air on the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Inventors: Otto Stichnoth, Andreas Stichnoth
  • Patent number: 4209913
    Abstract: A method and device for drying gloves, particularly golf gloves, comprises a drying member shaped to resemble a human hand. The drying member is sufficiently rigid such that the golf glove is inserted thereon and retained in an open orientation substantially conforming to the orientation in which the glove is normally worn on a human hand. However, the drying member is also semi-resilient such that the drying member may be temporarily deformed inwardly to allow the glove to be removed therefrom. In one embodiment, the drying member is hollow having a plurality of perforations therein. This allows ambient air or a drying medium, such as heated air, to be circulated from the interior of the drying member into contact with the glove for the purpose of drying the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Wallin, David E. Filkins