GB2306974A

GB2306974A - Portable garment press

Info

Publication number: GB2306974A
Application number: GB9521327A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Murphy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-10-18
Filing date: 1995-10-18
Publication date: 1997-05-14
Also published as: GB9521327D0

Abstract

The press comprises two members which are hinged along their longitudinal length, and is preferably for trousers. The hinged members are offered up to the trouser legs (which are placed on top of each other) in their partially opened position, such that the "creases" are clamped by the folding hinged members.The members are fixed in position against the trouser legs by, for example, one or more clips fastened at convenient positions along the length of the hinged members. On one side of one of the inner faces of the hinged members, a suitable material is affixed, whose core contains a heating element, and which is capable of conducting heat produced by an electric current which is applied for a certain period of time. An optional dampened strip may be introduced between the trouser leg and the material affixed to the inner hinge face. The apparatus may be used in a car by means of the cigarette lighter socket and a suitable transformer. The width of the hinges (and commensurately the clips if desired)may be increased so as to cover more than merely the "creases" of the trousers.

Description

PORTABLE GARMENT PRESS 1.FIELD OF THE INVENTION.

The invention is in the field of (portable) apparatus for smoothing, or, removing creases from/providing creases to, garments or other textile articles with the application of heat and/or steal.

4.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In the preferred embodiment for use on trousers, by way of example only,the press comprises two members of plastic or metal or other suitable material which are hinged along their longitudinal length as shown in Figs 1 and la.

A pair of trousers, for example only, are placed on a flat surface and the "legs" placed one on top of the other, so that the original "creases" of both legs line up.

The hinged members ,in their partially opened position,are offered up to the trouser edges, such that the "creases" are clamped as the fingers compress the folding hinged members.The members are fixed in position by, for example only, one or more clips fastened at convenient positions along the length of the hinged members.(Figs 2 and 2a) On one side of one of the inner faces of the hinged members, a suitable material is affixed (Fig 1 shaded area), whose core contains a heating element, and which is capable of conducting sufficient heat produced by an electric current.

Optionally, a dampened strip of suitable material may be introduced between the trouser material and inner face of the hinge, to provide steam treatment.

A current of, for example only, 12 volts at 16 amps is passed through the heating element, and by means of a timer, restricted to, for example only, 30 minutes duration.

Optionally,the apparatus may be used in a car by means of the cigarette lighter socket and a suitable transformer.

The length of the hinges may correspond to the length of specific trouser lengths or may comprise one or more individual preferably prejointed sections that are more portable, because their individual lengths are shorter.In the further example only of pleated skirts several individual hinges may be used together, suitably electrically wired together.

Optionally the width of the hinges (and commensurately the clips if desired)may be increased so as to cover more than merely the "creases" of the trousers.

3.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

Fig I shows the two hinged members in isometric.

Fig la shows an end view of Fig 1-which is an example only hinge.

Fig 2 shows Fig 1 in the fully closed position, as it would contain the trouser legs.

Fig 2a shows Fig 2 with an example only clip in an example only position.

Claims

5.CLAIMS.

1.A framework which comprises two suitably shaped members.

2.A framework as claimed in claim 1, and whose members may be joined by hinges.

3.A framework as claimed in claims 1 and 2, and whose members may have affixed (either permanently or temporarily) to their (preferably inner) surfaces a suitable material containing a heating element.

4.A framework as claimed in claims 1,2 and 3, and whose heating element may be connected to suitable wiring in order that a suitable electrical current may be safely applied and which must all comply with all relevant current governing legislation in the field of electrical safety.

5.A framework as claimed in claims 1,2,3 and 4, and whose electrical components may also include such transformers and other necessary apparatus to enable the framework to accept either direct or alternating current in any part of the world and which must all comply with all relevant current governing legislation in the field of electrical safety.

6.A framework as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4, and 5, and whose heating element may be controlled by a timer, with or without an on-off switch and which must all comply with all relevant current governing legislation in the field of electrical safety.

7.A framework as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4,5, and 6, and where suitably shaped (and if necessary insulated) clips (or other fixing means) may be used to maintain the members in contact with the material which they enclose.