US2943772A - Pressing device - Google Patents

Description

July 5, 1960 Filed Dec. 17, 1958 E. WEIHMAYR PRESSING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 E. WEIHMAYR PRESSING DEVICE July 5, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 17, 1958 y 1960 E. WEIHMAYR 2,943,772

' PRESSING DEVICE I Fil ed Dec. 17, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 j iw tates Patent 2,943,77; PRESSING DEVICE Engelbert Weihm'ayr, Angsburg-Oberhausen, Germany, assignor to 'Kleindienst '& Co. Maschinenfabrik und Eisengieberei, Argonstrabe, Bavaria, Germany The present invention concerns a pressing device com.- posed ofheatable pressing plates for articles of wearing apparel, .e.-g. outer clothing and underwear and the like of any shape or kind, articles tobe pressed.

. According to the present invention a supportor intermediate layer adapted to be inserted between the press plates for placing thereon or slipping over the articles to be pressed, is composed of an inflatable envelope of expandible elastic materialv and means are provided which allow either the inflating pressure to be produced or existing in the envelope and/or the relative approach towards one another of the pressing'plate's to be so adjusted ,or to "be kept in such limits, that on the one hand the envelop as also the articles to be pressed are not overstressed and that on' the other hand the desired smoothing effect is obtained. I

In order to allow the articles which are to be pressed to be completely filled out by means of the inflatable envelope without causinglocal'overstressing it is advisable to adapt the inflatableenvelope roughly to the given shape of the article, which may for instance be a shirt or pair of trousers. Moreover it is also expedient to provide the envelope internally with shaping supporting means in such a manner that the article to be pressed may he slipped over the envelope in the non-inflated or only slightly inflated state of the envelope. To permit the envelope to be retained in a position relative to the pressing plates it is provided internally with a further supporting device, e.g. a stand, which may be of tubular design and in this way simultaneously serve to supply the inflating medium. It is thus an advantage for the supporting deviceand hence inflatable envelope as also the pressing plates to be arranged so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction and towards one another, in such a manner that the slip ping over and removal of the article may be effected out side of the pressing plates.

In order to utilize fully the capacity of the heatable pressing plates and to eliminate waiting periods for the operator, at least two, supporting devices the envelopes of which may be coupled together are preferably adapted alternately to .be swung in or slid in the fixed common pressing device. 7

Especially in the vertical arrangement of the envelope and the pressing plates it is of advantage for the opposite guiding thereof to provide a pair of two-armed levers, at one end of which the pressing plates are mounted and on the other ends thereofengage the actuating means, e.g.

pneumatically or steam actuated pistons connected via a.

rod mechanism. 1 v

It may be expedient for means to limit the stroke to be allowed to act upon the driving rod mechanism in order to protect the articles to betpressed and the envelope. For

relieving the actuating medium during the pressing operation it may also be advisable to provide means for locking the lever in the operational position of the pressing plates and allow them to act on the pair of levers.

Pressing machines are known in which the article of wearing apparel is placed on a fixed supporting table or slipped over a fixed support and subsequently pressed by means of heatable pressing plates. The pressing plates are pressed with a certain force against the article disposed on the support. 4

These kinds of pressing machine which are generally equipped for dealing with one kind of garment or article of clothing have various disadvantages. Should it berequired for the article to be pressed completely in one single operation, then the press requires adjustable supports, which must be adapted to the varying shape and size of the individual article concerned (e.g. shirts or underpants or overalls). This possibility of varying the shape necessitates costly mechanical members liable to breakdowns and which in operation of the. pressing machine have to be adjusted to each individual article. If however nonadjustable supports are provided then several operations are required for each article. Moreover the rigid design in the pressing direction of the support as also of the heatable pressing plates, owing to the varying thickness of the article to be pressed (e.g. due to fitted pockets), is not conducive to uniformly good pressing spread over the entire surface of the article. Moreover the applied pressure is greater and hence the quality of the resultant pressing is better atthe points having a greater thickness of material than at points having a smaller thickness of material. Furthermore, when treating garments on known.- pressing machines there occurs the disturbing feature that thick buttons due to the excessive pressure occurring therein are firmly impressed into the surrounding material.

To-elucidatethis state of the art Figs. land 2 show one of the-known pressing machines for shirts, in elevation and in section. I The shirt 1 is slipped over a support table which is composed of plates 2 and 3 slightly curved and disposed parallel toone another and filling out the chest and rear, as alsoof two stretching tongues 4 and 5 adapted to be moved out laterally between these plates 2 and 3, which after the shirt has been fitted over are spread to such an extent that the shirt is tightly stretched over the supporting parts 2 to 5. The pressing operation is eflected by the fact that after stretching the shirt from the above and from-below heated pressing plates, 6 and 7 are each pressed against the chest and back plates 2 and 3 respectively as also the stretching tongues 4 and 5 of the supis thus smoothed out. The sleeves 8 and the collar area 9 of the shirt 1 are not affected, these requiring separate treatment.

In addition to these garment presses I inflating dummies, are known which are designated as steaming,

drying and-occasionally as pressing dummies. These are composed of a bag slipped over a stand and suspended thereon', the bag being inflated and by this to impart its conventional shape to the article of wearing apparel or of clothing to agreater orlesser extent. The procedure in most cases is for the inflatable dummy bag and the article first to be traversed by steam, thus causing the. article tobecome pliable, so that it is readily brought into shape by means ofthe finishing brush. whereupon the steam is replaced by air or hot air which carries away the moisture (water andpossibly solvent residues)- in the form of vapour until the garment is dry. This method of treatment also called pressing, and in reality only causes the material to be smoothed, stretched and dried; although it allows a good general degree of shaping it does not. allow any actual pressing efiect to be obtained. The latter, besides affecting the general smoothing of the material also efiects in particular the surface condition and can occur only when the material of the article is Y 3 pressed by means of a support against a fixed pressing plate having the corresponding temperature.

The shaping and drying operation on such inflating dummies however has further drawbacks. Large quantities'of hot air are consumed, which requires, con- .siderable, energy in operation and connected with a disturbing noise and for which there is required -a. costly and gowerfiul compressor installation withair heater.

;-1Ijt has also beenproposcd to use an inflatable dummy .which is impermeable to air andsteam, which with each garment to be treated need be inflated only once and in which the steam'is directed against the garment from theoutside. This known arrangement has hitherto been enzrployed.only for steaming and drying and does not al- -low a pressing; elfect to be obtained either. Moreover it ;has. extremely long drying periods as. the garment is sealed off'onv the inside by the inflating bag.

Inaccordance with the invention these deficiencies of fixed resting or supporting members of ironing presses are removed by the fact that an airtight bladder known n connectionwith steaming and drying dummies is used "as support or intermediate layer when prmsing by means of heating plates.

The invention will be described further in the draw- .ings, by way of example, in which:

Figs. 1 and. 2 show an elevation and sectional view of a known type of shirt smoothing press;

Fig. 3 is a view of the pressing device for shirts with thefront pressing plate removed;

Fig. 4 is a cross section through the arrangement corresponding to' Fig. 3 taken on: the line IV--IV of Fig. 3;

' Fig. 5 is a view of an. arrangement according to Figs.

3. and- 4 having two inflating bags adapted to be alternatively moved, out laterally 'from the pressing plates on to a common movement device; a

;, Figs. 6- and 7 are diagrammatic plan views of pressing devices having a pmsing plate pair and several dummy envelopes;

Figs. 8 and 9 show an elevation and cross section of an alternative embodiment of the arrangement corre sponding to Figs. 3 and 4 having a cushion-like insert for obtaining in places a particularly good quality of a pressing;

Fig. 10 is a cross section through the movement mechanism for the. adjustable stops corresponding to Fig. 9; 1nd

- Figs. ll and 12 are an elevation and cross section of an alternative embodiment for the arrangement corresponding to Figs. 3 and 4 for pressing shirt sleeves.

Fig. 3v shows a simplified view of a pressing device for shirts, in which the front pressing plate is removed. The -.envelope 10 has the approximate shape of a shirt and is. provided internally with a tube 11 acting as stand at the upper end thereof being arranged a member 12 adapted to support the sleeve portion 22 of the envelope 10 This member 12, in order to facilitate the shirt 1 being slipped. thereover, may be arranged so as to be fpivotal in ahinge like manner along the stand 11 or along .the lines 12'. Behind the envelope 10 there is arranged the rear heatable pressing plate 13, the shape of which conforms to that of the article concerned, in the example shown, a shirt. The broken lines indicated the position of the shirt 1 on the dummy bag 10.

The compressed air required for inflating the envelope 1.0518 -suppliedthrough the tube. 11 acting as a stand.

The tube ll-enters the envelope-10 at, the lower end and is connected: thereto in'an airtight manner at the point versible valve 17, which is incorporated in the communicating pipe 18, 18 leading to the tube 11, and connects the pipe section 18 either to the pressure reduction valve inflating the envelope.

16 or connects it with the atmosphere 19, whereby it cuts off the pipe section 18'.

The lowermost section 20 of the tube 11 serves as a holder for the envelope stand, wherein the overall arrangement may either be vertically or horizontally d-isposed.

Fig. 4 is a cross section through an arrangement corresponding to Fig. 3 and taken on the line IV-IV with the stand 11 in a vertical position. The envelope 10 and the arm portions 22 thereof'are clamped between the rear pressing plate- 13 and the front pressing plate 21.

The pressing plates 13 and 21 are connected at the outer surface 23 to two-armed levers 24, by means of which the pressing plates 13 and 21 may be displaced from the working position shown to a second position releasing the articles to be pressed and the envelope 10, in which the pressing plates are at a substantially greater spaced relationship to one another. For actuating the pivotal movement of the levers 24 about their pivots 25 causing the plate movement there is provided a cylinder 26 having two oppositely acting pneumatically operated pistons 27, 27', which are connected to the lever ends 24 via push rods 28. The compressed air supply pipe 29 may also be connected to the compressed air cylinder 15 used for inflating the envelope 10. Depending upon the position of the valve 30. the pipe 31 leading into the centre ofthe cylinder is connected either to the supply pipe 21 or to the atmosphere 33, in such a way that in, case the pipe 32. connected to the end faces of the cylinder at any one time is connected oppositely. If the pressing plates are steam heated it would be possible for the lever 24 to be actuated similarly by means of steam. it would also be possible to use an electric or any other drive.

To cause the actuating medium to be relieved of the operational pressure occurring in the operational position there are provided controllable stops 34, by means of which the levers 24 on reaching their operational position as shown, can be locked in the latter (compare description to Fig. 10).

Moreover stops for limiting the stroke of the pressing plates in the operational position are provided for saving the articles to be pressed and the envelope. These stops are developed as adjustablev stop screws 35 and to prevent an additional stress to the levers 24 and bars 28 are disposed directly on the cylinder 26, where they act directly on thev pistons 27,27.

The action of these. stops '35 prevents the pressing plates I3, 21 in their operational. position from going below a certain (adjustable) minimum clearance. Such an arrangement is convenient when, as. in the present example,

siderably in size, itmay then be advisable to provide a further safeguard by incorporating an excess pressure valve (36 in Fig. 3) in the supply pipe 18' leading to the envelope 10.

It. is also possible, however, to proceed in such a Way especially when pressing underwear that the articles to be pressed are fitted over an only slightly inflated envelope and the latter together with the articles for pressing in this state placed between the pressing plates which have already assumed their operational position and then fully In this case the whole movement mechanism for the pressing plates may be omitted. Moreover the provision of an excess pressure valve 36 which may be adjustable renders unnecessary n separate pressure reduction valve 16 and a whistle 37 may be provided idling stroke of the pressing plates, which occurs in pressing machines operating with one envelope only, during the time the articles to be pressed are fitted over and removed from the single envelope, there are provided two .enevelopes ,10and adapted to be placed alternately between the pressing plates. To simplify the movement operation, the'two envelopes are mounted on a'common carriage 38. Thus it is possible to operate with displace able pressing plates as also with fixedly mounted pressing plates and inflating the envelope between the latter.

Fig. 6 shows diagrammatically a plan view of an alternative embodiment to the arrangement corresponding to Fig. 5 having a similar movement diagram. Herein, for example, there are provided five mobile envelopes that to 10e, which follow a predetermined course 39. The individual carriages of the envelopes may thus be interconnected so that all envelopes advance simultaneously from station to station. At the station A an article of clothing or garment is fitted over the envelope 10a. At the position B the envelope 10b together with the article is in a steam chamber 40. At the position C the articles of the envelope 100 are pressed between pressing plates 13 to 21 common to all envelopes 10a to 10s. At the station D, the articles of the envelope 10% are allowed to steam off and cool down and at the station E the articles are removed from the envelope 10e.

Fig. 7 shows diagrammatically a plan view of an alternative embodiment to the arrangement corresponding to Figs. 5 and 6. Herein the common pressing plates 13, 21 and the envelope receiving the articles to be pressed are horizontally disposed, the movement operation of the envelopes 10 and 10g being efiected by means of a turntable-like rotary device 41.

It is thus possible for the arrangement to be made based on the arrangement shown in Fig. 5, that as shown, only two envelopes 10 and 10g are each disposed on one arm '41 of the rotary device 41 and that the envelopes together with the articles to be pressed are alternately conveyed between the pressing plates 13, 2.1. It is however also possible based on the arrangement corresponding to Fig. 6 for more arms 41 (shown in broken lines) to be fitted with evelopes. An essential feature is however that the pressing plates are practically in constant operation.

Figs. 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment to the arrangement corresponding to Figs. 3 and 4. In this case the interior of the envelope 10 is fitted in the region of the chest section of the shirt 1 to be pressed with a solid or highly resilient cushion-like support 42, the thickness of which is such that the regions of the article to be pressed fitting against the latter are pressed to a particularly high degree and hence are smoothed in a particularly efiective manner. It is also possible for such supports to be arranged in the region of the collar and the cuffs or the like.

The movement device shown in Fig. 9 for the twoarmed levers 24 provides for onlyone piston 27, which acts on the lever ends 24 via a rod mechanism 27", 43, 43, 43". Adjustable stop screws 35 disposed on the cylinder covers can also be used for limiting the stroke. It is however also possible for fixed or adjustable stops 44 arranged in the frame of the device to be used, which act directly on the levers, 24. For relieving the rod mechanism 43 in the operational position of the levers 24 there are provided as in the arrangement corresponding to Fig. 4 displaceable and lockable stops 34.

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic section through the movement device for the stops 34 taken on the line XX in Fig. 9. The two stop pins 34 are mounted between the two yokes of the frame of the device. The pins hold the two levers 2.4 in a spread position. The ends of the stop pins 34 projecting through the upper stirrup 45 are each connected with a piston 46, which slide in cylinders, 47 and which when being actuated lift the stop pins to such an extent that they release the levers 24.

Figs. 11 and 12 also show an alternative embodiment of the arrangement corresponding to Figs. 3 and 4 or 8 and 9 respectively which serves to press shint sleeves 48. Only one cylinder 26 with piston 27, is provided in this case as the movement device for the pressing plates 13', 21' the cylinder being displaceable-and adapted to be connected directly to one of the levers 24.

I claim: V V v a 1. In a garment press, two relatively displaceable pressing plates adapted to be heated, an inflatable elastic envelope of thin, deformable air-tight material movable between said plates and adapted to have an article of wearing apparel fitted thereover, supporting means for said envelope, means for progressively inflating said envelope, and means for controllably displacing at least one of said pressing plates so as to exert an adequate force on the article when disposed between said plates without overstressing the inflatable envelope.

2. A structure as defined in claim 1, wherein said supporting means is a hollow stand through which an inflating fluid may be supplied to the envelope.

3. In a garment press, two relatively displaceable pressing plates adapted to be heated, an inflatable elastic envelope of thin-walled deformable air-tight material adapted to conform to an article of wearing apparel fitted thereover, means disposed within the envelope for providing additional support to certain portions of the article during pressing, means for inflating said envelope, and means for controllably displacing at least one of said pressing plates to form a predetermined space between said plates so as to exert an adequate force on the article when disposed between said plates without overstressing the inflatable envelope.

4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein said additional support means consist of at least one cushion-like supporting body having a thickness corresponding substantially to predetermined space between the pressing plates.

5. In a garment press, two relatively displaceable vertically extending pressing plates adapted to be heated, an inflatable elastic envelope of thin walled deformable air-tight material adapted to conform to an article of wearing apparel fitted thereover, means for supporting said envelope so that the article may be fitted thereon prior to complete inflation, means for displacing said supporting means relative to both said pressing plates, means for inflating said envelope, and means for controllably displacing at least one of said pressing plates so as to exert an adequate force on the article when disposed between said plates without overstressing the inflatable envelope.

6. A structure as defined in claim 5, including at least a pair of supporting means movably secured to said press and envelope adapted alternately to be introduced between the pressing plates.

7. A garment press comprising in combination, two relatively displaceable pressing plates adapted to be heated, means for effecting displacement of said pressing plates, an-infiatable elastic envelope of thin-Walled deformable air-tight material adapted to have an article of Wearing apparel fitted thereover, means for inflating said envelope, and means for controllably displacing at least one of said pressing plates so as to exert an adequate pressing force on the article when disposed between said plates without overstressing the inflatable envelope, said displacement means comprising piston and cylinder means, a pair of two-armed levers operatively connected to said pressing plates, and to said piston and cylinder means for swinging said levers, and means for locking said levers in their operative position.

8. The process of pressing garments comprising positioning a garment over a partially inflated thin-walled deformable supporting envelope of air-tight material, adapted to conform to the shape of a garment, enclosing the envelope bearing the garment between opposed press plate surfaces, driving out a part of the air from the envelope and inflating the envelope to its full- Capacity to thereby adapt it to a desired shape.

References Cited in the file of this patent 8 Berger -a---- July 17, 1951 Hitz i Ian. 4, 1955 Strike 'May I, 1956 Johnson et a1 Aug. 7, 1-956 Davis -2 Sept.24, 1957 Maxwell et a1. May 13, 1958

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