US3134181A

US3134181A - Ironing machine operating mechanism

Info

Publication number: US3134181A
Application number: US88768A
Authority: US
Inventors: Loren E Schrader
Original assignee: Ironrite Inc
Current assignee: Ironrite Inc
Priority date: 1961-02-13
Filing date: 1961-02-13
Publication date: 1964-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 1981-05-26

Description

May 26, 1964 L. E. SCHRADER 3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 v A. INVENTOR.

Xarerr zf 562/41 7- May 26, 196 1.. E. SCHRADER IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 15, 1961 HQ .wm N F m w M 5 I i 5: :2 NA F A \N x W M N. M 4% R R %o \1. wqw

May 26, 1964 E. SCHRADER 3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 y 26, 1954 L. E. SCHRADER 3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13, 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR. Zara .Z, SE-2740797! OYNI/sf May 26, 1964 L. E. SCHRADER 3,134,181

IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Feb. 13', 1961 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 BY I E May 26, 1964 1.. E. SCHRADER IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 13, 1961 United States Patent O 3,134,181 IRONING MACHINE OPERATING MECHANISM Loren E. Schrader, Mount Clemens, Mich assignor to lronrite, Inc., Mount Clemens, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Feb. '13, 1961, Ser. No. 88,768

Filed 11 Claims. (Cl. 3859) ent invention is applicable comprise a heated stationary ironing shoe and a rotatable ironing roll which is movable to and from an inoperative position spaced from the ironing shoe and an operative or ironing position in contact therewith. conventionally, ironing machines of this type employ one or more knee controls which are actuable by the operator for controlling the rotation of the roll and the movement thereof toand from the operative and inoperative positions whereby both of the operators hands are free to manipulate the articles to be ironed or pressed.

Rotation and movement of the roll to and from the operative and inoperative positions is accomplished by a suitable drive mechanism employing two clutches or other suitable mechanical engaging and disengaging devices which are mechanically linkedto the knee controls to achieve the desired operation. One of these clutch mechanisms on engagement for a predetermined interval is effective to cause the roll to move to and, from the operative and inoperative position. The other clutch mechanism is effective on disengagement to stop the rotation of the roll to enable a pressing operation to be performed between the roll and ironing shoe. In order to assure smooth and positive engagement and durable operation of these clutch mechanisms, it is necessary that they be of a relatively complex design and made of durable materials and that the actuation thereof by the knee controls .be achieved through a smooth and precise functioning connecting linkage.

In accordance with control mechanism comprising the present invention, a simplification of the drive mechanism has been achieved including the elimination of one of the clutch mechanisms and concurrently providing for simpler and easier control of the ironing machine operating functions by the operator.

It is, accordingly, a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved ironing machine control mechanism which is of simpler design and operation than ironing machine control mechanisms-heretofore known.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvediironing machine control. mechanism which enables elimination of complex and costly elements in the drive mechanism and mechanical operating linkage and which concurrently provides for improved selective control of the same functions heretofore provided in machines of similar types I p j Y Still another object of thepresent invention is to provide animproved ironingmachine control mechanism including a simple three-position foot control pedal which is conveniently located and readily accessible to the opera tor and which, through a simple electrical circuit and electricalactuators, is effective to provide positive and smooth selective operation of the ironing machine. I v 4 A further object of the present invention. is toprovide an improved ironing machine control and'drive'mechanism which are of simple, desigm economical construction, and positive, smooth, and. durable operation.

' The foregoing andother objects and atlvantagesof the present invention are achieved by a three-position foot p 3,134,181 Ice Patented May 26, 1964 control pedal incorporating switch means therein which is readily positionable by the operators foot to an Olfposition wherein the drive mechanism is deenergized; to an Intermediate-position wherein the ironing roll rotates and is selectively movable to and from an inoperative position and an ironing position; and a third or Press-position wherein rotation of the ironing roll is stopped while against the ironing shoe providing for a pressing operation. Selective movement of the ironing roll to and from the ironing position and inoperative position is achieved by a clutch mechanism actuable by electrical actuating means such as a solenoid in response to selective operation of the three-position foot control pedal. Deenergization of the clutch actuating means and resultant disen gagement of the clutch mechanism is achieved by switching means operable in response to the movement of the ironing roll to assure attainment of the appropriate ironing position and inoperative position of the roll relative to the ironing shoe. By use of the three-position foot control pedal, deenergization of the drive mechanism during the press operation obviates the use of complex clutch mechanisms and control linkages heretofore employed to achieve stoppage of the ironing roll whena pressing operation is desired.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a typical ironing machine to which the present invention is applicable;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section of the ironing machine shown in FIGURE 1- and illustrating the movement of the ironing roll to and from ,the inoperative position and the ironing position;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 through the ironing-roll and supporting arms mounted on a rear supporting column containing the drive mechanism for rotating the roll and moving the roll to and from the ironing position and inoperative position;

FIG. 4 is aside elevation view of a typical three-position foot pedal switching means, and illustrating the three positions thereof;

FIG. Sis a longitudinal, vertical sectional view ofthe foot pedal shown in FIG. 4 and showing the relationship of the switching means and two-step resilient means incorporated therein; I

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of the control circuit of the ironing machine; FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front elevation view partly in section illustrating one clutch mechanism for achieving selective movement of the ironing roll;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section of the clutch mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section with parts eliminated for clarity of another component of the clutchrnechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of anjalternate satisfactory clutch mechanism for achieving selective movement of the ironing roll to and from the ironing position and inoperative position; I I

FIG. 11 is a-perspective view of a key employed in the clutch mechanism shown in FIG. 10;

FlG. 12 is a fragmentary sideelevationview of the rear portion of the clutch mechanism shown inFIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective View of a cam ring employed in the clutch mechanism shown in FIG. 10; v

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sideelevation view partly in section showing an improved configuration of the eccentric cam and a cam follower thereon employed for lifting and lowering the ironing roll;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary front elevation view partly in section of still another alternate clutch mechanism for FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly insection of the configuration of the eccentric cam having a cam follower thereon connected to an arm employed for lifting and lowering the ironing roll;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view partly in section of still another alternate satisfactory clutch mechanism and actuating means for providing selective movement of the ironing roll to and from the ironing position and inoperative position;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the operating components of the clutch mechanism shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view partly in section of the assembled clutch mechanism as shown in FIG. 19 and coacting with an actuator rod which is disposed in the normal or inoperative position;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary side elevation view partly in section of the clutch mechanism shown in FIG. 20 with the actuator rod in the operative position for causing engagement of the clutch mechanism;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view of a mechanism for tripping the trip switch responsive to movement of the eccentric cam for regulating the movement of the ironing roll to and from the ironing position and the inoperative position; and

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary elevation view partly in section of still another alternate satisfactory mechanism for tripping the trip switch responsive to movement of the eccentric cam.

' Referring now in detail to the drawings as may be best seen in FIGURES 1 to 3, a typical ironing machine or ironer 3% to which the present invention is applicable, comprises a supporting frame including a table 32 supported by apair of side sections 34- which are rigidified by-a cross member 36 extending therebetween, The ironing mechanism is mounted on the table 32 and includes a stationary shoe 38 incorporating therein internal heating elements (not shown) which is mounted on a front column 40 extending upwardly from the table 32. An adjustable. feed board 42 extends along the forward edge of the stationary shoe 38 to facilitate manipulation of the articles to be ironed. The appropriate temperature of the heated stationary shoe 38 can be controlled by a suitable thermostat including a knob 44 mounted on the front column 40 within convenient access of the operator.

A rear column or gear housing 46 is secured to the table 32 at the rear side thereof and rotatably supports a tube 48 which extends lengthwise and longitudinally of the stationary shoe 38. At its ends, the tube 48 is provided with a pair of upwardly and forwardly inclined arms 50, 52 between which an ironing roll 54 is rotatably and drivingly supported at its ends. The left end of the roll 54 as viewed in FIG. 3, is provided with a stub shaft 56 which is rotatably journaled in a bearing 58' in the arm 50. The right end of the roll 54 as viewed in FIG. 3 is provided with a drive shaft 60 fixedly secured thereto and rotatably journaled in a bearing 62. A suitable gear or sprocket 64 is splined to the projecting shank end portion of the drive shaft 60 which is enclosed in the arm 52.

Rotation of the roll 54 about its own axis is achieved by a drive mechanism contained within the housing as and including an electric drive motor 66 having a drive pinion 68 on the output shaft thereof which, through a suitable drive mechanism which will be subsequently shown and described in detail, isnefiective to transmit torque to a drive gear 70 disposed in'rneshing relationship with an idler gear 72 which in turn is disposed in meshing relationship with a driven gear 74. The driven gear 74 is affixed to the end of a shaft 76 rotatably journaled within the tube 48. The shank end portion of the shaft 76 is provided with a drive gear or sprocket 78 affixed thereto which is drivingly connected to the gear or sprocket 64 mounted on the roll 54.

The rotational drive supplied to the shaft 76 is transmitted to the roll 54 by a suitable chain or belt drive, or as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, through a series of idler gears 80 in the arm 52 and disposed in constant meshing relationship with the gear 78 and the gear 64. In accordance with the drive arrangement as hereinbefore described, the motor 66 is effective to drive the roll 54 at a preselected speed to achieve optimum ironing characteristics when the roll is in the ironing position against the stationary shoe 33.

Movement of the roll 54 to and from an operative or ironing position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 to a raised or an inoperative position as shown in phantom is achieved by the coaction between a spring arm 82 having one end thereof affixed to the tube 48 and the other end thereof disposed in sliding engagement with the periphery of a rotatable member or eccentric cam 84 as may be best seen in FIG. 2. To minimize sliding friction between the eccentric cam 84 and the spring arm 82, a suitable cam follower or roller 86 as shown in FIG. 3, may be incorporated at the end of the spring arm 82 and disposed in rolling engagement with the periphery of the eccentric cam $4. The roll 54 is biased toward the raised or inoperative position by means of a coil spring 88 as shown in FIG. 3, which extends between the housing 46 and a pin secured to the tube 48. Accordingly, when the spring arm 82 is disposed on the high side of the eccentric cam $54 as shown in FIG. 2, the roll 54 is maintained in the ironing position in opposition to the coil spring 88. Rotation of the eccentric cam Sdto the position shown in phantom in FIG. 2, enables the coil spring 83 to lift the roll from the ironing position to the raised position, whereby the operator can remove an article being ironed or pressed. Lifting and lowering of the roll 54 responsive to rotation of the eccentric cam can also be achieved by slidably coupling the end of the arm 82 to the periphery of the cam, obviating the use of the tension spring 853.

The eccentric cam 84 is rigidly afiixed to a tubular member 90 rotatably mounted on a shaft 92 extending transversely of the housing 46. Through a suitable clutch mechanism the tubular member 90 is selectively engageable with the principal drive mechanism of the ironing machine so as to cause a rotation of the eccentric cam 84 whereby the roll is moved to and from the raised position and the ironing position. A suitable release mechanism is also conventionally incorporated in mac lines of this general type to enable raising the roll independently of the position of the eccentric cam 84- in the event of a general power failure'so as to enable the operator to extract an article from between theroll and stationary shoe. Since an understanding of the release mechanism is not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, a description thereof has been omitted.

It will be apparent from the preceding description that the operating functions of the ironing machine'comprise movement of the 101154 to and from the raised position and the ironing position and the selective rotation of the roll about its own axis. The ironing operation is accomplished by lowering-the roll 54 against the stationary shoe 38 and feeding articles to be ironed between the stationary shoe and the rotating roll. A" pressing operation is achieved by maintaining the roll stationary while in contact'with an article disposed between the roll and station ary shoe. In ironing machines heretofore'known, the raising and lowering of the roll ,was achieved by a first clutch mechanism controlled by a first knee control and selective deenergization of the rotation of the roll was achieved by a second knee control or two-position first knee control operative tov selectively disengage a second clutch mechanism enabling fa pressing operation. By virtue of the unique control mechanism comprising the present invention, the second clutching mechanism has,

been eliminated with a concurrent simplification of the drive mechanism and control mechanisms, and providing smooth, positive and simple control of the ironing machine.

The improved control mechanism comprising the pres ent invention includes a three-position foot pedal 94 which can be conveniently located as shown in, FIGURE 1 on a supporting plate 96 afiixed to the side partition 34 and cross member 36 where it is readily accessible to manipulation by the operators foot. The foot pedal 94 is electrically connected to the control system and drive mechanism by means of a conductor 98 extending upwardly therefrom through the machine frame.

The foot pedal 94, as may be best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, comprises a cup-shaped base 100 having a pivotable pedal member 162 pivotally mounted thereon by means of a screw or a pin 164; The foot pedal 94 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in solid lines in the normal or off position wherein the electric motor 66 is deenergized and the drive mechanism is stationary. The pedal member 192 is biased toward the off position by a compression spring 166 extending between the base member 160 and pedal member 162. The depression of the pedal member 162 to the ironing position as shown in FIG. 4 and in opposition to the coil spring 166, is effective to actuate ironing switch S1 and energize the electric motor 66 whereby the roll 54 commences to rotate and moves from the inoperative position to the ironing position. Energization of the electric motor 66 is accomplished by means of the wiring diagram schematically shown in FIG. 6, responsive to the actuation of ironing switch S1, which is tripped by the inner surface of the pedal member 102 during its movement from the off position to the ironing position. Movement of the pedal member 162 beyond the ironing position is resiliently restrained by a second compression springltlS which on contact with the pedal member 162, provides a distinct stop point, which is readily discernible to the operators foot. Further depression of the pedal. member 102 from the ironing position to the press position is ef fective to trip press switchS2 disposed within the foot pedal 94 which, on actuation, is effective to deenergize the motor 6.6 in accordance with the control circuitshown in FIG. 6 stopping rotation of the roll and providing for a press operation. A typical operating sequence of the ironing machine as controlled by the foot pedal 94 will now be described with particular reference to the wiring diagram shown in FIG. 6. The ironing machine circuit is energized by inserting a plug 110 into a suitable electrical outlet whereby conductors L1 and L2 are energized. A heating element 112 disposed in the stationary shoe of the ironing machine heats to a presettable temperature as established by the setting of a variable thermostat 114. With the roll 54 in the raised position and the motor 66v deenergized, the foot pedal is depressed from the otf position to the ironing position, whereby switch S1 ly open contact 81-1 and opening its normally closed contact 51-2 whereby electrical energy passes from conductor L1 through normally closed contact 82-1, contact 51-1, and energizes the electric motor 66. Simultaneously, the clutch mechanism for lowering the ironing roll from the inoperative position to the ironing position is engaged by an actuating solenoid 116 which is energized through contacts 82-1, 51-1 and normally closed contact 83-2. Accordingly, the roll commences to rotate and move downwardly toward the ironing position. Before attaining the fully downward or ironing position, a trip limit switch S3 is actuated responsive to the movement of the ironing roll which opens its normally closed contact 83-2 deenergizing the solenoid 116 and closes its normally open contact 83-1. The motor 66 remains energized. Deactuation of the solenoid 116 enables the clutch mechanism to mechanically disengage when the ironing roll attains the appropriate position.

In the event a pressing operation is desired wherein 6 rotation of-the roll is stopped, the foot pedal 94 is depressed from the ironing position to the press position during which movement press switchv S2 is actuated which opens its normally closed contact S2-1, deenergizing the motor 66 whereby rotation of the roll stops.

Ironing operation can be again achieved simply by partially releasing the foot pedal to enable its movement from the press position to the ironing position whereby press switch S2 is released enabling its' contact 82-1 to close whereby the motor 66 is again energized through contacts 52-1, 81-1 causing the. roll to; rotate.

At the completion of the ironing or pressing of an article, the foot pedal 94 is released enabling it to move to itsoff' position whereby ironing switch S1 is released opening its contact 81-1 and closing the contact S1 -2 whereby the solenoid 116 is again actuated through contacts 82-1, S3-1 and 81-2, which causes the clutch mechanism to reengage whereby the roll is movedfrom the ironing position toward the inoperative position. The electric motor 66 remains energized through closed contacts 82-1,

and 83-1. At apreselected' point of the travel of the roll between the. ironing position and the inoperative position the trip limit switch S5- is released opening its contact 83-1 and closing its contact 53-2, which simultaneously deenergi'zes the electric motor 66 andv thesolenoid 116. In this position the control circuit is in the condition shown in FIG. 6 and the ironing roll is stationary and in the fully raised position preparatory to the next ironing or pressing operation.

7 The ease of control provided by the control mechanism comprising the present invention and the resultant simplification of the drive mechanism enabled thereby constitute distinct advantages over the control mechanisms heretofore. employed on ironing machines of similar type. A satisfactory clutch mechanism adapted to be actuated by the solenoid..116 to achieve movement of the roll to is actuated closing its normaland from the raised and lowered positionsincludes the various clutch mechanisms hereinafter shown and described. In addition, actuation of the trip limit switch 8-3 can be achieved in either oneof a number of ways as illustrated in' the exemplary embodiments of this invention as shown in ,the drawings responsive to movement of the roll' toarld from the raised and lowered. positions. Regardless of the specific clutch mechanism employed, the basic drive mechanism of the ironingfmachine is essentially the same as shown in FIGURES 1 tov 3 and the operating functions and wiring diagram are substantially the same as heretofore described in, connection with FIG. 6. v

One satisfactory clutch mechanism, is illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 which is similar to theclutch mechanism described in detail in. United States. Patent 2,956,356which hasbeen assigned to the, same assignee as the present invention. The clutch mechanism is of a planetary gear type and is adapted to. be disposed in the housing 46 of the ironing machinev as shown in FIG. 3 and is drivingly connected to the. elect-ric motor 66 by a suitable gear train. The rotational drive from the; electric motor is transmitted to a gear 118 mounted on. a tubular gearmember 120 which is rotatably mounted on a. shaft 92a extending transversely of the housing 4-6. A gear 7% correspondingv to the gear 70. in FIG. 3 is affixed to-thetubular gear memher 120 and in turn is disposed in meshing relationship with a series of idler gears ,in accordance with the roll rotation drive mechanism shown in FIG. 3. i The opposite end of the tubular gearmember-120 is provided with a series of gear teeth 122 forming therewith a sun gear 1.24asm'ay be best seen in FIG. 9 which is disposed inmeshing relationship. with three planet gears 126. The planet. gears 126 in turn mesh with an internal gear 128 formed alongthe inside of a ring gear 130 which is disposed concentric with the shaft 92a and is maintained in appropriate axial alignment by means-ofthe gear 118 on one side anda planet carrier 132 on the other. The planet carrier 132 is fixedly secured to a tubular member 98a on which the eccentric cam 84a is mounted for raising and lowering the roll. Each of the pinion gears 126 is rotatably mounted on a stub shaft 134 afiixed to the planet carrier 132. The periphery of the planet carrier 132 is provided with two semi-circular indentations 136 for the purposes hereinafter to be described which are disposed substantially 180 from each other.

The sun gear 124, the planet gears 126, and the ring gear 131 constitute a planetary clutch assembly which on selective engagement is effective to rotate the tubular member 913a and eccentric cam 84a thereon 180 to effect a raising or lowering of the roll. When in the disengaged condition, rotation of the sun gear 124 causes the ring gear 130 to rotate in the opposite direction through the coaction of the planetary gear 126. The planet carrier 132, tubular member 90a, and eccentric cam 34a thereon remain stationary. By restraining the ring gear 130 from rotating, the sun gear 124 is effective to cause the planetary gears 126 and carrier to rotate whereby the eccentric cam 84a rotates causing the roll to move to and from the raised position and lowered position.

The restraint of the ring gear 136 from'rotation is achieved by an actuating fork or yoke 138 which is afiixed to a shaft 141) rotatably journaled on the side wall of the housing 46. The projecting end of the shaft 141) extending beyond the side wall of the housing 46 is provided with an actuating lever 142 having the end thereof connected to a plunger 144 of a solenoid 116a. The plunger 144 is resiliently biased toward a projected position and the actuating lever 142 is biased in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 8 by means of a tension spring 146' extending between the plunger and a pin 143 on the side wall of the housing 46.

The yoke 138 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 comprises a pair of diverging legs including a holding leg having a tooth 152 at the end portion thereof and a follower leg 154 having a semi-circular projection 156 at the end portion thereof. The tooth 152 on the holding leg is adapted on energization of the solenoid 116a to engage the gear teeth on the ring gear 130 restricting rotation thereof. The projection 156 on the follower leg 154 is adapted to seat in the indentation 136 along the periphery of the planet carrier 132 (FIG. 8) when the clutch mechanism is in the disengaged position and to slidably engage the periphery of the planet carrier during its rotation when the clutch mechanism is engaged.

I The clutch mechanism and yoke are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the disengaged position. On energization of the solenoid 116a in response to actuation of the foot pedal in accordance with the wiring diagram hereinbefo're described, the actuating lever 142 is'pulled downwardly in opposition to the tension spring 146 whereby the shaft 140 and yoke 138 thereon is moved in a clockwise direction and during which movement the projection 156 is withdrawn from the indentation 136 in the planet carrier and the tooth 152 on the holding arm 15th engages the ring gear 131 Engagement of the ring gear 131 by the holding arm 156 causes the sun gear 124 to drive the planet gears and carrier 132 which in turn causes the tubular member 911a and eccentric cam 84a thereon to rotate. If the roll is in raised position, it commences its downward travel.

Before the roll attains the lowered position, the trip limit switch S3 as hereinbefore described, is actuated in response to the movement of the roll whereby the solenoid 116a is deenergized. However, the tooth 152 is maintained in firm "engaging contact with the ring gear 130 by the coaction between the projection 156 and the periphery of the planet carrier 132. .After the planet carrier 132 has rotated 180 the biasing force of the tension spring 146 causesthe projection v156 on the follower arm to dropinto the opposite indentation 136 on the periphery of the pinion carrier which concurrently causes a withdrawal of the tooth 152 from the ring gear. Retraction of the holding arm 150 which releases the ring gear disengages the clutch and stops" the movement of the roll. The indentations 136 on the pinion carrier are indexed respectively with the high side and low side of the eccentric cam 84a to assure that the roll stops in the appropriate raised or lowered position.

To assure positive seating of the projection 156 on the follower arm 154 in the indentation 136, the eccentric cam 84a is preferably provided with a flat portion 158 as may be best seen in FIG. 2 along the high side thereof. The coaction between the fiat portion 158 and the spring arm 82 serves to bias the eccentric cam to a position wherein the flat spot is substantially parallel to the engaging surface of the spring arm 82 so as to prevent any under-travel or over-travel of the tubular member. This concurrently assures appropriate seating of the projection 156 in the indentation 136 in the pinion carrier assuring complete withdrawal of the tooth 152 from the ring gear 1313.

Subsequent actuation of the solenoid 116:: in response to operation of the foot pedal causes the holding leg of the yoke 13? to again engage the ring gear so as to produce a 180 rotation of the eccentric cam. Complete stoppage of the roll when in the lowered position to achieve a pressing operation is accomplished by depressing the foot pedal to the press position as hereinbefore described whereby the electric motor is deenergized, deactivating the drive mechanism.

Another alternate satisfactory clutch mechanism for achieving selective movement of the roll to and from the ironing position and inoperative position, is shown in FIGS. 10 through 14-. The, clutch mechanism as shown in these drawings is or" the general type shown in United States Patent No. 2,349,014 which is assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. The drive provided by the electric motor is transmitted through a suitable gear train to. a gear 169 as shown in FIG. 10 which is rotatably mounted on the shaft 92b extending transversely of the housing 46; The gear 160 is provided at its outer face (not shown) with the drive gear 70 which is disposed in constant meshing relationship with a gear train in accordance with the roll rotation drive mechanism as shown in FIG. 3.

The opposite face of the gear 160 is provided with a series of clutch teeth 162 which are adapted to engage alternate ones of a pair of keys or dogs 164 of the type shown in FIG. 11 whereby the eccentric cam 8% is caused to rotate The tubular body member WI) on which the eccentric cam 84a is mounted, is provided with a flange 166 at the end adjacent to the gear 16%) which is provided with a pair of longitudinal rectangular slots 168 disposed diametrically opposite to each other in which the keys 164 are slidably disposed. Adjacent to the flange 166 is a cylindrical step portion. 179 on which a cam ring 172 is slidably disposed and restrained from rotation by means of attachment to a stationary part of the housing. The cam ring 172 as may be best seen in FIG. 13 includes a recessed surface 172a and a raised surface 172k interconnected at one of their ends by a cam surface 1720 and at the other by a drop-off surface 172d. Each of the keys 164 includes an engaging portion 164a and a cam portion 1%.) which is adapted to coact with the cam surface 1720 on the cam ring so as to retract the key from engagement with the clutch teeth 162.

A metal ring 174 is disposed adjacent to the cam ring 172 and is provided with tongues 174a which overlie a stepped portion of the tubular body member Nib restricting axial movement thereof toward the flange 166. Axial biasing of the key 164 to ward the clutch teeth 162 is achieved by a garter spring 1'76 which surrounds the tubular body'member and overlies the outward projecting end portions of the keys 164 as may be best seen in FIGS. 10 and 12.

The clutch mechanism is'shown in'FlG. 10 in the dis engaged position and one of the keys 164 thereof is maintained in the retracted position by means of a vertically a pair of inwardly projecting the cam portion 1720 of movable rod 178 having the shank end portion thereof disposed between the cam end portion 16412 of the key and the recessed surface 17 of the cam ring 17 2. Downward retraction of the rod 178 enables the resilient biasing force of the garter spring 176 to axially advance the key so that its engaging portion 164a is disposed in engaging relationship with the clutch teeth 162. Retraction of the rod 17 8 is achieved by a solenoid 116b as shown in phantom in FIG. 10 in response to actuation of the foot pedal as hereinbefore described.

The release of the key 164 when the rod 178 is retracted causes the clutch mechanism to engage and remain in engagement for one-half revolution of the eccentric cam 84b until the cam end portion 1641') of the key strikes the cam ring as may be best seen in FIG. 12 whereby the key is withdrawn to the retracted position in opposition to the garter spring 176 and is maintained in the retracted position through the coaction of the raised surface 172!) and the cam portion 164!) of the key. During the 180 rotation of the eccentric ca'm 84b, the other of the keys 164 is advanced along the raised surface 172]) of the cam ring and rides off the drop-off surface 172d and comes to rest against the projecting end portion of the actuator rod 178, which has been reinserted into the position shown in FIG. 10 on deenergization of the solenoid 1161'). Subsequent actuation of the solenoid 116bprovides for another 180 rotation of the eccentric cam 84b causing movement of the roll from the raised position to the ironing position or vice versa.

In order to assure positive withdrawal of the key 164 from the clutch teeth 162 it is preferred that the eccentric cam 84b is provided with an arcuate portion 18%) as shown in FIG. 14 which is concentric with the shaft 92b providing no relative movement of the spring arm and resilently urged into engagement with the clutch teeth 184 by means of a fork spring 122 which provides the same function as the garter spring 176 in the clutch mechanism previously described. The flanged portion 186 is provided with a cam ring 194 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 16, which is restrained from rotation by being secured to the stationary housing and includes a recessed portion and raised portion connected by a cam surface similar to the cam ring 172 shown in FIG. 13. Each of the step keys 1% is provided with a-cam end portion 111%: of a configuration similar'to the cam end portion 1164b of-the key 164' shown in FIG. 11.

The clutch mechanism is shown in FIG. 15 in the disengaged position wherein the cam end portion 190a of the step key 1% is engaged by a trip blade 196 which maintains the key in the retracted position in opposition to the biasing force of the fork spring 192. The trip blade 196 is affixed to the end of a shaft 1% which is roearn follower 86a thereon whereby a slight degree of over-travel is provided. The slight degree of over-travel thus provided is effective to assure that the cam end portion 164!) of the key 164; is lifted by the cam surface 1720 to the raised surface 17217 of the cam ring, thereby assuring adequate clearance between the engaging end 164a of the key and the clutch teeth 162.

In accordance with the clutch mechanism shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, each time the rod 178 is retracted, the tubular member 9% and eccentric cam 84b thereon is rotated through an arcuate movement of 180. The trip limit switch which is actuable in response to the movement of the roll is operative to deenergize the solenoid 116!) beforethe complete 180 revolution of the eccentric cam is achieved whereby the actuator rod 178 is projected upwardly by suitable resilient means, for example, to receive the next key and maintain it in the retracted position to prevent a repeat of the cycle until the foot control pedal is again actuated.

'vention. The clutch mechanism as may be best seen in FIG. 15 includes a gear 180 mounted on a tubular spindle 182 which is freely rotatable on a shaft 92c extending transversely of the housing 46. The right end of the tubular spindle 182 as viewed in FIG. 15 is provided with the drive gear 71 in accordance with the roll rotation drive mechanism as shown in FIG. 3. The opposite face of .the gear 180 is; provided with a series of clutch teeth 184 which are disposed adjacent to a flanged portion 186 of the tubular member 900 on which the eccentric cam 8 is mounted. The flanged portion 186 is provided with two longitudinal slots 188 along the periphery thereof and disposed 180 from each other. A step key 1% is slidably disposed in each of the slots 188 and is tatably journaled in the side wall of the housing 46 to the end portion of which, projecting beyond the housing, an actuating lever 201 is secured. The end of the actuating lever 2% as may be best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, is connected to a plunger 202 of a solenoid 1160, which is resiliently biased to a projected position by means of a tension spring 203.

Actuation of the solenoid 1160 in response to movement of the foot pedal causes the plunger 202 to be retracted whereby the actuating lever 200, the shaft 198, and the trip blade 1% are moved in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 16 whereby the projecting end portion of the trip blade is withdrawn from the cam end portion 190a of the step key enabling the key to move axially into engaging relationship with the clutch teeth 184. Upon engagement of the step key 19 0 with the clutch teeth 184, the tubular member 900 and eccentric earn 840 thereon are rotated through an arcuate movement of at which point the step'key is again withdrawn to the retracted position by the cam ring 194. Prior to the completion of 180 travel of the tubular member, the solenoid 1166' is deenergized by the tripping of the trip limit switch S3 whereby the tension spring 203 is effective to cause clockwise rotation of the trip blade 196 into locking position so as to receive the other step key and prevent its projecting travel into engagement with the 1% providing for another 180 rotation of the eccentric earn 840.

To assure positive retraction of the engaging end portion of the step key at the conclusion of 180 travel of a clutch mechanism, the eccentric cam 84c as shown in FIG. 17 can be provided with a slight indentation 204 along the high side thereof which, through the coaction of the cam follower 860 provides for a slight camming over-travel of the eccentric cam assuring complete withdrawal of the key from the clutch teeth. The inclusion of the indentation 204 along the periphery of the eccentric cam 840 is an alternate satisfactory embodiment which can be employed in lieu of the arcuate surface 180 along the high side of the eccentric cam as shown in FIG. 1

An exemplary relationship between the trip limit switch S3 and the position of the roll is illustrated in FIG. 16. The trip limit switch S3 is provided with an actuator lever 206 which is adapted to be contacted by a pin 208 or other suitable cam amxed to the tube 48 and movable thereby in response to movement of the roll to and from the raised position and the ironing position. The com ponents are illustrated in FIG. 16 with the roll in the lowered position wherein the pin 2118 is'disposed in tripping relationship against the actuating lever 206 of the switch S3. Since, in accordance with the wiring circuitry limit switch S3 is effective to deenergize the motor'which s earer l l in turn deactivates the drive mechanism the relative disposition of the trip limit switch S3 and the pin 208 must be controlled so that the drive mechanism is deenergized at a point coinciding with the point at which the roll attains the raised position.

While this relationship is not critical to the satisfactory operation of the control mechanism comprising the present invention the relationship is preferred in view of the fact that if the roll is stopped prior to attaining the fully raised position, on subsequent energization of the drive mechanism in response to operation of the foot pedal, the roll must first complete its upward travel before commencing its downward movement.

Two alternate satisfactory mechanisms for actuating the trip limit switch S3 are illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. The actuation of the trip limit switch S3 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is achieved in response to the position of the eccentric cam 84.

In the mechanism illustrated in FIG. 22, the eccentric cam 84 is provided with a chamfer 210 extending along the side surface thereof which is adapted to coact with a resiliently biased plunger 212 slidably disposed in the side wall of the housing 46. The inward portion of theplunger 212 is disposed in abutting relationship with a trip button 214 of the switch S3. Accordingly, rotation of the eccentric cam 84 from the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 22 to the position shown in phantom, is effective to cause a tripping of the trip limit switch S3.

The mechanism illustrated in FIG. 23 also is effective to actuate the trip limit switch S3 responsive to the movement of the eccentric cam 84. In the arrangement as shown in FIG. 23, a resiliently biased follower rod 216 is positioned in substantially radial alignment with the eccentric cam 84. The rod 216 is disposed in sliding relationship in a bore 218 in the housing frame 46. Rotation of the eccentric cam 44 from the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 23 to the position shown in phantom is effective to depress the rod 216 whereby the lower projecting end thereof contacts and depresses the tripping lever 206 of the trip limit switch S3 which is effective in accordance with the circuitry hereinbefore described to deenergize the solenoid. In the tripping mechanisms shown in FIGS. 22 and, 23, the relationship between the position of the eccentric cam 84 and the release of the trip switch S3 is achieved at a point substantially coinciding with the point at which the roll attains the fully raised position or a point just prior to that position.

Yet still another alternate satisfactory clutch mechanism to which the present invention is applicable, is illus trated in FIGS. 18 to 21 which comprises an adaptation and simplification of the clutch mechanism described in detail in United States Patent No. 2,851,800 which is assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. The clutch mechanism as shown in these drawings is driven by a gear similar to gear 1861 shown in FIG. 15-

having a series of clutch teeth such as clutch teeth 184 on one face thereof adjacent to the clutch mechanism. Rotation of the tubular member 96d and the eccentric cam 84d thereon through arcuate movements of 180 to effect a raising and lowering of the roll, is accomplished by a pair of longitudinally slidable keys 2180, 218b which are selectively engageable in the clutch teeth. The specific components of the clutch mechanism as may be best seen in FIG. 19 includes -a tubular member 99d which is freely rotatable on a transverse shaft 92d extendingtransversely of the housing 46 as hereinbefore shown and described. A thin shank portion 226 of the tubular member 9% is adapted to receive the eccentric cam 844 which is fixedly secured thereon such as by splines or the like. A flanged end portion of the tubular member9iid is provided with a series of stepped

surfaces

224, 225, 226. Along diametrically opposite sides of the flanged end portion 222, a pair of longitudinal'rectangw lar slots 23%) extend in which the keys 218a; 2185 are adapted to be slidably disposed. Each of the keys 218a,

21% are provided with a head portion 232 and a tail portion 234. The keys 218a, 21th are of a. length such that when positioned in the slots 236 with the head portions 232 positioned outwardly of and adjacent to the inner end of the slots 230, the tail portions 234 are within the opposite ends of the slots 230. A forked spring (not shown) is adapted to contact the projecting head portions of the keys 218a, 2181) constantly biasing them toward the projected or engaged position.

A trigger ring 236 is rotatably mounted on the step rface 225 and is provided with a radially projecting ear 8, which is adapted to be engaged by an actuator rod d) which is slidably disposed in a boss 242 in the housing ame 46 as shown in FIG. 18. The trigger ring 236 is 'ovided with a recessed portion 244 in which a projecting tang 246 of a cam ring 248 is disposed. The cam ring 2414? is slidably mounted on the

step surface

224 and 44 \J is restrained from rotation by coaction of the tang 245 with a stationary part of the hous ng.

The cam ring 248 is provided with a recessed surface 25% and a raised surface 252 connected by a cam surface 254. The trigger ring 236 and cam ring 248 are maintained in appropriate positionon the tubular body member 96d by means of a retainer disk 256 and a bushing 258.

The assembled clutch assembly is shown in the normal or disengaged position in FIG. 20, wherein the keys 218a, 218i) are fully retracted and disposed out of engagement with the clutch teeth on the adjacent gear. In that position the rod 243 is retracted by means of a coil spring 266 and a piunger 262 of a solenoid 116d connected thereto is also retracted. The key 218a as shown in FIG. 20 is maintained in the retracted position through the coaction between the tail portion 234 and the raised surface 264 of the trigger ring 236. The key 218b is maintained in the retracted position by means of the raised surface 252 of the cam ring 248.

On actuation of the solenoid 116d, the plunger 262 thereof is moved to the projected position in opposition to the biasing force of the compression coil spring 26%) whereby the trigger ring 236 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 20 to the position shown in FIG. 21. Rotation of the trigger ring 236 to the position shown in FIG. 21 releases the key 218a from the raised surface 264 of the trigger ring whereby the head portion 232 thereof is biased outwardly and into engagement with the clutch teeth of the adjacent gear. Accordingly, the tubular member in. commences rotation through an arcuate iovement of until the tail portion 232 of the engaging key 218a contacts the cam surface 254 of the cam ring 248 which causes the key 218:: to be Withdrawn to the retracted position.

Prior to completion of the 180 rotation of the tubular member 9W1, the solenoid 116d is deactuated on the tripping or release of the trip limit switch S3 whereby the rod is retracted by means of the coil spring 260 to the inoperative position whereby the trigger ring 236 is rotated from the position shown in FIG; 21 back to the position shown in FIG. 20. Accordingly, the tail portion of the key 2185 when it revolves to the position formerly occupied by the key 218a is restrained in the retracted position by the raised surface 264 of the trigger ring 236. The rotation of the tubular member MM is effective to cause a 186 rotation of the eccentric cam 84d whereby the ironing roll is moved from the raised position as shown in phantom inFIG. 18 to the lowered position as shown in solid lines. Subsequent actuation of the 'solenoidild in-response to operation of the foot pedal is effective to again cause the tubular member 90d to undergo .a 180 rotation whereby the roll is again raised fromthe ironing position to the raised position.

While it will be apparent that the embodiments of the invention herein disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects of the invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and "tiver position spaced therefrom,

' ber coacting wiht said roll s'aid'iro'ning and said inoperative positions on movement of said rotatablememb'e'r to and from a first-position and "greater 13 change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is: 1. In an ironing machine the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, and an operating mechanism for providing selective movement and rotation of said roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanism including motor means drivingly connected to said roll for rotation thereof, a rotatable member coacting with said roll for movement thereof between said ironing and said inoperative positions on movement of said rotatable member to and from a first position and a second position, coupling means interposed between said drive mechanism and said rotatable member for driving said rotatable member on engagement of said coupling means to and from said first position and said second position, engaging means operable to engage said coupling means to said drive mechanism, first control means selectively actuable by the operator for energizing said engaging means, trip means operable responsive to movement of said roll to deenergize said engaging means enabling disengagement of said coupling means when said rotatable member attains said first and said second posi- "tions and for deenergizing said motor means when said roll attains said inoperative position, and second control means selectively operable to deenergize said motor means for stopping rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

2. In an ironing machine the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, and an operating mechanism for providing selective movement and rotation of said roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanism including motor means drivingly connected to said roll for rotation thereof, a rotatable member coacting with said roll for movement thereof between said ironing and said inoperative positions on movement of said rotatable member to and from a first position and a second position, coupling means interposed between said drive mechanism and said rotatable member fordriving said rotatable member on engagement of said coupling means to and from said first position and said second position,

engaging means operable to engage said coupling means to said drive mechanism, foot control means selectively "operable by the operator and'including first control means and second control means, said first control means operable to selectively energize said engaging means for engaging said coupling means, trip means operable responsive to "movement of said roll to deenergize "said engaging means enabling disengagement of said coupling means when said rotatable member attains said first and said second positions and for deener'gizing said motor means when said roll attains said inoperative position, said second control means selectively operable to deenergize said motor means for stopping the rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

3. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironsaid shoe and an inoperaand an operating mech anism for providing selective movement and the rotation ing position in engagement with of said roll, said operating mechanisntcotnprising a drive mechanism including motor means drivingly connected to said roll for rotation there'o'flffia rotatable momfor movement thereof between a second position, coupling means interposed betweensaid drive rn'echanism-and'said rotatable member for driving "said rotatable member on selective engagement on said coupling means to and from said first and said-second actuator associated with for tripping said trip switch and deenergizing said solenoid enabling disengagement of said coupling means when positions, a control system including a foot pedal incorsaid motor means for stopping rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

' 4. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, and an operating mechanism for providing selective movement and the rotation of said roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanism including motor means drivingly connected to said roll for rotation thereof, a rotatable member coacting with said roll for movement thereof between said ironing and said inoperative positions on movement of said rotatable member to and from a first position and a second position, coupling means interposed between said drive mechanism and said rotatable member for driving said rotatable member on selective engagement on said coupling means to and from said first and said second positions, a control system including a foot pedal incorporating a first and a second electrical switch means therein selectively actuable by the operator, engaging -means including a solenoid operable in response to energization by said first switch means to engage said coupling means, a trip switch disposed adjacent to said roll, an said roll and movable thereby said roll attains said ironing and said inoperative positions and for deenergizin'g said motor means when said roll i attains said inoperative position, said second switch means in said foot pedal operable to deenergize said motor means operator, engaging. v.i'nr response to 'energization for stopping rotation of saidroll when in said ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

5. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing'position in engagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, and an operating mechanism for providing selective movement and the rotation of said roll, said operating mechanism comprising a drive mechanism including motor means drivingly vconnected to said roll for rotation thereof, a rotatable .member coacting with said roll for movement thereof between said ironing and said inoperative positions on movement of said rotatable member to and from a first position and-a second position, coupling means, interposed between said drive mechanism and said rotatable member for driving said rotatable member on selective engagement on said coupling means to and from said first and said second positions, a control system including afoot pedal incorporating a first and a second electrical switch means therein selectively actuable by the means including a solenoid operable by said first switch means to engage said coupling means, a trip switch disposed adja- -cent said rotatable member, actuator means extending between said rotatable member and said trip switch and movable responsive to rotation of the said rotatable member for deenergizing said solenoid enabling engagement of the said coupling means, when said rotatable member attains said first and said second positions and for deenergizingsaid motor means when said roll attains said inoperative position, said second switch means in said 7-5 footpedal operable to deenergize said motor means for stopping rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a pressing operation.

6. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a frame, a stationary shoe on said frame, a rotatable roll mounted on said frame and movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, motor means on said frame, drive means drivingly connected to said motor means and said roll for rotation thereof, a rotatable cam on said frame, an arm associated with said roll and coacting with said cam for movement of said roll to and from said ironing position and said inoperative position responsive to rotation of said cam to and from a first position and a second position, a clutch interposed between said cam and said drive means for selectively rotating said cam to and from said first and second positions, said clutch comprising a planet gear positioned in mesh with a sun gear drivin ly connected to said drive means, a ring gear concentric with said sun gear and meshing with said planet gear, a carrier for said planet gear connected to said cam, and engaging means for selectively restraining said ring gear to provide for selective rotation of said cam between said positions, control means including first switch means and second switch means selectively operable by an operator, electrical actuating means connected to said engaging means and energizable in response to actuation of said first switch means for engaging said clutch, trip switch means operaable responsive to movement of said roll for deenergizing said actuating means enabling disengagement of said clutch when said cam attains said first and said second positions and for deenergizing said motor means when said roll attains said inoperative position, said second switch means selectively operable to deenergize said motor means for stopping rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

7. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a frame, a stationary shoe on said frame, a rotatable roll mounted on said frame and movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, motor means on said frame, drive means drivingly connected to said motor means and said roll for rotation thereof, a rotat able :cam on said frame, an arm associated with said roll and coacting with said cam for movement of said roll to and from said ironing position and said inoperative position responsive to rotation of said cam to and from a first position and a second position, a clutch interposed between said cam and said drive means for selectively rotating said cam to and from said first and said second position, said clutch comprising aclutch body afiixed to said cam and having a pair of diametrically disposed axial slots along the periphery thereof, a pair of keys slidably disposed in said slots, a stationary cam ring surrounding said body and provided with means for withdrawing and holding said keys from engagement during one-half revolution of the said body, spring means biasing said keys toward engagement with clutch teeth on said drive means disposed adjacent to said body and engaging means for selectively retaining one of said keys from engagement with said clutch teeth while the other ofv said keys is maintained out of engagement by said cam ring, control means including first switch means and second switch means selectively operable by an operator, electrical actuating means connected to said engaging means and energizable in response to actuation of said first switch means for for deenergizing said actuating means enabling disengagement of said clutch and withdrawal of one of said keys by said cam ring when said roll attains said inoperative releasing one of, said keys and engaging said clutch teeth adjacent. thereto, trip switch -means operable responsive to the movement of said roll gize said motor means for stopping rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

8. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a frame, a stationary shoe on said frame, a rotatable roll mounted on said frame and movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with said shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, motor means on said frame, drive means drivingly connected to said motor means and said roll for rotation thereof, a rotatable cam on said frame, an arm associated with said roll and coacting with said cam for movement of said roll to and fromtsaid ironing position and said inoperative position responsive to rotation of said cam to and from a first position and a second position, a clutch interposed between said cam and said drive means for selectively rotating said cam to and from said first and said second positions, said clutch comprising a rotatable clutch body on which said cam is fixedly secured and rotatable therewith, a pair of key members disposed in axial sliding relationship on said clutch body and biased toward a position projected from one end thereof and in engagement with said drive means, a stationary cam ring positioned about said clutch body for selective engagement with said key members to move said key members inwardly of said projected positions, and a trigger ring positioned about said cam ring and movable between a stop position cooperating with said cam ring to maintain said key members retracted and a release position in clearance relation with one of said key members for movement of said keymember to said projected position and in engagement with said drive means, control means including first switch means and second switch means selectively operable by an operator, electrical actu ating means connected to said tri ger ring and energizable in response to actuation of said first switch means for releasing one of said keys to said projected position, trip switch means operable responsive to movement of said roll for deenergizing said actuating means enabling retraction of said key by said cam ring when said roll attains said inoperative position and said ironing position and for deenergizing said motor means when said roll attains said inoperative position, said second switch means selectively operable to deenergize said motor means for stopping rotation of said roll when in said ironing position providing therewith a press operation.

9. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with the shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, an eccentric cam rotatably mounted adjacent said roll for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of said roll, an arm extending from saidroll and disposed in sliding contact against the periphery of said cam for movement of said roll to and from said ironing position and said inoperative position as said cam is rotated to a corresponding first position and second position respectively, coupling means for selectively connecting said cam to a drive mechanism, electrical actuating means operative responsive to switch means for engaging said coupling means to said drive mechanism, trip means for deenergizing said actuating means responsiveto movement of said roll enabling disengagement of said coupling means when said cam attains said first and said second positions, said cam provided with a flat surface along the periphery thereof adapted to coact with said arm and bias said cam toward said first position thereby assuring appropriate index of said cam relative to said roll. I

10. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with'the shoe and an inopera tive position spacedttherefrom, an eccentric cam rotatably mounted adjacentsaid roll for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of said roll, an arm extending from said roll andincluding a cam follower thereon 17 disposed in bearing contact against the periphery of said cam for movement of said roll to and from said ironing position and said inoperative position as said cam is rotated to a corresponding first position and second position respectively, coupling means for selectively connecting said cam to a drive mechanism, electrical actuating means operative responsive to switch means for engaging said coupling means to said drive mechanism, trip means for deenergizing said actuating means responsive to movement of said roll enabling disengagement of said coupling means when said cam attains said first and said second position, said cam provided with an indentation along the periphery thereof adapted to coact with said cam follower on said cam arm and bias said cam toward said first position thereby assuring appropriate index of said cam relative said roll.

11. In an ironing machine, the combination comprising a shoe and a rotatable roll movable to and from an ironing position in engagement with the shoe and an inoperative position spaced therefrom, an eccentric cam rotatably mounted adjacent said roll for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of said roll, an armextending from said roll and disposed in sliding contact against the periphery of said cam for movement of said roll to sition and said inoperative posid to a corresponding first position and second position respectively, coupling means for selectively connecting said cam to a drive mechanism, electrical actuating means operative responsive to switch means for engaging said coupling means to said drive mechanism, trip means for deenergizing said actuating means responsive to movement of said roll enabling disengagement of said coupling means when said cam attains said first and said second position, said cam provided with an arcuate surface along a portion of the periphery thereof concentric to the axis of rotation of the said cam and adapted to coact with said arm when said cam is in said first position avoiding radial movement of said arrn relative to said cam and thereby providing for slight over-travel of said cam on disengagement of said coupling means assuring positive disengagement thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS and from said ironing p0 tion as said cam is rotate 1,994,910 Emery Mar. 19, 1935 2,067,719 McCabe Jan. 12, 1937 2,175,086 Mitchell Oct. 3, 1939 2,583,685 Davis Jan. 29, 1952

Claims

1. IN AN IRONING MACHINE THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A SHOE AND A ROTATABLE ROLL MOVABLE TO AND FROM AN IRONING POSITION IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID SHOE AND AN INOPERATIVE POSITION SPACED THEREFROM, AND AN OPERATING MECHANISM FOR PROVIDING SELECTIVE MOVEMENT AND ROTATION OF SAID ROLL, SAID OPERATING MECHANISM COMPRISING A DRIVE MECHANISM INCLUDING MOTOR MEANS DRIVINGLY CONNECTED TO SAID ROLL FOR ROTATION THEREOF, A ROTATABLE MEMBER COACTING WITH SAID ROLL FOR MOVEMENT THEREOF BETWEEN SAID IRONING AND SAID INOPERATIVE POSITIONS ON MOVEMENT OF SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER TO AND FROM A FIRST POSITION AND A SECOND POSITION, COUPLING MEANS INTERPOSED BETWEEN SAID DRIVE MECHANISM AND SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER FOR DRIVING SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER ON ENGAGEMENT OF SAID COUPLING MEANS TO AND FROM SAID FIRST POSITION AND SAID SECOND POSITION, ENGAGING MEANS OPERABLE TO ENGAGE SAID COUPLING MEANS TO SAID DRIVE MECHANISM, FIRST CONTROL MEANS SELECTIVELY ACTUABLE BY THE OPERATOR FOR ENERGIZING SAID ENGAGING MEANS, TRIP MEANS OPERABLE RESPONSIVE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID ROLL TO DEENERGIZE SAID ENGAGING MEANS ENABLING DISENGAGEMENT OF SAID COUPLING MEANS WHEN SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER ATTAINS SAID FIRST AND SAID SECOND POSITIONS AND FOR DEENERGIZING SAID MOTOR MEANS WHEN SAID ROLL ATTAINS SAID INOPERATIVE POSITION, AND SECOND CONTROL MEANS SELECTIVELY OPERABLE TO DEENERGIZE SAID MOTOR MEANS FOR STOPPING ROTATION OF SAID ROLL WHEN IN SAID IRONING POSITION PROVIDING THEREWITH A PRESS OPERATION.