US3154228A

US3154228A - Drapery pleating and pressing machine

Info

Publication number: US3154228A
Application number: US137882A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Joseph E Klint
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1961-09-13
Filing date: 1961-09-13
Publication date: 1964-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 1981-10-27

Description

Oct. 27, 1964 .1. E. KLiNT, JR

DRAPERY PLEATING AND PRESSING MACHINE 7 SheetsSheet 2 Filed Sept. 13, 1961 INVENTOR. JOSEPH E. KLINT, JR.

g. I I,

l'lll'lllllll ATT'YS Oct. 27, 1964 J. E. KLINT, JR

DRAPERY PLEATING AND PRESSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 13, 1961 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 I!!!I!I'll,llliilllliililirplpm viz/[11111 INVENTOR: JOSEPH E. KLINT, JR.

ATT YS Oct. 27, 1964 J. E. KLlNT, JR

DRAPERY PLEA'IING AND PRESSING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 13, 1961 INVENTOR: JOSEPH E. KLINT, JR.

ATT'YS 1954 J. E. KLINT, JR 3,154,228

DRAPERY PLEATING AND PRESSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 13, 1961 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 I50 I56/ I54 INVENTOR:

JOSEPH E. KLINT, JR.

BY YA) ATT'YS Oct. 27, 1964 J. E. KLlNT, JR

DRAPERY PLEATING AND PRESSING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 13, 1961 FIG. I7

INVENTOR: JOSEPH E. KLINT, JR

a la

ATT YS 1964 J. E. KLINT, JR 3, 5

DRAPERY PLEATING AND PRESSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 13, 1961 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 FIG.

+1 INVENTOR:

JOSEPH E. KLINT, JR.

ATT 'Y S United States Patent 3,154,228 DEAPERY PLEATIN G AND PRESSING MACIBNE Joseph E. Khnt, In, 13% W. Acre Road, Joliet, EL, assignor of one-half to Alex Dreier, Chicago, Ill. Filed Sept. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 137,882 19 Claims. ((31. 223-892) This invention relates to a machine capable of simultaneously pleating and pressing drapes. More in particular this invention relates to a drapery pleating 'and pressing machine capable of performing both pleating and pressing simultaneously in one machine operation employing only two operators. Still more in particular this invention relates to pleating and pressing of drapes of assorted lengths and widths up to maximum size for which the machine of this invention is selectively constructed.

Draperies present a particular problem in the fabric cleaning industry in that they are large and cumbersome to handle. There are several known methods for pressing of such draperies requiring a large space for this purpose and several operators. Also there are several known methods for pleating drapes and the like as a separate and distinct operation from that of pressing. These known pleating methods also require a large space as well as additional operators. Thus according to known methods the cost of pressing and pleating of drapes is disproportionately high to the customer for the above mentioned reasons. It is therefore a prime object of this invention to provide a machine capable of pressing the entire surface of, and simultaneously pleating, a drapery or the like in a single machine operation.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a machine according to the preceding object which requires not more than two operators therefor.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a machine according to the preceding objects which requires substantially less floor space than heretofore required.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pressing and pleating machine which is power operated whereby the pressing and pleating of draperies and the like is accomplished uniformly.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a power driven pressing and pleating machine for draperies wherein the pressed and pleated drapes and the like are in compact form, free of Wrinkles, and ready for packing and shipping without further operations.

A yet further object of this invention is to provide a power driven pressing and pleating machine for draperies and the like wherein a novel steam jet construction is employed for uniformly moistening the draperies in the pressing and pleating operation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a power driven pressing and pleating machine for draperies and the like wherein a novel movable clamping means of power actuated construction is employed for gripping the upper end portion of the drapes in pleated form for propelling the drape through the pressing and pleating mechanism.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a pressing and pleating machine for draperies according to the preceding objects wherein the depth of the pleats may be varied selectively as desired.

3,154,223 Patented Get. 27, 1964 Still another important object of this invention is to provide a pressing and pleating machine for draperies, according to the preceding objects, having a rugged construction and of relatively low construction, maintenance and operating cost.

These and other desirable and important objects inherent in and encompassed by the invention will be more readily understood from the ensuing description, the appended claims and the annex drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a perspective view of the pressing and pleating machine of this invention in assembled form.

FIGURE 2 is a side view, partly in section and partly broken away, taken longitudinally along the center portion of the machine of this invention illustrated in FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 2A is a sectional view taken on the line 2A 2A of FIGURE 2 illustrating the supporting means for the vertically movable pleating frame and the movable upper pressing device of this invention.

FIGURE 3 is a detailed view taken on line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, partly in section and partly broken away, showing one of the pleating loops in operative position with a section of drapery.

FIGURE 4 is a detailed view taken on line 44 of FIGURE 2, partly in section and partly broken away, illustrating interdigitated pressing elements in operative position with a section of drapery.

FIGURE 5 is a detailed view taken on line 5-5 of FIGURE 2, partly in section and broken away, showing ee of the pressing rolls in operative position with a section of drapery.

FIGURE 6 is a detailed view taken on line 66 of FIGURE 2, partly in section and broken away, showing a portion of the clamping head of FIGURE 13 in operative position with the upper end portion of a section of drapery.

FIGURE 7 illustrates the construction details of the vertically movable upper pressing element of this invention.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged view taken on line S8 of FIGURE 2, partly in section and broken away, showing the construction details of one of the pressing rolls in operative relation with a section of drapery.

FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic view in perspective illustrating the arrangement of the principal components of this invention in operative relation with a drapery.

FIGURE 10 is a side view, partly in section and broken away, illustrating a power driven carriage horizontally movable on a supporting table wherein a drapery is nearing completion or" the pressing and pleating operation on the machine of this invention and further showing means for progressively preparing the drapery so that removal thereof is simplified.

3 rolren away, not apparent from FIGURE 1 showing the movable power driven carriage and associated clamping head of novel construction for drawing the drapery through the pleating and pressing elements.

FIGURE 14 is a rear view, partly broken away, of the extreme leftward pair of clamping blocks of the clamping head shown in FIGURE 13 illustrating the linkage details thereof.

FIGURE 15 is a rearward view of the clamping head taken on line 15I5 of FIGURE 13, partly in section and broken away, showing the clamping head in open position and construction details thereof.

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged perspective view, partly in section and broken away, showing further details of consrtuction of the clamping head not apparent from FIG- URES 13, 14 and 15.

FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of one manual clamp employed for securing a group of pleats in the drapery to prepare it for simplified removal from the machine of this invention as mentioned in the above description for FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 18 is a side view taken on line 18-18 of FIGURE 13, partly in section and broken away, illustrating the details of the drive mechanism for the power driven movable carriage of the present invention.

FIGURE 19 is a diagram illustrating the steam circuit for heating the pressing elements and jet sprayers as well as pneumatic connections for the cylinders and electrical connections for the motors, solenoid operated steam valves and solenoid operated pneumatic valves on the machine of this invention.

With continued reference to the drawings the numeral 26 in FIGURE 1 indicates generally the arrangement in assembled for-m of the drapery pleating and pressing machine of this invention. As illustrated in FIGURE 1 the machine 26 is in open position ready for insertion of a drapery to be pleated and pressed simultaneously.

The machine 24 includes a stationary horizontal supporting table, indicated at 21, with

support legs

22, 23, 24 and 25 as shown. Mounted on the forward end portion of the table 21, as viewed in FIGURE 1, is a stationary lower pressing device indicated generally at 26. The lower .pressing device 26 comprises a front steam header 27 and a rear steam header 28 disposed laterally in longitudinal spaced relation with a plurality of inverted channel shaped steam conducting tubes 29 having their respective ends communicatively connected to each of the

headers

27 and 28. The tubes 29 are rigidly connected to the

headers

27 and 28 and positioned uprightly in the longitudinal direction of the table 21 and in parallel spaced relation as shown best in FIGURE 1.

Each of the

steam headers

27 and 28 comprises a large diameter pipe closed on one end with a cap, such as at SI. The other end of header 27 communicates with a steam inlet conduit 30 as shown in FIGURE 2 while the other end of header 23 is provided with a steam outlet conduit 32. The outlet conduit 32 leads to a conventional steam trap indicated at 33 in FIGURE 19. Thus it can be seen that when steam is admitted from a source (not shown) into the inlet conduit 39 the

headers

27, 28 and tubes 29 will become heated and the steam condensate is discharged from the trap 33 through its discharge pipe 34 (FIGURE 19).

Mounted on the stationary table 21 in rigid relation is a vertical frame, indicated at 35, extending laterally from one side of the table 21 to the opposite side thereof. The vertical frame 35 comprises a first channel beam 36 (FIGURE 1) and a second channel beam 37 (FIGURE 2). The lower ends of the

beams

36 and 37 are secured vertically to the table 21 midway between the

steam headers

27 and 28 as best seen in FIGURES 1 and 2. Rigidly connected to the upper ends of the

beams

36 and 37 is a cross channel beam 38. Thus the

beams

36, 37 and 38 form the vertical frame 35 which is rigid with the table 21.

Referring now to FIGURE 2 the channel beam 37 is provided with a pair of

rack elements

39 and 40 secured, as by welding, to the outer faces thereof as shown. In a similar manner the channel beam 36 is also provided with a pair of rack members, one of which is shown at 41 in FIGURE 1.

Supported on the vertical frame 35 is a vertically movable upper pressing device generally indicated at 42 in FIGURES l and 2. The upper pressing device 42 in cludes a horizontal frame 43 of rectangular shape which may conveniently be comprised of four

angle irons

44, 45, 46 (FIGURE 2) and 47 (FIGURE 1), welded together at their ends to form the frame 43. As shown the frame 43 includes a pair of re-enforcing bars or rods 48 and 49 (FIGURE 2) spaced apart longitudinally of the table and extending in the direction transversely thereof. In addition the horizontal frame 43 is provided with a centrally disposed channel beam 5%) disposed between the

rods

48 and 4? with its flanges extending upwardly. The channel beam 50 is secured at its ends, as by welding, to the

angle irons

45 and 47 and the sides of the beam 5% are welded to and along the length of the rods and 49. Thus the

angle irons

44, 45, 46, 47 and the

rods

48, 49 with the channel beam 50 form a rigid structure comprising the horizontal frame 43.

Referring again to FIGURE 2 it will be seen that the angle iron 45 of the horizontal frame 43 is provided with a bearing block 51 secured thereto adjacent the rod 48. Likewise the angle iron 47 (FIGURE 1) is also provided with a bearing block 52 in axially alined relation with the bearing block 51. Rotatably disposed in the alined bearing blocks 51 and 52 is a shaft 53. Constrained for rotation with one end of shaft 53 is a pinion 54 in meshed relation with the rack 39. The other end of the shaft 53 is provided with a pinion 55 (FIGURE 1) also constrained for rotation therewith and in meshed relation with the rack 41. In a similar manner but positioned rearwardly of the vertical frame 35 the horizontal frame 43 is provided with a second pair of bearing blocks one of which is shown at 56 in FIGURE 2 and at 57 in FIGURE 1, both being in axial alinement with each other. A second shaft 58 (FIGURE 2) is rotatably supported by the bearing blocks 56 and 57. The leftward end of shaft 58 is provided with a pinion 59 constrained for rotation therewith and in meshed relation with the rackA-ll as shown best in FIGURE 2. The rightward end of the second shaft 58 'is also provided with a pinion (not shown) in meshed relation with a rack (not shown) mounted on the first channel beam 35 on the rearward side thereof. It will now be apparent that shafts 53 and 58 are in parallel spaced relation with each other, the shaft 53 being forward of the vertical frame 35 and the shaft 58 being rearward of the frame 35. It will also be apparent from the arrangement just described that the horizontal frame 43 is movable in a vertical direction within the vertical frame 35 and that the racks and pinions, with shafts 53 and 58, will always maintain the frame 43 in a stable horizontal position thus precluding any pivotal movement.

Mounted on the stationary cross channel beam 38 of the vertical frame 35 is a pneumatic power cylinder generally indicated at 64 which may be of conventional construct-ion. The power cylinder 60 is provided with a piston 61 connected to the upper end of a piston rod or work member 62. The lower end of the work member 62 is rigidly connected to the vertically movable channel beam 5%) as by bolt 63. The power cylinder 60 is provided with a first conduit 64 leading to the upper cylinder chamber 65 and a second conduit 66 leading to the lower cylinder chamber 67. As viewed in FIGURES 1 and 19 a second cylinder, indicated at 68, is mounted on the stationary cross channel beam 38 in parallel relation with the power cylinder 64?. The second cylinder 68 is of a construction similar to that of the power cylinder 60, having a piston and piston rod 69 (FIGURE 19) connected to the channelv r cc beam 59. The function of the second cylinder 68 is that of a dashpot which limits the rate of movement of the vertically movable upper pressing device 42 in a conventional manner. For this purpose the cylinder 68 is provided with adjustable bleeder valves 79 and 71 (FIGURE 19). One side of the bleeder valve 7? communicates with the upper cylinder chamber 72 while one side of bleeder valve 71 communicates with the lower cylinder chamber 73 of the second cylinder 68. The other side of the bleeder valves 76 and 71 are open to the atmosphere. Thus by selective adjustment of bleeder valves 7-9 and 71 the second cylinder 68 effectively controls the rate of the up and down movement of the upper pressing device 42.

Mounted rigidly on the horizontal frame 43 of the vertically movable upper pressing device 42 is a series type steam coil indicated at 74, the form of thiscoil being best seen in FIGURE 7. The coil 74 comprises a continuous conduit having a steam inlet from a source (not shown) at 75 and a steam outlet at 76 which communicates with the steam trap 33 (FIGURE 19) in a conventional manner. Thus the steam coil 74 becomes heated when charged with steam. The steam coil '74 is provided with vertical U-shaped portions 77 which are rigidly connected, as by welding, to the horizontal frame 43 of the upper pressing device 42. The steam coil 74 is also provided with a plurality of horizontally disposed heating tubes 7 3 (one less than the number of tubes 29) extending longitudinally of the work table 21 in laterally spaced relation with each other a best seen in FF 1 and 2. Now

the steam coil 74 is so positioned that when the upper pressing device 42 is moved downwardly by the action of the power cylinder 69 the heating tubes 73 mesh or interdigitate with the steam conducting tubes 29 of the stationary lower pressing device 26 as best shown in FIGURE 4.

The horizontal frame 43 is also provided with a pair of limit stops on each side thereof two of which are shown at 79 and 8% in FIGURE 2. These limit stops are for the purpose of limiting the downward movement of the upper pressing device 42 when the power cylinder so is energized for movement in a downward direction as will become more evident later herein.

Positioned between the vertically movable upper pressing device 42 and the stationary lower pressing device 25 as viewed in FIGURES 1 and 2 is a vertically movable pleating rack generally indicated at 8-. Referring to FIG- URE l, the pleating rack 31 includes a pair of longitudinally extending

channel beams

82 and 33, in laterally spaced relation, rigidly connected at their ends by transversely extending

rods

84 and 35 to form a rigid structure of rectangular shape. Midway between its ends, each

channel beam

32 and 83 is rigidly connected, as by welding, to the upper end of a vertically disposed channelshaped member 56, as best shown in FIGURES 2 and 2A. It will be seen from FIGURE 2A that the vertical channelshaped member 36 is in nested slidable relation with the stationary second channel beam 37 of the vertical frame 35. The lower end of the member is provided with a horizontal crosspiece 87, as best seen in FIGURES 2 and 2A, and secured to the crosspiece 87, as by welding, is a running nut 88 also shown in FIGURES 2 and 2A.

Referring to FIGURE 2 it will be seen that the channel beam 37, of the stationary vertical frame 35, extends below the table 21 and is also provided with a horizontal crosspiece 89 secured to the lower end thereof as by welding. Secured to this crosspiece is a bearing element 99 and journaled for rotation in the bearing element $3 is an upwardly extending threaded shaft 91 in threaded relation with the running nut 83. Secured to the threaded shaft 91 in abutting relation to the upper side of the horizontal crosspiece 89 is a flange 22 which serves as a thrust hearing and prevents downward movement of the threaded shaft 91. At the lower end of the threaded shaft 91 in secured relation is a bevel gear 93. From this it is apparent that if the bevel gear 93 is rotated the vertical chimnel member 86 and its associated channel beam 83 of the pleating rack 81 moves in a vertical direction. Thus a means has been described for moving in a vertical direction the left hand side, as viewed in FIGURE 1, of the pleating rack 81. A similar arrangement (not shown) is provided for moving the right hand side of the pleating rack 81 in a vertical direction along the stationary vertical frame member 36 and means will now be described for driving the threaded shafts at both sides of the machine simulutaneously for moving the horizontally disposed pleating rack 81 in a vertical direction.

Mounted on the under side of the table 21, between the lower ends of the first and second channel beams 36 and 37 of the stationary vertical frame 35, in alinemen-t with the laterally disposed bevel gears, one of which is shown at 93 in FIGURE 2, is a pair of bearing members one of which is shown at 94 which may be secured to the table 21 as by

bolts

5 and 96. Journalled for rotation in the bearing members is a transversely extending shaft 97. On each end of the shaft 97, in secured relation, is a bevel gear, one of which is shown at 98, in meshed relation with the respective bevel gear 93. Care should be exercised in the meshing relation of the bevel gears on the shaft 97 so that they rotate the threaded shaft 91 and its corresponding threaded shaft on the other side (not shown) in the proper direction as otherwise both left and right sides of the pleating frame 81 will not move in the same direc tion which of course should be avoided.

The shaft 97 is rotatable in either direction under power of an electric motor 99 secured to the under side of the table 21 as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. The reversible motor 99 drives the shaft 97 by a sprocket wheel 1% in alinement with a sprocket wheel (not shown) secured to the shaft 97 and a conventional sprocket chain 181 as shown in FIGURE 2. Thus it is apparent that the operation of the electric motor 93 in one direction elevates the pleating rack 81 and that the rack 81 is lowered when the electric motor 9? is operated in the other direction. For convenience in accurately controlling the vertical position of the pleating rack 31 a measuring scale 192 is mounted on the stationary first channel beam 36 of the vertical frame 35 and a pointer 103 registerable with the scale we is mounted on the channel beam 82 of the pleating rack 81.

Referring again to FIGURE 1 each of the rods 84 and of the pleating rack 81 is provided with a plurality of pleating loops 1% mounted in laterally spaced relation. The lateral spacing of the pleating loops 104 is such that, when rotated about the axes of

rods

84 and 85, they will interdigitate with the steam conducting tubes 29 of the stationary lower pressing device 26 as best seen in FIGURE 3.

Referring to FIGURE 2 the pleating loops 104 each comprises a rod shaped to a circle and having the ends thereof extending outwardly, parallel with each other, to form a key-hole shaped structure. The ends of the rod forming the pleating loop 104 are secured rigidly to a block 1594. The block 1&4 is journalled for rotation about the rod 84 (or 85) except however that stop means, such as back-bars 84' and 85', as shown in FIG. 2, may be provided for limiting the angular movement of the loops in the rearward direction. As viewed in FIGURE 2 each or" the pleating loops 164 can rotate about 235 from the position shown, in a counter-clockwise direction indicated by the arrows, to a downward position wherein the center x as indicated in FIG. 9 li s in a vertical plane coinciding with the axis of rod 84- (or 85). The pleating loops 164 are not movable in an axial direction but each can be rotated independently of the others which is an important feature of this invention as will be seen later herein.

Now in order to ensure firm contact of the drapery material with the upper surface of heating tubes 29 of the stationary lower pressing device 26 during pressing the vertically movable upper pressing device 42 is provided with a plurality of laterally spaced upper roller 7 members or rolls 195 best shown in FIGURES 2 and 5. Each roller member 165 comprises a hub 1% journalled for free rotation on shaft 197. Secured to the hub 106 is a soft, felt-like pad 198 having its outer periphery arcuately shaped to cooperate with the upper outer surface of a heating tube 29 as best seen in FIGURES and 8. Spacer elements 199 are fixed to the shaft 197 in order to laterally space each of the roller members 105 so that each may cooperate with a corresponding heating tube 29 of the stationary lower pressing device 26. Thus the roller members 105 are freely rotatable on the shaft 1117 but are not movable in an axial direction.

At this point it will become apparent that the shaft 107 carrying the roller members 105 must also be movable in a vertical direction with respect to its support means, i.e. the vertically movable upper pressing device 42. Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2 it will be seen that the upper pressing device 42 is provided with a pair of conventional power cylinders 110 and 111. The work members of the cylinders 110 and 111 are each provided with a bearing, one of which is shown at 112 in FIGURE 2, in support relation for the shaft 187. From this it can be seen that when the cylinders 110 and 111 are energized simultaneously the shaft 107 carrying the roller members 1135 is moved downwardly to the position 195 shown in phantom in FIGURE 2. Now when the cylinder 61) is energized, the upper pressing device 42 moves downwardly until its limit stops 79 and Stl engage the pleating device 81. However the stroke of the cylinders 110 and 111 is sufficiently great that the roller members 105 will reach the position 105" indicated in phantom in FIGURE 2 whereby they will engage with the upper surfaces of the heating tubes 29 of the lower pressing device 26 with a predetermined force as will be hereinafter described. A similar arrangement of second or lower roller members, which are adapted to engage the underside of the heating tubes 78 of the vertically movable upper pressing device 42, will now be described.

Secured to the underside of table 21 in vertical alinement with power cylinders 110 and 111 are a second pair of power cylinders, one of which is shown at 113 in FIGURE 2. The second pair of power cylinders 113 operate in opposed relation with respect to cylinders 110 and 111. Each of these two second power cylinders have their respective work members provided with bearings, one of which is indicated at 115 in dotted lines in FIGURE 2, supporting a lateral shaft 114 also shown in FIGURE 5. Referring to FIGURE 5 a plurality of roller members or rolls 116 are rotatably mounted on the shaft 114 in a manner similar to that described for roller members 1415 except that they are laterally spaced for cooperative engagement with the lower surfaces of the heating tubes 78 of the upper pressing device 42. The construction of the roller members 116 may be similar to that of roller members 105. Thus it will be seen that when the upper pressing device 42 is lowered by the energizing of the cylinder do the heating tubes 78 will move downwardly to the position shown at 7 8' in phantom in FIGURE 2. Subsequent energizing of the second cylinders 113 now moves the second roller members 116 upwardly to the position 116 shown in phantom in FIG- URE 2 whereby they engage the underside of the heating tubes 78 at 78' as shown in FIGURE 5. At this point is should be mentioned that the expansible force exerted by the four power cylinders operating the roller members 195 and 116 should be low so that the

heating tubes

29 and 78 are not permanently deformed and, further, must aggregately be insufficient to retract the cylinder 69" against operating pressure applied. This can be readily accomplished by the proper selection of cylinder sizes and operating fluid pressures as is conventionally understood by those skilled in the art.

In order to moisten the underside of the drapery material for pressing a novel and unique moisture dispenser or steam jet sprayer 117 is mounted on the forward portion of the table 21 between the rollers 116 and the front steam header 27 as indicated in FIGURES l, 2, 4 and 9. A similarly constructed jet sprayer 118 is positioned just forwardly of the rear steam header 28 as indicated in FIGURES 1 and 2. Since the

jet sprayer devices

117 and 113 are of identical construction only the sprayer device 117 will be described.

Referring to FIGURE 11 it will be seen that the jet sprayer 117 comprises an inner tube 119 in which steam pressure is constantly maintained and thus always heated. Surrounding the horizontal portion of the tube 119 in sealed relation, as by welding, is an outer jacket 120 having a steam inlet conduit 121 cornmunicatively con- ;nected to the chamber 122 formed by the outer jacket 12% and the inner tube 119. The outer jacket 120 is provided with a plurality of small apertures or orifices 123 in horizontal alinement along the top thereof. Steam entering the conduit 121 is discharged upwardly through the orifices 123 as indicated in FIGURES 4, 9 and 11. The sizes of the various orifices may vary to obtain a uniform spray throughout the length of the jet sprayer 117.

Now in order to prevent the formation of steam condensate within the chamber 122 particularly during intermittent periods of spraying operation, the inner tube 119 is maintained under steam pressure which serves to keep the sprayer hot at all times. Thus residual steam from conduit 121 does not condense within the chamber 122 but is kept in vapor form. From this it is readily apparent that when the sprayer 117 is operated there is no liquid water discharged from the orifices 123 but only live steam. This arrangement thus avoids any discharge of a liquid stream of water to the underside of the drapery material A which would moisturize it nonuniformly.

In order to move the drapery material A uniformly along the work table 21 and through the lower and upper

pressing devices

26 and 42 during pressing and pleating operations the rearward portion of the table 21, rearwardly of the

pressing devices

26 and 42, is provided with a power driven carriage indicated at 124 in FIG-

URES

1, 10, 13 and 18.

Referring to FIGURE 13 it will be seen that along the longitudinal edges of the table 21 are mounted upwardly extending

guide rails

125 and 126. Onthe upper surface of the table 21 immediately inside of the

guide rails

125 and 126 are mounted in rigid relation a pair of

racks

127 and 128 which extend a distance at least equal to the range of the longitudinal movement of the carriage 124. The carriage 124 comprises a base plate 129 having a pair of arms, one of which is shown at 130 in FIGURE 13, extending forwardly on each side thereof. The forward end of each of these arms 136 is provided with a castor wheel 131 rollable on the upper surface of table 21 in support relation. The rearward end portions of the arms 13% are each provided with bearings at 132 and 133 in transverse alinement on the under side thereof. Journalled for rotation in the

bearings

132 and 133 is a transverse shaft 134. Constrained for rotation with and positioned on each end of the transverse shaft 134 are

pinions

135 and 136. The pinion 135 is supported by rack 127 in meshed relation and pinion 136 is supported by rack 128 in meshed relation. Thus it can be seen that driven rotation of the transverse shaft 134 moves positively the carriage 124 in a longitudinal direction. The outer surfaces of the

pinions

135 and 136 prevent any transverse movement of the carriage 124. Further, no pivotal movement of the carriage 124 occurs as both

pinions

135 and 136 are constrained for rotation with the transverse shaft 134. Means will now be described for moving the carriage 124 longitudinally along the table 21 under power rearwardly of the steam header 28.

Approximately at the transverse center of the base plate 129 of carriage 124 is mounted a rearwardly extending arm 137 as shown in FIGURES 13 and 18. Mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 129 and arm 137 is a conventional gear speed reducer 138 powered by a conventional reversible electric motor 139. Referring to FIGURE 18 the output shaft 14% of the gear reducer 133 is provided with a sprocket wheel 141 shown in dotted lines. The sprocket wheel is constrained for rotation with the output shaft. Mounted on the transverse shaft 134 and constrained for rotation therewith is another sprocket wheel 142. (FIGURES l3 and 18) in alinement with sprocket wheel 141 and a sprocket chain 143 (FIGURE 18) is operatively provided for the

sprocket wheels

141 and 142 in a conventional marmer. Thus when the electric motor 139 is energized in either direction the carriage 124 moves slowly in a longitudinal direction along the table 21 in the corresponding direction. A pair of electric switches are provided in the box 146 (FIGURE 13). The first switch controls the power supply to the electric motor 139 and is operated by the lever 144. The second switch controls the direction of rotation of the electric motor 139 and is operated by the lever 145 for convenience to one of the operators. A foot operated electric switch 146' (FI-"URE l) is provided for convenience of the other operator to stop the carriage 124 movement in the event of necessity or emergency. Restarting the carriage is accomplished by operating a switch button located on the switch panel 148 in FIGURE 1. Also as shown in FIGURE 18 on the under side of the arm 139 is mounted a microswitch 157 operative to stop movement of the carriage 124 when the maximum longitudinal position in either direction is reached. Such movement limiting means are conventionally known.

The carriage 124 includes a novel clamping head indicated generally at 149 in FIGURE 13. The clamping head 149 comprises a pair of transverse angle irons b and 151 secured at their ends to the arms 13% so as to face each other, as best seen in FIGURES 13, 16 and 18. Disposed in side-by-side relation within the

angle irons

153 and 151 is a plurality of

clamp elements

152, 15211 and 152a all slidable in a transverse d rection. A similarly constructed clamping element 1520 is secured rigidly to the angle irons 15% and 151 as by pin, screw or bolt 153 and is thus not movable transversely.

Referring now to FTGURE 15 it will be seen that clamping elements 15242 and 152d and each of the intermediate clamping elements 152 therebetween are provided with bores 154 having bearing metal sleeves 155 disposed therein in axial alignment transversely of the table 21. Clamping elements 1525b and 152s are rigidly connected together by a guide rod 156 which rod slidably passes through sleeves 155 of clamping

elements

152a and 152d and the intermediate clamping elements 152 therebetween.

Mounted on the base plate 123 rigidly is a conventional fluid operated reversible ram 153 as best seen in FIG- URE 13. The work member 159 (FIGURE 15) of the ram 153 is rigidly connected to the outer side of clamping element 1520 as by plate 16$? welded thereto. and 152a and the intermediate clamping elements 152 is adjacent to and rigidly connected to clamping e1..- rnent 152i).

Referring to FIGURES 14, 15 and 16 it will be seen that clamping element 152a is provided with a pin 163 extending therethrough in a longitudinal direction and projecting from each end of the element. Likewise clamping element 15% is provided with a pin 163; and the

intermediate clamping elements

152d and 152 are each provided with pairs of pins 163 as shown. Connecting the pins 163 between each pair of adjacent clamping elements is a lost motion link 161 having a pair of elongated holes 162 as best shown in FIGURES 14, 15 and 16. Similar lost motion links (not shown) are provided on the forward sides of the clamping elements. From the above it will become apparent that when the ram 153 is energized expansively the clamping elements 15% and 1520 move leftwardly, as viewed in FIGURE 15, to first close the opening or gap 164 between elements 15% and 152d and thereafter progressively closing the gaps between the intermediate clamping elements 152, and finally closing the gap 165 adjacent the stationary clamping element 152a. Subsequent energizing of the ram 158 retractively first opens to form gap 164 limited by the respective lost motion link 161. Thereafter clamping element 152d is moved rightwardly through the limit of its associated second lost motion link, and so on progressively until finally the gap 165 is again formed. Thus in the position shown in FIGURES 14 and 15 the clamping head 149 is in open position, i.e., having a gap between each of the clamping elements (except between 15% and 1520). The ram 158 may be energized by conventional means such as a solenoid operated pneumatic valve 166 (FIG- URE 19).

From the above it may be appreciated that when the clamping head 149 is in open position as viewed in FIG- URES 14 and 15 each of the gaps (e.g. 164) is adapted to receive a group of folds or pleats in the drapery A which normally are sewn together at the upper end thereof. Thus the clamping head 149 should be provided with a suflicient number of clamp elements 152 to provide enough gaps to accommodate the widest drapery that the machine 24 is intended to handle.

As was previously explained the

jet steam sprayers

117 and 118 moisten or dampen the under side of the drapery A. Now in order to moisten the upper side of the drapery A as may be needed, a manually operated j t steam sprayer 167 is provided as shown in FIGURES I, 9, l3 and 19. Referring to FIGURE 13, the manual sprayer 167 is of light-weight construction. The outlet orifice or nozzle 168 is the means for discharging steam. An insulated handle or jacket 169 surrounds the conduit 170 which serves to prevent the user from being burned by the normally hot conduit 170. An electric push-button switch 171 is mounted on the outer surface of the handle 169 convenient to the operator. Closing of the switch 171 actuates to open position the solenoid operated steam valve 172 (FIGURE 19) thereby discharging steam through the nozzle 168. A bracket 173 (FIGURE 13) is mounted on the side of the table 21 conveniently as a holder for the manual steam sprayer 167 when not in use.

FIGURE 19 illustrates diagrammatically both the pneumatic and steam connections for the machine 20. Steam enters from a source (not shown) through the main conduit 174 thence through a main shut-off valve 175 to conduit 174' which feeds conduit 175. The conduit 176 leads directly to the inlet side of steam coil 74 of the vertically movable upper pressing device 42 through flexible steam hose 177. The outlet side of the steam coil 74 communicates to conduit 178 through flexible steam hose 179. The conduit 178 communicates with the inlet side of steam trap 33 through conduit 18%. The outlet side of the steam trap 33 communicates with the steam condensate discharge pipe 34.

The steam conduit 176 also feeds the front steam header 27 through branch conduit 189. A steam valve 182 is interposed in the conduit 189 for controlling the steam to the front steam header 27 and its associated steam conducting tubes 2? of the stationary lower pressing device 26. The steam return or outlet 32, from the rear header 28, communicates with conduit 178 through conduit 183 for disposition through the trap 33 as previously explained.

The inner tubes 119 of each of the

jet sprayers

117 and 118 receive steam from conduit 176 through branch conduit 184. The return steam line from the

sprayers

117 and 118 communicate with return steam conduit 178 through branch conduits 185 for discharge through trap 33 as explained previously. The chambers 122 of the

sprayers

117 and 118 receive steam from pressure conduit 176 through branch conduits 186 which is discharged through orifices 123 as previously described. Solenoid steam valves 187 are interposed in conduits 186 for the purpose of controlling the discharge of steam orifices 123 of the

sprayers

117 and 118. The solenoid valves 187 are operated by a suitable switch disposed on the switch panel 148 (FIGURE 1). a

As shown in FIG. 19, the manually operated sprayer 167 receives steam from pressure conduit 176 leading to the inlet side of solenoid valve 172. The outlet side of the solenoid valve 172 communicates directly with the nozzle 168 through conduit 188 which passes directly through the insulated handle 169.

The pneumatic power cylinder 60 receives compressed air from a source (not shown) through pipes 191 connected to solenoid pneumatic double valve 193. The valve 193 is of a conventional type which operates in the following described manner.

When the pedal switch 194 (FIGURES 1 and 19) is open the pipe 191 communicates with pipe 66 which pressurizes the cylinder 60 for elevating the vertically movable upper pressing device 42, the pipe 64 being vented to discharge pipe 196 through the solenoid valve 193. Upon closing the pedal switch 194 the pressure feed pipe 191 communicates with pipe 64 which energizes the cylinder 60 expansively for lowering the upper pressing device 42 while the pipe 66 is vented to the discharge pipe -196 through the solenoid valve 193.

The solenoid

pneumatic valves

197 and 198 for operating the

power cylinders

110 and 113, respectively, to actuate the upper and

lower press rollers

105 and 116, respectively, are similar to the valve 193, being of the double type. Actuation expansively and retractively of the

power cylinders

110 and 113 is accomplished in the same manner as that described for the power cylinder 60 except that the electrical control switches are conveniently located on the switch panel 148 (FIGURE 1). The reversible electric motor 99 for adjusting the height of the pleating rack 81 is also controlled by suitable switches located on the switch panel 148 of FIGURE 1.

Having now described the construction in detail of the drapery pleating and pressing machine 20 of this invention, the operation thereof will now be described.

Operation As stated previously two operators are required for efficient operation of the machine 20. The front operator is positioned at the forward end of table 21 and the rear operator is positioned at the side of table 21 adjacent the manual jet steam sprayer 1 67 as viewed in FIGURE 1.

The main steam valve 175 and valve 182 are opened thereby permitting the steam coil 74 of the movable upper pressing device 42, the steam conducting tubes 29 of the stationary lower pressing device 26, the inner tubes 119 of

jet steam sprayers

117 and 118, and the jacket 169 of the manual sprayer 1457 to become heated by steam pressure. Next the

power cylinders

60, 110, 113 and 158 are energized retractively. Thus the upper pressing device 42 will elevate to its upper limit, the clamping head 149 will open and the press rolls 105 and 116 will retract upwardly and downwardly, respectively.

Next the operators determine the depth of the pleats on the drapery by simple measurement at the top thereof. Conventional draperies include pleats sewn at the top thereof by forming one or more small folds sewed together, usually having a stay in each fold. These sewn folds are spaced apart equidistantly having the effect of gathering the drape material along the top uniformly, thereby forming pleats which extend through the vertical length of the drape. The operator measures the distance between these adjacent sewn folds. Having this information the front operator then operates the electric motor 99 to elevate or lower the pleating rack 81 to the proper adjusted position as indicated by the pointer 193 on the measuring scale 162 shown in FIGURE 1. Lastly, the rear operator operates the electric motor 139 to move the carriage 124 forwardly to its limit. The machine 20 12 will then be substantially in the position shown in FIGURE 1.

The front operator now inserts the top end of a drapery A into the machine, over the heating tubes 29 of the stationary lower pressing device 26, moving the drapery A rearwardly lengthwise of the table 21 so that the rear operator can grasp the top end thereof for positioning the sewn folds on the open clamping head 149 as shown in FIGURES 6 and 9. Commencing with the nearest sewed pleat (or group of sewed folds) at the top of the drapery A, the rear operator inserts it into the gap 165 FIGURE 15) and thereafter inserts successively each sewed pleat in the corresponding gaps between adjacent clamping elements 152 until all have been duly inserted. The rear operator then closes pneumatic solenoid valve 166 thereby energizing the ram 158 expansively which closes the .clamping head 149 as previously explained. Thus the top end of the drapery A is secured to the carriage 124 uniformly across the top thereof in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 9. The front operator then gently applies tension to the drapery A in a forward direction to take up any excess material lying across the top of the heating tubes 29 of the stationary lower pressing device.

Commencing with the nearest pleating loop 104 on the rearward side of the machine 20, the rear operator then individually rotates each of the pleating loops 104 in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in FIGURE 2) to its respective lower limit. When the rear operator rotates the first and closest pleating loop 194 it moves the drapery A laterally to allow sufiicient material (and no more) required to form the first pleat. The next adjacent pleating loop 1194 is then rotated to its lower limit which shifts the drapery A laterally again suificiently to allow enough material required to form the second pleat (see FIGURE 3). This operation is repeated successively with each pleating loop 104 as may be necessary to include the entire width of the drapery A. The front operator simultaneously performs the same operation with the forwardly mounted pleating loops 104, corresponding front and rear pleating loops being operated at substantially the same time. It is important that the pleating loops 104 be lowered by rotation individually, that is to say, one at a time with respect to adjacent pleating loops 104 as described. Lowering adjacent pleating rings in groups or all at once would result in damage to the drapery A by tearing or stretching laterally which of course must necessarily be avoided.

The front operator now .closes the electric circuit switch on panel 148 to the pneumatic solenoid valve 193 which now energizes the power cylinder 6% in a downward direction. The upper pressing device 42 then moves downward until the limiting stops 79 and (FIGURE 2) engage the frame of the pleating rack 81 which halts further downward movement. The heating tubes 78 of the upper pressing device will now be in the position indicated at 78' in FIGURE 2 and further illustrated in FIGURE 4.

The front operator now electrically closes the circuit to solenoid

pneumatic valves

197 and 198 which energizes expansively the

power cylinders

119 and 113, respectively. This lowers the upper press rolls 1195 to the position approximate to that indicated at in FIGURE 2 and likewise elevates the lower press rolls 116 to the position "approximately to that indicated at 116' so that they en- 13 mg its nozzle 168 toward the upper side of the drapery A adjacent to the heating tubes 29 of the stationary lower pressing device 26 using lateral motion to moisten or dampen the upper side uniformly.

The rear operator continues to operate the manual steam jet sprayer 167 as above described but then electrically closes the circuit to the electric motor 13? for moving the carriage 124- rearwardly. The drapery A now moves rearwardly along a work path parallel with but spaced above the plane of the table 21 as best illustrated in FIGURE 9 and continues along this path until the entire drapery A, as towed by the carrige 124, is pulled almost completely through the

pressing devices

26 and 42 at which time the operator de-energizes the motor 139 thereby stopping the carriage 124.

It will be understood that the said work path includes a plane that is parallel with and co-extensive with the plane of the table 21. Thus, while the entire drapery as a whole has a wave form, transversely of the table 21, as it passes through the pressing devices, it lies generally in a common work plane which can be defined as a plane parallel with and midway between the pressing surfaces of the

elements

29 and 78 when they are engaged by the rollers 1G5 and 116, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 10.

Reference is now made to FIGURES 10 and 17. At this point in order to facilitate removal of the drapery A after the pressing and pleating is entirely completed, the rear operator using conventional hand clamps of the spring resilient type illustrated at 19? in FIGURE 17, applies one clamp 19? to the nearest group of pleats, e.g. the first, second and third adjacent pleats. The operator using a second clamp applies it to the fourth and fifth adjacent pleats but also includes the third pleat. The third clamp is applied to the sixth and seventh adjacent pleats as well as the fifth pleat, and so on until all of the pleats have been included. Depending upon the length of the drapery A additional series of clamps 199 may be required in longitudinal spaced relation. For example a second series of clamps is indicated at 1% in FIGURE 10. When the hand clamping as described has been completed the rear operator re-starts the motor 139 until the carriage 124 moves rearwardly sufliciently to pull the drapery A completely through the

pressing devices

26 and 42, after which the finished drapery is released from the carriage clamping head 149, by retractively actuating the clamp cylinder 158, and removed from the machine.

The operators now operate the machine 2% to revert it to the position shown in FIGURE 1 to prepare for the pressing and pleating of another drapery in the manner described. The drapery A has now been pressed and pleated by the machine 28 and prepared for removal and packing for shipment. The drapery A is merely lifted from the table 21, including all hand clamps l9? and 199 which may have been used, and carried to the packing operation where the hand clamps 1% and 199' are removed. Wrinkling is avoided because the hand clamps 199 collectively secures the entire drapery A by its pleats and thus preserves it uniformly, intact and in compact easily handled form.

Having thus described a preferred embodiment of the invention it can now be seen that the objects of the invention have been fully achieved and it must be understood that changes and modifications may be made which do not depart from the spirit of the invention nor from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. For example the

heating tubes

29 and 78 may be substituted with heating plates heated by steam, hot air or electricity. Further the various power cylinders could be of the hydraulic type and the electric motors could be substituted with fluid motors.

What is claimed is:

l. In a drapery pleating and pressing machine comprising apparatus providing an elongate work path along which draperies are moved during a pleating and pressing operation, a pair of opposed pressing heads acting in the direction normal to the plane of said work path and each comprising a plurality of pressing elements extending longitudinally of said work path and spaced apart transversely of the work path in fixed relation with each other and on substantially equal centers, the pressing elements of one pressing head being offset laterally with respect to the pressing elements of the opposite head so as to be aligned with the spaces between the elements of the opposite head, means for moving one pressing head toward and away from the other to interdigitate and then separate the pressing elements of the two heads in the direction normal to the plane of said work path and means for heating the pressing elements of one of said pressing heads.

2. In a drapery pleating and pressing machine comprising apparatus providing an elongate work path along which draperies are moved during a pleating and pressing operation, a pair of opposed pressing heads acting in the direction normal to the plane of said work path and each comprising a plurality of pressing elements extending longitudinally of said work path and spaced apart transversely of the work path on fixed substantially equal centers, the pressing elements of one pressing head being oitset laterally with respect to the pressing elements of the opposite head so as to be aligned with the spaces between the elements of the opposite head, means for moving one pressing head toward and away from the other to interdigitate and then separate the pressing elements of the two heads in the direction normal to the plane of said work path means for heating the pressing elements of one of said pressing heads, and adjustable means for limiting the movement of the one head toward the other to regulate the depth of interdigitation of said pressing elements.

3. In a drapery pleating and pressing machine comprising an elongate Work surface along which draperies are moved during a pleating and pressing operation,

(a) a pair of opposed pressing heads acting toward and away from each other in a direction normal to said work surface and each comprising (1) a plurality of narrow elongate pressing elements extending longitudinally of said work surface and spaced apart transversely of said work surface on fixed substantially equal centers to leave open channels therebetween of greater width than the width of said pressing elements,

(2) the pressing elements of one pressing head being offset laterally with respect to the pressing elements of the opposite pressing head so as to be aligned with the channels between the pressing elements of said opposite pressing head,

(b) means for moving one pressing head toward and away from the other to interdigitate and then separate the pressing elements of said pressing heads in the direction normal to said work surface,

(0) means for limiting the movement of said one pressing head toward the other to regulate the depth of interdigitation of the pressing elements of the two heads, and

(d) means for heating the pressing elements of each of said pressing heads.

4. A pleating and pressing machine for drapery and the like comprising, in combination, a supporting table, a lower pressing device disposed above said table and having a plurality of parallel laterally spaced first heating elements, an upper pressing device disposed in superposed relation with said lower pressing device and having a plurality of laterally spaced second heating elements parallel with the first heating elements, at least one of said devices being vertically adjustable and said first and second heating elements being positioned in respective longitudinally extending vertical planes for interdigitation wtih each other upon adjustment of the one device toward the other, pleating means disposed between said 15 pressing devices and positioned in interdigitating relation with said first heating elements, and a movable clamping means disposed rearwardly of said devices and adapted to grip transverse portions of a drapery whereby rearward movement of said clamping means will pull said drapery between and along said pressing devices and pleating means when they are in interdigtated relation thereby pleating and pressing said drapery.

5. A pleating and pressing machine for drapery and the like comprising, in combination, a supporting table, a lower pressing device disposed above said table and having a plurality of first heating elements disposed in horizontally spaced vertical planes, an upper pressing device disposed above said table in superposed relation with said lower pressing device and having a plurality of second heating elements in horizontally spaced planes parallel with the said first elements, at least one of said devices being vertically adjustable to interdigitate said heating elements, said second heating elements being positioned in vertical planes interdigitating with the vertical planes of said first heating elements, pleating means disposed between said pressing devices in interdigitating relation with said first heating elements, and a movable clamping means disposed rearwardly of said pressing devices and adapted to grip transverse portions of a drapery disposed between said pressing devices whereby rearward movement of said clamping means pulls said drapery along said pressing devices and pleating means thereby pleating and pressing said drapery.

, 6. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim wherein a plurality of lower press members are mounted on said table for engagement with respective ones of said second heating elements, and a plurality of upper press members are mounted on the table for engagement with respective ones of said first heating elements, said press members being operable to engage said heating elements when the latter are in interdigitating relation.

7 The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 6 wherein the upper a nd Tower press members are rollers journaled on horizontal axes extending transversely of said table. V

8. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 6 wherein the upper and lower press members are vertically shiftable, and including means for shifting the press members into engagement with the respective heating elements. I V 9. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 5 wherein the upper pressing device is movable vertically toward and away from the lower pressing device, and the pleating means is vertically adjustable.

10. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 9 wherein the lower pressing device is at the forward portion of the table, and the said clamping means is movable longitudinally of the table.

11. A pleating and pressing machine for dampened drapery and the like comprising, in combination, a stationary supporting table, a stationary lower pressing device secured to the forward portion of said table, said pressing device having a plurality of first heating elements extending longitudinally ofthe table in transversely spaced relation with each other, an'a'djustable vertically movable upper pressing device supported on said table in superposed relation with said lower pressing device and having .a plurality of second heating elements extending longitudinally of the table and in transversely spaced relation, said second heating elements being disposed in longitu dinal first vertical planes interdigitating with longitudinal second vertical planes coinciding with said first heating elements, a vertically adjustable pleating rack disposed between said pressing devices, said rack having a plurality of individual pleating elements disposed in superposed relation with respect to said first heating elements and being vertically movable individually for interdigitation with said first heating elements in respective planes coinciding with said first planes, and a longitudinally movable clamping means disposed rearwardly of said pressing devices, said clamping means being adapted to grip transverse portions of a drapery whereby rearward movement of said clamping means pulls said drapery longitudinally in engaging relation with said upper and lower pressing devices and pleating elements thereby pleating and pressing said drapery. I

v 12. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 11 wherein the pleating elements on saidrack each comprises a loop mounted for arcuate swinging movement in its respective first vertical plane. Y

13. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 11 wherein the said clamping means is mounted on a carriage supported on said table for movement therealong rearwardly of said pressing devices.

14. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 13 wherein the said carriage is power operated along guideways extending longitudinally of said table.

15. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 11 wherein a plurality of lower press members are mounted on said table for engagement with respective ones of said second heating elements, and a plurality of upper press members are mounted on the table for engagement with respective ones of said first heating elements, said press members being operable to engage said heating elements when the latter are in interdigitating relations.

16. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 15 wherein the upper and lower press members are vertically shiftable, and including means for shifting the press members into engagement with the respective heating elements.

17. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 15 wherein the upper and lower press members are rollers journaled on horizontal axes extending transversely of said table.

18. A pleating and pressing machine for dampened drapery and the like comprising, in combination, a stationary supporting table, a stationary lower pressing device secured to the forward portion of said table, said pressing device having a plurality of first heating elements extending longitudinally of the table and in transversely spaced relation with each other, a vertically movable upper pressing device supported on said table in superposed relation with said lower pressing device, said upper pressing device having a plurality of second heating elements extending longitudinally of the table and in transversely spaced relation with each other, said second heating elements being disposed in longitudinally extending first vertical planes interdigitating with longitudinally extending second vertical planes coinciding with said first heating elements, a vertically adjustable pleating rack disposed horizontally between said pressing devices, said rack having a plurality of individual pleating loops disposed in transversely spaced relation, said pleating loops being positioned in superposed relation with respect to the end portions of said first heating elements and armately rotatable about horizontal axes in planes coinciding with said first vertical planes, said upper pressing device having stop means engageable with said pleating rack for limiting descending movement of said upper pressing device, a plurality of lower press members mounted on said table and spaced transversely thereof in planes coinciding with said first vertical planes, a plurality of upper press members mounted on said upper pressing device, said upper press members being spaced transversely in planes coinciding with said second vertical planes, means for elevating said lower press members and lowering said upper press members for engagement with said heating elements, a longitudinally movable carriage supported on said table rearwardly of said pressing devices, and a transversely disposed clamping head mounted on said carriage, said clamping head being 17 adapted to grip transverse portions of a drapery extending between said pressing devices whereby rearward movement of said carriage pulls said drapery longitudinally in engaging relation with said upper and lower pressing devices, press members and pleating loops thereby pleat- 5 ing and pressing said drapery.

19. The pleating and pressing machine defined by claim 18 wherein a transversely disposed steam jet spray means is mounted on said table below said first heating elements and is adapted to emit steam upwardly therebetween for 10 dampening a drapery as it is being pulled by said carriage.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Butterworth Aug. 23, 1932 Post Apr. 18, 1933 Walters Feb. 8, 1949 Kjrschbaum Ian. 6, 1953 Braun Dec. 15, 1953 Angew'ne Dec. 18, 1956 Gibson et al June 3, 1958 Gibson et al Sept. 2, 1958

Claims

1. IN A DRAPERY PLEATING AND PRESSING MACHINE COMPRISING APPARATUS PROVIDING AN ELONGATE WORK PATH ALONG WHICH DRAPERIES ARE MOVED DURING A PLEATING AND PRESSING OPERATION, A PAIR OF OPPOSED PRESSING HEADS ACTING IN THE DIRECTION NORMAL TO THE PLANE OF SAID WORK PATH AND EACH COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF PRESSING ELEMENTS EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID WORK PATH AND SPACED APART TRANSVERSELY OF THE WORK PATH IN FIXED RELATION WITH EACH OTHER AND ON SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL CENTERS, THE PRESSING ELEMENTS OF ONE PRESSING HEAD BEING OFFSET LATERALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE PRESSING ELEMENTS OF THE OPPOSITE HEAD SO AS TO BE ALIGNED WITH THE SPACES BETWEEN THE ELEMENTS OF THE OPPOSITE HEAD, MEANS FOR MOVING ONE PRESSING HEAD TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THE OTHER TO INTERDIGITATE AND THEN