Patent Publication Number: US-8118200-B2

Title: Device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains to a device for removing wrinkles from garments. More particularly, this invention pertains to a sleeve tensioning wrinkle remover for garments. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Numerous machines have been provided for the purpose of steaming, ironing, and pressing garments after washing operations. Each prior device typically is configured to allow an article of clothing to be positioned on at least one supporting member such as a vertically oriented buck, which is moved against a pressing surface for the application of pressure from steam heated surfaces, and/or hot air to remove wrinkles from the article of clothing. Typically, a shirt, coat, or a pair of pants is positioned on a surface of a buck for a series of sequential pressing operations. Conventional devices are limited in that the series of sequential pressing operations requires positioning and, if necessary, repositioning of the article of clothing by the operator, and further requires a multitude of operating steps before the pressing of the article of clothing is completed. Further, after completion of the operating steps, touch-up ironing by an operator may be required to provide adequate removal of wrinkles along the seams of the garment, such as along a shoulder seam and/or a back of a shirt. Prior art devices related to pressing garments such as shirts and blouses are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,868,995, issued to Hickle et al. on Mar. 22, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 3,471,067, issued to Stewart on Oct. 7, 1969; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,859, issued to LeBlanc on Mar. 31, 1998. 
     Considering the limitations of the prior art, a low-cost device for completing a series of coordinated operations including positioning, extending, steaming, and drying an article of clothing for removing wrinkles with minimal positioning of the article of clothing by an operator and minimal touch-up ironing by an operator is needed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment for tensioning, steaming, heating, and drying a sleeve of a garment to remove wrinkles of the garment during expanding, steaming and drying operations. The device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment includes a cabinet and a support frame that collectively form a base for support of the device above a supporting surface such as a floor. A front portion of the cabinet defines a generally horizontal working surface  24 . The working surface defines a first opening and a second opening. The working surface includes mounting apparatus for mounting at least one sleeve proximate the first and second openings. In one embodiment, a first sleeve holder having a base end and a distal end is attached to the working surface proximate the first opening at the first sleeve holder base end. A second sleeve holder having a base end and a distal end is attached to the working surface proximate the second opening at the second sleeve holder base end in substantially parallel and spaced apart orientation proximate the first sleeve holder. 
     A first elongated air bag is positioned to extend along the length of the first sleeve holder and to substantially surround the first sleeve holder. A second elongated air bag is positioned to extend along the length of the second sleeve holder and to substantially surround the second sleeve holder. Each sleeve holder and cooperating air bag is sized to accept thereon each respective sleeve of a garment. At least a portion of each air bag is permeable to at least one of moisture, air, and steam. The device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment includes apparatus for delivering steam, heated air, or a combination thereof through the openings in the working surface and into and through the air bags. In one embodiment, the cabinet houses a steam reservoir which is connected to a steam transfer apparatus for directing steam to the interior of the steam reservoir. A steam coil is provided in fluid communication with the steam reservoir such that, as the steam reservoir is filled with steam supplied by the steam transfer mechanism, excess steam is directed into and through the steam coil. An output of the steam reservoir is connected to a plurality of steam outlets with a valve interposed therebetween. The steam outlets are disposed proximate the openings in the working surface such that, by selective actuation of the valve, steam is selectively blown from the steam reservoir through the openings in the working surface into the air bags. 
     An air transfer device is disposed within the cabinet and is configured to move air over the steam coil into the forward portion of the cabinet and to direct the heated air through the openings in the working surface. The steam coil is configured to transfer heat from steam moving within the steam coil to the air moved over the steam coil by the air transfer device. In one embodiment, the cabinet defines an air intake manifold configured to allow air from outside the cabinet to enter the cabinet and be accelerated by the air transfer device. In more discreet embodiments, an air filter is disposed within the air intake manifold and is configured to filter at least some impurities from air entering the cabinet. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a tensioning arm is provided for biasing the yoke portion of the garment toward the working surface, thereby tensioning the shoulder seams. The tensioning arm includes a substantially elongated member having a proximal end secured proximate the cabinet by a rotatable connection. A contacting surface is disposed proximate a distal end of the elongated member. The rotatable connection is configured to allow the elongated member to rotate from a disengaged position wherein the contacting surface is removed from the garment, toward an engaged position to allow the contacting surface to engage the garment and bias the yoke toward the working surface, thereby applying tension to the yoke and the shoulder seams. 
     Another embodiment provides a heat transfer device such as an electric heat generator disposed within the cabinet absent a steam coil and steam reservoir. In this embodiment, the air transfer device is configured to move air through the heat transfer device, thereby heating the air, and to direct the heated air through the openings in the working surface and into and through the air bags. 
     In one embodiment of a method of operation for the device, a step of mounting includes placing a sleeve of a garment on each of at least two sleeve holders with each sleeve having a seam positioned proximate a working surface spaced between the sleeve holders. A step of raising includes raising each sleeve to an extended position above the working surface. A step of tensioning includes positioning a tensioning arm to an engaged position toward a yoke of the garment to engage and bias a yoke of the garment toward the working surface, thereby applying tension to the yoke and each seam. A step of expanding includes directing vapor into at least one air bag positioned within each sleeve to at least partially inflate the at least one air bag, thereby expanding the respective sleeve to an expanded configuration. A step of heating includes directing heated air into and through the at least one air bag to apply heated air to an interior surface of the respective sleeve, thereby heating and at least partially drying the sleeve. A step of deflating includes allowing the at least one expanded air bag of the expanding step to at least partially deflate. A step of retracting includes moving the tensioning arm from the engaged position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a one embodiment of a device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment of  FIG. 1 , showing the sleeve holders within the air bags; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view showing portions of the device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment of  FIG. 1  with portions of the cabinet removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view showing portions of the device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment of  FIG. 1 , showing a shirt with sleeves positioned on the sleeve holders. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment and shirt of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment of the present invention 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment is disclosed for tensioning, steaming, heating, and drying a sleeve of a garment to remove wrinkles from the garment. A device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment, or device, is illustrated generally at  10  in the Figures and includes a cabinet  12  and a support frame  14  that collectively form a base for support of the device above a supporting surface such as a floor. The cabinet  12  includes a front portion  18  and rear portion  15 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the front portion  18  of the cabinet  12  defines a generally horizontal working surface  24 . Multiple controls  16  are generally positioned on, or above, the front portion  18  of the cabinet  12 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment foot pedals  20  are provided forward of the front portion  18  of the cabinet  12  to allow for control measures for an operator of the device  10 . A selectively repositionable control box  22  is provided and extends generally upward and forward of the front portion  18  from the cabinet  12  and includes additional controls  16  to allow for additional control measures for an operator. It should be noted that other configurations for the controls  16  are contemplated and may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the working surface  24  defines a first opening  46 , and a second opening  48 . The working surface  24  includes mounting apparatus for mounting at least one sleeve, such as the sleeves  26 ,  28  of a shirt (see  FIG. 6 ), proximate the first and second openings  46 ,  48 . It will be understood that the term “sleeve” as used herein includes tubular portions of a garment for the upper body such as a shirt, coat, sweater, and the like, and also includes tubular portions of a garment for the lower body such as pants, shorts, chaps, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, a first sleeve holder  30  having a base end  32  and a distal end  66  is attached to the working surface  24  proximate the first opening  46  at the first sleeve holder base end  32 . A second sleeve holder  34  having a base end  36  and a distal end  68  is attached to the working surface  24  proximate the second opening  48  at the second sleeve holder base end  36 . Each sleeve holder  30 ,  34  is disposed to extend upwards from the working surface  24  in substantially parallel and spaced apart orientation. 
     A first elongated air bag  70  is positioned on the first sleeve holder  30 , and a second elongated air bag  72  is positioned on the second sleeve holder  34 . The first air bag  70  extends along the length of the first sleeve holder  30  and substantially surrounds the first sleeve holder  30  and cooperating first opening  46 . Likewise, the second air bag  72  extends along the length of the second sleeve holder  34  and substantially surrounds the second sleeve holder  34  and cooperating second opening  48 . Each elongated air bag  70 ,  72  is independently replaceable from each first and second sleeve holder  30 ,  34  when either air bag  70 ,  72  is soiled or torn from use. Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in several embodiments, each air bag  70 ,  72  includes an upper portion  42  which is permeable to moisture, air, and steam, and a lower portion  44  which is substantially impermeable to steam and air. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each air bag upper portion  42  is composed of a single layer of fabric that is permeable to moisture, air, and steam. Each air bag lower portion  44  is composed of multiple layers of fabric, the combination of which is substantially impermeable to moisture, air, and steam. In another embodiment, the air bags  70 ,  72  are each composed of a material that is permeable to moisture, air, and steam. In another embodiment, the air bags  70 ,  72  are each composed of a material that is permeable to air and steam. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the device  10  of  FIG. 1  with the working surface  24 , the sleeve holders  30 ,  34 , and portions of the cabinet  12  removed. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cabinet  12  houses a steam reservoir  38  which is connected to a steam transfer apparatus  50  such as a steam conduit for directing steam to the interior of the steam reservoir  38 . It is understood that the steam transfer apparatus  50  is adapted to be connected in fluid communication with a steam source to supply steam to the steam transfer apparatus  50 . A steam coil  52  is provided in fluid communication with the steam reservoir  38  such that, as the steam reservoir  38  is filled with steam supplied by the steam transfer mechanism  50 , excess steam is directed into and through the steam coil  52 . The steam coil  52  includes transfer apparatus  53  for directing steam away from the steam coil  52 , such as by recirculating the steam back to the steam source. While the illustrated embodiment depicts a steam transfer apparatus  50  adapted to connect to a steam source external to the device  10 , those skilled in the art will recognize that a steam source such as a steam generator may be integrated into the device  10  and disposed within the cabinet  12  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     An output  54  of the steam reservoir  38  is connected to a plurality of steam outlets  56  with a valve  58  interposed therebetween. The valve  58  is operatively connected to at least one control  16  and is configured to regulate the flow of steam from the steam reservoir  38  through the steam outlets  56 . The steam outlets  56  are disposed proximate the openings  46 ,  48  in the working surface  24  such that, by selective actuation of the valve  58 , steam is selectively blown from the steam reservoir  38  through the openings  46 ,  48  in the working surface  24  into the air bags  70 ,  72 . 
     The steam coil  52  is configured to transfer heat from steam moving within the steam coil  52  to air within the forward portion  18  of the cabinet  12  proximate the steam coil  52 . An air transfer device  60  such as a blower is disposed within the cabinet  12  and is configured to move air over the steam coil  52  into the forward portion  18  of the cabinet  12 , thereby heating the air, and to direct the heated air through the openings  46 ,  48  in the working surface  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, a surface of the rear portion  15  of the cabinet  12  defines an air intake manifold  62  configured to allow air from outside the cabinet  12  to enter the cabinet  12  and be accelerated by the air transfer device  60  over the steam coil  52 . In the illustrated embodiment, an air filter  64  is disposed within the air intake manifold  62  and is configured to filter at least some impurities from air entering the cabinet  12 . It will be noted that those skilled in the art will recognize that the air filter  64  is not necessary to accomplish the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in operation, heated air and steam are selectively blown upwards through the openings  46 ,  48  defined by the working surface  24  and into each respective air bag  70 ,  72 . Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the valve  58  is in operative communication with at least a first control  16   a , while the air transfer device  60  is in operative communication with at least a second control  16   b  to permit an operator to selectively regulate the flow of steam, heated air, or a combination thereof into and through each air bag  70 ,  72 . In one embodiment, the controls  16  include electrical circuitry known to those skilled in the art for control of the valve  58  and air transfer device  60  for regulating flow of heated air and steam through respective openings  46 ,  48 . In another embodiment, heated air and steam are simultaneously and continuously blown upwards through each air bag  70 ,  72 . In still another embodiment, controls are provided to selectively direct a combination of heated air and steam upwards through each air bag  70 ,  72 . In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the forward portion  18  of the cabinet  12  is covered in a thermally-insulative material  13  to limit the loss of heat through the forward portion  18  of the cabinet  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the upper end of each air bag  70 ,  72  is removably attachable to respective distal ends  66 ,  68  of the sleeve holders  30 ,  34  by a connector  74 ,  76  such as a clamp disposed proximate the upper end of each air bag  70 ,  72 . Suitable connectors for attaching a sleeve of a garment proximate each air bag distal end  66 ,  68  is provided, such as a clamp  120 ,  122  provided on each air bag distal end  66 ,  68  having a lever  78 ,  80  that is adapted to be manipulated to clamp onto a sleeve end once a sleeve  26 ,  28  is positioned over a sleeve holder  30 ,  34 . Alternative sleeve clamps for securing a sleeve end proximate the upper end of each air bag  70 ,  72  may be utilized as known to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each sleeve holder  30 ,  34  is sized to accept thereon each respective sleeve  26 ,  28  of a garment  82 . Each open sleeve end  84 ,  86  of each sleeve  26 ,  28  is clamped by the respective connectors  78 ,  80  to maintain each sleeve  26 ,  28  in an extended configuration along the length of the respective sleeve holder  30 ,  34 . It is understood by those skilled in the art that, in a garment  82  having a pair of sleeves  26 ,  28 , a yoke  88  portion of the garment  82  typically connects two cooperating sleeves of the garment  82 . In the illustrated embodiment, the garment  82  is a shirt having a collar  90 , shoulder seams  92 , and a shoulder yoke  88 . In this application, the collar  90 , shoulder seams  92 , and shoulder yoke  88  are each positioned proximate to each respective sleeve holder base end  32 ,  36 . A back portion  94  of the shirt and a shirt tail portion  96  of the shirt remain loosely draped proximate the front portion  18  of the cabinet  12  during the operation of the device  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a tensioning arm  98  is provided for biasing the yoke  88  portion of the garment  82  toward the working surface  24 , thereby tensioning the shoulder seams  92 . The tensioning arm  98  includes a substantially elongated member  100  having a proximal end  102  secured proximate the cabinet  12  by a rotatable connection  104 . A contacting surface  106  is disposed proximate a distal end  108  of the elongated member  100 . The rotatable connection  104  is configured to allow the elongated member  100  to rotate from a disengaged position wherein the contacting surface  106  is removed from the garment  82 , toward an engaged position to allow the contacting surface  106  to engage the garment  82  and bias the yoke  88  toward the working surface  24 , thereby applying tension to the yoke  88  and the shoulder seams  92 . 
     With the yoke  88  and shoulder seams  92  held in tension by the tensioning arm  98 , steam, heated air, or a combination thereof are blown upwards through the working surface  24  and into each air bag  70 ,  72 . For example, activation of the air transfer device  60  causes heated air to be blown upwards through the working surface  24  and into each air bag  70 ,  72 . Likewise, opening of the valve  58  causes steam to be blown upwards through the working surface  24  and into each air bag  70 ,  72 . In this manner, each air bag  70 ,  72  is at least partially inflated by the steam and/or heated air within respective sleeves  26 ,  28  to apply tension to each sleeve  26 ,  28  and to hold each sleeve  26 ,  28  in an expanded position. As discussed above, at least an upper portion  42  of each air bag  70 ,  72  is permeable to steam and air. Thus, the upwardly blown steam and/or heated air is forced through the permeable portions of each air bag  70 ,  72 , thereby applying the permeated steam and/or heated air to an inner surface of each sleeve  26 ,  28  through each air bag  70 ,  72 . Thus, each sleeve  26 ,  28  is steamed in the expanded position, thereby removing at least a portion of the wrinkles from each sleeve  26 ,  28 . In embodiments in which a lower portion  44  of each air bag  70 ,  72  is substantially impermeable to steam and air, the substantially impermeable lower portions  44  of the air bags  70 ,  72  serve to limit application of steam and/or heated air to portions of the interior of the garment  82  beyond the yoke  88 , such as the back portion  94  and shirt tail portion  96  of the illustrated shirt. By maintaining bias of the yoke  88  toward the working surface  24  during the operation of the device  10 , wrinkles are minimized along each shoulder seam  92 , therefore eliminating a potential time-consuming step of a separate touch-up of residual wrinkles around the shoulder seams  92  by an operator at a pressing station. After a period of time sufficient to effectuate removal of at least a portion of the wrinkles from each sleeve  26 ,  28 , the valve  58  is closed, thereby discontinuing the application of steam through the air bags  70 ,  72 , and the heated air is allowed to continue to flow through the portions of the expanded air bag  70 ,  72  which are permeable to air to effectuate drying of each sleeve  26 ,  28 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable connection  104  is configured such that the tensioning arm  98  rotates vertically from a raised position downward toward the working surface  24  to engage the yoke  88 . In one embodiment, the weight of the tensioning arm  98  operates to bias the yoke  88  toward the working surface  24  absent additional mechanical biasing means. In another embodiment, the rotatable connection  104  defines a frictional connection configured to hold the tensioning arm  98  in the engaged position. In still another embodiment, a biasing device such as a spring (not shown) is provided to bias the tensioning arm  98  toward the working surface  24 . In the illustrated embodiment, a frictional pivot connection  110  is provided along the elongated member  100  proximate the contacting surface  106  and is mechanically adjustable to allow for selective repositioning of the contacting surface  106  about the distal end  108  of the elongated member  100 . In this way, the pivot connection  110  allows for selective repositioning of the contacting surface  106  proximate the working surface  24  to adjust the tensioning arm  98  to accommodate varying sizes and configurations of garments  82 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a partial view of an alternate embodiment of the device  10 ′. In the illustrated alternate embodiment, a heat transfer device  112  such as an electric heat generator is provided absent a steam coil and steam reservoir. In this embodiment, the air transfer device  60  is configured to move air through the heat transfer device  112 , thereby heating the air, and to direct the heated air through the openings  46 ,  48  in the working surface  24  and into and through the air bags  70 ,  72 . Suitable controls  16 ′ are provided in communication with the air transfer device  60  and the heat transfer device  112 . In this embodiment, activation of the air transfer device  60  causes heated air to be blown upwards through the working surface  24  and through the portions of the expanded air bag  70 ,  72  which are permeable to air, thereby applying the heated air to an inner surface of each sleeve  26 ,  28  through each air bag  70 ,  72 . Thus, each sleeve  26 ,  28  is pressed and dried in the expanded position to remove at least a portion of the wrinkles from each sleeve  26 ,  28 . It will be recognized that numerous types and configurations of electric heat generators suitable for use in the device  10  will be known to one of skill in the art. 
     A method of operation for the device  10  is disclosed including a step of providing an apparatus substantially as described hereinabove. In one embodiment, a mounting apparatus is provided including at least two sleeve holders  30 ,  34  supported above a working surface  24 , with each sleeve holder  30 ,  34  having a substantially elongated, air-permeable and steam-permeable air bag  70 ,  72  mounted thereon, and with the sleeve holders  30 ,  34  sized to support the sleeves of a garment  82 . In more discreet embodiments, the air bags  70 ,  72  each include an upper portion  42  which is permeable to moisture, air, and steam, and a lower portion  44  which is substantially impermeable to steam and air. A step of mounting includes placing a sleeve  26 ,  28  of a garment  82  on each of the at least two sleeve holders  30 ,  34  with each sleeve having a seam  92  positioned proximate the working surface. A step of tensioning includes positioning a tensioning arm  98  from a disengaged position to an engaged position toward a yoke  88  of the garment to engage and bias a yoke  88  of the garment toward the working surface  24 , thereby applying tension to the yoke  88  and each seam. A step of expanding includes directing vapor into at least one air bag  70 ,  72  to at least partially inflate the at least one air bag  70 ,  72  within its respective sleeve, thereby expanding the sleeve to an expanded configuration. In several embodiments, sequential steaming and heating steps occur concurrently with the expanding step. For example, in one embodiment, a step of steaming includes directing steam into the at least one air bag  70 ,  72  and through the steam-permeable portions of the at least one air bag  70 ,  72  to apply steam to an interior surface of the respective sleeve, thereby steam conditioning the sleeve. Thereafter, a step of heating includes directing heated air into the at least one air bag  70 ,  72  and through the air-permeable portions of the at least one air bag  70 ,  72  to apply heated air to an interior surface of the respective sleeve, thereby heating and drying the sleeve. In another embodiment, the steaming and heating steps occur concurrently. The expanding step operates to condition at least one sleeve and cooperating seam of the garment to provide at least one substantially wrinkle-free sleeve  26 ,  28  and seam  92  for the garment without the operator having to touch-up the seam areas by a separate pressing operation, therefore eliminating a potentially time-consuming step for each seam. A step of deflating includes allowing the at least one expanded air bag  70 ,  72  of the expanding step to at least partially deflate. A step of retracting includes moving the tensioning arm  98  from the engaged position. Thereafter, the finished sleeve  26 ,  28  and seam  98  of the garment are removed from the mounting apparatus. 
     From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a device for removing wrinkles from the sleeve of a garment for removing wrinkles from an article of clothing providing advantages over the prior art is provided. More specifically, the device provides an apparatus capable of accomplishing a plurality of garment finishing operations including tensioning, steaming, heating, and drying of the sleeve surfaces of a garment to produce substantially wrinkle-free sleeve and seam areas of a garment. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative device and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.