U.S. patent application number 15/524965 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-30 for device for hanging up, pressing and stowing garments by a mechanic traction movement without aid of electric energy.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrea COSCETTI, Ivano MAININI. Invention is credited to Andrea COSCETTI, Ivano MAININI.
Application Number | 20170342650 15/524965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53539872 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170342650 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MAININI; Ivano ; et
al. |
November 30, 2017 |
DEVICE FOR HANGING UP, PRESSING AND STOWING GARMENTS BY A MECHANIC
TRACTION MOVEMENT WITHOUT AID OF ELECTRIC ENERGY
Abstract
A system for stretching, drying and pressing a garment includes
a clothes-hanger and at least one stretching device. The stretching
device includes a first rod connected to the clothes-hanger by a
coupling-release and two pairs of arms. Each pair includes a first
and second arm, each arm having a first end connected to the first
rod at a respective anchoring position and a second end movable
with respect to the first anchoring position, adapted to
controllably move toward or away from the anchoring position. The
stretching device includes a first stretcher having two garment
stretching elements on opposite sides of the first rod. Each
stretching element connects to the second ends of one of the pairs
of arms, to move in a direction perpendicular to, toward, or away
from the first rod, from movements of the second ends. A controller
controls movement of the second ends of the arms.
Inventors: |
MAININI; Ivano; (Magnago,
Milano, IT) ; COSCETTI; Andrea; (Magnago, Milano,
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAININI; Ivano
COSCETTI; Andrea |
Magnago, Milano
Magnago, Milano |
|
IT
IT |
|
|
Family ID: |
53539872 |
Appl. No.: |
15/524965 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
November 5, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2015/058556 |
371 Date: |
May 5, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 71/40 20130101;
A47G 25/622 20130101; A47G 25/20 20130101; D06F 59/02 20130101;
A47G 25/66 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 59/02 20060101
D06F059/02; A47G 25/20 20060101 A47G025/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 7, 2014 |
IT |
102014902307902 |
Claims
1. A system for stretching, drying and pressing a garment,
comprising a clothes-hanger and at least one stretching device,
said stretching device comprising: a first rod connected to said
clothes-hanger by coupling-releasing means; two pairs of arms, each
pair comprising a first arm and a second arm, each of the two arms
of each pair comprising a first end connected to the first rod at a
respective anchoring position and a second end, which is movable
with respect to said first anchoring position, and is adapted to
move toward or away from the anchoring position in a controlled
manner; first stretching means, comprising two garment stretching
elements, arranged at opposite sides with respect to the first rod,
each of the stretching elements being connected to the two movable
second ends of a respective one of said pairs of arms to move in a
direction perpendicular to the first rod, moving away the first rod
or toward said first rod, as a result of movements of said movable
second ends; control means for controlling the movement of said
movable second ends of the arms.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said first stretching
means are configured to pull the garment taut at a respective side
in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to an axis
of the first rod, in a manner dependent on movement of the
stretching element caused by the movement of the arms.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system further
comprises: second stretching means configured to hold and pull the
garment taut in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of
the first rod, away from the clothes-hanger.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein: each arm is configured
to take on, in a controllable manner, a folded position, or an
extended position, or a plurality of intermediate positions between
said folded and extended positions, and wherein a respective
position of the stretching elements at a respective distance from
the first rod corresponds to each position of the arms.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein: each of said first arm
and second arm of the two pairs of arms comprises two half-arms,
articulated to each other by an intermediate joint, wherein the
first half-arm is rotatably connected to said first end and to said
intermediate joint, and the second half-arm is rotatably connected
to said intermediate joint and comprises said movable second end;
said stretching elements are slidingly connected to the two movable
second ends of a respective one of said pairs of arms,
respectively, to move in a direction perpendicular to the first
rod, moving away from the first rod or toward the first rod, as a
result of said movements of the movable second ends; the control
means are configured to directly actuate the first half-arm and the
first half-arm is configured to move the second half-arm, so that
the first and the second half-arms are close to each other and are
substantially parallel to the first rod, at the folded position of
the arm, and the two half-arms are extended in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the first rod, at the extended
position of the arm.
6. (canceled)
7. A system according to claim 4, wherein: said two pairs of arms
comprise rotatably foldable arms, each pair of arms comprising a
first arm and a second arm, rotatably connected to the first rod at
the respective anchoring position, each arm being adapted to rotate
in a controlled manner with respect to the anchoring position,
wherein the movable second end of the arms is adapted to perform
the movement of the arms as a result of rotation of the respective
arm; said stretching elements are slidingly connected to the two
movable second ends of a respective one of said pairs of arms,
respectively, to move in a direction perpendicular to the first
rod, moving away from the first rod or toward the first rod, as a
result of said movements of the movable second ends; the control
means are configured to control the rotation of the arms.
8. (canceled)
9. A system according to claim 4, wherein: said two pairs of arms
comprise telescopic arms, each pair comprising a first telescopic
arm and a second telescopic arm, wherein the respective movable
second ends are adapted to translate perpendicular with respect to
the first rod, upon telescopic movement; said stretching elements
are adapted to move in a direction perpendicular to the first rod,
as a result of said telescopic movements of the movable second
ends; the control means are configured to control the telescopic
movement of the arms.
10. (canceled)
11. A system according to claim 4, wherein: the two first arms of
the two pairs of arms, arranged on one side with respect to the
first rod, are connected to each other at a median portion to form
a first X-configuration of arms, wherein one of the first ends of
the first arms is fixed to the first rod and the other of the first
ends of the first arms is slidingly connected to the first rod, and
the two second ends of the first arms are connected, at least one
slidingly, to the stretching element arranged on a same side as the
first arms; the two second arms of the two pairs of arms, arranged
on the other side with respect to the first rod, are connected to
each other at a median portion to form a second X-configuration of
arms, wherein one of the first ends of the second arms is fixed to
the first rod and the other of the first ends of the second arms is
slidingly connected to the first rod, and the two second ends of
the second arms are connected, at least one slidingly, to the
stretching element arranged on a same side as the second arms.
12. (canceled)
13. A system according to claim 4, wherein the control means for
controlling the rotation movement of the arms further comprise: a
sliding element, arranged outside or inside the first rod and
slidingly connected to the first rod in a position farther from the
clothes-hanger with respect to the anchoring positions of the arms,
the sliding element being blockable in a desired position on the
first rod; connection spokes or springs between said sliding
element and the arms, adapted to cause a rotation of the arms upon
a movement of the sliding element.
14. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a rigid
connection element between one pair of arms and the other pair of
arms, adapted to move a pair of arms as a result of a movement of
the other pair of arms.
15. A system according to claim 3, wherein the second stretching
means comprise: a second rod arranged perpendicular to the first
rod and slidingly connected to the first rod, in a position farther
from the clothes-hanger with respect to said anchoring positions of
the pairs of arms, to move along the first rod to move toward or
away from the clothes-hanger; two hooking elements for securing the
garment, arranged on said second rod, and configured to hold and
pull the garment taut in a direction substantially parallel to the
axis of the first rod.
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the second rod
comprises two half-rods, each of the half-rods being slidingly
connected to a respective arm, to open or close in a square-ruler
manner as a result of the movement of the respective arm, and
wherein each of the two hooking elements is arranged on a
respective half-rod.
17. A system according to claim 3, wherein the second stretching
means comprise at least two weights which can be secured to a side
of the garment opposite to the side intended to be supported by the
clothes-hanger, said two weights being adapted to pull the garment
taut, due to the effect of gravity, in a direction substantially
parallel to the axis of the first rod.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein each of said weights
comprises: a securing peg; a metal weight attached to the securing
peg.
19. (canceled)
20. A system according to claim 1, wherein the stretching elements
are configured to take on a position parallel to each other and
parallel to the first rod or a tilted position in substantially
symmetrical manner with respect to the first rod, according to the
type of garment and to reaction forces that the garment has with
respect to stretching.
21. A system according to claim 20, wherein the movable second end
of each arm comprises: an end joint, adapted to allow a reciprocal
sliding between the arm and the respective stretching element; a
pre-tensioned spring element, adapted to adjust reciprocal
inclination of the arm and of the tensioning element, according to
the type of garment and to the reaction forces that the garment has
with respect to the stretching.
22. A system according to claim 1, wherein: the first rod comprises
a rigid hollow rod; each of the four arms is anchored to the first
rod by a respective pin, and comprises a first rotation mechanism
adapted to cause the rotation of the arm; each of the two
stretching elements comprises a respective further rigid rod
connected to the respective second ends of the arms by articulated
joints; and wherein the control means for controlling the rotation
movement of the arms (8) comprise: a rigid control rod, inserted
inside the rigid hollow rod; a gripping or blocking device
connected to the rigid control rod and protruding outside the rigid
hollow rod; second rotation mechanisms, engaged or obtained in said
rigid control rod, and operatively connected to the first rotation
elements of the arms to cooperate with the first rotation elements
of the arms to determine the rotation of the arms according to
mechanical movements imparted to the gripping or blocking
device.
23. A system according to claim 1, wherein: said first rod and/or
said second rod and/or said stretching elements comprise respective
telescopic rods; and/or wherein each of said arms comprises a
telescopic arm.
24. A system according to claim 1, comprising two of said
stretching devices, which can be coupled by respective coupling
means to the clothes-hanger, wherein: each of said two stretching
elements of each of the stretching devices comprises a side knurled
arm with curvature toward the clothes-hanger, the two side knurled
arms being arranged to mirror a vertical middle axis of the system;
each of the four arms is connected to one of the side knurled arms
by a respective side connecting arm; each pair of arms is connected
to the first rod by a respective circumferential arc arm and a
respective hollow middle arm.
25. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: two rigid
molds which are interlockable one on the other in the shape of a U,
which can be coupled to the clothes-hanger or to the first rod; two
overlapping semi-rigid plastic strips, one of which flat and one
curved like a U in an end part, which can be rotatably connected to
the clothes-hanger or to the first rod.
Description
BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION
Field of Application
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of systems and
devices for stretching, drying, pressing and stowing garments. In
particular, the invention relates to pressing systems and devices
which do not require the aid of electric energy.
Description of the Known Art
[0002] With reference to a device capable of stretching, pressing
and stowing garments in any domestic and industrial situation, the
Applicant is not currently aware of devices of such a type, adapted
to perform all the functions indicated above by means of a single
structure.
[0003] With reference to pressing alone, the iron and vertical
steam pressing for domestic uses and various pressing machines for
industrial use are known.
[0004] The drawbacks of the known systems indicated above include,
among others, the consumption of electric energy and the need for a
pressing operator, involving using his/her time and energy.
[0005] Furthermore, the direct heat generated by conventional
methods may damage items of clothing in the long run, after
numerous pressing operations.
[0006] Known irons and pressing machines may then involve a certain
danger, both at domestic and industrial level, and imply costs
which cannot be neglected. Furthermore, they involve occupying
ample spaces both for pre-pressing storage and for storing the
device, as well as for the immediate packaging of the dry items or
the positioning thereof.
[0007] In the light of the above, it is the object of the present
invention to devise and make available an improved stretching and
pressing system which allows the aforesaid needs to be met, and
capable of at least partly obviating the drawbacks indicated above
with reference to the known art.
[0008] More specifically, it is the object of the present invention
to provide a stretching and pressing system capable of operating
without exploiting electric energy, with no need for personnel to
perform the pressing, without causing wear on the items of
clothing, with no domestic and industrial danger (which makes it
easy to use also by children or individuals with disabilities),
with very reduced space requirements, and furthermore such as to be
affordable and within everybody's means.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Such an object is achieved by a system in accordance with
claim 1.
[0010] Further embodiments of such a system are defined in the
dependent claims 2 to 25.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Further features and advantages of the system for
stretching, drying, pressing and stowing garments according to the
present invention will become apparent from the description below
of preferred embodiments thereof, given only by way of
non-limiting, indicative example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a system according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a system according to another
embodiment of the invention, which can be independent or combined
with the one described in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C depict respective front views of a system
according to yet a further embodiment of the invention, in closed,
partly open and completely open conditions, respectively;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of a system according to yet a
further embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3A-3C, a system 100 for
stretching, drying and pressing a garment is described, comprising
a clothes-hanger 2 and at least one stretching device.
[0017] Such a stretching device comprises a first rod 1, connected
to the aforesaid clothes-hanger 2 by means of coupling-releasing
means 3, and two pairs of arms 8. Each pair comprises a first arm
80 and a second arm 81, each of which comprises a first end 82
connected to the first rod 1 at a respective anchoring position and
a second end 83 which is movable with respect to the first
anchoring position, adapted to move close to or away from the
anchoring position in controlled manner.
[0018] The stretching device further comprises first stretching
means 7, comprising two garment stretching elements 7, which are
arranged on opposite sides with respect to the first rod 1. Each of
the stretching elements 7 is connected to the two movable second
ends 83 of a respective one of the aforesaid pairs of arms 8, so as
to move in a direction perpendicular to the first rod 1, thus
moving away therefrom or close thereto, as a result of said
movements of the movable second ends 83.
[0019] The stretching device further comprises control means 6, 11,
12 for controlling the movement of the aforesaid movable second
ends 83 of the arms 8.
[0020] It is worth noting that "garment" can be intended as any
item of clothing or an object made of fabric, which may require
pressing. Specific examples concerning pressing different types of
items of clothing will be illustrated below in greater detail in
this description.
[0021] According to a typical use of the system, the aforesaid
first stretching means 7 are configured to pull the garment taut at
a respective side in a direction substantially perpendicular with
respect to the axis of the first rod 1, in a manner dependent on
the movement of the stretching element 7 caused by the movement of
the arms 8.
[0022] In accordance with one embodiment, the system further
comprises second stretching means 4, 5, configured to hold and pull
the garment taut in a direction substantially parallel to the axis
of the first rod 1, away from the clothes-hanger 2.
[0023] According to an option for implementing the system, each of
the arms 8 is configured to take on, in a controllable manner, a
folded position, or an extended position, or a plurality of
intermediate positions between the aforesaid folded and extended
positions. A respective position of the stretching elements 7 at a
respective distance from the first rod 1 corresponds to each
position of the arms 8.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the system, shown in FIGS. 3B
and 3C, each of the aforesaid first arm 80 and second arm 81 of the
two pairs of arms comprises two half-arms 84, 85, articulated to
each other by means of an intermediate joint 86, in which the first
half-arm 84 is rotatably connected to the first end 82 and to the
intermediate joint 86, and the second half-arm 85 is rotatably
connected to the intermediate joint 86 and comprises the movable
second end 83.
[0025] The aforesaid stretching elements 7 are slidingly connected
to the two movable second ends 83 of a respective one of the
aforesaid pairs of arms 8, respectively, so as to move in a
direction perpendicular to the first rod 1, thus moving away
therefrom or close thereto, as a result of the movements of the
movable second ends 83.
[0026] The control means are configured to directly actuate the
first half-arm 84 and the first half-arm 84 is configured to move
the second half-arm 85, so that the first 84 and the second 85
half-arms are close to each other and are substantially parallel to
the first rod 1, at the folded position of arm 8, and the two
half-arms 84, 85 are extended in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the first rod 1, at the extended position of arm
8.
[0027] The aforesaid intermediate joint 86 is e.g., a reverse
movement joint 86.
[0028] It is worth noting that FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C depict respective
front views of the system according to the embodiment described
above, in which the arms are in a folded, partly extended and
completely extended position, respectively.
[0029] In accordance with another embodiment of system 100, shown
in FIG. 1, the two pairs of arms 8 comprise rotatably foldable arms
(the extended position of the arms is depicted with solid line, the
folded position with dotted line). Each pair comprises a first arm
80 and a second arm 81, rotatably connected to the first rod 1 at
the respective anchoring position. Each of the arms 8 is adapted to
rotate in controlled manner with respect to the anchoring position,
and the movable second end 83 of each arm is adapted to perform the
movement thereof as a result of a rotation of the respective arm
8.
[0030] The aforesaid stretching elements 7 are slidingly connected
to the two movable second ends 83 of a respective one of the pairs
of arms 8, respectively, so as to move in a direction perpendicular
to the first rod 1, thus moving away therefrom or close thereto, as
a result of said movements of the movable second ends 83.
[0031] The control means 6, 11, 12 are configured to control the
rotation movement of the arms 8.
[0032] According to an implementing example, the arms 8 are
substantially parallel to the first rod 1 in the folded position;
the arms 8 are substantially perpendicular to the first rod 1 in
the extended position.
[0033] In accordance with yet a further embodiment of system 100,
the two pairs of arms comprise telescopic arms. Each pair comprises
a first and a second telescopic arms, in which the respective
movable second ends are adapted to translate perpendicular with
respect to the first rod 1, upon the telescopic movement.
[0034] The aforesaid stretching elements are adapted to move in a
direction perpendicular to the first rod as a result of the
telescopic movements of the movable second ends. In such a case,
the control means are configured to control the telescopic movement
of the arms.
[0035] In one implementing option, each arm is configured to extend
telescopically from a closed position, in which the second end of
the arm is close to the first end of the arm, to an extended
position, in which the arm reaches a maximum length in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the first rod.
[0036] According to another embodiment of system 100, the two first
arms 80 of the two pairs of arms, arranged on one side with respect
to the first rod 1, are connected to each other at a median portion
thereof so as to form a first X-configuration of arms, in which one
of the first ends of the first arms is fixed to the first rod 1 and
the other of the first ends of the first arms is slidingly
connected to the first rod 1, and the two second ends of the first
arms are connected, at least one slidingly, to the stretching
element 7 arranged on the same side as the first arms.
[0037] The two second arms 8 of the two pairs of arms, arranged on
the other side with respect to the first rod 1, are connected to
each other at a median portion thereof so as to form a second
X-configuration of arms, in which one of the first ends of the
second arms is fixed to the first rod 1 and the other of the first
ends of the second arms is slidingly connected to the first rod 1,
and the two second ends of the second arms are connected, at least
one slidingly, to the stretching element 7 arranged on the same
side as the second arms.
[0038] According to an implementing option, the system 100 may
comprise a plurality of the aforesaid first and second
X-configurations of arms.
[0039] In accordance with another embodiment of system 100, the
control means for controlling the rotation movement of the arms
further comprise a sliding element, arranged outside or inside the
first rod 1 and slidingly connected thereto in a position farther
from the clothes-hanger 2 with respect to the anchoring positions
of the arms 8, the sliding element being also blockable in wanted
position on the first rod 1. The control means further comprise
connection spokes or springs between such a sliding element and the
arms 8, adapted to cause a rotation of the arms 8 upon a movement
of the sliding element.
[0040] In one implementing option, the system 100 further comprises
a rigid connection element between one and the other pair of arms,
adapted to move one pair of arms as a result of a movement of the
other pair of arms.
[0041] In accordance with a further embodiment of system 100, the
second stretching means 4, 5 comprise a second rod 4 and two
hooking elements 5 for securing the garment. The second rod 4 is
arranged perpendicular to the first rod 1 and is slidingly
connected thereto in a position farther from the clothes-hanger 2
with respect to the anchoring positions of the pairs of arms 8, so
as to move along the first rod to move close to or away from the
clothes-hanger 2. The two hooking elements 5 for securing the
garment are arranged on the second rod 4, and are configured to
hold and pull the garment taut in a direction substantially
parallel to the axis of the first rod 1.
[0042] In a particular implementing example, the second rod
comprises two half-rods, each of which slidingly connected to a
respective arm, so as to open or close in a square-ruler manner as
a result of the movement of the respective arm, and each of the two
hooking elements is arranged on a respective half-rod.
[0043] According to another embodiment of system 100, the second
stretching means comprise at least two weights which can be secured
to a side of the garment opposite to the one intended to be
supported by the clothes-hanger; such two weights are adapted to
pull the garment taut, due to the effect of gravity, in a direction
substantially parallel to the axis of the first rod 1.
[0044] In different implementing examples, each of the weights
comprises a securing peg and a metal weight attached to the
securing peg; or a securing peg and a bag that can be filled with
sand or other material.
[0045] According to different possible embodiment options, the
stretching elements 7 are configured to take on a position parallel
to each other and parallel to the first rod 1, or a tilted position
in substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the first rod
1, according to the type of garment and to the reaction forces that
the garment has with respect to the stretching.
[0046] In one implementing example, the movable second end 83 of
each arm comprises an end joint 83, adapted to allow a reciprocal
sliding between arm 8 and the respective stretching element 7, and
a pre-tensioned spring element 87 (shown e.g., in FIGS. 3A-3C),
adapted to adjust the reciprocal inclination of the arm 8 and of
the stretching element 7 according to the type of garment and to
the reaction forces that the garment has with respect to the
stretching.
[0047] In a particular embodiment, the first rod 1 comprises a
rigid hollow rod 1; each of the four arms 8 is anchored to the
first rod 1 by means of a respective pin, and comprises a first
rotation mechanism 9 adapted to determine the rotation of the arm;
each of the two stretching elements 7 comprises a respective
further rigid rod 7 connected to the respective second ends of the
arms 8 by means of articulated joints.
[0048] In such a case, the control means for controlling the
rotation movement of the arms comprise a rigid control rod 12
inserted inside the rigid hollow rod 1; a gripping or blocking
device 11 connected to the rigid control rod and protruding outside
the rigid hollow rod 1; second rotation mechanisms 6 engaged or
obtained in said rigid control rod 12 and operatively connected to
the first rotation elements 9 of the arms 8 so as to cooperate
therewith to determine the rotation of the arms 8 according to the
mechanical movements imparted to the gripping or blocking device
11.
[0049] According to possible implementing variants, the first rod 1
and/or the second rod 4 and/or the stretching elements 7 comprise
respective telescopic rods and/or each of the aforesaid arms 8
comprises a telescopic arm.
[0050] In one embodiment, system 100 comprises two stretching
devices of the types described above, which can be coupled by means
of respective coupling means 27 to the clothes-hanger 2, or which
can be used independently (as shown in FIG. 2). Each of the two
stretching elements 21 of each of the stretching devices comprises
a side knurled arm 21 with curvature toward the clothes-hanger 2.
Such two side knurled arms 21 are arranged to mirror a vertical
middle axis of the system. Furthermore, each of the four arms 22 is
connected to one of the side knurled arms 21 by means of a
respective side connecting arm 24, and each pair of arms 22 is
connected to the first rod 26 by means of a respective
circumferential arc arm 23a and a respective hollow middle arm
23.
[0051] According to an implementing example, system 100 further
comprises two rigid molds which are interlockable one on the other
in the shape of a U, which can be coupled to the clothes-hanger 2
or to the first rod 1, and two overlapping semi-rigid plastic
strips, one of which flat and one curved like a U in the end part,
which can be rotatably connected to the clothes-hanger 2 or to the
first rod 1.
[0052] Certain embodiments and examples of use of the system for
stretching, drying and pressing (ironing) according to the present
invention will be described in greater detail below by way of
non-limiting example.
[0053] PRESSING OF ITEMS OF CLOTHING FOR THE TORSO (JERSEYS,
T-SHIRTS, SHIRTS, ETC.), shown with particular reference to FIG.
1.
[0054] a) Components of the device: rigid and hollow central rod 1;
clothes-hanger 2; rod-clothes-hanger connection element 3; rod 4
perpendicular to the central rod; elements adapted to hold or pull
fabric 5 taut, e.g., pegs; connection and movement mechanisms 6
which, when connected to respective arm mechanisms 9 at respective
ends of the arms 8, allow transmitting any type of movement, for
example rotation, traction, and so on.
[0055] Each connection and movement mechanism 6 can be equivalently
replaced by a mechanism which allows acting directly on the
rotation of the arms, for example a rigid rod free to rotate inside
the hollow part of the central rod, or strings passing through the
hollow part of the central rod, or adjustment mechanisms directly
obtained on the arms.
[0056] The device in FIG. 1 also comprises two rigid side rods 7.
Each of the four arms has a mechanism at one end, for example a
ring gear, capable of causing a guided rotation, and has a swivel
joint at the other end, for example a hinge. The arms 8 can be
equipped with swivels adapted to allow bending so that the rigid
rods 7 can adhere in the best manner possible to the walls of the
fabric. There is, free to pass or rotate inside the rigid central
rod 1, another rigid rod, or a system of strings or adjustment
mechanisms directly obtained on the arms, or other elements adapted
to transmit a movement to the mechanisms placed on the arms, and
such that the supports end with a knob or a throttle lever or any
blocking system 11, accessible to the user.
[0057] b) Arrangement of the Components and Operation of the
Device.
[0058] A clothes-hanger 2 is connected to the rigid and hollow
central rod 1. The rod-clothes-hanger connection element 3 between
the central rod 1 and clothes-hanger 2 is configured to always keep
the clothes-hanger in axis and rigid with respect to the central
rod. The central rod and the clothes-hanger are separable by means
of a mechanism. A rod 4 perpendicular to the central rod, free to
rigidly slide perpendicular to the central rod, is positioned on
the central rod 1, at the side opposite to the clothes-hanger. On
such a rod perpendicular to the central rod, two elements 5 are
arranged, which can hold or pull the fabric taut, e.g., pegs, each
of which of adequate size with respect to the item that is to be
hung and pressed. The four arms 8 are arranged, two on each side,
in symmetrical manner to the left and to the right of the central
rod 1 so that the connection and movement mechanisms 6 are all
facing the central rod 1. Such mechanisms 6 are kept in the seat
thereof by means of a rigid structure adapted to secure them firmly
to the central rod 1. Special supports transmit the rotation
movement or traction movement, imparted by the knob or throttle
lever or blocking system 11, to the connection and movement
mechanisms 6 so that the arms rotate, while moving the swivel
joints located at the ends of the arms outward with respect to the
central rod. The two rigid rods 7 are connected to the swivel
joints, one to the two arms on the left relative to the central rod
1, the other to the two arms on the right. The rotation movement
pushes the rigid rods 7 into increasingly distant positions from
the central rigid rod 1, thus causing them to adhere to the item of
clothing to be pressed. Thus, the item of clothing is now perfectly
taut and stretched in the two typical directions of the weft and
warp. Therefore, in such a position, the garment resumes the shape
that it originally had, thus being perfectly pressed.
[0059] With reference to the clothes-hanger 2, it is worth noting
that it may be a common clothes-hanger.
[0060] In an implementing variant, the clothes-hanger 2 is a
foldable clothes-hanger, that is having special features of easy
foldability. In such a case, it can be split into two portions of
clothes-hanger of any material which can maintain a defined shape
and which has properties of elasticity to horizontal bending (e.g.,
plastic material), and in addition a rotation pin. The two portions
of clothes-hanger joined with the pin form the shape of a commonly
known clothes-hanger.
[0061] The model can be used both by right-handed and left-handed
people. With reference, for example, to use by right-handed people,
the clothes-hanger, seen from the front, has a left-hand portion,
which is smaller in size than half the clothes-hanger, and has an
indentation on the upper part thereof with orientation slightly
oblique with respect to the horizontal positioning; and also has a
right-hand portion, which is slightly larger in size than half the
clothes-hanger, and has an indentation on the upper part thereof
with orientation slightly oblique with respect to the horizontal
positioning. The right-hand indentation is positioned, by
interlocking, exactly under the left-hand indentation (like in a
male-on-female connection).
[0062] The two portions are joined by a pin positioned on the part
under the indentation. A male-female coupling with insert bound by
a rivet or a pin is preferred for the pin.
[0063] Once the indentation is interlocked, the clothes-hanger is a
single piece capable of supporting the weight of any type of
clothing that may be positioned on the clothes-hanger.
[0064] To open the clothes-hanger, it is sufficient to rest the
thumb of the right-hand hand and to apply pressure on the side part
of the indentation of the left-hand part of the clothes-hanger,
while holding the right-hand part of the clothes-hanger with two
other fingers. The pressure movement of the thumb allows the
indentation of the left-hand half of the clothes-hanger to be
released from the corresponding right-hand part. Such a detachment
of the indentation, accompanied by a rotary rightward movement of
the hand, allows the clothes-hanger to rotate on the pin thereof.
The rotation on the pin results in the two, left-hand and
right-hand, ends of the clothes-hanger to move close to each other,
thus allowing an extremely easy exit from the neck.
[0065] With a simple rotation movement on the pin, in the direction
contrary to the last one described, the clothes-hanger can be
brought back to its original shape, with the female and male
indentation interlocked, and ready to use like a common
clothes-hanger. In order to create a guide on the left-hand part to
find the overlapping position thereof on the indentation, it is
possible to position one or two tabs on the right-hand part close
to the position that the left-hand part indentation must have in
order to be coupled.
[0066] For left-handed people, it is sufficient to reverse the
parts of the model of use.
[0067] The male-female indentation stop-release, as described
above, can be facilitated also by an ergonomic thumb-shaped
reinforcement to be applied on the indentation so as to have a more
guided grasp of the thumb.
[0068] Different types of releases (e.g. "button release",
"reinforced lip release", and so on), in themselves known, can be
used.
[0069] Furthermore, in one implementing variant, the indentation of
the left-hand part is replaced by a half-counter-ring and the
indentation on the right-hand side is replaced by a half-ring.
Thus, it is possible to give the clothes-hanger various stable
inclinations: indeed, the user can select to block the counter-ring
on any one of the teeth in the ring. Since the ring has several
teeth, the clothes-hanger can be blocked at various angles. By
virtue of the various angles, the clothes-hanger can have different
shapes, thus being able to best adapt to the shape of the item hung
thereon.
[0070] c) Size Variants
[0071] All the arms 8 and all the aforesaid rods 1, 4, 6, 7, of the
pressing system may be made telescopic. Obviously, all the
mechanisms, joints, pins and couplings remain excluded from
possible lengthening. It is possible to extend the length of the
arms and of the rods with a single movement, thus bringing the
clothes valet back to its normal shape and ready for use. Small
sizes are among the various sizes possible, such as to make the
system suitable to be brought on trips, e.g., in a suitcase.
[0072] d) Variants of the Opening System
[0073] In different embodiments, already mentioned, the opening and
closing of the system may involve different methods, including
"umbrella opening", "spinning wheel opening", "shortened umbrella
opening", "double clothes-hanger opening", "spring opening",
"L-shaped opening".
[0074] "Umbrella opening": an "umbrella" opening system is used in
place of the connection and movement mechanism 6 described above.
In such a case, a small sliding element placed at the bottom of the
arms 8 closest to the perpendicular rod 4, is wound around the
central rod 1; two spokes, in turn connected to the arms 8, are
connected to such a sliding element; thus, at an upward movement of
the sliding element, the two arms 8 are pushed upward, then they
push the rods 7 that transmit the movement to the other two arms,
thus opening the device and stretching the item of clothing to the
measure desired. The sliding element is fixed to the central rod by
a blocking system, at a height desired, to keep the device
tensioned. In order to make the system described above more stable,
it is possible to provide a sliding element-spokes-arms unit also
above the upper pair of arms, and to connect the unit below with
the unit above by means of a rigid element, thus allowing, with the
only movement of one sliding element, also the movement of the
other sliding element, and thus obtaining the movement of the arms
8 by thrust and not by traction of the rods 7. The connection
between the two sliding elements can be made both on the central
rod 1 and therein, where for example a spring can be used as
connection between the two sliding elements.
[0075] "Spinning wheel opening": in the spinning wheel opening, the
thrust of the arms 8 on the outer rigid rods 7 occurs by means of a
force which acts horizontally and not by rotation. In such a case,
the arms 8 are crossed two by two by means of a pin in the middle
point thereof, thus forming two X's. One end of each X is fixed to
the central rod 1 while the other end is fixed to a movable element
which can slide on the central rod 1. With regard to the other two
ends of the X, they can be fixed to two movable elements adapted to
slide on the outer rigid rod 7, or one may be fixed to the outer
rigid rod while the other may be left movable on the same rod
again. The movement of the movable element on the central rod 1
toward the other point of the X, fixed on the middle rod, causes a
movement which lengthens the arms outward, thus determining the
thrust required for the outer rods to push on the walls of the
items to be pressed. Apparently, the movable elements may achieve
mobility also from being positioned inside the central rod 1, or
also from being positioned inside the outer rigid rod, by
conveniently grooving the rods. It is also possible to cause the
thrust movement with several X-arms placed in sequence, so as to
reduce the length of each individual section of the arm, and spaced
apart by springs so as to transmit the movement. Furthermore, it is
possible to replace each outer rigid rod 7 with a respective
half-moon shaped element made of elastic material, adapted to be
positioned on the outer ends of the X's so as to push on the side
of the items of clothing.
[0076] "Shortened umbrella opening": this is a middle ground
between the umbrella opening and the spinning wheel opening.
Indeed, the arms 8 are placed as in the umbrella model, but they
are in turn crossed as in the spinning wheel type. Consequently,
the grooving to allow the movement must be placed on the outer rod,
the one in contact with the sides of the item to be pressed, and
not on the central rigid rod. For other aspects, the operation is
similar to the one of the umbrella model, causing the lower piece
of tube to slide upward.
[0077] "Double clothes-hanger opening": two foldable
clothes-hangers, similar to the ones described above, are used for
stretching out with this type of opening, by means of ring or
counter-ring, possibly of two different sizes. The second
clothes-hanger replaces the perpendicular rod. Therefore, the two
clothes-hangers are joined by means of the central rod, which is
adjustable in length like a telescopic pole, and two rigid rods,
also telescopic, fixed with pins on the four ends of the two
clothes-hangers. The item to be pressed rests on one clothes-hanger
while the second clothes-hanger extends so as to find the optimal
pressing position. On the second clothes-hanger, pegs are used,
which are free to move on the clothes-hanger, but are anchored to
the arms thereof and capable of revolving on the pin thereof. The
freedom to slide and the rotation on the pin allow the pegs to be
positioned at the right distance from the item to be pressed so as
to allow the tensioning of the item, also with different angles of
the clothes-hanger. By securing the pegs to the item of clothing
and pulling the clothes-hanger, the central rod and the rigid rods
can extend up to the desired length, while remaining fixed by means
of a blocking system placed on the central rod. After determining
such a stretch, the second clothes-hanger can be opened so as to
also provide the right horizontal stretch, for a better
adjustment.
[0078] "Spring opening": the principle on which this opening system
is based is the same principle as the one described as double
clothes-hanger opening, the only difference being that a spring
system tending to open the clothes-hangers to the maximum outward
extension thereof is used in place of the ring and counter-ring
system employed on the clothes-hangers. The thrust imparted by the
springs determines the stretch for the horizontal pressing.
[0079] "L-shaped opening": in such a case, already illustrated
above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, each arm comprises two
half-arms, which are articulated at an intermediate portion, in
which an articulated joint (with "L-shape" function), e.g., a
reverse movement joint, is placed. The opening/closing of the arm,
by the movement control means, occurs through a symmetrical
movement of the two half-arms, which are rotatable with respect to
the intermediate joint, which in turn moves with respect to the
central rod.
[0080] e) Variants for Vertical Stretching
[0081] In one implementing option, the lower perpendicular rod 4 is
replaced by two supports mounted on the rigid rods such as to allow
a 90.degree. rotation. A rod with a system for hooking/securing the
items to be pressed is coupled on these supports. When the item of
clothing is rested to be hung on the clothes-hanger, the two
supports are rotated by 90.degree. ("square-ruler" movement) so
that the securing system grasps the item to be hung. The rotation
prevents the two supports from further rotating and causes them to
remain fixed. By sliding the two supports downward, the item of
clothing is stretched. After fixing the sliding of the two supports
to the rigid rods, the item of clothing is perfectly
stretched/tensioned and can be left statically in that position so
as to perform the pressing function thereof.
[0082] In a further implementing option, the vertical traction
(that is, in a direction parallel to the central rod) is caused, in
addition to or exclusively, by means of pegs connected to the lower
part of the item and conveniently weighed down to exert the
vertical traction required, rather than being obtained in a rod
arranged perpendicular to the main axis or with two half-rods.
[0083] Different expedients may be used to weigh down the pegs:
using heavy pegs; and/or applying weights made of metal or other
material to lightweight pegs, to increase the gravitational force
exerted; and/or using plastic bags connected to the pegs, the bags
being lightweight themselves (easy to transport) and adapted to be
filled with sand, water or other material readily available in any
location.
[0084] The shape of the peg is preferably an "elongated T". The
vertical part of the T forms the opening and closing spring
mechanism of the peg, the horizontal part of the T typically
extends for many centimeters in width and for a few centimeters in
length, so that, when resting on the fabric, the peg occupies a
large surface and allows a distribution of the weight thereof on
the whole lower end of the garment, so that it is pulled in a
uniform manner.
[0085] At least two pegs are used to obtain this effect. The number
of pegs is not necessarily limited to two, but it may vary
according to the selected weight to be given and type of shape to
be pressed.
[0086] With reference to all the embodiments above, it is worth
noting that certain mechanical movements can be replaced by the
elastic properties of the materials. For example, the side arms can
be formed by two framework structures, or by a single framework
structure made of elastic material, capable of adapting to the
sides of the garment taking advantage of the elasticity of the
material.
[0087] In different further implementing examples, each of the
aforesaid forces of traction, that the system is capable of
exerting, can alternatively be determined by means of simple
elastics, calibrated in suitable manner.
[0088] PRESSING FOR SLEEVES OF CLOTHING (shown with particular
reference to FIG. 2) by means of a pair of devices similar to the
ones described above, or by means of a pair of additional devices
which can be coupled to the system described above.
[0089] a) Components of the additional device and positioning: two
side knurled arms 21 with upward curvature arranged to mirror the
vertical middle axis of the mechanism; four oblique arms 22
connected to two hollow middle arms 23a, one of which possibly
provided with engaging groove and the other turned with a groove
for a screw, by means of six arcs of circumference, of which the
two middle arcs 23 are holed at the cavity of the middle arms and
four connection arms 24 with the two side arms. A string or a
double string or a double pair of strings or a rigid pole 26,
equipped with a coupling at one end and with a turning of a screw
at the other end, is passed inside the holed middle arms 23 and
through the holes made on the middle arcs 23a. If the string or a
double string or a double pair of strings is used, a ring is fixed
to one end or ends on the side on which the side knurled arms 21
are curved, to be coupled to the clothes-hanger 2, described above
with reference to FIG. 1, so that there is a firm coupling for this
part of the mechanism. The other end(s) of the string, which
crossed the two hollow middle arms 23, remain(s) free to be coupled
subsequently, thus providing the required stretch to the sleeve of
the item of clothing. If in addition to the coupling ring 27, which
serves as coupling to the clothes-hanger, the rigid pole 26 is
instead used, fixed in this case on the end of the middle arm 23,
the pole is engaged free to rotate in the middle arm 23 with the
coupling ring 27, is passed through the cavities of the middle arms
23 and through the part turned for a screw, and is protruded
outside the second hollow middle arm 23. Preferably, the device is
constructed by forming it in a single piece, but the operation
thereof is equally effective also if it is composed of various
assembled pieces.
[0090] b) Functional aspects: by screwing a bolt or a wing nut with
bolt grooving to the turned screw part of the rigid pole 26, the
hollow middle pole, opposite to the curvature of the outer arms 23,
is pushed. Such a thrust is transmitted to the oblique arms 22 and
from here to the side knurled arms 21, which thus rest on the
fabric pulling it taut with the force desired. The same principle
as described above also applies if the string or a double string or
a double pair of strings is used. Indeed, by either pulling the end
of the string so that it rubs against the hollow middle arm 23 from
which the string protrudes so as to move it close to the other
middle arm 23 on which there is the coupling ring 27, or by
extending the two ends of the string which protrude from the middle
arm opposite to the one on which ring 23 rests, the movement is
transmitted up to the side knurled arms 21, resting on the fabric,
pulling it taut with the force desired. A blocking system keeps the
strings in the position of the right tension. The knurling provided
on the side arms 21 of the mechanism prevents the fabric from
sliding upward, thus allowing the pressing also in vertical
direction. Even in this case, a peg suitable to even better stretch
out the fibers in a vertical direction may be advantageously
used.
[0091] c) Size variants: the additional device described above can
be of various measures, possibly also modular, to adapt to
long-sleeved or short-sleeved clothing.
[0092] d) A further embodiment option of the additional device for
pressing sleeves is described herein, which provides a "brush
device". In such a case, a significant number of plastic
projections, such as to resemble a brush, are inserted on a middle
pole. Such projections are passed horizontally through the holes of
a holed cylinder which surrounds the middle pole. If the middle
pole is rotated, e.g. clockwise, the projections exit from the
holed cylinder and expand the virtual volume of the brush, while if
the pole is rotated in the opposite direction, the projections
retract into the holed cylinder, thus decreasing the virtual
volume. The brush can be entered the sleeve with a minimum volume
and the volume is increased to press the sleeve, up to reaching the
tension desired on the inner walls of the sleeve. To improve the
pressing, it is possible to form the head of the projections with a
flat shape, e.g. hexagonal, so that the surface being pushed is
greater, thus providing a perfectly uniform pressing. This pressing
method is recommended for those who do not want pressing creases on
the sleeves. For pressing in vertical direction, the brush is fixed
to the clothes-hanger by means of a stop, and to the sleeves by
means of pegs anchored to the holes of the outer cylinder which
encloses the projections.
[0093] In one embodiment, a normal brush device is used, without a
cylinder, and leaving the projections free to be in contact with
the fabric and to press it.
[0094] In another embodiment, a brush device having "feather" or
"fishbone" shape may be used, which can have the ends matched with
two rigid rods made of elastic material, or the free ends, not
restrained to the ends of any rod. When the brush is introduced,
the middle rod is pushed or pulled, while holding the side part so
that it becomes thinner. Then, after it is introduced, the brush is
released thus expanding naturally and causing the perimeter thereof
to adhere to the sleeve, and thereby the sleeve is pressed.
[0095] In the case of "feather" shape, the brush introduced by the
upper part of the feather is released so that the feathers open and
create traction on the fabric of the sleeve.
[0096] The same pressing method can also be used on pants. Indeed,
by creating sufficiently long brushes for pants and fixing the ends
of the brush to a clothes-hanger, the pants can be pulled taut both
vertically and horizontally.
[0097] It is worth noting that the pressing methods described
above, that use the additional pressing device illustrated above,
can also be applied to pressing pants, because pants can be
considered as "paired sleeves".
[0098] Advantageously, in this case it is possible to use the above
described "foldable clothes-hangers", provided with specific
projections, placed on the ends of the clothes-hangers, adapted to
horizontally stretch the waist of the pants. Two plates, having a
threaded hole in the middle, are positioned on the arms of the
clothes-hanger, free to slide on the arms. Such a hole allows the
perpendicular tightening of a clip, by means of a threaded
projection, threaded inside the clip. Furthermore, the threading
allows the projection to tighten and cross the threading so as to
put pressure on the arms of the clothes-hanger and therefore to fix
the plate in a well-defined position. The inner threading of the
clip allows the various horizontal opening systems to be coupled to
the middle pole. Furthermore, the threading allows the vertical
tension to be adjusted by simply tightening, and therefore
lengthening, the middle pole. The vertical adjustment causes the
pegs attached to the bottom of the pants to pull the fabric
vertically taut with the stretch desired for the pressing.
[0099] PRESSING FOR SKIRTS AND OTHER TYPES OF GARMENTS, shown with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0100] For pressing skirts, two foldable clothes-hangers of the
type described above, having different sizes, are used: a first
clothes-hanger 41 for the upper part of the skirt, and a second
clothes-hanger 42 for the lower part of the skirt. The two
clothes-hangers are joined by means of a middle pole 43, which can
be adjusted in length like a telescopic pole, and two further poles
44, also telescopic, positioned on each end of the clothes-hanger.
After coupling the first clothes-hanger 41 on the part of the waist
of the skirt and the second clothes-hanger 42 on the lower part,
they are opened by opening the arms so as to maintain the right
tension, and by virtue of the ring and counter-ring system of the
clothes-hanger described above. Pegs are then secured to the skirt,
the pegs being on the arms of the clothes-hangers 41 and 42 and
being free to slide on said arms and free to rotate on the pin
thereof. The freedom to slide and the rotation on the pin allow the
pegs to be positioned at the right distance from the skirt so as to
allow the stretching thereof also with different angles of the
clothes-hanger. Once this operation is performed, the telescopic
arms are stretched out so as to give the right tension also
vertically, thus obtaining the horizontal-vertical traction
required for pressing clothing even with trapezoidal shape, such as
skirts.
[0101] Pressing of Collar and Cuffs
[0102] To press the collar, and similarly to press the cuffs, two
rigid molds are used, which are perfectly interlockable one on the
other in the shape of a U, with the ends facing inward so that the
tips of the outer rigid mold meet with sufficient resistance to
overlapping, in such a way that, once overlapped, they do not move.
Both rigid molds are covered by absorbent and breathing material or
by small projections which allow the rigid shape to be kept
detached from the fabric so that air circulates, but while always
keeping a certain pressure on the collar or on the cuffs in order
to press them. The inner rigid mold can be held in its seat by
means of a small rod provided on the head of a clip capable of
coupling to the clothes-hanger, in the case of the collar, or on
the middle pole required for the stretching out, in the case of the
cuff.
[0103] Pressing of the Part of the Buttons
[0104] For shirts and polo shirts, the problem arises of pressing
the part close to the buttonholes and to the buttons.
[0105] With reference to shirts, two semi-rigid plastic strips are
secured to a pin (or to another connection which allows the
rotation) on the lower part of the middle pole, which stretches out
the part of the torso of the items of clothing. The strip fixed
below the other one is flat and has a U-coupling in the end part on
the right-hand side (looking at the item of clothing to be pressed
from the front). The other strip is flat, but it curves on itself
on the right-hand end part and it has a U-coupling in the left-hand
end part (opposite to the preceding one). The flat strip is rotated
clockwise on the fulcrum and is positioned on the buttonholes up to
the end of the shirt, thus compressing it against the middle pole
and pressing it. To block it, an opening (also lateral) is made on
the clothes-hanger which allows the strip to pass therethrough, and
after passing the gap, to curve, thus being able to couple to the
middle pole through a securing system which takes advantage of the
end "U" to the right of the flat strip. The flat strip is rotated
counterclockwise on the fulcrum and is positioned with the curve on
the sides of the buttons, thus keeping them aligned. To block it,
the strip is passed in the same opening as the clothes-hanger, as
described above, so that the strip can pass therethrough, and after
passing the opening, can curve, then coupling to the middle pole
through a securing system which takes advantage of the end "U" to
the left of the flat strip.
[0106] A double gap may be made on the clothes-hanger both for one
and the other strip, which, after the passing of the strip, is
capable of keeping the flat strip pressed against the buttonholes,
or a clamp may be used.
[0107] Alternatively, in order to press the buttons, it is possible
to create or shape the main rod so that a curved housing is made in
the shape of a half-moon, adapted to push the buttons and the
buttonholes outward when they are resting on the middle rod. The
buttons and the box pleat (that is the folded part of fabric
comprising the buttonholes or the buttons), thus spread out, are
incorporated and pressed by a rod shaped in a shape that
interpenetrates the one created or shaped on the main rod, so that
such a second rod compresses the fabric (box pleat) thus pulling it
taut and putting it in horizontal tension so as to press it. Such a
double rod system also allows an improved horizontal stretch of the
fabric comprised between the box pleat and the sides of the
garment, thus obtaining an improved pressing.
[0108] The second rod, which incorporates the first one, can be
rigid or rolled on itself, but can be unrolled in the manner of a
tape measure.
[0109] However the rod is made, it must be coupled to the main rod
both at the top and at the bottom, so that there is a rigid
interpenetration.
[0110] A similar effect can also be obtained through a double
grooving (wide enough to comprise both the buttonholes and the
buttons and a part of the box pleat) which can be made on the main
rod, and to which a rigid or unrollable or telescopic hollow
U-shaped rod is overlapped, so that the U-shaped edges of the rod
coincide with the tracks hollowed out on the main rod. The
compression of the box pleat is thus achieved, allowing the
pressing of the part compressed between the grooves and also an
increased traction of the fabric comprised between the part outside
the grooves and the sides of the garment to be pressed.
[0111] Another possible method uses, as pressing momentum, a strip
or band with a series of housings close and numerous enough to
insert the buttons therein. This band, anchored to the main rod
both in the upper part and in the lower part, can be inserted
between the buttons, through the housings. By virtue of the
numerousness of the housings, it is possible to have different
spaces between button and button, so that a single band can be
sufficient for pressing a multiplicity of shirts.
[0112] The stretch created between housing and housing tends to
press the box pleat, thus allowing the pressing of such an area,
which would be extremely difficult with the simple traction of the
side rods on the sides of the garment.
[0113] As can be noted, the object of the present invention is
achieved by the system described above, in the light of the
features illustrated.
[0114] Indeed, by taking advantage of the property of a wet or damp
item of clothing, which, when subjected to suitable stretch, takes
on the desired shape and, after the drying, it keeps it over time,
the system according to the invention allows garments to be hung,
left to dry and at the same time pressed only by means of
mechanical traction movement, without the aid of electric energy
(in fact, by taking advantage of solar and ambient heat).
[0115] Furthermore, it is noted that, by keeping the item of
clothing stretched after the drying, it does not wrinkle even when
in contact with other items that compress it. Therefore, the system
of the invention is also suitable to place a garment back in the
wardrobe without wrinkling it and to put it in order after use.
[0116] The technical effects and advantages indicated above are
obtained by the system by virtue of the structural features
described above in detail, which contemplate an assembly of levers,
flexible rods, anchorings and rotary movements coordinated with
each other so as to create a right stretch/tension capable of
stretching out and keeping the items of clothing in the most
suitable shapes.
[0117] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the traction
movement imposed by the system occurs by horizontal and vertical
lines so as to stretch out the weft and warp of the item of
clothing. When the traction is implemented with the wet or damp
garment, the fibers are stretched out and they are set in the
original position during the drying process, thus ensuring the
pressing thereof. The mechanical traction occurs by means of
levers, which are positioned, according to the size of the item, in
the most suitable manner for stretching it out, in the ways
described above.
[0118] The final achieved result is effective pressing that does
not require electric energy and does not require care, except for
stretching out the garment on the system.
[0119] Different embodiments of the system, included in the same
invention concept, have been provided in order to adapt to the
various shapes which the items have by virtue of the tailoring
thereof. In the different embodiments, the system is capable of
pressing items of clothing for the torso, pants, sleeves, skirts.
The devices for pressing sleeves, pants or skirts can be each used
autonomously or in combination. Two structures which are
complementary to the rest of the system, and therefore can be added
thereto, are adapted to pressing the collar and the cuffs, and to
pressing the buttons. Overall, the system according to the
invention is very versatile, and can meet all main pressing
needs.
[0120] Those skilled in the art may make several changes and
adaptations to the above-described embodiments of the system for
stretching, drying and pressing a garment, and may replace elements
with others which are functionally equivalent also in conjunction
with the known art, thus also creating hybrid embodiments, in order
to meet contingent needs, without departing from the scope of the
following claims. Each of the features described as belonging to a
possible embodiment can be achieved irrespective of the other
embodiments described. Moreover, it is also worth noting that the
term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the
term "one" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, the drawings
are not necessarily to scale; contrarily, importance is generally
given to the illustration of the principles of the present
invention.
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