Device and method for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles

Description

DESCRIPTION attached to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION PATENT entitled: “Device and method for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles” On behalf of: MACPI SpA Pressing Division, an Italian company with headquarters in Palazzolo sull'Oglio (BS) Agents: see letter of appointment. Field of the found The present invention relates to a device and a method for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles. In particular, the device and method of this invention are used to iron portions of manufactured articles that cannot be stretched 5 lying on a flat surface. Preferably but not exclusively, the device of the This invention is used to iron cuffs or collars of shirts or shoulders of clothes. Background of the finding 10 Devices dedicated to ironing shirt cuffs have been known for a long time. These devices include a lower form with a convex surface and a counter- upper form with a concave surface that is brought closer to the form lower. Between the two concave and convex surfaces a cuff and a or both forms are heated to iron the cuff. For example, the document 15 public CN110820291A illustrates a cuff ironing press equipped with shapes and counter-forms as described above. Summary In the context of devices dedicated to ironing shirt cuffs such as those above 20 illustrated, the Applicant observed perceived the need to improve the ironing of cuffs and more generally of fabrics or similar manufactured articles which cannot be laid out on a flat surface and / or which, after ironing, should be kept in a non-planar shape. The Applicant therefore set itself the objective of designing a device and 25 a method of ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles which allows ironing with accuracy and precision of said fabrics or similar manufactured goods, improving the quality of the ironing. The Applicant has in particular set itself the objective of avoiding the formation of creases or other defects in fabrics or similar products once ironed. 5 The Applicant has also set itself the objective of increasing the speed of ironing thanks to particular characteristics of the device used for ironing. The Applicant has found that the stated objectives can be achieved using an inflatable and suction structure applied or to be applied on a of the surfaces of the form or counter-form with the function of ensuring that the 10 fabric or similar product is well stretched during ironing. In particular, the Applicant found that the stated objectives and others are essentially achieved by a device and a method for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles according to one or more of the attached claims and / or according to one or more of the following aspects. 15 In this description and in the attached claims, the terms “permeable” and “waterproof” means “permeable to air” and “impermeable to air” and more in general to gases. In this description and in the attached claims, with the shape “almost “complementary” of a surface means a negative shape of that surface 20 surface but slightly larger in size, so that the surface and the shape complementary lie parallel to each other when they are spaced apart by a distance default measured perpendicular to the surfaces. In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles, comprising: a first body having a 25 first curved surface; a second body presenting a second surface having a complementary shape (especially almost complementary) to that of the first curved surface; an inflatable mattress placed on the first curved surface, the inflatable mattress copying a shape of the first surface curve, the inflatable mattress being connected or connectable to safety devices 30 inflation configured to carry and maintain the inflatable mattress in a inflated configuration, in which one thickness of the inflatable mattress is greater than in a respective deflated configuration; a suction mattress placed on top of the inflatable mattress and having a permeable surface facing away from the air mattress, the suction mattress copying a shape of the air mattress, the suction mattress being connected or connectable to suction devices configured to suck air through the permeable surface so as to retain and stretch a fabric or 5 similar artifact placed on the permeable surface; in which the first body and the second body are mutually movable between a first position, in which the second surface is spaced from the suction mat, and a second position, in which the second surface is placed next to the suction mat of a minimum distance to avoid dragging the fabric or similar object placed there 10 on the permeable surface; where, in the second position, the mat inflatable, in the inflated configuration, presses the fabric or similar artefact placed on the permeable surface against the second surface. In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for ironing fabrics or similar products using the device described in the first aspect and / or 15 in one or more of the following aspects. The method includes: while the first body and the second body are in the first position, activate the suction devices to suck air through the permeable surface of the suction mat; arrange a fabric or similar artifact on the permeable surface so that said fabric or similar artifact is held and stretched out; bring the first body and the 20 second body in the second position by placing the second surface next to the fabric or similar artifact, optionally without the second surface touching the fabric or similar artifact; activate the inflation devices to bring the mattress inflatable in the inflated configuration and press the fabric or similar artefact placed on the permeable surface against the second surface. 25 The Applicant has verified that the device and method according to this invention ensure that the fabric or similar product is well stretched during the ironing. The Applicant has in fact verified that the suction mat allows for hold and stretch the fabric when it is placed on the surface 30 permeable. The Applicant has also verified that the inflatable mattress allows for exert pressure orthogonal to the tissue and the surfaces of the first and second second body and to avoid that portions of the fabric are dragged during the mutual juxtaposition of the first body and the second body. In fact, the minimum The distance that remains between the first and second surfaces prevents the fabric from being compressed and / or dragged. Compression is generated only afterwards by inflating the inflatable mattress. 5 Further aspects of the invention are listed below. In one aspect, the inflatable mattress and the vacuum mattress are elements separated lying one on top of the other. In a different aspect, the inflatable mattress and the vacuum mattress are among them joined as a single assembly, optionally gluing the suction mat 10 to the inflatable mattress, optionally with silicone. In one aspect, in the second position, the first surface and the second surface they are spaced apart by a predefined distance measured perpendicular to called first and second surfaces. In one aspect, in the second position and while the air mattress is in the 15 deflated configuration, the second surface, in addition to being spaced from the predefined distance from the first surface, it is also spaced from the mat aspirant of a minimum distance less than a thickness of the fabric or other similar artifact, for which the second surface does not touch the fabric or other similar artifact. In one aspect, in the second position, a sum of a thickness of the 20 suction mattress, of a thickness of the inflatable mattress in the deflated configuration and a thickness of the fabric or other similar artifact is less than the default distance. In one aspect, in the second position, a sum of a thickness of the suction mattress, of a thickness of the inflatable mattress in the 25 swollen configuration and a thickness of the fabric or other similar artifact is equal to the default distance. In one aspect, the inflatable mattress comprises a waterproof casing internally delimiting an inflatable chamber. In one aspect, the waterproof casing is made of silicone or fabric 30 waterproof, optionally a silicone coated fabric. In one aspect, at least one inflation tube connected to the inflators is attached to the waterproof casing of the inflatable mattress and one end of said inflation tube is open inside said waterproof casing of the inflatable mattress. In one aspect, the vacuum mat comprises: a casing comprising said permeable surface and an opposite impermeable surface placed against the 5 inflatable mattress. In one aspect, the vacuum mat comprises: a support provided with holes pass-throughs and inserted between the permeable surface and the opposite waterproof surface. The Applicant has verified that the support prevents the suction mat from being able to get crushed when the air mattress is inflated. 10 In one aspect, the permeable surface is part of a permeable layer, optionally a permeable fabric. In one aspect, the permeable surface is provided with a plurality of holes. In one aspect, the holes of the permeable surface are placed at the through holes of the support. 15 In one aspect, the opposite waterproof surface is part of a waterproof layer, optionally a waterproof fabric, optionally a coated fabric silicone. In one aspect, a waterproof frame surrounds the stand. In one aspect, the waterproof frame is a waterproof fabric, optionally 20 a silicone-coated fabric In one aspect, the waterproof frame is interposed between a peripheral portion of the permeable surface and a peripheral portion of the impermeable surface. In one aspect, the waterproof frame is joined airtight with said portion periphery of the permeable surface and peripheral portion of the surface 25 waterproof. In one aspect, the waterproof frame is joined airtight with a border of the support. The Applicant has verified that the structure of the suction mat equipped with The waterproof frame detail allows for effective suction 30 and concentrated in the area of ​​the support equipped with holes. The fabric is therefore effectively held and stretched out on the suction mat. In one aspect, at least one suction tube connected to the suction devices is attached to the vacuum mattress casing and an end opening of said suction tube is placed inside the said suction mattress casing. In one aspect, part of the suction pipe is machined as an integral part of the 5 waterproof layer and waterproof frame. In one aspect, the support comprises a flexible plate having said through holes. In one aspect, the flexible plate defines passages for air entering through the permeable surface. The Applicant has verified that the air passages ensure effective 10 suction action. In one aspect, the flexible plate comprises a plurality of feet extending from a first face of said flexible plate. In one aspect, the through holes open on the first face and between the feet. In one aspect, the feet rest against the waterproof surface and a second 15 face of the flexible plate is associated with the permeable surface. In one aspect, the feet delimit, together with the opposite waterproof surface, the so-called passages for incoming air through the permeable surface. The feet under the mattress also have the function of maintaining a distance between the latter and the lower shape during the suction phase to have a distance 20 constant between these two elements. In one aspect, the air passages are in fluid communication with the tube aspirant. In one aspect, the flexible plate is made of silicone. The Applicant has verified that the silicone allows the support to bend and copy 25 the shape of the first curved surface. In one aspect, the first curved surface is convex and the second curved surface is concave. In one aspect, the first curved surface and the second curved surface have each an inverted “U” shape. 30 In one aspect, the first curved surface and the second surface lie with each other parallel when they are spaced by a predefined measured distance perpendicular to the said first surface and second surface. In one aspect, the first body and / or the second body is / are heatable for ironing the fabric or similar manufactured product. In one aspect, it is expected to heat the first body and / or the second body for ironing the fabric or similar manufactured article. 5 In one aspect, the first body and / or the second body comprise / comprise or is / are coupled with electrical resistors to heat the first surface and / or the second surface. In one aspect, the first body and the second body are for example made of a heat-conducting material, optionally aluminum. 10 In one aspect, while the inflation devices are active, the suction devices are deactivated. In one aspect, the woven or similar manufactured articles include shirt cuffs or collars or shoulders of clothing. Further features and benefits will appear more clearly from the description 15 detailed embodiment of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device and of a method for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles in accordance with this invention. Description of the drawings 20 This description will be set out below with reference to the attached drawings, provided for indicative purposes only and therefore not limiting, in which: ▪ Figure 1 is a partial 3D and partially cutaway view of a device for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles in accordance with the present invention; ▪ Figure 2 is a 3D and partially cutaway view of a mattress 25 aspirator forming part of the device in figure 1; ▪ Figure 2A illustrates an enlarged portion of the suction mat of figure 2; ▪ Figure 2B illustrates a sectional portion of the suction mat of figure 2; 30 ▪ Figure 2C is a 3D view of an element of the suction mat in Figure 2; ▪ figure 3 is an exploded view of the suction mat in figure 2; ▪ Figure 4 is a sectional view of the device of Figure 1 in a first operational configuration; ▪ Figure 4A is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 4; ▪ Figure 5 is a sectional view of the device of Figure 1 in a second 5 operational configuration; ▪ Figure 5A is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 5; ▪ Figure 6 is a sectional view of the device of Figure 1 in a third operational configuration; ▪ Figure 6A is an enlargement of a portion of Figure 6. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention With reference to the attached figures, 1 has been indicated as a whole device for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured goods in accordance with this invention. The device 1 illustrated in the figures by way of example is configured 15 for ironing shirt cuffs or jacket shoulders. The device 1 comprises a first body 2, or male body, having a first curved surface 3 convex. The first body 2 illustrated has the shape of a sort of wedge with the curved top surface connected to two surfaces lateral planes. In the cross-sections of figures 3, 4 and 5, this curved surface 3 presents in 20 section an inverted “U” shape. The device 1 comprises a second body 4 having a second surface 5 convex and having a shape almost complementary to that of the first curved surface 3. The second surface 5 has a negative shape compared to the first curved surface 3 but slightly larger dimensions, so that the first curved surface 3 and the second 25 surface 5 lie parallel to each other when they are spaced apart by a distance default “d” measured perpendicular to said first and second surfaces 3, 5 (as in figures 5, 5A, 6 and 6A). The first body 2 and the second body 4 are for example made of a material that conducts heat, such as aluminum. The first body 2 and / or the second body 30 4 include / are or are coupled to electrical resistors which are powered to heat the first surface 3 and / or the second surface 5. The first body 2 and the second body 4 can for example be part of a more complex machine, for example automatic or semi-automatic, capable of move the first body 2 and the second body 4 reciprocally between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first body 2 and the second body 4 are spaced apart. In the second position, the second surface 5 it is placed next to the first surface 3 but maintains the aforementioned from the said first surface 3 5 default distance “d”. The device 1 further comprises an assembly consisting of an inflatable mattress 6 and from a suction mat 7. In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the inflatable mattress 6 and the suction mattress 7 are two elements separate ones that are placed one on top of the other, as detailed below. In variants 10 realizations, the inflatable mattress 6 and the suction mattress 7 can also to be united together as a single whole. The inflatable mattress 6 has a substantially flat shape and comprises a waterproof casing 8 which internally delimits an inflatable chamber 9. The waterproof casing 8 is made of silicone or a waterproof fabric, such as 15 For example, a silicone-coated fabric. As shown in figures 6 and 6A, a tube of inflation 10 connected to inflation devices, not illustrated, is joined to the waterproof casing 8 of the inflatable mattress 6 and one end of the tube of inflation 10 is open inside the inflatable chamber 9. The mattress inflatable 6 is flexible and / or pre-shaped so that it can be placed on the first 20 surface 3 and copy its inverted “U” shape. Inflation devices are configured to push air into the chamber inflatable 9 in order to increase the pressure and to allow the escape of the air. By means of the aforementioned inflation devices, the inflatable mattress 6 can assume a deflated configuration or an inflated configuration. In the 25 deflated configuration, illustrated in figures 4, 4A, 5, 5A, the inflatable mattress 6 has a first thickness “t1”. In the inflated configuration, illustrated in the figures 6, 6A, the inflatable mattress 6 has a second thickness “t2” greater than the first thickness “t1”. For example, the second thickness “t2” is twice the first thickness “t1”. 30 The suction mat 7 has a substantially flat shape and a more complex structure of the inflatable mattress 6. The suction mattress 7 comprises a casing (figures 2, 2A, 2B and 3) formed by a permeable layer 11, a waterproof layer 12 and a waterproof frame 13 placed between a portion periphery of the permeable layer 11 and a peripheral portion of the layer waterproof 12. The waterproof layer 12 and the waterproof frame 13 can be made of the same material, for example a waterproof fabric, such as a silicone-coated fabric. The permeable layer 11 is for example a 5 permeable fabric. The waterproof frame 13 and the waterproof layer 12 are joined together in a watertight manner of air at the respective perimeter edges and the peripheral portion of the permeable layer 11 is joined in an airtight manner to the waterproof frame 13. The assembly made up of the permeable layer 11, the waterproof layer 12 and the frame 10 waterproof 13 forms the aforementioned casing which internally delimits a chamber aspirant 14. A central area of ​​the permeable layer 11, delimited peripherally from the waterproof frame 13, therefore defines a surface permeable 15 and is also provided with a plurality of holes 16. The waterproof layer 12 defines a respective waterproof surface. 15 The suction mat 7 also comprises a support 17 defined by a plate flexible silicone plate with 18 through holes. The flexible plate includes a plurality of feet 19 developing from a first face of the same plate flexible. The 18 through holes open on the first face and on a second face, opposite to the first. Furthermore, the through holes 18 are located between the feet 19. 20 The support 17 is placed in the suction chamber 14, between the permeable layer 11 and the waterproof layer 12. The waterproof frame 13 surrounds the support 17 and is airtight joint with one edge of the support 17. The feet 19 rest against the waterproof layer 12. The second face of the support 17 is associated with the layer permeable 11. Furthermore, each of the holes 16 of the permeable layer 11 is placed in 25 corresponding to a respective through hole 18 of the support 17 (figure 2B). The feet 19, together with the waterproof layer 12, delimit air passages 19A. As visible in figures 2, 2B and 3, the waterproof layer 12 and the frame waterproof 13 have respective appendices 20, 21 which, once joined, form parts of suction pipes 22. The mentioned parts of suction pipes 22 are 30 obtained as an integral part of the waterproof layer 12 and the frame waterproof 13. The suction pipes 22 are connected to suction devices, not illustrated, and end openings of the aforementioned parts of the suction pipes 22 are placed inside the casing of the suction mattress 7, or in communication of fluid with the suction chamber 14, with the air passages 19A, with the through holes 18 and with the holes 16 of the permeable layer 11. The suction devices are configured to draw air through the permeable layer 11 and the holes 16. The suction mat 7 is flexible and / or pre-shaped so that it can be laid down 5 on top of the inflatable mattress 6 and copy its inverted “U” shape. suction mat 7 is placed on the inflatable mat 6 with the layer waterproof 12 resting against the inflatable mattress 6 and the surface permeable 15 provided with holes 16 facing the opposite side to the mattress inflatable 6. The suction mat 7 can be combined with the inflatable mat 10 6, for example by first spreading liquid silicone on an external peripheral area of ​​the waterproof layer 12 which, when activated, turns the two mattresses 6, 7 into one body unique. In use and in accordance with a method for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles according to the present invention, while the first body 2 and the second body 4 are in the first 15 position, the inflators are inactive and the inflatable mattress 6 is deflated. Suction devices are activated to draw air through the permeable surface 15 provided with holes 16 and a cuff “P” of a shirt is placed on the permeable surface 15 (figures 4 and 4A). The suction allows to extend the cuff “P” and hold it on the suction mat 7 and on the first body 20 2. The suction is particularly effective thanks to the waterproof frame 13 illustrated in this embodiment which allows to obtain a suction concentrated in the area of ​​the support 17 equipped with through holes 18. Subsequently, the second body 4 is brought closer to the first body 2 until they are in the second position (figures 5 and 5A) while the inflatable mattress 6 is still 25 deflated. In this position, the second surface 5, in addition to being spaced from the default distance “d” from the first surface 3, it is also spaced from the mat aspirant 7 of a minimum distance “d1” less than a thickness “S” of the cuff, for where the second surface 5 does not touch the cuff “P” and avoids dragging and deform the cuff “P” during the approach of the second body 4 to the first body 30 2. In other words, in the second position, a sum of a thickness of the suction mattress 7, of a thickness of the inflatable mattress 6 in the deflated configuration (i.e. the first thickness “t1” mentioned above) and of the thickness “S” of cuff “P” is less than the default distance “d”. At this point, the suction devices are deactivated and the inflation are activated in order to inflate the air mattress 6, increase its thickness and press the “P” cuff placed on the permeable surface 15 against the second surface 5 (figures 6 and 6A). In other words, in the second 5 position and with the inflatable mattress 6 in the inflated configuration, a sum of the thickness of the suction mat 7, of the thickness of the mat inflatable 6 in the inflated configuration (i.e. the second thickness “t2” mentioned in previously) and the thickness “S” of the cuff “P” is equal to the default distance “d”. To exert such pressure, if the second surface 5 was not present, the 10 the aforementioned sum would be slightly greater than the predefined distance “d”. The pressure and heat generated through the electrical resistances that heat the first surface 3 and / or the second surface 5 perform the ironing of the cuff “P”. Once ironing is complete, the inflatable mattress 6 is first deflated and 15 subsequently the second body 4 is moved away from the first body 2 and then remove the “P” cuff from the permeable surface 15. List of items 1 device for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured goods 20 2 first body 3 first curved surface 4 second body 5 second surface 6 inflatable mattress 25 7 vacuum mattress 8 waterproof casing 9 inflatable chamber 10 inflation tube 11 permeable layer 30 12 waterproof layer 13 waterproof frame 14 suction chamber 15 permeable surface 16 holes of the permeable layer 17 support 18 through holes of the support 19 feet 5 19A air passages 20 appendix of the waterproof layer 21 waterproof frame appendix 22 suction pipes d default distance 10 d1 minimum distance P fabric or similar manufactured product, cuff S thickness

Claims

1. A device for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles, comprising: a first body (2) having a first curved surface (3); a second body (4) having a second surface (5) having a shape complementary to that of the first curved surface (3); an inflatable mattress (6) placed on the first curved surface (3), the inflatable mattress (6) copying a shape of the first curved surface (3), the inflatable mattress (6) being connected or connectable to inflation devices configured to carry and maintain the inflatable mattress (6) in an inflated configuration, in which a thickness of the inflatable mattress (6) is greater than in a respective deflated configuration;a suction mat (7) placed on the inflatable mat (6) and having a permeable surface (15) facing away from the inflatable mat (6), the suction mat (7) copying a shape of the inflatable mat (6), the suction mat (7) being connected or connectable to suction devices configured to suck air through the permeable surface (15) so as to retain and stretch a fabric or similar article (P) placed on the permeable surface (15); wherein the first body (2) and the second body (4) are movable relative to each other between a first position, in which the second surface (5) is spaced from the suction mat (7), and a second position, in which the second surface (5) is placed close to the suction mat (7) by a minimum distance (d1) such as to avoid dragging the fabric or similar article (P) placed on the permeable surface (15);wherein, in the second position, the inflatable mattress (6) in the inflated configuration presses the fabric or similar artefact (P) placed on the permeable surface (15) against the second surface (5).; 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable mattress (6) comprises a waterproof casing (8) internally delimiting an inflatable chamber (9); the waterproof casing (8) being made of silicone or waterproof fabric. - 1 MAC1P29IT Eng. Marco Brasca Register no. 1094BM 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction mattress (7) comprises: a casing defined by said permeable surface (15) and by an opposite impermeable surface placed against the inflatable mattress (6); a support (17) provided with through holes (18) and inserted between the permeable surface (15) and the opposite impermeable surface.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the permeable surface (15) is made of permeable fabric and / or is provided with a plurality of holes (16), wherein the holes (16) of the permeable surface (15) are placed in correspondence with the through holes (18) of the support (17).

5. Device according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a waterproof frame (13) surrounding the support (17), interposed between a peripheral portion of the permeable surface (15) and a peripheral portion of the waterproof surface and joined in an airtight manner with said peripheral portion of the permeable surface (15) and peripheral portion of the waterproof surface and with an edge of the support (17).

6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the support (17) comprises a flexible plate equipped with said through holes (18) and a plurality of feet (19) extending from a first face of said flexible plate; wherein the feet (19) rest against the waterproof surface and a second face of the flexible plate is associated with the permeable surface (15); the flexible plate being made of silicone.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first curved surface (3) is convex and the second surface (5) is concave; wherein the first body (2) and / or the second body (4) is / are heatable to iron the fabric or similar article (P).

8. Method for ironing fabrics or similar manufactured articles using the device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: - 2 MAC1P29IT Eng. Marco Brasca Albo n. 1094BM while the first body (2) and the second body (4) are in the first position, activate the suction devices to suck air through the permeable surface (15) of the suction mat (7); arrange a fabric or similar manufactured article (P) on the permeable surface (15) in such a way that said fabric or similar manufactured article (P) is held and stretched; bring the first body (2) and the second body (4) to the second position by placing the second surface (3) close to the fabric or similar manufactured article (P); activate the inflation devices to bring the inflatable mat (6) into the inflated configuration and press the fabric or similar manufactured article (P) placed on the permeable surface (15) against the second surface (5).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, while the inflation devices are active, the suction devices are deactivated. 15 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, comprising: heating the first body (2) and / or the second body (4) to iron the fabric or similar article (P).