Device and method for ironing fabrics or similar articles

Abstract

Device for ironing fabrics or similar articles comprises a first body (2) with a first curved surface (3) and a second body (4) with a second surface (5) having an outline complementary to that of the first curved surface (3). An inflatable pad (6) is lying on the first curved surface (3) and is connected to inflating devices configured to carry and maintain the inflatable pad (6) in an inflated configuration. A suction pad (7) is lying on top of the inflatable pad (6) and is connected to suction devices configured to suck air through a permeable surface (15) so as to hold and spread a fabric or similar article (P) lying on it. The first body (2) and the second body (4) are mutually movable between a first position, in which the second surface (5) is spaced away from the suction pad (7), and a second position, in which the second surface (5) is approached to the suction pad (7) by a minimum distance (d1). In the second position, the inflatable pad (6) is inflated to press the fabric or similar article (P) placed on the permeable surface (15) against the second surface (5).

Description

Field of the finding

[0001] The present invention has as its object a device and a method for ironing fabrics or similar articles. In particular, the device and method of the present invention are used to iron portions of articles that cannot be stretched on a plane. Preferably but not exclusively, the device of the present invention is used to iron cuffs or collars of shirts or shoulders of garments.Background of the finding

[0002] Devices dedicated to the ironing of shirt cuffs are known since a long time. These devices comprise a lower shape provided with a convex surface and an upper counter shape provided with a concave surface that is approached by the lower shape. Between the two concave and convex surfaces a cuff is arranged and one or both shapes are heated to iron the cuff. For example, the public document CN110820291A shows a press for ironing cuffs provided with shapes and counter-shapes as above described. It is also known the document DE10319488A1 that shows an ironing and shaping machine for ironing cuffs and collars of shirts or similar. Such an ironing machine comprises a lower shaping machine consisting of a convex ironing surface and an upper shaping machine consisting of a concave ironing surface.Summary

[0003] In the context of devices dedicated to the ironing of shirt cuffs such as those shown above, the Applicant has observed the need to improve the ironing of cuffs and more generally of fabrics or similar articles that cannot be stretched on a plane and / or that, after the ironing, it is opportune that they maintain a non-planar shape.

[0004] The Applicant has therefore set itself the objective of conceiving a device and method for ironing fabrics or similar articles that will allow to iron said fabrics or similar articles with accuracy and precision, improving the quality of ironing.

[0005] The Applicant has in particular set itself the objective of preventing the formation of creases or other defects in fabrics or similar articles once they have been ironed.

[0006] The Applicant also set itself the objective of increasing the speed of ironing thanks to particular characteristics of the device adopted for ironing.

[0007] The Applicant has found that the indicated objectives can be achieved by using an inflatable and suction structure applied or to be applied to one of the surfaces of the shape or counter- shape with the function of ensuring that the fabric or similar article is well stretched during the ironing process.

[0008] In particular, the Applicant has found that the indicated objectives and others are substantially achieved by a device and a method for ironing fabric or similar articles according to one or more of the attached claims and / or according to one or more of the following aspects.

[0009] In the present description and the attached claims, with the terms "permeable" and "impermeable" is intended "permeable to air" and "impermeable to air" and more generally to gases.

[0010] In the present description and the attached claims, with "nearly complementary" outline of a surface is intended a negative outline of said surface but slightly larger in size, so that the surface and the complementary outline lie parallel to each other when they are spaced by a predetermined distance measured perpendicularly to the surfaces.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for ironing fabrics or similar articles, comprising: a first body having a first curved surface; a second body having a second surface having an outline complementary (in particular almost complementary) to that of the first curved surface; an inflatable pad lying on the first curved surface, the inflatable pad copying a shape of the first curved surface, the inflatable pad being connected or connectable to inflating devices configured to carry and maintain the inflatable pad in an inflated configuration, in which a thickness of the inflatable pad is greater than in a respective deflated configuration; a suction pad lying on top of the inflatable pad and having a permeable surface facing away from the inflatable pad, the suction pad copying a shape of the inflatable pad, the suction pad being connected or connectable to suction devices configured to suck air through the permeable surface so as to hold and spread a fabric or similar article lying on the permeable surface; wherein the first body and the second body are mutually movable between a first position, in which the second surface is spaced away from the suction pad, and a second position, in which the second surface is approached to the suction pad by a minimum distance such that the fabric or similar article lying on the permeable surface is not dragged; wherein, in the second position, the inflatable pad in the inflated configuration, presses the fabric or similar article placed on the permeable surface against the second surface.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the present invention refers to a method for ironing fabrics or similar articles through the device described in the first aspect and / or in one or more of the following aspects. The method comprises: while the first body and the second body are in the first position, activating the suction devices to draw air through the permeable surface of the suction pad; arranging a fabric or similar article on the permeable surface so that said fabric or similar article is held and spread; bringing the first body and the second body to the second position by placing the second surface next to the fabric or similar article, optionally without having the second surface touching the fabric or similar article; activating the inflating devices to bring the inflatable pad to the inflated configuration and press the fabric or similar article placed on the permeable surface against the second surface.

[0013] The Applicant has verified that the device and method according to the present invention ensure that the fabric or similar article is well stretched during the ironing. The Applicant has in fact verified that the suction pad allows to held and stretch the fabric when the latter is laid on the permeable surface.

[0014] The Applicant has also verified that the inflatable pad allows to apply a pressure orthogonal to the fabric and to the surfaces of the first and second bodies and to prevent that portions of the fabric are dragged during the mutual juxtaposition of the first body and the second body. In fact, the minimum distance that remains between the first and second surfaces prevents the fabric from being compressed and / or dragged. The compression is generated only later through the inflation of the inflatable pad.

[0015] Further aspects of the invention are listed below.

[0016] In an aspect, the inflatable pad and suction pad are separate elements lying on top of each other.

[0017] In a different aspect, the inflatable pad and suction pad are joined together as one assembly, optionally by gluing the suction pad to the inflatable pad, optionally by silicone.

[0018] In an aspect, in the second position, the first surface and the second surface are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance measured perpendicular to said first and second surfaces.

[0019] In an aspect, in the second position and while the inflatable pad is in the deflated configuration, the second surface, in addition to being spaced by the predefined distance from the first surface, is also spaced from the suction pad by a minimum distance less than a thickness of the fabric or other similar article, so that the second surface does not touch the fabric or other similar article.

[0020] In an aspect, in the second position, a sum of a thickness of the suction pad, of a thickness of the inflatable pad in the deflated configuration and of a thickness of the fabric or other similar article is less than the predefined distance.

[0021] In an aspect, in the second position, a sum of a thickness of the suction pad, of a thickness of the inflatable pad in the inflated configuration and of a thickness of the fabric or other similar article is equal to the predefined distance.

[0022] In an aspect, the inflatable pad comprises an impermeable casing internally delimiting an inflatable chamber.

[0023] In an aspect, the impermeable casing is made of silicone or impermeable fabric, optionally a silicone coated fabric.

[0024] In an aspect, at least one inflation tube connected to the inflation devices is joined to the impermeable casing of the inflatable pad and one end of said inflation tube is open inside said impermeable casing of the inflatable pad.

[0025] In an aspect, the suction pad comprises: an enclosure comprising said permeable surface and an opposing impermeable surface lying against the inflatable pad.

[0026] In an aspect, the suction pad comprises: a support provided with through holes and sandwiched between the permeable surface and the opposing impermeable surface.

[0027] The Applicant has verified that the support prevents the suction pad from being crushed when the inflatable pad is inflated.

[0028] In an aspect, the permeable surface is part of a permeable layer, optionally a permeable fabric.

[0029] In an aspect, the permeable surface is provided with a plurality of holes.

[0030] In an aspect, the holes of the permeable surface are located at the through holes of the support.

[0031] In an aspect, the opposing impermeable surface is part of an impermeable layer, optionally an impermeable fabric, optionally a silicone coated fabric.

[0032] In an aspect, an impermeable frame surrounds the support.

[0033] In an aspect, the impermeable frame is an impermeable fabric, optionally a silicone coated fabric.

[0034] In an aspect, the impermeable frame is interposed between a peripheral portion of the permeable surface and a peripheral portion of the impermeable surface.

[0035] In an aspect, the impermeable frame is joined airtight with said peripheral portion of the permeable surface and peripheral portion of the impermeable surface.

[0036] In an aspect, the impermeable frame is joined airtight with an edge of the support. The Applicant has verified that the suction pad structure provided in particular with the impermeable frame allows to obtain an effective and concentrated suction in the area of the support provided with holes. The fabric is therefore effectively retained and stretched on the suction pad.

[0037] In an aspect, at least one suction tube connected to the suction devices is joined to the enclosure of the suction pad and one end opening of said suction tube is located inside said enclosure of the suction pad.

[0038] In an aspect, part of the suction tube is obtained as an integral part of the impermeable layer and of the impermeable frame.

[0039] In an aspect, the support comprises a flexible plate having said through holes.

[0040] In an aspect, the flexible plate delimits passages for incoming air through the permeable surface.

[0041] The Applicant has verified that the air passages ensure an effective suction action. In an aspect, the flexible plate comprises a plurality of feet developed from a first face of said flexible plate.

[0042] In an aspect, the through holes open on the first face and among the feet.

[0043] In an aspect, the feet rest against the impermeable surface and a second face of the flexible plate is associated with the permeable surface.

[0044] In an aspect, the feet delimit, together with the opposing impermeable surface, said air passages for the incoming air through the permeable surface.

[0045] The feet under the pad have also the function of maintaining a distance between the latter and the lower shape during the suction step to have a constant distance between these two elements.

[0046] In an aspect, the air passages are in fluid communication with the suction pipe.

[0047] In an aspect, the flexible plate is realized in silicone.

[0048] The Applicant has verified that the silicone allows the support to curve and copy the shape of the first curved surface.

[0049] In an aspect, the first curved surface is convex and the second curved surface is concave.

[0050] In an aspect, the first curved surface and the second curved surface have each one an inverted "U" outline.

[0051] In an aspect, the first curved surface and the second surface lie parallel to each other when they are spaced by a predetermined distance measured perpendicularly to said first surface and second surface.

[0052] In an aspect, the first body and / or the second body is / are heatable for ironing the fabric or similar article.

[0053] In an aspect, it is provided to heat the first body and / or the second body for ironing the fabric or similar article.

[0054] In an aspect, the first body and / or the second body comprises / e or is / are coupled with electrical resistances to heat the first surface and / or the second surface.

[0055] In an aspect, the first body and the second body are for example realized in a material that conducts heat, optionally in aluminum.

[0056] In an aspect, while the inflating devices are on, the suction devices are turned off. In an aspect, fabrics or similar articles comprise cuffs or collars of shirts or shoulders of garments.

[0057] Further characteristics and advantages will appear more from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device and of a method for ironing fabrics or similar articles according to the present invention.Description of drawings

[0058] This description will be set forth below with reference to the attached drawings, provided for illustrative purposes only and, therefore, not limiting, in which: ▪ figure 1 is a 3D partial and partially cutaway view of a device for ironing fabrics or similar articles according to the present invention; ▪ figure 2 is a 3D view and partially cutaway of a suction pad forming part of the device in figure 1; ▪ figure 2A shows an enlarged portion of the suction pad of figure 2; ▪ figure 2B shows a cross-sectional portion of the suction pad of figure 2; ▪ figure 2C shows a 3D view of an element of the suction pad of figure 2; ▪ figure 3 is an exploded view of the suction pad of figure 2; ▪ figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of figure 1 in a first operating configuration; ▪ figure 4A is an enlargement of a portion of figure 4; ▪ figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device of figure 1 in a second operating configuration; ▪ figure 5A is an enlargement of a portion of figure 5; ▪ figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of figure 1 in a third operating configuration; ▪ figure 6A is an enlargement of a portion of figure 6. Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0059] With reference to the attached figures, with 1 has been overall indicated a device for ironing fabrics or similar articles according to the present invention. The device 1 shown in the figures by way of example is configured to iron shirt cuffs or jacket shoulders.

[0060] The device 1 comprises a first body 2 or male body, having a first convex curved surface 3. The first body 2 shown has the outline of a kind of wedge with the curved top surface connected to two lateral plane surfaces. In the sections of Figures 3, 4 and 5, such a curved surface 3 has an inverted "U" shape in section. The device 1 comprises a second body 4 having a second convex surface 5 and having an almost complementary outline to that of the first curved surface 3. The second surface 5 has a negative outline with respect to the first curved surface 3 but slightly larger in size, so that the first curved surface 3 and the second surface 5 lie parallel to each other when spaced by a predetermined distance "d" measured perpendicularly to said first and second surface 3, 5 (as in figures 5, 5A, 6 and 6A).

[0061] The first body 2 and the second body 4 are for example realized in a material that conducts heat, for example in aluminum. The first body 2 and / or the second body 4 comprises / e or is / are coupled with electrical resistances that are supplied to heat the first surface 3 and / or the second surface 5.

[0062] 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 reciprocally moving the first body 2 and the second body 4 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first body 2 and the second body 4 are spaced. In the second position, the second surface 5 is placed next to the first surface 3 but maintains from said first surface 3 the mentioned predefined distance "d".

[0063] The device 1 also comprises an assembly formed by an inflatable pad 6 and a suction pad 7. In the embodiment shown in the attached figures, the inflatable pad 6 and the suction pad 7 are two separate elements that are laid on top of each other, as detailed below. In embodiment variants, the inflatable pad 6 and the suction pad 7 can also be joined together as a single assembly.

[0064] The inflatable pad 6 has a substantially flat shape and comprises an impermeable casing 8 that internally delimits an inflatable chamber 9. The impermeable casing 8 is made of silicone or of an impermeable fabric, for example a silicone coated fabric. As visible in figures 6 and 6A, an inflation tube 10 connected to inflation devices, not shown, is joined to the impermeable casing 8 of inflatable pad 6, and an end of the inflation tube 10 is open inside the inflatable chamber 9. The inflatable pad 6 is flexible and / or pre-shaped so that it lies on the first surface 3 and copies its inverted "U" shape.

[0065] The inflation devices are configured to feed air into the inflatable chamber 9 in such a way as to increase its pressure and to allow the air to escape. Through the aforementioned inflation devices, the inflatable pad 6 can assume either a deflated configuration or an inflated configuration. In the deflated configuration, shown in figures 4, 4A, 5, 5A, the inflatable pad 6 has a first thickness "t1." In the inflated configuration, shown in figures 6, 6A, the inflatable pad 6 has a second thickness "t2" greater than the first thickness "t1". For example, the second thickness "t2" is twice the first thickness "t1".

[0066] The suction pad 7 has a substantially flat shape and a more complex structure than the inflatable pad 6. The suction pad 7 comprises an enclosure (figures 2, 2A, 2B and 3) formed by a permeable layer 11, an impermeable layer 12 and an impermeable frame 13 placed between a peripheral portion of the permeable layer 11 and a peripheral portion of the impermeable layer 12. The impermeable layer 12 and the impermeable frame 13 can be made of a same material, for example, an impermeable fabric, such as a silicone coated fabric. The permeable layer 11 is, for example, a permeable fabric.

[0067] The impermeable frame 13 and the impermeable layer 12 are joined together airtight at their respective perimeter edges and the peripheral portion of the permeable layer 11 is joined airtight to the impermeable frame 13. The assembly formed by the permeable layer 11, the impermeable layer 12, and the impermeable frame 13 forms the aforementioned enclosure that internally delimits a suction chamber 14. A central area of the permeable layer 11, peripherally delimited by the impermeable frame 13, therefore defines a permeable surface 15 and is also provided with a plurality of holes 16. The impermeable layer 12 defines a respective impermeable surface.

[0068] The suction pad 7 also comprises a support 17 defined by a flexible silicone plate provided with through-holes 18. The flexible plate comprises a plurality of feet 19 developed from a first face of the same flexible plate. Through holes 18 open on the first face and on a second face, opposite to the first face. Furthermore, the through holes 18 are located among feet 19.

[0069] The support 17 is located in the suction chamber 14, between the permeable layer 11 and the impermeable layer 12. The impermeable frame 13 surrounds the support 17 and is joined airtight with an edge of the support 17. The feet 19 rest against the impermeable layer 12. The second face of the support 17 is associated with the permeable layer 11. Furthermore, each of the holes 16 of the permeable layer 11 is located at a respective through-hole 18 of the support 17 (figure 2B). The feet 19, together with the impermeable layer 12, delineate air passages 19A.

[0070] As visible in figures 2, 2B and 3, the impermeable layer 12 and the impermeable frame 13 have respective attachments 20, 21 which, when joined together, form parts of suction tubes 22. The mentioned parts of suction tubes 22 are obtained as an integral part of the impermeable layer 12 and of the impermeable frame 13. The suction tubes 22 are connected to suction devices, not shown, and end openings of the mentioned parts of suction tubes 22 are placed inside the enclosure of the suction pad 7, i.e., in fluid communication with the suction chamber 14, with air passages 19A, with through holes 18, and with holes 16 of the permeable layer 11. The suction devices are configured to suck air through the permeable layer 11 and holes 16.

[0071] The inflatable pad 7 is flexible and / or pre-shaped so that it lies on the inflatable pad 6 and copies its inverted "U" shape. The suction pad 7 is located on the inflatable pad 6 with the impermeable layer 12 lying against the inflatable pad 6 and the permeable surface 15 provided with the holes 16 facing away from the inflatable pad 6. The suction pad 7 can be joined to the inflatable pad 6, for example by first spreading liquid silicone on an outer peripheral area of the impermeable layer 12 which, upon activation, makes the two pads 6, 7 become one body.

[0072] In use and in accordance with a method for ironing fabrics or similar articles according to the present invention, while the first body 2 and the second body 4 are in the first position, the inflation devices are turned off and the inflatable pad 6 is deflated. The suction devices are activated to suck air through the permeable surface 15 provided with the holes 16 and a cuff "P" of a shirt is laid on the permeable surface 15 (figures 4 and 4A). The suction allows to spread the cuff "P" and hold it on the suction pad 7 and on the first body 2. The suction is particularly effective also thanks to the impermeable frame 13 illustrated in this embodiment, which makes it possible to obtain a concentrated suction in the area of the support 17 provided with the through holes 18.

[0073] Subsequently, the second body 4 is approached to the first body 2 until they are brought into the second position (figures 5 and 5A) while the inflatable pad 6 is still deflated. In this position, the second surface 5, in addition to being spaced by the predefined distance "d" from the first surface 3, is also spaced from the suction pad 7 by a minimum distance "d1" less than a thickness "S" of the cuff, so that the second surface 5 does not touch the cuff "P" and it is avoided to drag and deform the cuff "P" during the approach of the second body 4 to the first body 2. In other words, in the second position, a sum of a thickness of the suction pad 7, of a thickness of the inflatable pad 6 in the deflated configuration (i.e. the first thickness "t1" above mentioned) and of the thickness "S" of the cuff "P" is less than the predefined distance "d".

[0074] At this point, the suction devices are turned off and the inflation devices are activated in such a way as to inflate the inflatable pad 6, increase its thickness and press the cuff "P" placed on the permeable surface 15 against the second surface 5 (figures 6 and 6A). In other words, in the second position and with the inflatable pad 6 in the inflated configuration, a sum of the thickness of the suction pad 7, of the thickness of the inflatable pad 6 in the inflated configuration (i.e. the second thickness "t2" above mentioned) and of the thickness "S" of the cuff "P" is equal to the predefined distance "d". In order to apply this pressure, if the second surface 5 were not present, the mentioned sum would be slightly greater than the predefined distance "d". The pressure and the heat generated through the electrical resistances that heat the first surface 3 and / or the second surface 5 carry out the ironing of the cuff "P".

[0075] Once the ironing is completed, the inflatable pad 6 is first deflated and subsequently the second body 4 is moved away from the first body 2, and then the cuff "P" is removed from the permeable surface 15.List of elements

[0076] 1device for ironing fabrics or similar articles 2first body 3first curved surface 4second body 5second surface 6inflatable pad 7suction pad 8impermeable casing 9inflatable chamber 10inflation tube 11permeable layer 12impermeable layer 13impermeable frame 14suction chamber 15permeable surface 16holes of the permeable layer 17support 18through holes of the support 19feet 19Aair passages 20attachment of the impermeable layer 21attachment of the impermeable frame 22suction tubes dpredefined distance d1minimum distance Pfabric or similar article, cuff Sthickness

Claims

1. Device for ironing fabrics or similar articles, comprising: a first body (2) having a first curved surface (3); a second body (4) having a second surface (5) having an outline complementary to that of the first curved surface (3); an inflatable pad (6) lying on the first curved surface (3), the inflatable pad (6) copying a shape of the first curved surface (3), the inflatable pad (6) being connected to inflating devices configured to carry and maintain the inflatable pad (6) in an inflated configuration, in which a thickness of the inflatable pad (6) is greater than in a respective deflated configuration; a suction pad (7) lying on top of the inflatable pad (6) and having a permeable surface (15) facing away from the inflatable pad (6), the suction pad (7) copying a shape of the inflatable pad (6), the suction pad (7) being connected to suction devices configured to suck air through the permeable surface (15) so as to hold and spread a fabric or similar article (P) lying on the permeable surface (15); wherein the first body (2) and the second body (4) are mutually movable between a first position, in which the second surface (5) is spaced away from the suction pad (7), and a second position, in which the second surface (5) is approached to the suction pad (7) by a minimum distance (d1) such that the fabric or similar article (P) lying on the permeable surface (15) is not dragged; wherein, in the second position, the inflatable pad (6) in the inflated configuration presses the fabric or similar article (P) placed on the permeable surface (15) against the second surface (5).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable pad (6) comprises a impermeable casing (8) internally delimiting an inflatable chamber (9); the impermeable casing (8) being made of silicone or impermeable fabric.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction pad (7) comprises: an enclosure defined by said permeable surface (15) and an opposing impermeable surface lying against the inflatable pad (6); a support (17) provided with through holes (18) and sandwiched between the permeable surface (15) and the opposing 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 located at the through holes (18) of the support (17).

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

6. Device according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the support (17) comprises a flexible plate having said through holes (18) and a plurality of feet (19) developed from a first face of said flexible plate; wherein the feet (19) rest against the impermeable 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 for ironing the fabric or similar article (P).

8. Method for ironing textiles or similar articles through the device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: ▪ while the first body (2) and the second body (4) are in the first position, activating the suction devices to draw air through the permeable surface (15) of the suction pad (7); ▪ arranging a fabric or similar article (P) on the permeable surface (15) so that said fabric or similar article (P) is held and spread; ▪ bringing the first body (2) and the second body (4) to the second position by placing the second surface (3) next to the fabric or similar article (P); ▪ activating the inflating devices to bring the inflatable pad (6) to the inflated configuration and press the fabric or similar article (P) placed on the permeable surface (15) against the second surface (5).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein, while the inflating devices are on, the suction devices are turned off.

10. 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).

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