EP3215667B1

EP3215667B1 - Device for hanging up, pressing and stowing garments by a mechanic traction movement without aid of electric energy

Info

Publication number: EP3215667B1
Application number: EP15820256.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ivano MAININI; Andrea COSCETTI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-11-07
Filing date: 2015-11-05
Publication date: 2018-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-05
Also published as: JP2018502676A; CN107109770A; US20170342650A1; AU2015344448A1; EP3215667A1; WO2016071865A1

Description

BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

Field of application

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

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.
With reference to pressing alone, the iron and vertical steam pressing for domestic uses and various pressing machines for industrial use are known.
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.
Furthermore, the direct heat generated by conventional methods may damage items of clothing in the long run, after numerous pressing operations.
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.
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.
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.
The German Patent Application DE 102 12 403 A1 describes a system for hanging up and stretching garments, comprising a dummy for ironing garments having an inflatable sack with an air-permeable shell, and an adjustable circumference. The garment, at the inner contour of the shell, is fitted over the sack, and at least one deflector is within the sack.
By the wording of claim 1 this known application discloses (the references in parentheses applying to this document) a system for hanging up, drying and pressing a garment, comprising a hanger (4, see figure 1) and at least one stretching device, said stretching device comprising a first rod (the plate 20 can be referred to as "rod") connected to said hanger (4) through coupling-decoupling means; two pairs of foldable arms (see pairs of arms in correspondence of the reference numbers 8 and 7); two stretching elements (the deflectors bars 6 with their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal axis 19 of the sack) suitable to stretch the garment, arranged at opposite sides relative to the first rod (20); and rotation control means (15) for controlling the rotation movements of the arms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Such an object is achieved by a system in accordance with claim 1.
Further embodiments of such a system are defined in the dependent claims 2 to 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

figure 1 depicts a front view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention;
figure 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 figure 1;
figures 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;
figure 4 depicts a front view of a system according to yet a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to figures 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to an embodiment of the system, shown in figures 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.
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.
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.
The aforesaid intermediate joint 86 is e.g., a reverse movement joint 86.
It is worth noting that figures 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.
In accordance with another embodiment of system 100, shown in figure 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.
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.
The control means 6, 11, 12 are configured to control the rotation movement of the arms 8.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to an implementing option, the system 100 may comprise a plurality of the aforesaid first and second X-configurations of arms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 figures 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 figure 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.
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.
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.
PRESSING OF ITEMS OF CLOTHING FOR THE TORSO (JERSEYS, T-SHIRTS, SHIRTS, ETC.), shown with particular reference to figure 1.

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.
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.
The device in figure 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.
b) Arrangement of the components and operation of the device.

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.
With reference to the clothes-hanger 2, it is worth noting that it may be a common clothes-hanger.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
For left-handed people, it is sufficient to reverse the parts of the model of use.
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.
Different types of releases (e.g. "button release", "reinforced lip release", and so on), in themselves known, can be used.
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.

c) Size variants

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.

d) Variants of the opening system

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".
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"L-shaped opening": in such a case, already illustrated above with reference to figures 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.

e) Variants for vertical stretching

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° 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° ("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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PRESSING FOR SLEEVES OF CLOTHING (shown with particular reference to figure 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.

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 figure 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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
PRESSING FOR SKIRTS AND OTHER TYPES OF GARMENTS, shown with reference to figure 4.
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.

PRESSING OF COLLAR AND CUFFS

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.

PRESSING OF THE PART OF THE BUTTONS

For shirts and polo shirts, the problem arises of pressing the part close to the buttonholes and to the buttons.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As can be noted, the object of the present invention is achieved by the system described above, in the light of the features illustrated.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Claims

A system (100) for stretching, drying and pressing a garment, comprising a clothes-hanger (2) and at least one stretching device, said stretching device comprising:
- a first rod (1; 26) connected to said clothes-hanger (2) by means of coupling-releasing means (3; 27);

- two pairs of arms (8; 22), each pair comprising a first arm (80) and a second arm (81), each of the two arms of each pair comprising 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 said first anchoring position, and is adapted to move close to or away from the anchoring position in controlled manner;

- first stretching means (7; 21), comprising two garment stretching elements (7; 21), arranged at opposite sides with respect to the first rod (1; 26), each of the stretching elements (7; 21) being connected to the two movable second ends (83) of a respective one of said pairs of arms (8; 22) so as to move in a direction perpendicular to the first rod (1; 26), thus moving away therefrom or close thereto, as a result of said movements of said movable second ends (83);

- control means (6, 11, 12) for controlling the movement of said movable second ends (83) of the arms (8; 22).
A system (100) according to claim 1, wherein said first stretching means (7; 21) 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; 26), in a manner dependent on the movement of the stretching element (7; 21) caused by the movement of the arms (8; 22).
A system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 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).
A system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:
- each arm (8) 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 (7) at a respective distance from the first rod (1) corresponds to each position of the arms (8).
A system (100) according to claim 4, wherein:
- each of said 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), wherein the first half-arm (84) is rotatably connected to said first end (82) and to said intermediate joint (86), and the second half-arm (85) is rotatably connected to said intermediate joint (86) and comprises said movable second end (83);

- said stretching elements (7) are slidingly connected to the two movable second ends of a respective one of said 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);

- the control means (6) 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 the arm (8), and the two half-arms (84, 84) are extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first rod (1), at the extended position of the arm (8).
A system (100) according to claim 4, wherein:
- said two pairs of arms (8) comprise rotatably foldable arms, each pair comprising a first arm (80) and a second arm (81), rotatably connected to the first rod (1) at the respective anchoring position, each arm (8) being adapted to rotate in controlled manner with respect to the anchoring position, wherein the movable second end (83) of the arms is adapted to perform the movement thereof as a result of a rotation of the respective arm (8);

- said stretching elements (7) are slidingly connected to the two movable second ends (83) of a respective one of said 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);

- the control means (6) are configured to control the rotation movement of the arms (8).
A system (100) according to claim 4, wherein:
- said two pairs of arms comprise telescopic arms, each pair comprising a first and a second telescopic arm, wherein the respective movable second ends are adapted to translate perpendicular with respect to the first rod, upon said 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.
A system (100) according to claim 4, wherein:
- the two first arms (8) 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, wherein 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;

- 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, wherein 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.
A system (100) 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 (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);

- connection spokes or springs between said sliding element and the arms (8), adapted to cause a rotation of the arms (8) upon a movement of the sliding element.
A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rigid connection element between one and the other pair of arms (8), adapted to move a pair of arms (8) as a result of a movement of the other pair of arms (8).
A system (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the second stretching means (4, 5) comprise:
- a second rod (4) arranged perpendicular to the first rod (1) and slidingly connected to the first rod (1), in a position farther from the clothes-hanger (2) with respect to said 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);

- two hooking elements (5, 4) for securing the garment, arranged on said second rod (4), and configured to hold and pull the garment taut in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the first rod (1),
or wherein 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, 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 (1), and wherein each of said weights comprises a securing peg and a metal weight attached to the securing peg, comprising a bag or sack that can be filled with sand or other material.
A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stretching elements (7; 21) are configured to take on a position parallel to each other and parallel to the first rod (1; 26) or a tilted position in substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the first rod (1; 26), according to the type of garment and to the reaction forces that the garment has with respect to the stretching, and wherein the movable second end (83) of each arm comprises:
- an end joint (83), adapted to allow a reciprocal sliding between the arm (8) and the respective stretching element (7);

- a pre-tensioned spring element (87), adapted to adjust the reciprocal inclination of the arm (8) and of the tensioning element (7), according to the type of garment and to the reaction forces that the garment has with respect to the stretching.
A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:
- 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 cause 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;
and wherein the control means (6) for controlling the rotation movement of the arms (8) 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), or wherein:

- said first rod (1) and/or said second rod (4) and/or said stretching elements (7) comprise respective telescopic rods;
and/or wherein each of said arms (8) comprises a telescopic arm.
A system (100) according to claim 1, comprising two of said stretching devices, which can be coupled by means of respective coupling means (27) to the clothes-hanger (2), wherein:
- each of said two stretching elements (21) of each of the stretching devices comprises a side knurled arm (21) with curvature toward the clothes-hanger (2), the two side knurled arms being arranged to mirror a vertical middle axis of the system;

- 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);

- 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).
A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 (2) or to the first rod (1);

- 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).