US2395466A - Shirt body pressing machine - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 26, 1946. F. J. COUCH SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR I ffoeessr J. Couch' BY W ATTORNEYS Filed March 25, 1943 s Sheets-Sheet r2 H C 6 RI/n my m mZ m MFv Y B Feb. 26, 1946.. F. COUCH 2,395,466

SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1943 6 Shets-Sheet 5 I 253 g g 274 273 I flzsa 287 VII"; 282/76 -292 "c, 6'7 303 Hi glp i 277 '1 :L I 297 f .15 286% 279 95' @296 288 280 275 3:29;; 289 393 v 29a 3 290 F I r EL" 1::- 23 .287 3 1 f;

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INVENTOR FORREST J. COUCH ATTORNEYS Filed March 25, 1943 Sheets-Sheet 4 72 Foeessr .7. COUCH. BY

IN-VENTOR ATTORNEYS Feb. 26, 1946. F. J. COUCH SHI RT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Filed March 25, 1943 6 Shets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR FORREST J. COUCH BY ATTORNEYS- Feb. 26, 1946.

F. J. COUCH SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Filed March, 25, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Fomrssr J. COUCH BY 6% M W ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 26,1946

SHIRT BODY PRESSING MACHINE Forrest J. Couch, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to Q The American Laundry Machinery Company. Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application March 25, 1943, Serial No. 480,437

26 Claims.

This invention relates to shirt body pressing machines, such as are used in commercial laundries for the pressing ofmens negligee shirts, with or without attached collars, or other generally similar articles of wearing apparel,

Generally speaking, the invention relates to a machine of the same general type illustrated in certain Rawlinson Patents Nos. 2,126,577, August 9, 1938; 2,195,737, April 2, 1940; and 2,241,- 373, May 6, 1941, to which reference may be had if desirable or necessary. Machines of this general type include a suitable framework on which is mounted a rotatable turret carrying two or more like upright shirt receiving forms, on each of which a shirt to be ironed may be draped or dressed preparatory to its advance, by turret rotation, into "position between two complementary pressing members, which are closed together under pressure upon the form to produce the ironing effect.

One object of the present invention is gen erally to improve the construction, arrangement tions of the shirt, such as the side or yoke seams.

which ordinarily require more heat and a longer time of pressing than the remaining single thickness portions of the shirt,

A further object is to provide an auxiliary drier for the side and yoke seams, which is: built in or forms a part of one or both of the heated ironing chests, and which also includes hot air producing and circulating means effective for the supply of heated air to the movable ironing chests and including conduit means for the hot air stream coupled to and uncoupled from the source of supply of hot air by or in accordance with chest movement.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved back yoke ironer which is semiautomatic in operation and requires very little attention from the operator, but which assists in ironing the back of the yoke close up to the line where it joins the collar band or collar of the shirt.

and manner of operation of machines of this kind in 'such manner as to more efficiently and completely accomplish the task for which the machine is designed and by operating and control mechanism which reduces the attention required from the operator and simplifies her task, to the end of producing high quality results at reduced cost per shirt. I

More in detail, the invention aims to improve the means and manner of operation of the form and the pressing chests during and at the time of the pressing operation, and to accommodate the machine to shirts of various sizes without liability of distortion of the work.

A further object is to provide an improved ma chine of this kind including improved means, effective upon or in connection with the rotating turret, for securing appropriate registration or relative position as between the shirt holding form andthe press-chests cooperating therewith, and for not only locking or holding the turret in pressing position, but for also releasing it to permit its next advance, when that is desirable.

A further object is to improve the construc tion of the shirt holding form, not only as to its body portion, but also with respect to its side wings, which are not only adjustable but selfaccommodating to various sizes of shirt, and also with respect to the former around which the neckband or collar of the shirt is dressed.

Still another object of the invention is to provide improved means for .accelerating or assisting in the drying effect upon the thicker porerly upon the form and for removing it after the ironing operation is completed.

Finally, another object of the invention is to provide timing means of the character described including an operator-operated disabler by means of which the operator, at her will, at the appropriate time, is enabled to interrupt or halt the operation of the timing means and all press operations controlled thereby, so as to stay proceedings, as it were, and enable her to complete the task of dressing the shirt upon the form where special circumstances require more time than the automatic timer makes available for the purpose, such disabling means being of such form that when operated reversely, the interrupted cycle continues exactly where it left off and is completed in the normal manner.

Further objects of the invention are in part obvious and in part will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In the drawings, which represent one suitable embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a sideelevation, parts of the machine being broken away and in section to expose interior parts; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine shown in Fig. 1, some parts being omitted for simplicity of illustration; Fig. 3 is an end elevation, from the left in Fig. 1, of certain portions-of the timing and control mechanism, the cover therefor being omitted; Fig. 4 is a Sectional plan view thereof on approximately the line 4-4, Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a fragmental rear end elevation of some of the control'parts, looking at the machine in the direction of the arrows 5-5, Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical control circuits; Fig. '7 is a detail rear elevation of one of the shirt receiving forms or bucks, the view being taken looking at the form from the left in Fig. 8; Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation on the line 88, Fig.7; Fig. 9 is a detail sectional'plan view. on approximately the line 99, in each of Figs. 1 and 7; Fig; 10 is an enlarged fragmental view. in elevation, of a part of the turret frame, a chest carriage and chest; Fig. 11 is a detail sectional plan view on approximately the line I'II I, Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a detail sectional elevation on. the line I2I2, Fig. 11; and Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the control system.

Referring to the machine generally, as shown in Figs.'1 and 2, it comprises a suitable frame including a base I at one end supporting an end pillar 2 of hollow cylindrical form, and at its opposite end a standard including a pair of channels 3, the pillar and standard being connected, at the top of the machine, by a cross head or shaft 4. On the pillar 2 is rotatably mounted a turret, marked generally 5, which supports a plurality (two, three or more) of shirt holding forms, two thereof being shown for purposes of illustration, and marked respectively 6, I. Between'the pillar 2 and standard 3 are supported two pressing members, to-wit, a back member 8 and a front member 9, the inner pressing surfaces of which are complementary to those of the form. While one only of said pressing members is required to be movable, both are shown as movable, the front member 9 being actuated by a duplex fluid pressure motor ID, for the closing operation, and the back pressing member 8 by another fluid pressure motor I I, for producing pressure. I2 indicates generally the back yoke ironer, to be described more in detail hereinafter. For assisting in the drying operation the machine is provided with means for supplying a current of hot air, including a fan or blower I3 actuated by an electric motor I4 and communicating by way of conduit I5 with a heat interchanger I6, from whichthe heated air is delivered for use in drying, as will later appear. The controller and timer for the various machine movements is indicated generally at IT. Within the casing thereof said timer includes an operating electric motor l8, to be referred to hereinafter.

The machine also includes a number of other servo motors, such as a motor I9 for extending and a motor 20 for retracting the wings of the shirt holding forms, a motor 2| for retracting the yoke ironer, a motor 22 for rotating or indexing the turret, and still other smaller servomotors, controlling valves, and other devices to be referred to more in detail hereinafter.

Form and chest operation I pivoted at 43 to standard 3.

' located to be engaged by an ear 50 on the drum the chest 9, which in operation is moved into contact with the form and then, by its further motion, advances the form to a position just short of engagement with the other chest 8, or it may be in contact but without pressure engagement. In' this position the first chest 9 is locked 'and becomes stationary to form an abutment to receiv the pressure applied by the other chest 8.

The moving means for the first chest 9 includes a pair of toggle links, one of which is operated first by a small diameter servomotor piston and then by a larger diameter servomotor piston, the final pressure being applied to the work through leverage actuated by a third large diameter fluid pressure motor. This arrangement reduces air consumption, but secures rapid motion and relatively high pressure.

As illustrated, the frame of turret 5 is provided with tracks 23, Fig. '7, in which travel rolls 24 attached to the ,sides of two carriages '25, one supporting each of the forms 6, 1.

Each of the carriages 25, and the form which it supports, is biased to its extreme outer position on the turret by springs 26 surrounding two rods 21, one on either side. One rod 21 is fastened at 28, Fig. 1, to one of the carriages 25 and at its opposite end slides through a guide 29 on the other carriage. Connections of the rods to the carriages are reversed, i. e., each carriage has one rod fastened to it and sliding through a guide 29 on the other carriage. The arrangement equalizes the application of returning effect to both sides of each carriage, preventing binding, and each carriage, when in its outer position, serves as an abutment against which both springs work to return the other carriage.

Chest 9 is suspended by a pairof rods 30 from a hanger 3| which slides along the rod 4. The connection 'of' rods. 30 to chest 9 is such as to permitreasonable freedom of action to permit nesting registration or self-accommodation of chest 9 to the form 6 or I with which it is to cooperate in the pressing action. At about the mid point of its length, chest 9 is, pivotally connected to togglelink 32, pivotally connected at the knuckle 33 to the second toggle link 34, which in this case is'a crank or arm mounted to turn with a shaft 35 pivoted in the standard 3.

The hub of toggle link 34 is provided with a gear segment 36 meshing with the teeth of rack 3'! formed as a part of thepiston rod 38 of the servomotor ID, the teeth of the segment 36 and rack 31 being held in engagement by a backing roller 39. Energization of motor Ill produces downward motion, Fig. 1, of the piston rod 38, moves the toggle links toward straightened position, and advances the chest 9 from the dotted line position toward the full line position, Fig. 1.

Shaft 35 has secured thereto a second arm 40 pivotally connected at its outer end to the piston rod 4I-of a suitable air check or snubber 42 A strong tension spring or springs 44 opposes the motive effort of the servomotor I0, one end of said spring being .being attached to a point 48 on the drum.

49, Fig. 2, is a stop on the stationary frame 41, to limit opening movement of chest 9.

The arm 5|, Fig. 1, serves as an abutment against which the knuckle of the toggle locked.

over center bears when pressure is applied by the back chest 8, spring 52 serving to cushion toggle movement as it is closed, and also serving as an initial kicking out device, when the toggle is broken, to start chest opening movement.

The back chest 8 is ivotally mounted on a shaft 53 supported by an arm 54 pivoted at 55 to a bracket or support 56 mounted on pillar 2.

The pivotal mounting of chest 8 permits reasonable freedom of movement thereof to secure proper nesting engagement or self-accommodation of chest 8 to the form, when pressure is applied. Spring 51, Fig. 1, under compression between chest 8 and arm 54, maintains the chest substantially in vertical parallelism with the form, when they are separated, but does not affect free self-accommodating adjustment of the chest to the form, as hereinbefore described.

Arm 54 ha its upper end forked to embrace the shaft on which slides the piston 58 of servomotor H, the cylinder of which is properly alined with and supported by shaft 4 and pillar 2, so as to work with the piston. When fluid pressure is supplied to servomotor II it moves to the leftin Fig. 1, applying chest 8 to the form under pressure resisted by chest 9, which is now locked in position and serves as a rigid abutment. The actual movement of the chest of course is very slight. Spring 59 serves to return arm 54 and chest 8 and to release the pressure when servomotor il is exhausted. Spring 60, Fig. l, is a simple bumper spring.

The chest closing duplex motor 10 is shown in detail in Fig. 13. As hereinbefore stated, it includes two pistons, differing in size, with parts of the cylinder sized to the respective pistons.

The stroke of the first or smaller piston 6| is such as to produce movement of chest 9 sufficient to advance it to a position just short of contact with the form, whereupon the second or larger piston 62 becomes effective to advance the chest and form into their final positions.

In the first open position both pistons are at the upper ends of their respective cylinders 61a, 62a, as shown in broken lines, Fig. 13. To close the chest air is supplied through conduit 63, moving piston BI downwardly, the post 64 of said piston engaging the piston 62 and moving it and the piston rod 38 downwardly to produce the initial chest closing movement. When the smaller piston 6| reaches the end of its stroke the stem of a valve 65 engages a fixed abutment, opening said valve. Thereupon the pressure fluid flows through or past the valve into the operating chamber of cylinder 62a, causing the second or larger piston 62 to continue its movement and,

through piston rod 38, rack 31 and segment 36, to

complete closing movement of the toggle links.

The arrangement described retards the advancing motion of chest 9 just as it reaches or is applied to the form, during the closing operation. That is to say, the initial chest movement is produced by small piston 6|. reaches the end of its stroke chest movement is momentarily slowed up to permit it to adjust itself with ease into contact with the form, thereby preventing distortion of the lay of the garment, if contact were produced forcibly or violently. Now the chest 9 and form continue movement under the influence of the larger piston 62,

' the increased area of which compensate for the extra load in also advancing the form. Therefore constant rate of motion is maintained throughout the closing operation, except at the instant when the chest 9 contacts with the form.

As thi piston with the two pistons proportioned as described, that part of the operation which requires the greatest amount oi movement is accomplished with a small diameter fluid motor. When the duty increases, as when the form begins to move, the piston diameter is increased. Finally, when heavy pressure is required the piston area is again increased by resort to the larger servomotor ll.

. The shirt holding forms The shirt holding forms 6, 1 are alike in construction and manner of operation, so that de scription of one will suflice for both. Each thereof has a body portion which is more or less rectangular when viewed in elevation, as in Fig. 7, and oval in horizontal cross section, as shown in Fig. 9, and which generally simulates the human body. This body portion or frame, marked 66 in Fig. 8, is hollow to provide an interior chamber 61 containing certain operating mechanism and along its side edge is provided with open slots 68 through which are movable horizontally side wings 69 which are flexibly mounted so that when moved outwardly they are self-accommodating to the shape-of a-shirt and apply uniform stretching action over substantially its entire length.

The hollow body or frame of the form. is covered by a rubber sheath 10 enclosed within the usual covering material 1|, usually comprising a layer of flannel and a muslin cover cloth, the sheath and cover together forming a yielding padding against which the work is pressed or ironed.

The two forms are identical except as to size. 9 One of them is designed to accommodate a range of shirt sizes, say, up to size 16, and the other is about one inch wider and accommodates a range of sizes from size 16 up. The extra inch in width is indicated in dotted lines, Fig. 7, in the shoulder portions 661; of the padded body, although the wings of the larger form may also be slightly wider, if desired. While the difierence in size is sufficiently distinctive, the two forms may also be separately identified as by the color of some permanently exposed part, so that the operator can determine upon which form to dress a small and upon which to dress a large shirt.

Referring to the wings 69, these are alike as to construction and manner of operation. Each has a body portion made of suitable material, such as perforatedv sheet metal or a wire bent to the external shape of the wing and filled with coarse wire mesh secured around its edges to the wire, the peripheral wire being marked 12 and the wire mesh 13 in Fig. '1. This assembly is then padded with the usual cotton or flannel padding and cover cloth, indicated generally at 14. Each of the wings is removably supported (iorpurposes of interchange of different sizes, repair'or replacement) by a bracket 15 pivotally mounted at 16 for flexible action on one of two like levers 11 pivoted at 18 in the frame or body and provided with an arm 19 engaging a grooved collar 8|! on a link 8| pivoted to an arm 82 fast with a shaft 83. In the body are also mounted two arms 84, the upper ends 840. of each having secured thereto one diate its ends around a pin 86 secured in an extension of the upper end of the opposite lever 11, r

the other end portion 81 of each spring extending downwardly through an opening in an eye 88 attached to one of the brackets 15. Up and down motion of the collar swings the two levers 11 about their pivots 18, but in opposite directions, and since the location and spacing of each arm end 84a to the pin 86 to which it is connected by spring 85 are substantially the same as the relation between the corresponding pivotal connections of arms 84 and TI to the frame, each wing is moved outwardly and inwardly by a parallel ruler motion, as it were, with yielding support by the vertical spring arms 81, enabling the wings readily to be expanded into a shirt to stretch it to the full extent, but nevertheless self-accommodating to the shape of particular shirts.

Since the wings are of appreciable thickness, and padded, each thereof, when extended, provides solid padded backing of appreciable thickness against which the side portions of the shirt are pressed, as will be readily understood.

The wings are advanced simultaneously to their extended positions by pressure applied by the operator to a handle 89 fixed to the shaft 93. Said shaft also has affixed to it a lever 99 having a lateral extension 9|, shown in Figs. 1 and 7, and which, when the form is in pressing position, registers with the head of a plunger 92 of the wing extending servomotor I9, shown in Fig. 13, so that when said servomotor is energized by the supply of fluid pressure thereto the piston 93 thereof moves down and applies the plunger 92 to the extension 9| of lever 99. and completes outward advance of the wings to their final position. Manual operation of the lever 89 produces a gentle stretching action which smoothes out the shirt and removes wrinkles and the final stretch applied by the servomotor I9 occurs just prior to the pressing chest 8 coming into pressure engagement with the form. When motor I9 is deenergized, by evacuation of the pressure therefrom, its piston 93 is retracted by spring 94, Fig. 13.

Lever 99 is used again, later in the cycle, to retract the side wings. When the form carrying the pressed shirt is returned to the dressing position, occupied by the form 6 shown in Fig. 1, another servomotor 29 (Fig, 13) located on one side of the machine frame, Fig. 2, is actuated by the supply of fluid pressure thereto so as to advance its piston rod 95 against the effect of the retracting compression spring 96 into engagement with one arm 91 of a bell crank lever pivoted at 98 in the stationary frame, the other arm 99 of said lever having its end portion lying beneath the same lateral extension 9| of lever 99. Accordingly, energization of servomotor 20 raises lever 99, turns shaft 83 to which it is attached, and through the linkage 8| described retracts the wings. This operation is timed to be performed very soon (a are adjusted. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the hub I99- of lever 99 is provided with a depending arm I9I having an annularly extending plate portion I92 which lies between two friction shoes I93 pressed toward each other by springs I94 on rods I95. Adjustment of the nuts on said rods produces sufficient friction against the swinging plate I92 to frictionally hold the depending portion of the arm WI, and consequently shaft 93 and the wings connected thereto, in any position to which they.

may be moved. Preferably each form is provided with cover cloth fastening means, shown in Figs. 7 and 8 as comprising four rods I96 provided with spurs I91 which grip the tails of the cover cloth.

As the rods are revolved in their end supports, by knobs I98, the 'cover parts gripped by the spurs are wound on the rods and drawn tightly in a downward direction over the form surface. Each rod is provided at one end with a yieldable clutch I99, the teeth of which are yieldingly held together by a spring H9.

Each form is also preferably provided with suitable tail clamp means. The means shown consists of a narrow spring steel member III provided with a cross arm H2 at its top. The lower end of the arm is supported by a rod [I3 sliding in openings in the form frame and through a square block II4 which rides in a square recess H5 in the frame, as shown in Figs. '7 and 8. The rod is threaded through the block and is sensitive to a compression spring H6, which applies the tail clamp to the form with pressure produced by the spring, adjustment of which is accomplished by turning the rod, as by a s'crew driver applied to a slot I H in its end.

Above the Wings each form is provided with shirt arm supports, shown as a short rod H8 and a long rod II9 extending through openings I29 in the form and provided at their outer ends with knobs I2I. The inner ends of said rods are connected to the long arms of bell crank levers I22 pivoted at I22a, the short arms of said levers being connected to the arms I23 of a yoke secured to a rod I24 slidable in guides I25 on the frame and biased upwardly by an adjustable compression spring I26.

Rod I I9 has been provided with extra length for two purposes. First, when the wings are retracted and the shirt is being dressed upon the form, it provides a support for the shirt parts. Secondly, it is on the advance side of the form in the direction of turret rotation. When the form moves into registry between the ironing chests, there is a tendency for the leading sleeve, due to the motion and direction of motion, of the turret, to swing backwardly 'againstthe'side of the. form where it might become caught between the chests when they are closed. The greater length of this rod holds the sleeve far enough away to prevent such action.

At its extreme upper end eachform is provided with suitable neckband holdin mechanism. In the form shown, this include a block I21 removably secured to the top of the form by nuts I29. The block is shaped to conform to the collar of a shirt, usually of maximum size. To hold the shirt neckband (or collar in the case of a collar attached shirt) in position, I provide an adjustable strip I29, usually made of thin metal, the ends thereof being afilxed to a shaft I39 having attached thereto a pair of levers I3I which support a pin I32, through a hole in which slides a rod I33 biased to the left in Fig. 8 by an adjustable compression spring I34. The other end of said rod is pivotally connected to a lever I35 fixed to a shaft l36 having a handle I31 and a stop fin'ger I38 adapted to engage the front face I39 of a support I49. Fig. 8 shows the neckband clamp in release position. When the handle I31 is rotated forwardly (to .the right in Fig. '8), the lever I35 is also rotated and by means of the spring I34 causes the levers I3l and shaft I39 to rotate. This rotates the strap I29 into clamping position around and in contact with the shirt collar dressed-on the block. Clamping movement is limited by engagement of the stop finger I38 with the support'I4Il. 'When the mechanism reaches this stop position the pivot I4I has moved clockwise in Fig. 8 over center to the other side of a linebetween p v I32, I36, and the action of the same spring I34 holds the strap reieasably against the block, the operation being after the manner of over-center snap mechanism. Levers I3I support between Turret operating mechanism The turret is rotated or indexed periodically, at one point in each cycle of operations, by a fluid pressure servomotor 22 (see Figs. 2 and 13), the

piston rod I45 of which supports a block I46 which is adapted to swing freely upon the rod and is fixed against longitudinal movement thereon by collars I41 and I48. Th block has an upwardly extending lug I49 which is adapted, when the cylinder is evacuated, to lie back of the extension I50 of an arm I5I attached to the turret frame. There is one such arm for each shirt holding form carried by the turret, two in the present instance. Block I46 i weighted at its lower end I52 so thatwhile it is free to swing it is biased to a normal position with the lug I49 extending upwardly. The outer end of the piston rod is supported and guided in an opening in a bracket I53, in which it is free to slide.

When fluid pressure is supplied to the servomotor cylinder a kicking impact is applied by the block I46 to the arm I5I, effective to advance the turret frame. When the frame, by free motion, has rotated 180, in the present instance. it is stopped and the other like arm, on the' other side of the turret frame, assumes the position previously occupied by the first arm. The cylinder 22 is now evacuated and a spring I54 connected between collar I48 and a suitable point on the machine base returns the piston rod and block. As the block, during its return movement, reaches the next a'rm I5I it engages the inclined face of the extension I50 thereof and is cammed out of the way, turning on rod I 45, so that the block is thereby permitted to pass the extension I50. weighted base I52 swings the block back to normal upright position for engagement with the next arm ISI. for the next turret rotation.

Brake means is provided to absorb most of the inertia of the freely moving carriage as it approaches the new position. This comprises a Plate I 55 attached to the base of the machine frame, as shown in Fig. 1, so as to lie beneath the path of movement of a brake shoe I56 (Figs. 1, '1 and 10). Referring to Fig. 7, the brake shoe The turret locking and registering means is best shown in Figs. 1, 10, 11 and 12. It includes a pair of blocks I62, I63, both of which are mounted for free rotation on a shaft I64 supported by two side angles of the main frame I. These blocks are biased to a vertical position with their sides contacting an abutment I65 by springs I66, I61 respectively. 'As shown in Fig. 12:, the normal position of these blocks, lengthwise of shaft 7 I64, is determined by the springs I68, I69. Spring I69 serves as a spacer and also as a cushion. Spring I 68 serves as a cushion and also as a strong biasing means to return the block I63, longitudinally of the shaft, to a normal position, as will appear later.

Block I62 has a laterally extending branch I10,

\ the face I1I of which is cut off or inclined to the path of rotational movement of lugs I12, one for each shirt holding form, attached to and depending from the form holding carriages 25.

In the operation of this device, as the turret frame approaches registering position, one of the lugs I12 engages the angular face I1I of block I62, cams it to the left, Fig. 11, out of the way, and thereby passes block I62 and engages broadside againstthe block I 63, now in normal verti al position in contact with abutment I65. The inertia of the moving frame is absorbed not only at the friction shoe I56, but partially by the spring I68, which is compressed. Sufiicient movement of lug I12 is permitted, however, so that it entirely passes block I62, which then returns to its normal vertical position against abutment I65 by the force of spring I66. The energy stored in spring I68 by the moving turret frame now becomes effective to return the frame to a position where the lug I12 engages broadside against the transverse backface of block I62, in its full line position, Fig. 11. In this position the turret frame, and the shirt holding forms thereon, are in properly registered position with relation to the pressing chests, for pressing operation on When it has passed, the

one form and unloading and loading of the other form.

When the form moving carriage at the pressing station is moved to the right in Fig. 1, or toward the turret center, the lug I12 moves to the right in Fig. 11 out of the path of rotational cooperation'with blocks I62 and I63. Spring I68 then becomes further effective to move the block I63 into abutting relation with spacer spring I 69, so that it is separated from block I62 by a distance' less than the thickness of lug I12. Consequently block I63 now lies in the path of the return movement of the lug I12 when the carriage returns to the left in Fig. 1. Lug I12 therefore engages block I63 and rotates it to the position shown in Fig. 11, whereupon block I63 is no longer effective as a locking .means and the turret frame is free to be advanced by turning movemerit for the next operation.

I56 is pivotally supported on an arm I51 which which will permit it to move definitely but easily into the turret locking mechanism now to be described.

The shirt pressing chests As shown in Fig. 9, each of the two pressing chests is hollow, the chamber or chambers I13 therein communicating by any suitable means, such as flexible conduits I14, with a source of heating steam. 'Their inner pressing surfaces are of polishedmetal and are shaped complementary to the external surface of the forms, as shown in Fig. 9, flat wings I15 of the chests engaging the flat surface of the adjustable padded form'wings. Accordingly, heat and pressure are applied over the entire area of the shirt to dry, smooth and iron the same. Referring to Fig. 1,

it will be noted that chests 8 and 9 are recessed just above wings 69 to accommodate shoulder portions 65a of varying Width.

Additionally, I provide auxiliary heating means for the side seams of the shirt and around the seam connecting the collar and yoke, where these parts do not come into intimate or direct contact terminate 'at their outer ends in an annular air distributing groove 292 around the collar block and which registers with the seam between the collar or neckband and yoke when the shirt is in properly dressed position. Therefore, during the pressing operation heated air is being constantly applied to this scam.

Yoke ironer I The machine is preferably also provided with means for ironing parts of the back yoke around immediately outside of the outer edges of the padded form wings 69. By supplying heated air to the chamber I16 it is directed'by the lips I88 through the slot-like mouths IBI upon the side seams of the shirt to accelerate the drying thereof and complete the drying task in time with the th nner body portion of the shirt.

The hot air supply is produced by the fan I3 operated by electric motor I4, Figs. 1 and 2, the air stream being carried by conduit 15 to and through the heater I6, which is provided with heating steam coils I82.

Referring now to Fig. 10, the upper end of the chamber of the heater is normally closed by a damper I83 pivoted at I84. When the form carriage is at its outermost position on t e turret frame, as shown in full lines, Fig. 10, said damper is held closed b a spring I85. When the carriage 25 is advanced into pressing position, indicated by the dotted lines at the right in Fig. 10,

a flange I86 at the lower end-of a hollow conduit I81 engages lever I88 and turns the damper to open position. At the same time a collar I89, normally biased upwardly by springs I99, is depressed th collar. This is best shown in Figs. 1 and f It comprises a hollow ironing shoe 203 shaped at its forward ed e to fit around the collar, as shown in Fig. 2. The chamber in said shoe is supplied with heating steam, as by flexible pipe connections indicated conventionally at 284.

This shoe is supported movably on the station? ary frame, and more particularly on pillar 2. It is rigidly mounted upon a pair of arms 295 connected by links 286 to a bracket 291 attached to pillar 2. The lower ends of the two front links 206 are fixed to a shaft 208 to which is attached a lever 209 pivotally connected to the rod 2I9 of a fluid pressure servomotor 2|. The yoke ironer is normally biased to operating or ironing position by a, spring or springs 2| I, 'being returned to the inoperative full line position, Fig. 1, by energization of servomotor 2I, at a time and in a manner to be described later.

Each of the form supporting. carriages 25 is provided with a snubber in the form of a piston so a to maintain a tight seal between said 001- lar and the flange I96. Heated air therefore is admitted to the hollow conduit I81 which communicates with an outlet passage I9I in a nose I92, Fig. 8. The open end of the nose I92, as shown in Fig. 10, lies in such positionthat when the chest 9 is advanced to engage the form 6 or 1, a yielding collar I93, similar in construction and arrangement to the collar I89 and mounted on a hollow conduit member I94, engages the end of said nose and produces a tight seal between the two parts, establishing communication from passage I9I and through the channel I95 and opening I96 to the hot air chamber I16 of the chest.

Accordingly, assuming the motor I4 is in operation, so long as the form lies in pressing position and is subject to pressure between the pressing chests, a stream of hot air is conducted and directed from the heater I6 to the chamber I16 and is distributed therefrom and applied to the side shirt seams for drying the same, as described. When pressure is relieved and the chests and form return to normal position, the air flow is cut off by the damper I83.

Hot air for heating the neckband seam is supplied through each of the forms, as shown in Figs. '1 and 8. As there indicated, hot air supplied to the passage I81 within hollow conduit I81 is directed by a channel I98 to the chamber within the hollow form from which it flows by way of pipes I99 to a channel 290 in the neckband receiving block,said channel 209 communicating with a series of small openings 20I, Fig. '1, which 'in the carriage.

on the piston when the carriage is advanced to pressing position (movement toward the left in Fig. 8), air'being freely drawn in to the piston chamber through the relief valve 2. However, when the carriage returns to its outer position, the cylinder is evacuated through an adjustable restricted orifice 2I5, with any desired snubbing action.

Usually I provide a light sheet metal hood 2I6 over each of the collar blocks, as shown in Fig. 1. The purpose thereof is to permit a shirt readily to be drawn over the form without interference by various parts of the collar block mechanism. Also, at each end of the carriage 3| on which chest 9 is supported, I provide guards 2I1 to trap and collect lubricant or dirt from the moving parts.

lThe control system The control system includes automatic timing means which determines and initiates directly or indirectly every operation of the machine in a definite sequence or cycle, all automatically except for the actual dressing of the shirt upon the form, its removal therefrom, the operation of the collar block and sleeve rods, the initial extension of the wing members, and the application of the yoke ironer. The timer controls, in

definite sequence, release of the yoke ironer, ro-' tation of the turret, movement of the front chest 9 and the form to pressing position, the final extension of the form wing members, the application of pressure by the back chest 8, retraction of the wing members, and the release of pressure and return of the form and chests to their original positions. This definite cycle of operations is repeated continuously without attention by the operator, other than that referred to, as long as the automatic control mechanism is in operation. But special manual disabling means is provided for the purpose of temporarily halting the progress of the automatic control cycle under special circumstances, as will appear.

As shown in Fig. 6, the electrical system is simple. It includes the two electric motors, mo-

tor M for the fan I3 and motor l6 for the auto-' matic timer, connected in parallel by way of switch 2| 6 with the leads L1, La, La. Switch 2|8, ,as shown in Fig. 1, is located at the front end of the machine just above the yoke ironer, in

convenient position for manipulation by the operator. The circuit to motor l8 includes a dis abling switch 9 to be referred to later.

The fluid pressure system, for operation and control purposes, includes a main fluid pressure conduit 226' communicating with a suitable located at the rear end of the machine near the base, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. It is actuated by a pivoted lever 221 which in turn is actuated by a blocking lever 228. When the press is operating automatically, thisvalve is maintained in open position by the block, with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 13. Block 228 is connected by a link 229 with alever 230 on a shaft 23! which extends to the front end of the machine, where it is provided with a foot treadle 232. This valve 222, therefore, may be manually closed for a purpose to be later described. It controls the supply of fluid pressure to a combination valve 233.

Valve 233 is actuated by a lever 234 operated by earn 235 on shaft35, which supports and operates the toggle operating gear segment 36, Fig. 1. This valve is opened by the cam to pass fluid pressure when the toggle is in the chest open position, shown in dotted lines at the left, Fig. 1. Valve 233 controls the supply of fluid pressure by way of conduits 236 and 231 to the turret turning fluid pressure servomotor 22, and by way of conduit 238 to a servomotor 239. An adjustable needle valve 249 in conduit 231 regulates the flow of air to motor 22.

The operation of the turret turning motor has already been described.

Servomotor 239; operates in connection with the servomotor 2| of the yoke ironing device. Its piston operates a pivoted blocking lever 24! which in normal position, shown in Fig. 13, serves to hold the actuatinglever 242 of the valve 226 in r the valve closing position shown. These parts 239, 24!, 242 and 226 are located at the forward end of the machine, as shown in Fig. 1. The supporting shaft 243- for the blocking lever 2 extends to the front of the machine where it is provided with a foot treadle 244 by which it may be rotated. Lever 24! is moved to its blocking position to close valve 225, by depression of treadle 244, and is automatically retracted to release lever 242 and permit self-opening of valve 226, by energization of the servomotor 239.

The valve 226 is connected by conduit 245 with the servomotor 2| for retracting the yoke ironer. In the conduit 245 is a check valve 246 seating toward valve 226 and permitting the flow of air only in a direction toward the servomotor. This member, by the effect oLsprlngs 2| I, into ironing position.

Valve 224 is mounted on the rigid frame of the machine, as shown in Fig. l, and is actuated to open it by a roller 249, mounted on a support 256 on the rotatable turret frame.

This valve is opened as the turret frame reaches a position in which the shirt form registers with the pressing chests. It controls the flow of supply of pressure fluid by way of conduits "I and 252 to a combination valve 253,'by conduit 254 with a combination valve 255, and by a continuation of conduit 25l with a combination valve 256.

The valve 253 is located on the rear standard 3 of the machine frame and is operated through lever 251 by the cam 235. This valve is open when the toggle links 32, 34 are in chest closed check valve is by-passed by a conduit 241 inposition. It controls the supply ofpressure fluid by way of conduits 253 and 259 to the Wing extending servomotor l9, and by way of conduit 266, an adjustable needle valve 26! anda check valve 262, with a combination valve 263. valve 263 in turn controls the supply of fluid pressure by way of a conduit 264 to the heavy pressure servomotor II. with a servomotor 265 for operating it, is mounted near the upper end of the pillar 2, near the pressure. motor, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1. v

The combination valve 255 is located at the rear of the machine in the housing 266 of the automatic timer l1 (see Fig. 1) and is shown in detail in connection with the timing mechanism in-Figs. 3 and 4. v v

It is operated by a lever 261 which is operated by a cam 268 forming a part of the timer to-be later described. This valve 255 controls the supply of fluid pressure by way of conduit 269 and conduit 63 to the chest closing motor [0. An extension of conduit 269 also supplies fluid pressure to the servomotor 265 before referred to.

When valve 255 closes, pressure in the cylinder I 0 is evacuated through conduit 63 and also by conduit 210 and its check valve 21L 265 is also exhausted to pipe 269. The exhaust outlet of valve 255 is provided with an adjustableoriflce 212 which permits the rate of exhaust to be controlled to snub the opening movement of the piston of motor "I and the chest 9 which it operates. When the piston 62 engages post 64 the piston 6! of course also returns, va.1ve 65 closing.

Combination valve 256 is actuated by a lever 213 operated by a cam 214 of the timer mechanism. This valve 256 controls the supply of fluid pressure to the wing retracting motor 20 by way of conduit 215. The physical location of .valve 256 is illustrated in Fig. 3.

Timing mechanism The timing mechanism I1 is enclosed within Change of the pressing time is effected by adjustment of cam 268 relative to the plate 218, by means of slot 219 and stud 286, the adjustment varying the relative circumferential extent of The This valve, together Servomotor the full height lobe of cam 268, 218 with reference to its recess.

Shaft 28I, to which plate 218 is fixed, is connected .by a train of gears marked generally 282, Fig. 4, to the shaft 283 of a worm wheel 284 driven by a worm 285, the shaft 286 of which has aflixed to its outer end a friction disk 281 driven by a friction wheel 288 on the shaft of electric motor I8. The motor, motor shaft and friction wheel 288 are adjustably mounted upon a stationary base 289, .an adjusting screw having a head 298, being provided to vary the position of engagement between wheel 288 anddisk 281, so as to vary the speed 'ofthe timer shaft and cams, motor I8 being a constant speed motor. The direction of rotation of the cams is clockwise as viewed in Fig. 3.

Timer disabling mechanism As previously described, the cam 214 actuates the valve 256 through lever 213; and cam 268, 218 actuates the valve 255 through lever 261. This lever is mounted freely on a shaft 29 I, being biased to maintain contact with the cam, by a tension spring 292. Associated with lever 261, and also freely mounted upon the shaft, is another lever 293, interconnected with lever 261 by a lateral branch 294 on lever 293 adapted to engage the depending arm of lever 261. The hub of lever 293 is provided with a boss 295 having an arm 296 supporting an adjustable weight 291 just heavy enough to counterbalance the lever 293. One arm of lever 293 is connected to a link 298 between collar nuts 299 and a compression spring 388 thereon, the link 298 being connected to block 228, as shown in Figs. and

13, and the depending arm of lever 293 being connected by link 38I to the electric switch 2I9, shown in Figs. 3 and 6.

Fig. 3 illustrates the parts in their positions when operating automatically. during a cycle. It

will be noted that there is clearance between the arm of lever 293 and collar 299 and the end of spring 388. In this position spring 388 is slightly compressed and serves as a motion relief to protect the switch 2 I9 when the rod 298 is elevated. In the switch casing is located a switch 382, to bereferred to later.

The purpose of the mechanism just described is to interrupt automatic operation of the machine during a cycle. Such an interruption may be necessary or desirable in order to give the operator, at her option, more time for any purpose, such as to dress a shirt on the form at the dressing position. Ordinarily the time alotted to her by the automatic cycle is sufficient, but emergencies may arise, such as a shirt of unusual style or design, or for other reasons where additional time is required or it may be desired temporarily to shut down the machine.

In such event the operator depresses the foot treadle 232 to rotate shaft 23I in a clockwise direction, Fig. 5. This elevates rod 229, rotates block 228 clockwise, permitting valve 222 to close. However, this is only a partial movement of the treadle permitted .by the clearance between the collar and the branch of lever 293. When these parts engage, treadle motion, is stopped, because the roller on lever 261 is riding on the full height lobe of cam 268.

Downward movement of rod 298 has relieved the compression of spring 388. Under these conditions the compressed spring 382 in the switch housing becomes effective to rotate lever 293 counterclockwise as soon as such motion is perlow point in the cam reaches the lever 261. The switch 2I9 then opens, and the lever 261, rotating counterclockwise into the low level of the cam, closes valve 255 to exhaust.

.By referring to Fig. 13, it will be observed that when valve 222 is closed, the supply of fluid pressure to the turret turning motor 22 is blocked.

When the operator has completed the dressing operation on the form at the dressing station, she returns treadle 232 to its normal position and reestablishes the automatic. operation or continuance of the cycle.

It will be observed that the timer disabling mechanism described is of such construction and arrangement as to make it impossible to complete interruption of the automatically controlled cycle during the actual pressing portion of the cycle. That is to say, when the operator depresses the treadle' 232, the first effect is to close valve 222 and block the supply of fluid pressure to the turret indexing motor 22, but operating effect upon switch 2I9 is delayed pending rotation of cam 268 until the roller on lever 261 can enter the low part thereof. When this occurs valve 255 is opened to exhaust and the press closing motor I8 is evacuated, with a certainty that neither the pressing mechanism nor the timing motor stop until the pressing operation is completed and the chests are in open position.

Complete operation In describing a typical cycle of operations of the machine, it will be assumed that one pressing operation is in process at the pressing station, and that a finished shirt has just been removed from the form now in the dressing position at the right in Fig.1. This form is numbered 6. At this particular instant, it will also be assumed that a part of the pressing cycle has been completed, as shown by the location of'the cams 268, 218, with reference to lever 261, Fig. 13. Cain 214,

rotating clockwise in Fig. 13, has passed the roller on lever 213, so that the wing retracting motor 28 has been actuated to retract the wings on the form 6.

The operator now dresses a shirt on form 6 by applying it to the form from the back and above, threading the longer sleeve rod II9 through the right sleeve. She then draws the shirt across the back of the form and over its left shoulder portion. The collar or neckband is then dressed around the block in an upstanding position. The operator then pulls forwardly on handle I31, applying the clamping band I29 and at the same time depressing rod I24 to extend the two sleeve rods II9, I28. She then depresses the treadle 244 which rotates the block 24I to a blocking position, which closes the valve 226. This evacuates cylinder 2I of the yoke ironing mechanism, which exhausts under control of the needle valve 248 and permits the springs 2I I Thereupon the operator depresses lever 89 to initially extend laterally the two side wings 69.

She then pulls downwardly upon the back tail of the shirt and smoothes out its back.

Since the electric switches 2I8 and 2I9 are closed, the timing mechanism, including shaft 2" and its cams, is rotating continuously and by this time the point 333 (Fig. 13) of cani 263 has reached the roller on lever 251, and as the roller enters the recess of the cam, valve 255 closes, causing evacuation of the fluid motors Ii and I3. Pressure is relieved, shaft 35 rotates, and the toggle links 32, 34 open, drawing the chest 3 away from the form- Springs 25 are now effective to return the form i to its outermost normal position on the turret frame. Lug I12 engages the block I33, moving it out of the is free to berotated.

When the toggle linkshave completed their opening movement, the cam 235 moves out of contact with lever 25?, causingvalve 253 to close, exhausting the wing extending servomotor, and the same cam 235 has moved into contact with lever 23!, opening valve 233 to supply fluid pressure to the servomotor 233 and also to the turret turning motor 22.

Energization of servomotor 233 moves the block 24! out of the way, causing valve 226 to open. which energizes servomotor 2|, causing the yoke ironing shoe 233 to be retracted to its inoperative position.

At practically the same time, or a moment thereafter, the piston of servomotor 22 begins to move and cause turret rotation. Since the response of the motor 2|, when valve 225 is opened, is more rapid than the response of motor 22, the

way, and the turret complete removal of the yoke ironing shoe, before turret rotation begins, is asured.

When the piston of motor 22 has completed its stroke and accomplished, in the form illustrated, 180" of rotation of the turret, the form 8, on which a fresh shirt has been dressed, reaches registering position between the ironing chests. Motion of the turret is retarded or braked by the plate 155 and brake shoe I55, and the lug I12 cams the block I'Ill out of the way and engages block I53 broadside, whereupon turret motion is stopped and the turret is locked in this position, as previously described.

In this position a roller 233 at the end of the turret actuates valve 22310 open it, thus supplying fluid pressure to valves 253, 255 and 256. Shortly after registration is completed, the high point 303 of cam 263 actuates lever 26Ito open valve 255, which permits passage of pressure fluid to the motors l0 and 255. Motor l0 moves chest 3 against the form and advances the form into position for pressure engagement by the chest 8- In this position the toggle links 32, 3d are locked over center.

Energization of servomotor 255 opens valve 263, supplying fluid pressure to the servomotor H, which applies chest 3 with heavy pressure to the form.

When the toggle links reach straightened position the. cam 235 actuates the lever to open valve 253. This supplies pressure fluid to the wing extension motor l3, and since the same fluid line supplies pressure to valve 263, the energize.- tion of the wing extending motor takes place just prior to the energization of the final pressure motor ll. When motor I! is energized, its plunger 32 engages the lever 30 to cause a final stretching action of the wings. This final extension takes place just before the final pressure chest 3 moves into pressure contact.

When the form reaches pressure. Position by inward motion toward the center of the turret, the flange I36 of its conduit I31 registers with and depresses the collar I33 at the mouth of the heating chamber, and the damper lever'lll has been actuated to open the damper and supply heated air both to the neckband block, through conduits I33, and by way of conduit I35 and chamber "6 to the edges of the wing members and the side seams of the shirt there exposed.

The form 1 is now in the dressing position and the operator is removing the finished shirt therefrom. About the time she completes this operation the cam 214 engages lever 2l3and opens valve 258 which supplies fluid pressure to the wing retracting motor 23, which acts through the bell crank lever 37, 33, to raise lever 33 and cause retraction of the wings. This operation is timed so that the operator has plenty of opportunity to remove the shirt before this operation takes place, thus preventing drawing of the flnished shirt into the wing slots and causing them to become mussed. The operator then proceeds with the dressing of another shirt on form i and the cycle is repeated, as before.

Large and small shirts are distributed between the large and small forms, as will be readily understood.

If the operator anticipates requirement for an unusually long pressing period, she applies her foot to the treadle 232, which first cuts oil? the supply of fluid pressure to the turret turning motor and, when th immediate pressing operation has been completed, opens the switch 2 lo and shuts down the timer motor. When the desired ates treadle 232 to return it to its normal position, which re-establishes operation of the automatic cycle, but not until the hot chests have been removed from the form at the tion.

The details for steam supply to the various heating units have not been shown where they would be confusing. Sliiiice it to say that the p ly pipes are out of the path of travel of forms 6 and I, located overhead, and connected by flexible hose with the upper connection I14 and 28! for the chests 8 and 3 and for shoe 233 re pectively. The lower or drain connections for chest 8 and shoe 203 are led away through pillar 2. The drain connection for'chest 9 can be led away without dificulty.

What I claim is: I

1. Apparatus of the described, comprising a shirt form mounted in erect position and movable horizontally, opposed heated chests cooperating therewith, motor means for advancing one chest into pressing relation with the form, a second motor means for advancing said chest and the form into pressing relation with the sec and chest, and a third motor means for applying the second chest to the fern; with heavy pressure for producing an ironing eifect.

2. Apparatus or the character described in pressing staclaim 1, in which the several motor means are stream of drying air upon the exposed side seam portions of the shirt. v

4. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a padded shirt receiving form, two opposed relatively movable ironingche'sts adapted for application to said form, said form and chests being so shaped that the side seams of the shirt are exposed during the pressing operation, .one

of said chests being provided .with a channel havposed relatively movable ironing chests adapted for application to said form, said form and chests being so shaped that the side seams of the shirt are exposed during the pressing operation, one of said chests being movably mounted and provided with a chamber having an elongated mouth the lip of which lies adjacent a side seam during the pressing operation, and means for supplying drying air to said chamber.

6. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperating opposed pressing members one of which is movably mounted upon said frame, a movable support carrying a plurality of upright shirt receiving form members adapted to be selectively moved into pressing position between said pressing members, said movable pressing member being provided with an air supply chamber provided with an inlet and also having an outlet lying beyond the pressing area and thereby being located'to direct air upon a portion of the shirt which is exposed when the pressing members are in pressing position, and an air supply conduit on the form member havinga discharge opening adapted to register with the air inlet on the movable pressing member and arranged to supply drying air to said chamber only "when" the-movable pressing member is.ap-'

plied to the shirt holding form.

'7. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperating" opposed pressing members one of which is movably mounted upon said frame, a movable support carrying a plurality of upright shirt receiving forms adapted to be selectively moved into and out of pressing position between said pressing members, each form having a neckband receiving block provided with an air distributing channel extending along the neckband seam of the shirt, the form being provided with conduit means having an inlet and communicating with said channel, and ai supply means on the frame having a discharge opening with which said inlet registers when the pressing members are closed upon a form for supplying drying air to said conduit means.

8. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperating opposed pressing tion from said source to said chamber and from said chamber to said channel.

9. Apparatus of the character described, comradially on the turret, movable ironing means on the frame for cooperation with the form at a pressing station, means for rotating the turret to bring a form into registration with the ironing means, turret locking means, and means for releasing the locking means operated by movement of the form on the turret.

10. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, a turret rotatable therein and carrying a plurality of shirt forms each movable radially on the turret, movable ironing means on the frame for cooperation with the form at a pressing station, means for rotating the turret to bring a form into registration with the ironing means, means for stopping the turret and for locking it when the form is registered with the ironing means, and means whereby application of the ironing means to the form releases the turmembers one of which is movably mounted upon said frame, a movabl support carrying a plurality of upright shirt receiving forms adapted to be selectively moved into pressing position between said pressing members, each form having a neckband receiving block provided with an air distributing channel extending along the neckband seam of the shirt, said movable pressing member being provided With a chamber having an outlet lying adjacent a' portion of the shirt when in pressing position, a source of drying air on the frame, and means'arranged upon relative approach pressing movement between the pressing members for establishing communicaret locking means.

11. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, ironing means movably mounted thereon, a turret carrying a plurality of shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressing station to ironing posi tion, and ironing means movably mounted on the frame at the dressing station and adapted for cooperation with any one of said forms when atsaid station for ironing a portion of the shirt on such form.

12. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, ironing means movably mounted thereon, a turret carrying a plurality of shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressing station to ironing position, a

'operated control means for causing application of the yoke ironer at the will of the operator to the shirt on any form when at said dressingstation.

14. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, ironing means movably mounted thereon, a turret carrying a plurality of shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressing station to ironing position, a yoke ironer movably mounted upon" the frame at the dressing station, operator-operated control means for causing application of the yoke ironer at the will of the operator to the shirt on any form when at said station, and automatic means for retracting the yoke ironer.

15. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, movable ironing means supported by the frame at an ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying a plurality of movable shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressing station to the ironing station, operating means therefor, means for applying the ironing means to the form, automatic control means for causing a cycle of operations of the turret rotating means and movable ironing means, including advance and recession of said ironing means, and disabling means operatable by ing station, operating means therefor, means for applying theironing means to the form, automatic control means for causing a cycle of operations of the turret rotating mean and movable ironing means, including advance and recession of said ironing means,' and disabling means operatable by and'at the will of the operator for temporarily stopping operation of said control means after the lapse of a delay period terminated by said control means.

17. Apparatus of the character described, comprimng a frame having spaced dressing and ironing stations, movable ironing means supported by the frame at the ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying a plurality of shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move said forms from the dressing station to the ironing station, operating mean therefor, means at the ironing station for applying said ironing means to theform. a yoke ironer movably mounted on the frame at the dressing station, and automatic control means for sequentially causing pressure relieving operation of the yoke ironerwith respect to such form, turret rotating operation of the turret operating means, and pressure applying operation of the movable ironingmeans with respect to the same form.

18. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame having spaced dressing and'ironing stations, movable ironing means supported by the frame at the ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying a plurality of shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move said forms from the dressing station to the ironing station, operating means therefor, means at the ironing station for applying said ironing means to the form, a yoke ironer movably mounted on the frame at the dressing station, operator operated means for causing application of said yoke ironer to a form at the dressing station, and automatic control means for sequentially causing pressure relieving operation of the yoke ironer with respect to such form, turret rotating operation of the turret operating means, and pressure applying operation of the movable ironing means with respect to the same form.

19. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, movable ironing means supported by the frame at an ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying a plurality of movable shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move' them from a dressing station to the ironing station, operating means therefor, means for applying the ironing means to the form, a yoke ironer mounted on'the frame at the dressing station, operator-operated means for causing application of the yoke ironer to the form, automatic control .means for causing a cycle of operations including release of theyoke ironer from the form. rotation of the turret, and application of the ironing means to the form, and disabling means .operatable by and at the will of the operator for temporarily stopping operation of said control means.

20. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, movable ironing mean supported by the frame at an ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying a plurality of movable shirt holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressing station to the ironing station, operatingmeans therefor, means for apply ing the ironing means to the form, a yoke ironer mounted on the frame at the dressing station, operator-operated means for causing application of the yoke ironer to the form, automatic control means for causing a cycle of operations of the yoke ironer, rotation of the turret and applica tion of the ironing means to the form, operatoroperated means for actuating said control means to interrupt'said cycle of operations, and means for delaying such interruption pending retraction of the ironing means.

21. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a form on'which a shirt may be dressed, wings having side edges generally parallel to the sides of the body of a shirt dressed on said form, said wings being movably mounted in said form and extensible from the sides thereof to fit snugly within shirts of varying sizes, chest means cooperating with both sides'of said form and with said wings to press a shirt on said form, and said chest means being provided with recesses above said wings and opposite the shoulder portions of a shirt on said form, said recesses permitting the shirt-shoulder-supporting portions to extend thereinto whereby forms having shoulder portions of different width may cooperate satisfactorily with said chest means.

22. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperating opposed pressing members one of which is'movably mounted upon said frame, a work holding form between said pressing members and movable with th movable pressing member, a source of drying air provided with an outlet, and conduit means on the form for discharging air upon the work and provided with an inlet coupled to said outlet by form movement.

23. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperating opposedl pressing members one of which is movably mounted upon said frame, a .Work holding form between said pressing members and movable with the movable pressing member, a source of drying air provided with an outlet, conduit means on the form for discharging air upon the work, normally closed valve means controlling air flow from said outlet through said conduit means, and means operated by relative motion between said form and th frame for opening said valve'means.

24. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperating opposed. pressing members one of which is movably mounted'upon said frame, a Work holding form between said pressing members and movable with the movable pressing member, a source of drying air provided with an outlet, conduit means on the form for discharging air upon the work and provided with an inlet coupled to said outlet by form movement, conduit means on the movable Dressing member for discharging a stream of drying air upon the work, and means arranged. upon engage- 25. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, movable ironing means sup ported by the frame at an ironing station, a rotatable turret carrying a plurality of movable work holding forms and adapted by its rotation to move them from a dressing station to the ironing station, turret operating means, means for applying the ironing means to the form, automatic control means for causing a cycle of operations of the turretv rotating means and movable ironing means, including advance and recession of said ironing means, disabling means operatable by and at the will of the operator for temporarily stopping operation of said control means, and means operated by said control means and efiective upon operation of said disabling means for delaying stop of said control means pending completion of the ironing operation.

26. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a frame, cooperating opposed pressing members mounted upon said frame and each movable toward and from the other, a work holding form movably mounted upon the frame between said operating members, operating means for advancing one pressing member toward the second thereof to a pressing position in which said operating means then serves as a backing preventing recession of the form, and operating means for then advancing the second pressing member toward the first thereof to apply ironing pressure to opposite faces of the form.

FORREST J. COUCH.

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