US2924899A - Apparatus for shielding operator - Google Patents

Description

G. M. BONALDI 2,924,899

Feb. 16, 1960 APPARATUS FOR SHIELDING OPERATOR Filed Sept. 4, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR.

Feb.16, 19 i G. M. BONALDI 2,924,899

APPARATUS FOR SHIELDING OPERATOR Filed Sept. 4, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

imgm headm- United States Patent APPARATUS FOR SHIELDING OPERATOR Giacomo M. Bonaldi, San Francisco, Calif.

Application September 4, 1956, Serial No. 607,868

6 Claims. (CI. 3814) This is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 531,945 filed September 1, 1955 for Apparatus and Method of Shielding Operators of Garment Presses from Steam and Heat, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a steam trap for garment presses, and more particularly to an elongated steam trap on the head of a garment press for protecting the operator from steam and radiant heat.

In the usual garment pressing machine, the garment is subjected to steam in order to soften the material before it is pressed by the pressing element. This preliminary steaming is usually accomplished, by placing the garment on the lower pressing element, which is known as the buck; moving the upper pressing element, which is called the head, downward until it is adjacent the garment; and injecting steam through apertures in the face of a pressing element onto the garment. The confined space between the head and the buck forms a channel, which directs the released steam out of the pressing machine directly towards the operator. Also, when badly wrinkled cloth is given a preliminary buck steaming with steam from the buck while the head of the garment press is open, steam spurting upwards from the buck is deflected towards the operator. In addition, the pressing elements of the presser become extremely hot, and the operator is constantly subjected to radiant heat from the pressing machine even during the intervals when the garment is not being steamed.

Since the operator of a garment presser is subjected to steam and heat for protracted periods, his resistance becomes very low.

Furthermore, the clouds of steam and the radiant heat interfere with the operators vision and greatly slow down his rate of work.

Although this problem has existed for many years,

no satisfactory means of eliminating the steam andheat has been devised. Some of the suggested solutions include special cabinets for separating the operator from the steam and heat, andfair blasts between the operator and the pressing elements to drive away the heat and steam. One proposedmethod which involved fairly extensive structural changes in the garment presser is disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 2,488,220. However, none of the apparatus or methods heretofore suggested have proven to be satisfactory, and machines now on the market do not generally contain any means for protecting the operator from steam and heat.

Summarizing this invention, it comprises the provision on the upper pressing element or the head of a garment pressing machine of an elongated steam trap or shield, which deflects steam into a trough that channels the trapped steam away from the operator. The steam trap is advantageously formed in the shape of an inverted trough by means of a rear side wall attached to the upper pressing element and extending outwardly from the head to join a front side wall that ends in a steam deflecting lip spaced from and extending below the outer edge of the head. The side walls define a chamber open at the bottom which traps the rising deflected steam.

In order toprotect the operator fromsteam rising from the machine the elongated steam trapyis placed on the side of the machine that faces the operator; ,In this position, the steam trap alsoserves as a shield for protecting the operator from radiant heat. For most effec tive shielding, the steam trap is either composed of heat insulating material or provided with, a covering of in-i sulating material. The method of this inventionutilizes the tendency of steam to rise, and the steam is trapped and diverted before it reaches the operator. t

To increase the efiectiveness' of the shieldpblowers connected by means of flexible hose to vents on the-top curve of the shield completely remove all steam from the area of the operator by suction. The inner surfaces of the shield are covered with fiock,which absorbs [any condensation formed when the presser is in continuous operation. Also the trough is fittedwith a removable rod covered with some absorbent material such as felt or velvet to further absorb any moisture that may form. Some operators work rapidly and use a greater amount of steam and by using this rod, plus flock, plus suction the problem of a condensation forming 'is solved. Should the covering on the rod become moisture laden, the operator may remove it and press the moisture from it.

The shield is also equipped with properly insulated lights which is a great help to the operator especially when working on dark-colored materials. The constant movement of air caused by the suction, aids in keeping the light bulbs from becoming over-heated. .In most cleaning plants or shops conventional lighting from celling fixtures is too far away from the buck and thiscauses the head to cast a shadowon the buck. This shadow is eliminated by having the light attached at each-side of the shields inner chamber and shining from under the head and not. in the operators face. 1 There is a device casting a light from behind the machine but .it has been unsatisfactory because it shines into the operators eyes. r t An operator uses pins constantly in his work and there is no provision now for a convenient place to keep them near the operatora place where they can be reached easily and yet not in the way of the'garments. There are two pads for this purpose on eachend of the front side of the shield where they canbe reached quickly and easily without moving.

Provision is also .made to cover the open ends of the trough in such a way as to protect the eyes of adjacent operators in a plant from glare from the lights while still leaving an opening for the steam in thatarea' to be removed by the suction. In a previous attempt at solving this problem there is a hood arrangement covering the circumference of the head and using a fan to suction the steam away from the operator. This makes the head heavy and unwieldy and the fan is not as effective as the suction of the blowers. Also in previous attempts at using air circulation devices the purposes of the air current was to dry the cloth' rather than to shield the operator.

The shield I have described is very light in weight and the motors creating'the suction are mounted at the hinge of the presser so that while they move with the raising and lowering of the head there is no feeling of weight With reference to the drawings:

Fig. -1 is a rear view of the steam trap of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the steam trap of this invention."

Fig. '3 is a view from above'looking directly down into the steam trap. i Fig. 4 is a view from below showing the position of the light fixtures.

-FigL-5 is a fragmentary vertical section of the steam trap taken on the line'55 of Fig. 1. -Fig. 6 is an isometric front view of a garment pressing r nachine including the steam trap of this invention installed with hose and blowers.

Fig. 7 shows the cloth covered metal rod that fits into the trough formed on the lower edge of the front of the steam trap of this invention.

In greater detail, the steam trap 2 is attached to the usual garment pressing machine 3, which is of the type that may be found in almost any dry cleaning and pressing establishment. The garment pressing machine has a base-4 for supporting the remainder of the machine and for housing the usual levers and vacuum lines controlled by the feet of the operator. Table 6 is supported on base 4, and in turn the table supports buck stand 7 and buck 8, which is the stationary lower pressing element of the machine. The head 9 serves as the upper pressing element, and it is mounted on pressing lever 11 Thehead 9 is readily lowered by pressure on central footlever 12, which "actuates pressing lever 11, and the head is automatically returned by springs, not shown, to the raised position when the foot lever 12 is released. Hand controlled bar lever 13 mounted on head 9 provides an additional means of controlling the position of the head, and for exerting pressure by hand during the pressing operation.

Chamber 14 in the buck is filled with steam for softening a garment by actuation of buck steam foot pedal 16 which-regulates steam entering chamber 14 through steam inlet pipe 1 7 housed in'base 4. In order to withdraw excess steam from the garment during the pressing operation, the garment pressing machine is supplied with the usual exhaust line 18 also housed in base 4 which communicates with buck chamber 14. The vacuum exerted through exhaust line 18 is governed by foot pedal 19through any customary lever and valve arrangement, not shown. Both the vacuum and buck steam are transmitted to the surface of the buck 8 through small orifices in the top pressing surface of the buck. Porous fabric is usually secured to the top of the buck 8 by any convenient means such as a hook and tension spring.

In the conventional utility pressing machine illustrated in the drawing steam is injected into the chamber 21 of the head 9 through flexible metallic tubing not shown. The entry of steam into chamber 21 is controlled by hand lever 22 which in turn regulates a valve seated on the head. The steam passes through orifices in the head 9 and is further divided as it fiows through minute openings in metal grid plate 9a, which is attached to the head 9 by coil tension springs 9b. The grid plate not only divides the steam that passes through but it also serves as a smooth pressing surface for the garment. -However, the steam trapofthis invention may be utilized for shielding the operator from steamgiven off from the buck in a garment presser that hasa polished head without steam outlets. When the operator releases steam with hand lever 22, his hand resting on handle. 13, a certain amount of steam escapes between the head and the screen toward his hand. To protect the hand of the operator, rear wall 24 is fitted with a small strip of some metal, preferably aluminum, 20.-

The steam trap 2 comprises a front wall 23 which joins with a rear wall 24 to form an elongated steam anneling PP Q- Pd-QQ inve d m sh- The f om a 23 extends lower than rear wall 24 to provide a steam deflecting lip 26.

In order to prevent the small amount of water formed by steam that condenses in the steam trap from dripping on the garment or the operator, the steam deflecting lip is curved rearwardly and upwardly to form a collecting trough 27. Collecting trough 27 is fitted with an absorbent cloth covered rod 28 and stopper 29. Inner surfaces of the trap may be coated if so desired coated with material known as flock making an absorbent surface as at 31. Should it be necessary rod 28 may be quickly removed and moisture pressed from it. Necessity for this depends upon the machine, the operator and the speed of operation.

Front and rear walls are joined on the lower edge at each end 32 of the trap to provide for the installation of lighting fixtures 33 and are fitted on each open end with a guard 34 to keep light glare from the eyes of adjacent operators while still allowing free passage for steam and suction. Light sockets are fastened to ends 32 of trap by 'means of clip andbolt attachment 30.

In order to most effectively shield the operator from radiant heat that is emitted from the pressing elements, heat insulating material 36 composed of any material customarily employed for such purpose, such as asbestos or Fiberglas, is secured to the front wall 23 of the steam trap 2 by means of bolts 37. Due to the location and configuration of the steam trap 2 on the head 9, it is interposed between the hot pressing elements and the operators head, thereby eifecting a great reduction in the radiant heat that is directed towards the operators face.

Steam trap 2 is connected to pressing machine 3 by means of metal clips 38 secured with bolts 39 to the brackets of lifting handle 13.

Vents 41 on the top curve of steam trap 2 are fitted with stacks 42 to be connected to suction source by means of flexible hose43. Suction is created by two blowers 44 installed at the hinge 46 of garment pressing machine 3. Installed at this position on the machine the blowers and hose move with "the head without in any way disturbing the balance of the machine. There is no feeling of weight. Also since the motors or blowers pivot on the hinge as the head is raised and lowered and since the steam trap is connected to the head there is nomovement of the hose itself consequently no wear on the hose. The steam that is su'ctioned away from the operator is drawn to the rear of the machinethru the blowers and emitted toward the floor where it dissipates harmlessly.

In operation the head 9 of the garment pressing machine Sis raised and the garment is placed on the buck 8. If the garment is'badly wrinkled, it is given a preliminary buck steaming by application of pressure on buck steam foot pedal 16 The steam spurts into buck chamber 14 and out of orifices into the garment, from where the steam rises upwards with force towards head 9. As the steam flows outward curling down and around head 9, it moves directly toward the face of the operator, causing him to step backwards. This is almost a reflex motion with operators of garment pressing machines. As a presser I have found that this constant flow of steam against the eyes is very annoying and harmful. With this device, as the steam hits the head andcurling forward, passes the steam trap the suction removes it completely from that area.

For pressing the usual garment that is not badly wrinkled, buck steaming is not necessary. In either case, the head 9 is then brought down adjacent the garment on buck 8, and steam is injected into the garment through one of the pressing elements. Generally, the head steam is utilized for this purpose by pressing hand lever 22 to release steam into head chamber 21. The released steam spurts through the grid plate onto the garment. The space between the head. and the buck forms a confined channel through which steam spurts out of the sides of the pressing elements. If the trap 2 of this invention 'not employed, the operator is subjected to the flowing steam.

However, when the steam trap 2 of this invention is employed, the steam is directed against steam deflecting lip 26 and rises into the inverted trough where it is removed through the vents by the suction action. The pressing is completed by exhausting the excess steam and exerting pressure on the garment through head 9.

Steam deflecting lip 26 of the steam trap 2 extends outwardly from the head 9 in order to provide space for the rising steam to enter the trap, and the lip also extends below the outer or forward edge of head 9 so that it will deflect steam spurting out between the pressing elements. However, for best results the steam deflecting lip 26 should not extend far below the upper edge of the buck so that the lip of the trap will not interfere with the garment being pressed. Although the lip 26 could be eliminated by employing a wide trap extending a substantial distance outwards from the head, such a trap would be very cumbersome, and would interfere with the operator.

The artist has shown the trap to be the same length as the front edge of the head 9 (Fig. 6). Such is not necessary--the trap can reach to within four inches of each end of the head. Since there are machines built in several different lengths, i.e. 52 inches, 45 inches 42 or 38 inches, the steam trap may also be built in different lengths.

Attachment of the steam trap 2 to the head 9 in accordance with this invention provides many advantages. The steam trap 2 is moved up and down with the head 9, and thus is out of the way of the operator. It utilizes the tendency of steam to rise, and it may be placed on any shape of head in a garment pressing machine. Furthermore, the steam trap shields the operator from radiant heat, and it is simple and economical to construct. If desired, the steam trap can be made an integral part of the head 9 of the garment pressing machine. Used as shown complete with hose and suction creating power this invention provides an easily constructed and practicable means of rendering working conditions more comfortable for the operator of a garment pressing ma chine, and thereby greatly increasing his capacity for work.

What is claimed as new is:

1. For use on a garment pressing machine of the type having an upper pressing element which has a front edge and which is movable toward and away from a stationary lower pressing element which has means for application of steam through the pressing face of the same, a steam trap to shield an operator standing in front of the pressing machine from steam comprising a rear wall adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element and adapted to extend upwardly'therefrom, a front wall spaced from said rear wall, the upper portion of said front and rear walls extending toward one another and united to form an open ended inverted trough positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element, heat insulating material disposed on the front wall, said front wall including a steam deflecting lip extending below the edge of said upper pressing element and adapted to extend rearwardly toward the pressing element whereby steam flowing past the front edge of the upper pressing element toward the operator of the pressing machine is deflected by said lip into said inverted trough and channeled away from the operator.

2. For use on a garment pressing machine of the type having an upper pressing element which has a front edge and which is movable toward and away from a stationary lower element which has means for application of steam through the pressing face of the same a steam trap to shield an operator standing in front of the pressing ma.- chine from steam which sprays toward the operator comprising a rear wall adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom, a front wall spaced from said rear wall, the upper portion of said front and rear walls extending toward. one another and united to form an open ended inverted trough adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element, the lower portion of said front wall extending below the level of the front edge of the upper pressing element, the front wall having a steam deflecting lip with a lower edge portion which'is adapted to extend inwardly toward the upper pressing element and upwardly toward the inverted trough to thereby form a smaller elongated trough for reception of condensate which is formed in the steam trap.

3. For use on a garment pressing machine of the type having an upper pressing element which has a front edge and which is movable toward and away from a stationary lower pressing element which has means for application of steam to the pressing face of the same a steam trap to shield an operator from steam escaping past said front edge comprising a rear wall adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom, a front wall spaced from said rear wall, the upper portion of said front and rear walls extending toward one another and united to form an open ended inverted trough adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element, the lower portion of said front wall adapted to extend below the level of the forward edge of the upper pressing element, the lower edge of said wall adapted to extend rearwardly toward the upper pressing element and upwardly toward the trough to form a smaller trough for reception of condensate which forms in saidsteam trap, and a re movable absorbent rod or plunger disposed in said smaller trough adapted to absorb condensate trapped in said smaller trough.

4. For use on a garment pressing machine of the type having an upper pressing element which has a front edge and which is movable toward and away from a stationarv lower pressing element which has means for application of steam through the pressing face of the same, a steam trap to shield the operator standing in front of the machine from escaping steam comprising a rear wall adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom, a front wall spaced from said rear wall, the upper portion of said front and rear walls extending toward one another and united to form an open ended inverted trough adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element, and insulated light sockets secured to each end of said trough for holding electric lamps.

5. For use on a garment pressing machine. of the type having an upper pressing element which has a front edge and which is movable toward and away from a stationary lower pressing element which has means for application of steam through the pressing face of the same, a steam trap to shield an operator standing in front of the pressing machine from escaping steam which comprises a rear wall adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom, a front wall spaced from said rear wall, the upper portion of said front and rear walls extending toward one another and united to form an open ended inverted trough adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element, the lower portion of said front wall adapted to extend below the level of the front edge of the upper pressing element whereby steam flowing past the front edge of the pressing element toward the operator of the pressing machine is trapped in the inverted trough and channeled laterally away from the operator, and guard means disposed at the ends of said trough serving to deflect steam travelling laterally from said trough.

6. For use on a garment pressing machine of the type having, an upper pressing element which has a front edge and which is movable toward and away from a stationary lower pressing element which has means for application of steam to the pressing face of the same a steam trap to shield an operator standing front of the pressing machine from steam escaping therefrom comprising a rear wall adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of the upper pressing element and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom,-a front wall spaced from said rear wall, the upper portions of said front and rear walls extending toward'one another and united to form an open ended inverted trough adapted to be positioned forwardly of the front edge of theupper pressing element, the lower portion of said front wall adapted to extend below the level of the front edge of the upper pressing element whereby steam flowing past the front edge of the upper 8 pressing element toward the operator of the pressing machine is trapped in the inverted trough, vents formed in the closed portion of said trough, a vacuum source, and a vacuum line serving to connect said vents to said VHCUUBII source.

7 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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