Document K60rR4gGYqaYJyBQ523aGYxRo

FILE NAME: McGraw-Edison (ME) DATE: 1969 Aug 1 DOC#: ME020 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Patent - Method and apparatus for a durable press in garments containing cellulose or cellulosic derivatives [Approved - 1972 May 2] United States Patent Payet et al. [is] 3 ,6 6 0 ,0 1 3 [45] May 2,1972 [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A DURABLE PRESS IN GARMENTS CONTAINING CELLULOSE OR CELLULOSIC DERIVATIVES [72] Inventors: George Louis Payet; John H. Forg, both of Cincinnati, Ohio [73 ] Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company, Elgin, III. [22] Filed: Aug. 1, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 846,884 [52] U.S. Cl................................... 8/116.4,8/149.2, 8/149.3, 38/144, 2/243, 8/115.7, 34/37, 34/210 [51] Int. Cl............... D06m 1/16, D06m 13/14, D06m 13/54 [58] Field of Search...............8/116.4, 149.2, 149.3; 38/144; 34/37 [56] References Cited 2,311,080 2,441,859 3,264,054 UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1943 5/1948 8/1966 Pinkney..................................... 8/116.4 Weisberg et al...........................8/116.4 Reinhardt et al.......................... 8/116.4 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 437,642 11/1935 Great Britain............................ 8/116.4 980,980 1/1965 Great Britain............................ 8/116.4 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Guthrie, Textile Research Journal, Vol. 29, pp. 834- 836 (1959) American Dyestuff Reporter, March 27, 1967, pp. 207- 208 Mehta et al., Journal of the Textile Institute, Vol. 58, pp. 279292(1967) Primary Examiner--George F. Lesmes Assistant Examiner--J. Cannon Attorney--George H. Fritzinger [57] ABSTRACT A novel treating method and commercial apparatus for carry ing out this method have been developed for reacting prepressed cellulosic and cellulosic-blend garments with cross-linking agents in a gaseous phase to impart a durable press thereto. The durable press finish is imparted by placing the garments in a closed chamber typically at room tempera ture from 70F to 80F or, if preheated, at a temperature not in excess of 150F, adding formaldehyde gas and sulphur diox ide gas and steam for several minutes causing the temperature in the chamber to rise due to the steam, cutting off the steam and allowing the temperature to drop to saturate the at mosphere and cause greater condensation of steam through the garments, and then heating the chamber to a temperature of the order of 250F to complete the crosslinking operation. Next, the garments may be freed of residual odors by flushing the chamber with fresh air and/or steam. The apparatus com prises an openable treating chamber adapted to be heated as by steam ducts and having therein a heated tray for receiving paraformaldehyde and vaporizing the same. Also, means are provided for introducing controlled amounts of steam and of sulphur dioxide as the catalyzing agent. The chamber has suitable ports enabling it to be flushed by fresh air and by steam. 9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTED kay2 1972 SHEET 1 OF 5 FIG. I 3,660,013 STEAM STEAM INVENTORS GEORGE L. PA Y ET J O H N H. F O R G AGENT PATENTEDkay 2 1072 SHEET 2 CF 5 3,660,013 INVENTORS GEORGE L. P A Y E T J O H N H. FORG BY AGENT PATENTEDMAY2 1972 SHEET 3 OF 5 FIG. 6 3,660,013 FIG. y PATENTEDH2 (372 FIG. 8 SHEET I* OF 5 3,660,013 PATENTEDMAY 2 IB72 SHEET S OF 5 ,3 6 6 0 ,0 1 3 FIG. II INVENTORS GEORGE L. PAYET J O HN H. F OR G BY AGENT 3,660,013 1 2 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A FIG. 10 is a graph showing a typical temperature v. time DURABLE PRESS IN GARMENTS CONTAINING cycle of the treating process according to the second embodi CELLULOSE OR CELLULOSIC DERIVATIVES ment of our invention; The invention is specifically described in terms of treating FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of two treating boxes in garments but is applicable to any cellulosic or part-cellulosic 5 sequential arrangement with a conveyor running fabric articles of cloth or cloth-like nature including bed therethrough; and "linens," tablecloths, curtains, drapes, etc., as well as those of FIG. 12 is a top plan view of this sequential box arrange non-woven or felted material such as "disposables," i.e., gar ment. ments made of paper or paper-like material. The term "fabric The embodiment of our invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 articles" is herein used to comprehend all the items of this 10 comprises a treating box 10 for receiving batches of general category. prepressed cotton or cotton-blend clothing 11 and of provid Cellulose fabrics comprise long polymers having attached ing the same with a durable press by the novel treating method (OH) radicals which can be reacted with crosslinking of our invention. This is a rectangular box which may for ex molecules between the polymers. These crosslinks permit ample be similar in outward size and shape to a large upright some slippage between the polymers under stress, but return 15 refrigerator. The box is double-walled and insulated between the polymers to their initial relationships when outside stresses the walls but has steam heating channels applied against the are removed. By introducing such linkages into a cellulose outer sides of the inner walls for heating the inner treating fabric a durable press is obtained. Formaldehyde is well chamber. The inner walls are preferably made of aluminum known to produce such linkages when diffused through the and comprise left and right vertical sidewalls 12 and 13 (FIG. cellulose fabrics in the presence of an acidic catalyst, heat and 20 1), a back wall 14 (FIG. 2), a horizontal bottom wall 15 and a moisture. An example of such a catalyst is sulphurous acid slanting top wall 16 which is inclined downwardly from front- which can be produced in the apparatus from sulphur dioxide to-back as shown in FIG. 3 to avoid dripping of any possible and moisture. It is known on a laboratory scale that cotton will condensation onto the garments being treated. The inner walls crosslink in the presence of steam, formaldehyde vapor and sulphur dioxide gas but it is not known that this method can be 25 are welded airtight at their seams into a unitary upright con carried out dependably and economically on a commercial struction open at the front except for a short wall section 17 scale. depending from the top wall 16. (FIG. 3). The remaining front An object of the invention is to provide a novel method and opening is closed by a door 18 hinge at its left side as indicated apparatus for carrying out this method on garments in an ef at 19. The door overlaps the side edges of the inner walls and fective and efficient manner to produce a durable press having 30 is sealed airtight thereagainst when closed by an intervening improved properties. sealing strip 20. Another object is to provide a method of imparting a dura Applied against the outer side of each inner wall of the box ble press to cellulose fabrics within a sufficiently short time and door 18 is a series of side-by-side semicylindrical channel cycle and with lower concentrations of formaldehyde gas and members 21. These channel members are welded along their sulphur dioxide gas to render the method practical for com 35 edges to each other and to the inner walls of the box except at mercial use. their end portions. At the end portions alternate pairs of ad Another object is to provide such novel method and ap jacent edges of the channel members are cut away at 22 from paratus which is adapted for treating individual batches of cel the wall of the box and welded only to each other to provide ltuoloassseuorer cceolnlusilsotseinct-lbylegnododclroetshuilntgs.under controlled conditions 40 tihneterecnodnsntehcetirnegofp.a(sFsaIGgeSw. a6ysabnedtw7)e.enInththeicshwananyeal mcoenmtibneurosuast Another object is to provide an improved method and ap duct is formed proceeding zig-zag along each inner wall of the paratus for imparting a durable press to cellulosic fabrics, box with the inner wall constituting one side of each duct. which has a sufficiently low installation cost and short time Steam for heating the inner chamber is led via a valve V and cyyacrdle gtooordesndsetorrtehse, agpaprmareantut smparnacutfiaccatlufroerrsc,ormetmaielrcstioalreusseanbdy 45 ampidipweay23thtehrsoiduegshtthheereboafc.kTwhealpl i1p4e neexaternthdse ttoopa opfotihnet nbeoaxratnhde cleaning and dyeing shops. front door 18 and then curves upwardly through the top wall These and other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended 16 to which it is secured airtight by a fitting 24 (FIG. 3). This horizontal portion of the pipe is free of condensation because claims. 50 of its heated condition and serves as a rack on which hangers In the description of our invention reference is had to the for the clothing being treated may be attached. The extension accompanying drawings, of which: of the pipe 23 through the top wall is at a junction between FIG. 1 is a front vertical section on line 1--1 of FIG. 3 show two ducts 21 (FIG. 6) so that the steam will divide between ing a treating chamber for carrying out the present invention the two ducts on the top wall 16 as indicated by the arrows 25. according to one embodiment thereof; FIG. 2 is a horizontal section on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1; 55 By way of example, the steam ducts on the several walls may be connected as follows: At the end of the last duct at the right FIG. 2a is a fractional sectional view to enlarged scale also side of the top wall 16 the steam is led via a nipple 26, con on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1; necting tube 27 and nipple 28 to the first duct at the top of the FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view on the line 3--3 of FIG. 1; side wall 13; at the end of the last duct at the bottom of the FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view through the blower box 60 side wall 13 the steam is led by a nipple 29, connecting tube 30 on line 4--4 of FIG. 1; and nipple 31 to the first duct at the top of the back wall 14; FIG. 5 is a fractional sectional view on the line 5--S of FIG. 4; and at the end of the last duct at the bottom of the back wall 14 the steam is led back to the source via a nipple 32, tube 33 FIG. 6 is an exploded diagrammatic view showing an ar and intervening trap 34. Similarly, at the end of the last duct at rangement of heating channels on the back sides of the inter 65 the left side of the top wall 16 the steam is led via a nipple 35, nal walls of the treating chamber; flexible tube 36 and nipple 37 to the top duct on the door 18; FIG. 7 is a fractional sectional view on the line 7--7 of FIG. at the end of the last duct at the bottom of the door 18, the 3 showing the interconnecting passageways between succes sive heating channels; steam is lead via a nipple 38, flexible tube 39 and nipple 40 to the first duct at the top of the left side wall 12; and at the last FIG. 8 is a graph showing a typical temperature v. time 70 duct at the bottom of the side wall 12 the steam is led back to cycle curve in the treating process by the embodiment shown the source via a nipple 41, tube 42 and intervening trap 43. in FIGS. I to 7; The bottom wall similarly could be steam heated if desired. FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view showing a front elevation Applied against the outer side of the ducts 21 are layers 44 with the front door removed of a treating box according to a of asbestos paper, and applied against the asbestos paper are second embodiment of the invention; 75 layers 45 about 1% inch thick of fiber glass having its alu 3 ,6 6 0 ,0 1 3 3 4 minum side facing outwardly for the purpose of providing a end o f the damper box. This porthole is closed by a damper 86 smooth unimpeded surface for air flow. Spaced about 1% (such as the dampers 77 and 78) secured to the armature 87 inches from the fiber glass are the respective walls of an outer of an air cylinder 88 bolted to the back wall of the box (FIG. steel shell 46. This shell has a flanged front edge 47 in a verti 4). Operation of the air cylinders 75, 76 and 88 in an inward cal plane which closes the space between the shell and inner 5 direction open these dampers (FIG. 1) to enable the blower walls at the front of the box along the sides and bottom 82 to draw the gases from the treating chamber and to circu thereof. Also, there is a horizontal flanged edge 48 between late air therethrough. To permit any rising pressure in the the lower portion of the top wall section 17 and the confront treating box to be relieved when the pressure reaches a ing portion of the shell. The door 18 underlies the horizontal predetermined level, as when steam and sulphur dioxide are flanged edge 48 and is sealed against the vertical flanged edges 10 injected into the box, a blow-off valve 89 is provided in the 47 at the bottom and sides of the door and against a lower strip damper box 79. This valve comprises a tube 90 extending of the wall 17 below the flanged edge 48 at the top of the door. through the partition wall 84 and having a tumed-up end por Just beyond the sides, top and bottom of the door 18 there tion at the outer side of the wall 84 closed by a weighted cap are small slots or openings 49 in the flanged edge 48, and at 91 resting on the end of the tube. The cap has an internal sil the top of the door there is a series of openings 50 in the 15 icone rubber gasket 92 to provide a good seal so long as the horizontal flanged edge 48. These openings allow air to be pressure is below the blow-off level. drawn inwardly past the side edges of the door 18 responsive The present method is carried out by placing the garments to an exhaust blower 51 connected by a pipe 52 at the back of in the closed chamber and then injecting formaldehyde and the box to the space between the inner walls and shell 46. This 20 sulphur dioxide gases and steam. During the injection of these suction blower draws away gases which may leak from the box gases the chamber is not heated other than by the heat of the past the seal of the door to prevent these gases from escaping steam. The initial temperature of the chamber may be at room into the room in which the treating box is located. The chance temperature, say 70 to 80 F., or the chamber may be pre of any gas leakage is kept however at a minimum by a latch 53 heated but not in excess of 150 F. The steam is then cut off diagrammatically indicated in FIG. 2, which holds the door 25 and the chamber allowed to cool to saturate the treating at closed with pressure against the seal when the latch is locked. mosphere and cause a greater condensation of steam through Centrally located on the bottom wall 15 of the treating box the fabrics being treated. When the box is initially at room is a formaldehyde reactor comprising a shallow rectangular temperature the steam is injected until the internal tempera case 54 having an inset top wall 55 forming a tray for receiving ture reaches approximately 120 F., whereupon the steam is a quantity of solid paraformaldehyde. This case 54 contains 30 cut off and the chamber allowed to cool typically from 10 to electric heating coils 56 connected by an outgoing cable 57 25 F. If the chamber is in a preheated condition -- i.e., above leading through an opening 58 in the bottom wall 15 to a volt room temperature not in excess of 150 F. -- the temperature age supply. The case 54 is secured by bolts 60 to the bottom may be allowed to cool after the steam is cut off by more than wall 15. The space between the electric heating coils and the the temperature rise due to the steam before the auxiliary bottom wall 15 is filled with a fiber glass insulation 61. This 35 heating is applied. By proper timing of the auxiliary heating, reactor is adapted to heat the solid paraformaldehyde in the depending upon the type of auxiliary heating apparatus, the tray 55 and vaporize the same during a treating operation. internal temperature is raised following the temperature drop Extending through a side wall of the box 10 at a level above just noted to a temperature of the order of 250 F. to complete the tray 55 is a pipe 62 connected to a source 64 of sulphur the crosslinking operation. Thereupon, the chamber is al dioxide (S02) through a solenoid valve 65. Also, in each side 40 lowed to cool and outside air is circulated through the wall 12 and 13 at a level above the tray 55 is a pipe 66 ter chamber for several minutes to rid the garments of residual minating flush with the inside surface of the side wall. These odors. Also, if necessary, steam may thereafter be circulated are connected to a source 67 of steam through a solenoid through the chamber for several minutes and then again out valve 68. A drain pipe 69 and valve 70 leading from the bot side air for several minutes to rid the garments wholly of any tom wall of the chamber permits any water condensation to be 45 residual odors. drained after each press cycle. In the walls of the box near the upper part thereof are In a more precise procedure for carrying out the above method by the treating apparatus above-described, con portholes 71 and 72. These portholes are lined by walls 71a sistently good results are obtained starting with the treating iannnder72saideextwenaldlsingofintwheardbloyx.froOmvetrhlyeinoguttehressheelplotrhtrhooulgesh athree 50 chheaamtebr efor ratthoerpaabraofuotrmroaolmdehteymdepeinraatuprreehaneadtewditchotnhdeitiroenacbtourt respective spiders 73 and 74 secured as by bolts to the inner walls 12 and 13. Mounted on the central hubs of these spiders not to full vaporizing temperature. The garments to be treated are then placed on coat hangers attached to the pipe 23, the are air cylinders 75 and 76 having armatures extending in desired quantity of paraformaldehyde is placed on the tray 55, w77aradnldy t7h8roautgthhetihreinpnoerrtheonldess. aTnhdecdaarrmyipnegr r7e7spceocmtipvreisdeasmapceirrs 55 tdhoeorre1a8catonrd haelladtearmipsetrusranreedcluopsetdo. Lfuolwl tpermespseurraetusrteea, manodf athpe cular metal plate 77a as of stainless steel, a disk 776 as of sil proximately 4 p.s.i. is then admitted via the pipe 66 and icone sponge applied to the metal plate and a disk 77c of solid sulphur dioxide gas is admitted via the pipe 62 for a period of silicon rubber applied to the sponge disk (FIG. 2a). Similarly, approximately 2 minutes during which time the paraformal the damper 78 comprises the corresponding parts 78a, 78b 60 dehyde is being vaporized. During this period the steam, and 78c. The dampers stand normally open (FIG. 2) and are sulphur dioxide and formaldehyde gases permeate through the closed and opened by air pressure to the air cylinders (FIG. fabrics and the temperature in the chamber rises because of 1). In the walls of the portholes are openings 716 and 72b the steam typically to about 120 F. This is shown by the first through which air is drawn inwardly responsive to the suction portion A, of the curve of FIG. 8. The time for carrying out blower 51 so that any gas leakage past the dampers 77 and 78 65 this operation is typically about 2 minutes. At the end of this when the dampers are closed may not escape into the at period the steam valve V is opened to start heating the mosphere. chamber. However, since the steam ducts 21 are outside the In the backwall of the box near the bottom thereof is a chamber walls, there is a delay in heat transmission into the rectangular opening covered by a damper box 79 (FIGS. 1, 3, chamber causing the internal temperature to fall about 25 in 4 and 5) having a rim flange 76 bolted to the outer shell. This 70 the next 2 minutes as shown by the second portion A2of the damper box has a porthole 80 in its back wall near one end curve of FIG. 8 before the temperature begins to rise from the thereof coupled by a duct 81 to a suction blower 82. This auxiliary heating. This temperature drop is a very important blower has an outlet duct coupled by a stack 83 to the outside. step in the present invention because it causes the treating at The back half of the damper box is divided from the front half mosphere to become saturated with a resultant greater con by a partition wall 84 having a porthole 85 therein at the other 75 densation of steam through the fabrics being treated. This 3,660,013 greater condensation reduces the required concentrations of The purging of the garments to rid them of residual odors is formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide and shortens the treating carried out by first replacing the gases in the treating chamber cycle. At the end of the 2 minute temperature drop the heat with room air as by opening the dampers 77 and 78 at the sides from the steam ducts 25 causes the internal temperature to of the treating chamber, opening the damper 86 of the damper begin to rise. This rise continues for a period of about 10 box 79 and starting the exhaust blower 82. After the exhaust minutes as shown by the portion A3of the curve of FIG. 8 be blower 82 has run from 3 to 5 minutes to replace the gases in fore the temperature reaches 250 F. to complete the cross the treating chamber with outside room air, the garments may linkage operation. The time required to bring the temperature be removed. However, if further purging is required the dam to 250 F. is important only from an economy standpoint since pers are closed to seal the treating chamber and the steam the completion of the linkage reaction depends only on the 10 purge button 102 on the timer 94 is pressed to open the steam temperature reaching the 250 F. value. Accordingly, a time is valve 68 without however opening the valve 65 controlling the selected taking into account the usual steam source, thermal sulphur dioxide gas. The timer 94 is adapted to hold the steam mass of the box, etc., which enables the box temperatures to valve 68 open for a period of from 2 to 5 minutes when the be increased to 250 F. or thereabout in a period comensurate purge button 102 is pressed. After the treating chamber is with practical requirements and with maximum economy. 15 again exhausted from 2 to 5 minutes as above-described, the When the temperature reaches 250 F. the steam valve V is batch of clothing may be removed. Still further, the cycle of turned off -- preferably by automatic control from the ther adding steam and of then exhausting the treating chamber mostat T in the chamber -- and the garments are purged by air may be repeated. anTdhoeptaimonoaullnytsalosfofboyrmstaeladmehtyodreemanodvesutlhpehruers-iddiouaxlidoedoforsr.each 20 preEsxetnetnmsiveethtoedsthsavheavaedushraobwlen ptrheasts gwairthmiemntpsrotvreeadtepdropbyerttihees treating operation depend by the present invention on the as follows: volume of the treating chamber. For example, the volume of Durability of crosslinks to acidic washing is superior to that the treating chamber may be approximately 35 cubic feet. In found in conventional resinous type durable press. This is terms of percentage by volume at atmospheric pressure the 25 shown in Table I by the crease recovery for acid souring vapor sulphur dioxide range is typically from 0.1 percent to 2 per phase treated samples and conventional resinated samples of cent, and the formaldehyde range is from 2 percent to 10 per the same type where the Symbol (W+F) means the recovery cent. This volume range of formaldehyde is obtained by plac along the warp plus the recovery along the fill, it being un ing paraformaldehyde on the tray 55 in an amount from 26.25 derstood that complete recovery in each direction would be grams (2 percent) to 131.1 grams (10 percent). However, for 30 180. maximum results, the sulphur dioxide is provided at a volume percentage of 1.02 percent and the formaldehyde at 6.19 per cent. This volume percentage of formaldehyde is obtained by placing 80 grams of paraformaldehyde on the tray 55. The TABLE I maximum points in these ranges should not be exceeded 35 CREASE RECOVERY AFTER ACID SOURING WITH because more than 2 percent sulphur dioxide will cause undue SULPHURIC ACID degradation of the fabric, and concentrations of formaldehyde above the range noted provides an explosive hazard. The amount of moisture required for each treating opera C onventional tion is dependent primarily on the weight of the cellulose in 4 0 each batch of garments being treated. If the clothing being D urable Press (W +F) V apor Phase (W +F) treated is all cellulose the total weight of the batch is con sidered in determining the amount of moisture required. How O riginal 304.0 315.0 ever, if the clothing is a blend of a given percentage of cellu S ouring 30 m in. pH 5.0 lose with another fiber, then only that percentage of the 4 5 S oautri1n7g53 0F.m in. pH 3.0 overall weight is considered in determining the amount of at 175 F. 280.3 276.7 306.0 305.7 moisture required. It is desired that the moisture content of the clothing should reach from 10 percent to 20 percent on a weight basis during a treating operation, but preferably the 50 moisture content is to be held between 15 percent to 17 per cent. A variable injection of steam into the treating chamber is Softness of hand is much greater than in conventional resin achieved by controlling the time interval the steam valve 68 is type durable press as there is no surface resin to give the fabric held open during each treating operation. For this reason the a "harsh" handle. solenoid valve 68 is controlled by a timer 94. This timer has a 55 Retention of hand on successive washing -- As there is no time setting knob 95 registering with a scale 96, and has a start surface resin which is subsequently washed off, vapor phase button 97 for starting a treating operation and a start button treated fabrics retain their handle after numerous washings, 102 for starting a purge operation, as later described. The whereas conventional resin type durable press becomes softer timer is connected to a power supply via a connector cable 98 and softer after nominal washings, and is connected to the solenoid valve 68 by a connector cable 60 Superior Abrasion Resistance of vapor phase samples is due 99. Upon placing a batch of clothing in the treating chamber primarily to the softer hand, as the fabrics have not been em and then closing the door 18 the operator will press the start brittled with resins as in the case of resin type durable press. button 97 to start the flow of steam into the treating chamber As an example, two like fabrics were compared, one contain for an interval depending upon the setting of the knob 95. The ing conventional resin type durable press, the other the vapor sale 96 may be calibrated in terms of the weight of cotton 65 phase treatment. These samples are shown in Table II. cloth in the batch being treated so that the operator after weighing a batch can readily set the knob for the right steam injection. ' The timer 94 is also connected by a cable 100 to the sulphur TABLE II Abrasion loss of fiber w eight in accelerator at 3,000 R .P.M . for 3 m inutes dioxide control valve 65 to energize this valve for an internal 70 independent of the setting of the knob 95 each time the start button 97 is pressed. However, this time interval of energiza tion of the valve 65 may be adjusted to the desired setting for Sample number 619P conventional durable press. any given size of treating chamber by an adjusting screw 101 618P vapor phase durable preferably as by a tool such as a wrench or screw driver. 75 press. Original weight (grams) 3.8791 3.9893 Final weight (grains) 3.1699 3.4217 Percent liber retained 81.7 85.8 Percent fiber lost 18.3 14. 2 573 101O34 <1624 3,660,013 7 8 Both good wet and dry wrinkle recovery is evidenced in vapor phase durable press fabrics as shown in the following Table in. without any auxiliary heating applied. This causes the tem perature to fall as shown by the portion A5of the curve of FIG. 10. This fall may typically be from 10 to 15. The steam is T A B L E I I I --W E T A N D D R Y C R E A S E R E C O V E R Y then turned on the heating units 109 causing the internal tem 5 perature to begin to rise immediately as shown by the portion A6of the curve of FIG. 10. Further, since the heating units 109 are directly in the chamber the internal temperature rises to Sample No. 61SP (vapor p hase)------------- 610P (durable p r e s s ) _________ D ry crease recovery W. F. (W .+F.) 155.0 150.0 160.0 154.3 315.0 304.3 W et crease recovery W. F. (W .+F.) 152.0 132.3 156.3 143.0 308.3 275.3 about 250 F. to complete the crossiinkage reaction in only about 6 minutes. Thereupon, as before, this steam is cut off 10 from the heating units 109 and the chamber is allowed to cool. Also, the fabrics may then be purged with room air and/or steam to rid them of residual odors as may be required. We claim: Stain release is superior in vapor phase treated samples with respect to oily materials. Literature has shown that oily materials adhere to the resinous type crosslinking which are not present in vapor phase crosslinked samples. A 65/35 1. The method of producing a durable press in a fabric arti 15 cle containing cellulosic material, which comprises placing said fabric article in a closed chamber, providing in said chamber formaldehyde gas, steam and sulphur dioxide gas causing the temperature in the chamber to rise due to the heat of the steam, cutting off said steam to allow the temperature in polyester cotton blend fabric, one piece durable press treated 20 said chamber to drop and cause greater condensation of steam with resins in the textile mill was compared to the same fabric in said fabric article and thereupon heating said atmosphere vapor phase treated. These samples were stained and washed, after cut off of said steam to raise the temperature in said and are compared in the following Table IV. chamber to a value of the order of 250 F. 2. The method set forth in claim 1 including the step of cir 25 culating air and/or steam through said chamber after the T A B L E IV chamber reaches said 250 F. temperature whereby to rid the Stain removal on resin durable press vs vapor phase durable press fabric articles of residual odors. 3. The method set forth in claim 1 wherein the amount of Sample number Treatm ent Number Choc olate Salad sulphur dioxide gas provided in said chamber is from 0.1 per washes C atsup syrup dressing 30 cent to 2 percent by volume of the gases in said chamber at at 374........... . Vapor phase........... . 376.......... ..........do....................... . 377........... ..........do........................... . 379........... . E esin durable p re s s.. . 380........... - 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 4+ 4 3 4 4 5 mospheric pressure. 44- 4. The method set forth in claim 1 wherein the amount of 5 4- formaldehyde gas provided in said chamber is from 2 percent 4- to 10 percent by volume of the gases in said chamber at at R atings fop soil rem oval are as follows: 1, no change; 2, slight ch an g e ; 35 mospheric pressure. 3, one half stain; 4, stain n ot q u ite gone; 5, stain com pletely removed. 5. The method of producing a durable press in a fabric arti cle which contains cellulosic material and has been pressed, Alteration capabilities are very simplified where vapor creased or finished as desired, which comprises placing said phase treatments are employed, as garments may be altered fabric article in a closed chamber, providing formaldehyde prior to rendering the fabric durable press. In conventional 40 and sulphur dioxide gases in said chamber and providing resin type durable press, the alterations must be made after simultaneously steam in said chamber causing the tempera the garment is rendered durable press. Creases are then dura ture in the chamber to rise and said fabric article to be per ble and cannot be changed as alterations require. meated with moisture, cutting off the steam and allowing the In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown in temperature in said chamber to drop and cause greater con FIGS. 9 and 10, the same form of temperature-time relation 45 densation of steam in said fabric article, and then heating the ship during the treating process is obtained to effect the same atmosphere in said chamber to a temperature of the order of durable press with the use of lesser concentrations of treating 250 F. agents than has been heretofore obtainable and again the 6. The method set forth in claim 5 wherein the temperature period of each treating operation is substantially reduced. In 50 in 7sa. iTdhcehmametbheordissientiftioarltlhy iant crolaoimm 5tewmhpeerreaitnursea.id heating is ef this embodiment, the steam ducts 21 and insulation 45 are removed from between the internal chamber walls 12-14 and fected indirectly through the chamber walls. 16 and the outer shell 46, and instead the inside walls 12-14 8. The method set forth in claim 5 wherein said heating is ef and 16 are covered with a 1-inch thick insulation 108 of ex fected directly in the chamber. panded silica known as "Careytemp," and a series of finned 55 9. A method of treating garments or other fabric articles made of cellulosic or part-cellulosic materials pre-pressed, steam-operated heater units 109 are mounted on the inside creased or finished as desired, comprising placing said gar walls against the insulation 108. These internal heating units ments or other fabric articles in chamber wherein the tem 109 may comprise three vertically spaced units on the back perature is 150 F. or below, closing said chamber, introduc wall 14 and three intervening units on each side wall 12 and ing steam therein to impart a predetermined moisture content 13. No heating units are placed against the top and bottom 60 to said garments or other fabric articles, concurrently in walls 15 and 16 or against the door 18. troducing a predetermined amount of sulphur dioxide and a Since the heating units 109 are inside the chamber to heat predetermined amount of formaldehyde gas by vaporizing the internal atmosphere directly they are capable of heating paraformaldehyde in said chamber, cutting off the steam and the treating chamber with relatively little time delay. Ac allowing the temperature to drop by a predetermined amount cordingly, in carrying out the treating process starting with the 65 to cause greater condensation of steam in said garments or chamber at room temperature, the formaldehyde and sulphur other fabric articles, and next applying dry heat to raise the dioxide gases and the steam are provided in die chamber for temperature in said chamber to about 250 F. whereby wrin about 2 minutes causing the internal temperature to rise again kle-resistant, press-free properties are imparted to said gar to about 120 F. from the heat of the steam, as shown by the ments or other fabric articles by a crosslinking reaction in the portion A 4of the curve of FIG. 10. Next, the steam injection is 70 cellulosic material thereof. cut off and the chamber is allowed to cool for about 2 minutes *** ** 5722 101034 CU.1K