Patent Description:
After being washed, articles (of clothing) and similar fabrics often dry with creases in them, which can ruin their appearance. Fortunately, these wrinkles can be removed through smoothing or pressing processes. Conventional methods used to remove wrinkles and creases include ironing and steaming.

Such conventional methods can be time consuming, and require both effort and a degree of skill on the part of the person performing the method. Attempts to automate the removal of wrinkles and creases have been suggested, which include apparatuses in which a roller arrangement moves across a suspended article of clothing to smooth out the creases and wrinkles.

<CIT> discloses an automatic ironing system and method comprising a volumetric enclosure configured to receive an article to be steamed, and a base configured to support, power, and provide steamed water to the volumetric enclosure. The system also comprises a rotary engine configured to rotate the article when activated, and at least one steam nozzle configured to direct steam towards the article. The system also comprises a receptacle configured to receive condensed steam from the volumetric enclosure and to recirculate the condensed steam for re-use, and a controller configured to monitor one or more variables of the automatic ironing system and adjust parameters according to instructions.

In <CIT>a laundry rack for a multifunctional suspension type laundry device is disclosed. The laundry rack comprises a shoulder-shaped main rack body, sleeve telescopic racks and an abdomen-thorax telescopic rack. The sleeve telescopic racks are mounted at two sides of the shoulder-shaped main rack body, and the abdomen-thorax telescopic rack is mounted on the bottom of the shoulder-shaped main rack body. Ultrasonic generators are arranged on the upper end part of the shoulder-shaped main rack body and the end parts of the sleeve telescopic rack and the abdomen-thorax telescopic rack.

A household equipment for ironing clothes, in particular a device facilitating clothes ironing and drying is disclosed in <CIT>. The device is mainly composed of a support, a garment steamer body, a steam outlet switch, a steam outlet pipe, an air heater, a hot air outlet switch, a hot air outlet pipe, a comprehensive inflation pipe and an airbag. Clothes to be ironed are worn on the airbag. Hot steam enters the airbag, and flows out from an airbag exhausting opening. The airbag can be gradually inflated, and therefore the clothes can be support-unfolded, and the effect of carrying out ironing from inside is achieved under the action of the hot steam. After ironing is finished, the air heater is started, dry and hot air enters the airbag, and the hot steam in the airbag is expelled out. The airbag is continuously inflated with the dry and hot air, moisture in the clothes can be expelled, and the function of drying the clothes is achieved.

The document <CIT> shows a standing steam iron comprising a post where rails are formed at left and right lateral sides; a pair of support frames which are arranged at the right and left of the post so as to face each other, are connected to one end of a plurality of link plates, and comprise a sloped shoulder support portion and a straight torso support portion; an upper moving body which is connected to the other end of a first link plate among the plurality of link plates and is fixed to the post or is mounted to the post for up and down movement; a lower moving body which is connected to the other end of a second link plate among the plurality of link plates, is mounted to move up and down the post if the upper moving body is fixed, and is fixed to the post if mounted for up and down movement; and a stopper which is formed below the up and down movable moving body between the upper moving body or the lower moving body, and is engaged with the rails to be coupled or de-coupled. The distance between a pair of the support frames is controlled through the interlocking of the up and down movement of an up and down movably mounted moving body the upper moving body or the lower moving body.

<CIT> discloses an ironing apparatus intended for hand-held use, comprising first and second fabric-pressing surfaces, supporting arms to which the surfaces are mounted opposite each other, to define a fabric-receiving gap between the surfaces. The supporting arms operate to urge the first surface toward the second, so to narrow the gap from a first, fabric receiving width, to a second, fabric-compressing width may be in the form of a flexible U-shaped member having opposed ends to which the respective pressing surfaces are mounted to be inwardly opposed, and a generally central portion defining a body.

<CIT> refers to an apparatus for smoothing, i.e. ironing clothing shirts by means of hot air that is blown into the hollow body of the clothing piece. The shirt has to be put onto a rigid dummy body which on its base has moveable segments that may exert a later mechanical tension to the inside of the garment in the region of the hem in order to keep it under tension.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved apparatus and method for smoothing articles (of clothing).

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings.

Described herein is an automated apparatus for smoothing an article, the apparatus comprising:.

Preferably the profile of the flexible steaming head is adjustable to change the profile of the flexible steaming head across the width of the supported article.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for detecting the tension in the supported article, preferably a force sensor arranged to detect the tension in the supported article.

Preferably the position of the flexible steaming head within the apparatus is determined by a measured tension parameter of the supported article.

Preferably the profile of the flexible steaming head is determined by a measured tension parameter of the supported article.

Preferably the flexible steaming head is arranged to move progressively across at least a portion of the supported article when applying steam, preferably wherein movement is in a vertical direction.

Preferably the at least one steaming head comprises a plurality of fluid outlets arranged in an array, from which steam is emitted during operation.

Optionally the at least one steaming head is elongate and wherein the plurality of fluid outlets are arranged along a length thereof.

The at least one steaming head comprises a flexible tube, preferably wherein the fluid outlets are arranged on an outer surface of said tube.

Optionally a perforated reinforcing belt is affixed to the flexible tube such that the perforations of the reinforcing belt are in register with the fluid outlets of said flexible tube.

The apparatus comprises a plurality of moveable members arranged to extend the profile of the flexible steaming head.

Optionally the moveable members are arranged to maintain tension in at least the portion of the flexible steaming head that is in contact with the supported article.

Optionally the moveable members are in the form of moveable rollers, preferably wherein the moveable rollers are pivotally mounted.

Optionally at least one piston is provided to displace the movable members so as to shape the flexible steaming head.

Also described herein is the apparatus described above wherein the steaming head of the at least one steaming head is a rigid steaming head.

Optionally a plurality of rigid steaming heads are provided and arranged to be moved independently of each other.

Preferably the rigid steaming head comprises: a pressing section comprising a pressing plate; and a steaming section; wherein the fluid outlets are provided in the steaming section.

Preferably the rigid steaming head comprises: an interior cavity extending through both the steaming and pressing sections of the rigid steaming head and through which steam may be passed; and wherein the interior cavity is in thermal contact with the pressing plate of the pressing section and in fluid communication with the fluid outlets of the steaming section.

Preferably the pressing plate is arranged so as to be able to contact the surface of said supported article.

Preferably during operation, the pressing plate is heated by steam that is passed through the interior cavity such that when in contact with the supported article the pressing plate applies a pressing or ironing effect to said article.

Preferably the pressing plate is arranged partially to enclose an exterior cavity into which steam expelled from the fluid outlets of the rigid steamer heads collects.

Preferably the exterior cavity is arranged such that steam collected therein contacts the supported article and wherein the collected steam is substantially uniform across the profile of the rigid steaming head.

Preferably the rigid steaming heads are movable so as to apply tension across the width of the supported article, and preferably wherein the rigid steaming heads are movable relative to one another.

Preferably the means for supporting an article includes a hanger having at least one elongate member arranged to extend downwardly from the hanger, and preferably arranged to extend out from beyond a lower edge of the supported article.

Preferably the at least two elongate members are arranged to extend downwardly from opposing ends of the hanger.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for restraining the at least one elongate member of the hanger within the apparatus so as to restrict movement of the supported article.

Preferably the means for restraining the at least one elongate member comprises a pair of hinged flaps arranged to lift up and be brought together thereby to clamp the at least one elongate member there between.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for blowing air into a supported article, and preferably heated air.

Preferably the flexible steaming head is arranged to apply steam only to one side of the supported article.

Preferably the means for supporting an article is a hanger having at least one elongate member arranged to extend downwardly from the hanger.

Preferably the at least two elongate members are provided, preferably arranged to extend from opposing ends of the hanger.

Preferably the hanger comprises at least one fastener adapted for attachment to a supported article, and preferably wherein the fastener is attached to the at least one elongate member by an elasticated and/or retractable cord.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises means for laterally displacing the position of the flexible steaming head within the automated apparatus thereby to apply a force to the supported article.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a plurality of brushes arranged to engage with the supported article and work in cooperation with the flexible steaming head to smooth the supported article.

Preferably the plurality of brushes are laterally displaceable so as to be brought into contact with the supported article on an opposite of the supported article to the flexible steaming head.

Also described herein is a method for smoothing an article using the apparatus and/or hanger described herein.

Also described herein is a method for smoothing an article, comprising: supporting an article to be smoothed; contacting the article with a flexible steaming head; shaping the flexible steamer head to the article; tensioning the article using the flexible steamer head; and applying steam to the supported article optionally via vertical movement of the flexible steaming head.

Preferably, steam is applied only to one side of the supported article. Preferably, steam is applied progressively across at least a portion of the supported article, preferably moving in a vertical direction.

By applying steam to an article that is supported such that the application of steam causes (at least part of) the supported article to be stretched (substantially) taut, an improved smoothing process may be provided. Applying steam to the article while taut(e.g. under tension) helps the fibres of the article to regain their 'straightened' configuration, thereby removing wrinkles and creases and effectively 'smoothing' the article. By applying steam to the supported article from only one side, the article is caused to 'billow' or 'bow' outwards, thereby helping to remove wrinkles and creases from the article as steam is applied. By bringing the means for applying steam into direct (e.g. physical) contact with the supported article, the means for applying steam may thereby push against the article thereby placing the article under tension, stretching out the material to remove any wrinkles or creases, while steam is applied to the article to provide a beneficial ironing effect. Furthermore, by providing physical contact with at least a portion of the article, the means for applying steam may thereby apply increased tension to the article, compared with simply being in close proximity to the article. The application of the increased tension at the point of steam application can improve the quality of the smoothing effect. By forcing the article to 'bow' and/or 'billow out', with the means for applying steam in close proximity to the supported article, more preferably in direct contact with it, steam can be applied to the article while it is stretched smooth, thereby mitigating against the previous difficulties encountered in earlier apparatus. Indeed, by using a flexible steamer head that can be shaped to conform to the shape of the 'bowed' or 'billowed out' article, creases can be removed during the treatment process as the flexible steamer head moves across the article, thereby maintaining it under constant and uniform tension.

Previous methods of smoothing articles of clothing, for example by pressing the fabric between two opposing elements, or steaming the fabric between two opposing steamers, can impress into the fabric further creases. The application of tension as described herein at the point of steam application can improve the quality of the smoothing effect. Indeed, in this way, an improved smoothing effect can be obtained on an article without requiring pressing rollers, or similar, to apply pressure to the material of the article after heat has been applied, which can actually introduce wrinkles and creases into the article. Furthermore, previous apparatus and methods typically require multiple arrangements and/or components to perform each individual aspect of the smoothing process. The apparatus described herein can perform all of the necessary smoothing actions by way of a single smoothing assembly/mechanism/unit using means for applying steam (such as flexible steamer heads) thereby providing a simpler and more efficient apparatus and method.

As mentioned above, the means for applying steam preferably includes one or more flexible steamer heads. Thus, the flexible steamer head may be arranged to be in close proximity with an article during treatment, more preferably in direct contact with the article. The flexible steamer head may be angled with respect to the article. The flexible steamer head is ideally arranged to discharge steam of sufficient pressure and volume to allow the steam to penetrate through at least part of the article, for example the front panel of a shirt, and ideally to penetrate through (to) the entire article, for example the rear panel of a shirt. In this way, both sides of a two sided article can be treated simultaneously by application of steam from only one side of the article. Alternatively, the article could simply be reversed manually in the apparatus after one side has been smoothed so as to smooth the other side.

By moving the flexible steamer head across the article, the article can be progressively smoothed, without requiring steam to be applied to the entire article at the same time, thereby allowing for a more compact steamer mechanism. The flexible steamer head may move across an article starting from an uppermost portion of the article and moving towards a lowermost portion of the article. By applying steam across the article from an upper portion of the article towards a lower portion, the article can be moved into / out of a treatment position when the flexible steamer head in a lower position, preferably beneath the article. To commence treatment, the flexible steamer head can then be moved to the upper portion of the article and move in a generally downward direction applying steam to each portion of the article as it passes over said portion. Gravity acting on a damp or wet article may also assist in applying tension to a suspended article.

Movement of the supported article may be restricted within the apparatus, for example a hinged flap may be positioned (e.g. lifted) on the opposing side of the article to that which steam is applied to restrict movement of the article, for example by restraining (e.g. the elongate member(s)) of the hanger. Alternatively, a pair of hinged flaps may be arranged to restrict movement of the supported article, for example by performing a clamping function to restrain the supported article.

One or more air blowers may be arranged to blow, preferably heated, air into the article, for example via the neck of a fastened shirt or a jumper, so as to at least partially inflate at least a portion of the article, and preferably a portion of the article above the flexible steamer head. Inflating the portion of article above the flexible steamer heads can help the fibres in that portion to straighten and wrinkles to be removed while the article dries, which may further help result in a smooth article. The air blower(s) may be arranged to blow air into at least one protuberance of the article, for example wherein the article is a shirt and the at least one protuberances is a shirt sleeve. The air blower(s) may be arranged to blow air into the article from the top and/or bottom of the article. Optionally, the air blower(s) may further comprise means for heating the air, such as a heating element, so that heated air is blown into the article. Varying the direction in which air is blown through the article may further enhance the smoothing result, and loosen more deeply set creases.

Ideally, the apparatus comprises a housing arranged to enclose an article during treatment. By enclosing the article during treatment, steam can be kept inside the apparatus, and foreign contaminants can be prevented from entering the apparatus during operation.

The apparatus may be capable of receiving multiple articles for individual treatment sequentially, with each article hung on a respective hanger, should a suitable automated conveying arrangement be provided. In this way, the apparatus may be suitable for use in an automated treatment process wherein a user simply loads the apparatus with one or more articles, initiate a treatment process, and leave the apparatus to it, retrieving the treated articles at a later time once the process is complete.

As will be readily appreciated by the skilled person, an article (of clothing) may include a shirt, blouse, pair of trousers or shorts, a dress or a skirt, for example. The invention is not limited to use with articles of clothing, however, and can therefore be used to smooth other fabrics and linens, such as pillow cases and towels, for example.

As used herein, the term 'hanger' preferably connotes a garment hanger, such as used to hang garments in a wardrobe, for example. The hanger may also comprise one or more fasteners (e.g. clips) for securing the article to it.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure. Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings (in which similar features are identified by similar reference numerals), in which:.

An exemplary embodiment of an automated apparatus <NUM> for smoothing an article <NUM> (of clothing) is shown in <FIG>. For convenience, the article <NUM> used herein to describe the apparatus <NUM> is a shirt, though the apparatus <NUM> can of course be used to smooth other articles and similar fabrics.

The apparatus <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> defining a treatment chamber <NUM>, in which a shirt <NUM> (i.e. an 'article') is supported by a hanger <NUM>. Although not shown, doors are provided on at least one side of the housing <NUM> so as to allow the treatment chamber <NUM> to be opened to allow loading of articles and closed for operation. The doors may be arranged to open horizontally or vertically, and are preferably arranged as roller doors, which roll up when open to save space. The hanger <NUM> has a hook portion that in turn is used to support the hanger <NUM> from a support rail <NUM> provided in the apparatus <NUM>. The support rail <NUM> may be able to rotate about an orthogonal axis for storage purposes within the apparatus <NUM>.

The hanger <NUM> is shown in more detail in <FIG>. As will be appreciated, this example of a hanger <NUM> is particularly suitable for hanging a shirt <NUM>, as shirts are the exemplary articles being described herein. As can be seen in <FIG>, the hanger <NUM> has a hook portion <NUM> and two leg portions <NUM> (e.g. 'elongate members') that extend downwardly from either side of the hanger <NUM>. A shirt <NUM> is shown hanging on the hanger <NUM> in <FIG>, similar to what is shown in <FIG>. The two leg portions <NUM> pass down through the shirt <NUM> and extend below the bottom of the shirt <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, when the hanger <NUM> is supported in the apparatus <NUM>, the legs <NUM> extend down towards the base of the housing <NUM>. In <FIG>, the legs <NUM> are unrestrained and free to move such that the shirt <NUM> can easily be inserted into and removed from the treatment chamber <NUM> simply by pushing or unhooking the hanger <NUM> from the support rail <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the supported article <NUM> during treatment. The legs <NUM> are now restrained, in this example between two hinged portions (e.g. 'flaps') <NUM>, disposed in the base of the housing <NUM>. The flaps <NUM>, which are operable to move between a flat configuration, in which the legs <NUM> are unrestrained, and an upright configuration, whereby the legs <NUM> of the hanger <NUM> are clamped between the flaps <NUM>, such that they are thereby restrained. The flaps <NUM> may be moved by an actuator (not shown) provided in the base of the housing <NUM>. The flaps <NUM> may be controlled to move automatically to restrain the legs <NUM> of the hanger <NUM> when the doors (not shown) of the apparatus are closed, for example. Alternatively, the flaps <NUM> could be moved into position manually, of course.

<FIG> are vertical cross sectional views through the side of the apparatus <NUM> (with the article <NUM> removed), showing the means by which articles are smoothed. More specifically, articles are smoothed by the application of steam, which is delivered by a smoothing unit <NUM>. The smoothing unit <NUM> comprises a brush assembly <NUM>, a steaming assembly <NUM> and a horizontal actuator <NUM>. Preferably, the steaming assembly <NUM> is arranged to push against a suspended article <NUM> to make it taut during the application of steam. The steaming assembly <NUM> is arranged within the smoothing unit <NUM> at a downward angle with respect to the horizontal plane as shown in <FIG>.

The smoothing unit <NUM> is mounted to a vertical track <NUM>, arranged such that the smoothing unit <NUM> may be driven to different vertical positions within the apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the smoothing unit <NUM> positioned in the base of the apparatus <NUM> in a stowed position and stowed configuration.

<FIG> shows the smoothing unit <NUM> in a raised position and stowed configuration.

<FIG> shows the smoothing unit <NUM> in a raised position and intermediary configuration. In this configuration the steaming assembly <NUM> is in an extended position, it is displaced horizontally away from the vertical rail <NUM> away and towards the brush assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the smoothing unit <NUM> in a raised position and in an in use configuration. In this configuration the brush assembly <NUM> is in an engaged position, the brush assembly <NUM> is in close proximity to the extended steaming assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> show, in detail, the steaming assembly <NUM> that forms part of the smoothing unit <NUM>.

The steaming assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a flexible steaming head <NUM> shown in more detail in <FIG>; and a means for shaping the flexible steaming head <NUM> in the form of a set of moveable rollers <NUM> described in more detail below.

<FIG> shows a front perspective view of the flexible steaming head <NUM>. A flexible tube <NUM> provides a means for dispensing fluid. The flexible tube <NUM>, with an inner
surface defining a lumen and an outer surface, is arranged in a substantially elliptical shape so as to form a loop. In one example, the flexible tube is made of a rubber like material such as silicone.

A plurality of fluid outlets <NUM> arranged in an array along a section of the flexible tube <NUM>, facing outwardly away from the centre of the ellipse formed by the flexible tube <NUM>, provide a means for the expulsion of fluid from the flexible tube <NUM>. Fluid outlets <NUM> are arranged to face the supported article <NUM> to be smoothed.

Other arrangements of the flexible steaming head are also possible, for example a plurality of independent steamer heads (each including one or more fluid outlets) may be provided, which are capable of moving independently of one another.

A fluid inlet <NUM> allows fluid for example steam to be introduced to the lumen of the flexible tube <NUM>.

A perforated reinforcing belt <NUM> is affixed to the surface of the flexible tube <NUM>. The perforated reinforcing belt <NUM> faces outwardly from the centre of the ellipse formed by the flexible tube <NUM> and covers at least a portion of this surface.

The perforated reinforcing belt <NUM> provides structural support to the flexible tube <NUM>. The perforated reinforcing belt <NUM> comprises a plurality of perforations <NUM> that are provided in register with the fluid outlets <NUM> of flexible tube <NUM> to allow for the expulsion of fluid from the lumen of the flexible tube <NUM>. The perforated reinforcing belt <NUM> may be constructed from a flexible metal for example spring tempered stainless steel.

The diameter of the perforations <NUM> of the perforated reinforcing belt <NUM> have a diameter that is larger than that of the fluid outlets <NUM>.

Typically the profile of the flexible steaming head is adjustable to engage the supported article <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a front perspective view of the steaming assembly <NUM>. A set of moveable members in the form of pivotally mounted moveable rollers <NUM> are arranged to shape the flexible steaming head <NUM>. The moveable rollers <NUM> contact and move along the inner diameter of the ellipse formed by the outer surface of the flexible tube <NUM>. A third moveable member (not shown), in contact with the flexible steaming head <NUM> and arranged to be driven outwardly and inwardly, to and from, the centre of ellipse shown in <FIG>, which works in cooperation with the moveable rollers <NUM> to shape the flexible steaming head <NUM>.

The positions of the moveable rollers <NUM> are controlled by pistons <NUM>. The moveable rollers <NUM> shape the flexible tube <NUM> and perforated reinforcing belt <NUM>. The elliptical shape of the flexible steaming head <NUM> is altered by the positioning of the moveable rollers <NUM>. More specifically as the pistons <NUM> extends the position of the moveable rollers <NUM> changes, causing the profile of the flexible steaming head <NUM> to change. Typically the profile of the flexible steaming head <NUM> is extended (as shown <FIG>) or reduced (as shown in <FIG>) by the positioning of the moveable rollers <NUM>. In addition the moveable rollers <NUM> ensure that the flexible steaming head <NUM> remains taut as its profile is altered.

Other methods are envisaged by which the position of the moveable rollers <NUM> may be altered. The moveable rollers <NUM> are preferably shaped to cooperate with the flexible tube <NUM> and perforated reinforcing belt <NUM>, such that flexible tube <NUM> does not kink or become compressed as the position of moveable rollers <NUM> is changed.

In addition, other methods are also envisaged by which the flexible steaming head <NUM> may be shaped, for example by other mechanical means.

A load cell <NUM> positioned behind the flexible tube <NUM> provides a means of determining a measured tension parameter associated with the force applied to the article <NUM> by the flexible tube <NUM> and/or perforated reinforcing belt <NUM>. Other means of determining the tension parameter are envisaged. For example, a measurement of the current drawn by a motor driving the position of the steaming assembly <NUM> and/or movable rollers may be used to determine the force being applied to the article.

<FIG> shows the smoothing unit <NUM> in more detail. The smoothing unit <NUM> comprises the horizontal actuator <NUM>, brush assembly <NUM> and steaming assembly <NUM>.

The horizontal actuator <NUM> and brush assembly <NUM> are mounted to the steaming assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The horizontal actuator <NUM> facilitates the movement of the steaming assembly <NUM> such that the steaming assembly <NUM> may be moved toward or away from the supported article <NUM> in apparatus <NUM>. The movement provides a means by which the flexible steaming head <NUM> of the steaming assembly <NUM> may be brought into contact with an article <NUM> supported within the smoothing apparatus.

The brush assembly <NUM> mounted to the steaming assembly <NUM> comprises a plurality of brushes <NUM>. The brushes <NUM> are arranged to be translated relative to the steaming assembly <NUM> from the extended position shown in <FIG> and <FIG> into an engaged position shown in <FIG> by a motor <NUM>. In the engaged position the brushes cooperate with the flexible steaming head to smooth the supported article <NUM> during the smoothing process.

The brushes <NUM> are additionally configured to deflect about the vertical axis and arranged such that whilst the smoothing unit <NUM> is treating an article <NUM> they may be deflected by the profile of the flexible steaming head <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the steaming assembly <NUM> of the smoothing unit <NUM> in an extended position.

<FIG> shows the smoothing unit <NUM> in the "in use" configuration. This configuration is also shown in <FIG>.

In this configuration, the brushes <NUM> are in an engaged position and the steaming assembly <NUM> is in an extended position.

In <FIG> the brushes <NUM> have been moved so as to be brought into close proximity to the flexible steaming head <NUM>.

The side view of the smoothing unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> shows the flexible steaming head set at a downward angle, preferably <NUM> degrees from the horizontal. The downward angle has been found to help generate and maintain tension in the supported article <NUM> during treatment.

<FIG> and <FIG> show examples of the smoothing apparatus <NUM> in use.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an article <NUM> is supported between the flexible steaming head <NUM> of the steaming assembly <NUM> and the brushes <NUM> of the brush assembly <NUM>. A motor (not shown) provided in the base of the housing <NUM> is arranged to drive a belt drive (not shown), or a similar arrangement, to move the smoothing unit <NUM> up and down within the housing <NUM>. The smoothing unit <NUM> is arranged to move along a vertical track <NUM> provided at either side of the housing <NUM>. A counter-balance weight (such as a plate, or similar) may also be arranged to move with the smoothing unit <NUM> to balance out the weight of the smoothing unit <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The smoothing unit <NUM> is affixed to the vertical track <NUM> via the mounting bracket <NUM>.

In use, an article <NUM> is loaded into the treatment chamber <NUM> and is arranged to be supported by hanger <NUM>.

Before treatment of the article <NUM> begins the smoothing unit <NUM> is moved into a desirable vertical position such as that shown in <FIG>.

Once the smoothing unit <NUM> is a desirable vertical position, for example at the top of the supported article <NUM> to be treated, the steaming assembly <NUM> is moved into an extended configuration by the horizontal actuator <NUM> such that the flexible steaming head <NUM> contacts and applies a force to the supported article <NUM>. The brushes <NUM> of the brush assembly <NUM> are engaged to contact the surface of the article <NUM> opposite to the surface of the supported article <NUM> contacted by flexible steaming head <NUM>.

The force sensor <NUM> of the steaming assembly <NUM> measures the force exerted onto the flexible steaming head <NUM> by the supported article <NUM>. This measured force is directly correlated to the tension in the article <NUM>.

To achieve a desirable tension in the article <NUM>, the measured force may be used to determine a desirable position of the steaming assembly <NUM>, one in which the tension of the article <NUM> is within a desirable range. The horizontal position of the steaming assembly <NUM> is controlled by the horizontal actuator <NUM>.

Once the steaming assembly <NUM> is in a desirable position the moveable rollers <NUM> are moved, so as to extend the profile of the flexible steaming head <NUM>.

For example, the moveable rollers <NUM> may be moved from an initial position (as shown in <FIG>) to the deployed position (as shown in <FIG>) so as to the shape the flexible steaming head <NUM> and apply tension to the supported article <NUM>.

As the piston <NUM> repositions the moveable rollers <NUM> from the initial position to the deployed position, the profile of the flexible steaming head <NUM> is extended across the width of the article <NUM>.

The change in shape of the flexible steaming head <NUM> alters the tension of the supported article <NUM>. Data from a force sensor (not shown) may be used to determine the shape of the flexible steaming head <NUM> such that the tension applied to the article <NUM> falls within a desirable range.

In the deployed position, the moveable rollers <NUM> are in close proximity to the legs of the hanger <NUM>. This advantageously ensures that the material of the article <NUM> at these points is taut. The moveable rollers <NUM> in the deployed position therefore reduce or eliminate the adverse effect the presence of the legs <NUM> may have on the smoothing process.

Typically the shape of the flexible steaming head <NUM> is set before treatment begins. During treatment, the positions of the moveable rollers remain unchanged such that the shape of the flexible steaming head <NUM> typically remains unchanged.

During treatment, as the shirt <NUM> bows under the pressure of flexible steaming head <NUM> pushing against it (see <FIG>), its material is stretched out and/or pulled tighter, while steam is gently applied to the shirt <NUM> (e.g. passed through it) thereby providing an ironing effect.

The smoothing unit <NUM>, in the in use configuration, can then be moved vertically up and/or down the shirt <NUM> with the steaming assembly <NUM> extended inwardly, the brushes <NUM> are engaged and the moveable rollers <NUM> are in the deployed position.

As the smoothing unit <NUM> is moved vertically up and/or down the shirt <NUM> steam is applied to the shirt <NUM> from the fluid outlets <NUM> of flexible steaming head <NUM>. The steam heats the shirt, dampening it at the same time, which thereby removes creases and wrinkles more permanently, effectively smoothing the shirt <NUM>.

The brushes <NUM> in contact with the article <NUM> provide a smoothing effect and ensure that the article <NUM> remains taut in the locality of the flexible steaming head <NUM>.

It is usual for different articles to be different shapes. Even in the context of shirts there exist many different tailored fits. As such, when smoothing an article considerations of shape, material, and thickness will all have an impact the smoothing process.

It can be the case that the tension across the article is inhomogeneous. For example the tension of the supported article may vary at different vertical positions.

To account for variations in tension that may occur during treatment, as the smoothing unit <NUM> is moved vertically during the smoothing process, the measured data from the force sensor <NUM> is used to determine if the measured tension parameter of the article <NUM> is within a desired range. If the tension falls outside of this range the horizontal actuator <NUM> may move the steaming assembly <NUM>, away from or towards, the supported article <NUM>, altering the tension in the article <NUM>, until the determined tension falls within the desirable range. Other means of determining a measured tension parameter are also possible.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a rear view of the smoothing apparatus <NUM> in use.

<FIG> shows the article <NUM> supported between the brushes <NUM> of brush assembly <NUM> and the steaming assembly <NUM>. The brushes <NUM> are in an extended position and the steaming assembly <NUM> is in a retracted position.

<FIG> shows the smoothing unit in the "in use configuration". The brushes <NUM> of the brush assembly <NUM> are in an engaged position and the steaming assembly <NUM> is deployed towards the article <NUM>. The flexible steaming head <NUM> (not visible) is in contact with the article <NUM> causing a section of the article <NUM> to bow outwardly.

The article <NUM> of <FIG> has been stretched taut by the steaming assembly <NUM>.

During the smoothing process, the brushes <NUM> are brought into contact with the back of the article <NUM> by the motor of the brush assembly <NUM>. The brushes <NUM> are positioned opposite to the fluid outlets <NUM>, such that the fluid outlets <NUM> and brushes <NUM> work in a cooperative manner to smooth the article <NUM>.

Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the apparatus includes a reservoir for water to be heated into steam, and a heating element for heating the water in the reservoir, whereby the reservoir is in fluid communication with the flexible steaming head <NUM> and operable to deliver steam to the flexible steaming head <NUM> upon demand.

<FIG> show a modified hanger <NUM> in which two fasteners (e.g. 'clips') <NUM> are attached to the legs <NUM> of the hanger <NUM> by an elasticated and/or retractable cord <NUM> for securing to the bottom of the shirt <NUM> thereby to retain it so that it does not open and/or rise up during the smoothing process. The two clips <NUM> are arranged, respectively, to secure one each to the front and rear of the shirt <NUM>. The clips <NUM> are manually applied to the shirt <NUM> prior to treatment.

A sensor (not shown) may be used during the smoothing process to detect when the smoothing unit <NUM> is in vertical alignment with the clips <NUM>. Once in the vertical alignment with the clips <NUM> the smoothing unit may then complete the treatment of the article <NUM>, in this manner the smoothing unit <NUM> ends treatment of article <NUM> when it reaches the bottom of the supported article <NUM>.

With either of the hanger <NUM> arrangements, the front of the shirt <NUM> should be at least partially, and preferably fully, fastened together prior to treatment to ensure that it keeps its shape both during the application of steam and when, preferably hot, air is blown into it, if air blowers <NUM> are provided.

As mentioned above, the housing <NUM> is provided with at least one door (not shown) to allow article <NUM> to be placed in the treatment chamber <NUM> and the housing <NUM> is then closed for treatment, and then opened afterwards to allow the smoothed article <NUM> to be removed. The door may help to keep the heat and steam contained within the apparatus <NUM> and inhibits any potential contaminant entering the treatment chamber <NUM> during treatment.

The housing <NUM> may have doors on both sides of the housing <NUM> to allow articles to be introduced via one door and removed via another door. This arrangement may be beneficial should a conveying arrangement be provided that allows multiple articles to be prepared for treatment, and then treated sequentially by being moved into the treatment chamber <NUM>, smoothed and then removed afterwards, without user input such that the process is entirely automated. Each article should of course be treated individually within the treatment chamber <NUM>.

In <FIG>, an example of the apparatus <NUM> is shown including two air blowers <NUM> arranged to blow, preferably heated, air into the shirt <NUM> though its neck to at least partially inflate the shirt <NUM>. The air blowers <NUM> may be angled to blow air into the shirt <NUM> from different angles so as to blow air into both the body of the shirt <NUM> and also its arms to help straighten any creases. To reduce the disruptive effects of interference that may be caused by the first and second air flows crossing over, the air blowers <NUM> may be controlled to operate alternately. For example, each air blower <NUM> may be controlled to operate for around <NUM> seconds, in turn. In this way, interruption of the flow of air directed into the article <NUM> can be reduced during treatment of an article <NUM>. The air blowers <NUM> may be controlled to blow air into the shirt <NUM> once the smoothing unit <NUM> has been retracted, whereby to dry the shirt <NUM>, or they may be controlled to blow air into a portion of the shirt <NUM> above steaming assembly <NUM>, which act to provide a seal, so as to inflate the shirt <NUM> to improve removal of creases and/or wrinkles.

The air blowers <NUM> may be arranged to blow, preferably hot, air into the shirt <NUM> once the steaming assembly <NUM> has applied the steam. Air may be blown into a portion of the shirt <NUM> above the smoothing unit <NUM> while it is still moving, or after it has completed its full range of movement. The air blowers <NUM> may be arranged to blow air into the shirt <NUM> prior to the smoothing unit <NUM> being deployed to help to remove any creases or wrinkles, including any in the arms of the shirt <NUM> (or any other protuberances). One or more air blowers may be arranged to blow air into the shirt <NUM> from underneath the shirt <NUM>, for example so as to inflate the arms (e.g. the 'protuberances') of the shirt <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternative steaming head to that shown in <FIG> and described above. <FIG> shows a front view of the rigid steaming head <NUM>, <FIG> shows a side view of the rigid steaming head <NUM> and <FIG> shows a cross-sectional side view of the rigid steaming head <NUM>.

At least one of the rigid steaming heads <NUM> may be arranged to form a flexible steaming head.

The rigid steaming head <NUM> comprises an interior cavity <NUM>, a steaming section <NUM> which releases fluid, for example steam or water vapour, from the interior cavity <NUM>; and a pressing section <NUM> which is heated by fluid contained in the interior cavity <NUM> and may be arranged to press or smooth an article.

The steaming section <NUM> and pressing section <NUM> are configured to apply steam to the material of an article so as to relax the fibres of the material and press the material into an un-wrinkled shape.

The rigid steaming head <NUM> of <FIG> is substantially rectangular or elongated oblong in shape. The rigid steaming head <NUM> is curved wherein the degree of curvature of the steamer head <NUM> is selected to optimise the smoothing of an article.

The steaming section <NUM> of the rigid steaming head is in fluid and thermal contact with the interior cavity <NUM> of the steaming head <NUM>. The pressing section <NUM> is in thermal contact with the interior cavity <NUM> and may also be in fluid contact with the interior cavity <NUM>.

An array of fluid outlets <NUM> is provided in the steaming section <NUM>, the array of fluid outlets <NUM> extend across the width of the front side of the steaming section <NUM>. The front side being the side of the rigid steaming head <NUM> that is arranged within the apparatus <NUM> to face the article <NUM> to be smoothed. The rear side of the rigid steaming head <NUM> is the side of the steaming head that is arranged in the apparatus <NUM> to face away from the article to be smoothed. Similarly a forward and rearward direction may be defined wherein movement towards the article to be smoothed is the forward direction and movement away from the article to be smoothed is the rearward direction.

The fluid outlets <NUM> of the rigid steaming head <NUM> provide fluid communication between the interior cavity <NUM> and the exterior of the rigid steamer head <NUM> and in particular the exterior region in close proximity to the front face of the steaming section <NUM> of the rigid steaming head <NUM>.

The pressing section <NUM> shown in <FIG>, comprises a pressing plate <NUM> extending across the front face of the pressing section <NUM>. The pressing plate <NUM> is in thermal and fluid contact with the interior cavity <NUM> of the rigid steaming head <NUM>.

The pressing plate <NUM> is made from a thermally conductive and rigid material for example a metal such as stainless steel. An additional consideration for selecting the material for the pressing plate may also be the degree of oxidisation or corrosion that the material may experience in a humid environment.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> the fluid outlets <NUM> of the steaming section are set back, in the rearward direction, from the front face of the pressing plate <NUM>. The steaming section may in other embodiments may be substantially in line with the front face of the pressing plate, that is to say the fluid outlets may not be set back in the rearward direction from the front face of the pressing plate.

The offsetting of the fluid outlets and the front face of the pressing plate <NUM> in the embodiment shown in <FIG> creates an exterior cavity <NUM> in front of the fluid outlets <NUM> which is partially enclosed by the pressing section <NUM> and the steaming section <NUM>.

The steaming section <NUM> may also further comprise a lip <NUM> which is offset from the fluid outlets <NUM> in the front direction and arranged to partially enclose the exterior cavity <NUM>.

Steam released from the interior cavity <NUM> through the fluid outlets <NUM> of the steaming section collects in the exterior cavity <NUM> to produce a volume of substantially uniform steam across the width of and in front of the steaming section of the rigid steaming head.

The interior cavity <NUM> of the steaming head <NUM> extends substantially across the length and width of the steamer head extending through both the steaming section <NUM> and pressing sections <NUM>.

The interior cavity <NUM> transports fluid, for example steam, to both the pressing section <NUM> and the steaming section <NUM> of the rigid steamer head <NUM>. The interior cavity <NUM> is arranged to form a substantially circular path within the steamer head <NUM> so as to allow circulation of steam through the pressing section <NUM> and into the steaming section <NUM> of the rigid steaming head <NUM>.

The fluid outlets <NUM> of the steaming section <NUM> allow fluid communication between the interior cavity <NUM> and the exterior of the steamer head and in particular exterior cavity <NUM>. The pressing plate <NUM> of the pressing section partially encloses part of the interior cavity <NUM>.

An aperture or fixture <NUM> is provided in the interior cavity <NUM> of the steaming head to allow fluid, which may be pressurised, to be introduced into the interior cavity <NUM>.

The aperture <NUM> for providing steam to the interior cavity <NUM> of the steamer head <NUM> is provided in the centre of the rear face of the pressing section. Steam or other fluid, introduced into the interior cavity <NUM> thereby flows through the pressing section <NUM> to the extremities of the steaming head and at the extremities, due to the circular nature of the interior cavity <NUM>, the steam flows through into the steaming section <NUM> and back toward the centre of the rigid steaming head <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> wherein the arrows show the flow of fluid through the interior cavity <NUM>.

As the steam travels through the steaming section <NUM> it is expelled through the fluid outlets <NUM> into the exterior cavity <NUM>. Other arrangements of the interior cavity <NUM> which transport fluid to the pressing section <NUM> and steaming section <NUM> are possible for example the sections independently supplied with steam and there the interior cavity may comprise one or more interior cavities.

At least one of the rigid steaming heads <NUM> described above may be provided on a steaming assembly <NUM> so as to form a flexible steaming head <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an alternative steaming assembly <NUM> to the steaming assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described above.

When describing the steaming assembly <NUM> it is useful to do so in terms of three orthogonal axis x (longitudinally (lateral) and z (vertical) and circles C1 and C2 residing in the x,y plane and offset from one another in the vertical z direction. Wherein in use when the steaming assembly is mounted in the apparatus <NUM> the x-axis depicts movement towards or away from the article, the y-axis describes the direction of movement across the article and the z-axis direction describes movement in the vertical direction. The curvature of circles C1 and C2 matches that of the rigid steaming heads <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, for example if the rigid steaming head were moved along the circumference of C1 or C2 the profile of the steaming head would trace out the circle C1 or C2.

The structure of the steaming assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> will now be described in detail.

The steaming assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a flexible steaming head <NUM> that comprises three rigid steamer heads <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> as described above and shown in <FIG>, a motor <NUM> and a force sensor <NUM>.

The flexible steaming head <NUM> comprises a central steaming head <NUM>, a right steaming head <NUM> and a left steaming head <NUM> for applying steam to and smoothing an article.

The left and right steaming heads <NUM>,<NUM> are provided on the circumference of the circle C1 with the curvature of the rigid steaming heads aligned with that of the C1. The central steaming head <NUM> is vertically offset along the z-axis from the left and right steaming heads and is provided on the circumference of the circle C2 with the curvature of the rigid steaming head aligned with that of the C2.

The rigid steaming heads of the flexible steaming head <NUM> may be moved independently of one another, and relative to one another by the motor <NUM> of the steaming assembly <NUM>.

The rigid steaming heads may be moved along the circumference of C1 or C2. The curvature of C1 and C2 may be sufficiently small that movement of the rigid steamer heads along C1 and C2 is substantially similar to movement of the steaming heads along the y-axis i. e in the direction parallel to the article to be smoothed. Movement of the rigid steaming heads along the y-axis direction is also envisaged.

Typically the rigid steaming heads are moved from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration or vice versa. <FIG> shows the steaming assembly <NUM> in which the rigid steaming heads are in the retracted configuration and <FIG> shows the steaming assembly <NUM> with the rigid steaming heads in the extended configuration.

Movement of the rigid steaming heads between these configurations is controlled by a motor <NUM> positioned on the steaming assembly <NUM>.

Movement of the rigid steamer heads between the retracted and extended configurations may be performed in a continuous or stepped manner and the steaming heads may be stopped or chosen to be positioned at any intermediate position between these two configurations.

For the configuration of rigid steaming heads shown in <FIG> and <FIG> the right <NUM> and left <NUM> rigid steaming heads are driven by the motor <NUM>, the central steaming head <NUM> is not driven by the motor <NUM>.

In the retracted configuration shown in <FIG>, the left <NUM> and right <NUM> rigid steaming heads are positioned in close proximity to one another and the central steamer head <NUM> is offset from the left and right steamer heads along the vertical z-axis.

In the retracted configuration there is substantial overlap in the y-axis between the left <NUM> and right <NUM> steaming heads and the central steamer head <NUM>.

In the extended configuration the left <NUM> and right <NUM> steaming heads are positioned at a distance, substantially along the y-axis, away from one another.

The left <NUM> and right <NUM> steaming heads are moved away from one another along the circumference of the circle C1. The position of the central steaming head <NUM> of the steaming assembly <NUM> in the extended configuration remains unchanged from the retracted configuration.

Whilst the central steaming head <NUM> remains vertically offset from the left and right steaming heads <NUM>,<NUM>, the degree of overlap of the left and right steaming heads <NUM>, <NUM> with the central steaming head <NUM> in the y-axis is substantially reduced and the profile of the flexible steaming head <NUM> is increased in the y-axis direction.

A plurality of force sensors <NUM> are provided on the steaming assembly <NUM>, the force sensors <NUM> measure the force applied to the front face of the steaming head(s) and may comprise a computing device either provided on the steaming assembly or provided externally to it.

In use, the force is applied to the front face of the rigid steaming head(s) by an article, the force exerted on the steaming head(s) is dependent on the tension of the article.

The force measured by the plurality of force sensors <NUM> is used in determining the position of the rigid steaming head(s) and\or the position of the steaming assembly <NUM>.

In particular the force measurement may be used to determine a desirable position of the rigid steaming heads in the x-axis and y-axis directions and the position of the steaming assembly <NUM> in the x-axis direction.

The rigid steaming heads <NUM> may comprise a shoulder section <NUM> that extends the profile of the rigid steamer head <NUM> in the vertical z direction. The height of the shoulder section <NUM> is chosen so as to ensure that tension exerted by the rigid steaming heads of the flexible steaming head <NUM> on an article is achieved across the full height, the profile in the z-direction, of the flexible steaming head in all positions of the steamer heads <NUM>, but in particular in when the steaming heads <NUM> are in the extended configuration shown in <FIG>.

The end of the steamer head <NUM> and the shoulder section <NUM> may be further curved at a curvature that differs from the rest of the steaming head <NUM>, this curvature may be selected so as to ensure tension is achieved across the article. This can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG> wherein the end of the left steamer head <NUM> and the end of the right steaming head <NUM> are curved.

The operation of the flexible steaming head and steaming assembly <NUM> will now be described in more detail.

The steaming assembly <NUM> may be mounted into a smoothing unit similar to that described previously.

The smoothing unit comprises the steaming assembly <NUM> and a horizontal actuator, the steaming assembly being mounted on the horizontal actuator and configured such that the horizontal actuator enables translation of the steaming assembly along the x-axis.

In particular, the horizontal actuator facilitates movement of the steaming assembly towards or away from an article to be smoothed i. e in the forward and rearward direction along the x-axis.

The smoothing unit may be provided with or without the brush assembly <NUM> shown in <NUM> and <FIG> and described in detail above.

In a similar manner to the example described above, the smoothing unit may be mounted on a vertical track <NUM> within the apparatus <NUM> and configured such that the smoothing unit may be driven to different vertical positions in the apparatus and along the vertical track <NUM>.

In this example however, the smoothing unit is mounted on the vertical track <NUM> such that the front faces of the steaming heads <NUM> are arranged to lie in the y,z plane which in use is parallel to the article to be smoothed, thereby maximising the area of the front face of the rigid steaming heads <NUM> that may be used to smooth and steam the article.

The apparatus <NUM> may comprise a fluid reservoir which may be located in the base of the apparatus <NUM>. The fluid inlets <NUM> of the rigid steaming heads <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> are connected to a fluid reservoir capable of providing fluid to the steaming heads at a variable flow rate, variable pressure and variable temperature.

A computerised control unit housed in the apparatus <NUM> controls the movement of the smoothing unit and the various parts of the smoothing unit.

For example the control unit controls the vertical movement of the smoothing unit along the track, the translation in the x-direction by the horizontal actuator of the steaming assembly, and the movement of the steamer heads <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> along C1 and C2 or along the y-axis direction.

In addition the computerised control unit receives and processes information from the plurality of force sensors <NUM> and also controls the flow, temperature and pressure of the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the steamer heads <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>.

The force information received and processed by the control unit is used to determine the desired position of the smoothing unit and/or steaming heads, and/or the control of the flow, temperature and pressure of the fluid provided from the fluid reservoir to the steaming heads.

The control unit can also use preprogramed routines to dictate the movement of the smoothing unit and the steaming heads as well as the control of the flow, temperature and/or pressure of the fluid provided to the steaming heads.

For example different articles of clothing may have different preferred routines particularly in terms of temperature and pressure of the fluid but also pressure applied to the article by the steaming heads.

A combination of preprogramed routines and active control is also possible. The computerised control unit may of course be used in conjunction with other flexible steaming heads.

The steaming assembly <NUM> and smoothing unit will now be described in use when mounted in apparatus <NUM>.

In use, the steaming assembly <NUM> and smoothing unit function in similar manner to example described above.

An article <NUM> is secured inside apparatus <NUM> prior to treatment of an article. A user starts the smoothing operation of the apparatus. The doors of the apparatus <NUM> close and the smoothing unit is driven to a vertical start position along the vertical track <NUM>. The smoothing unit is mounted on the vertical track such that the front faces of the steamer heads face the article <NUM> to be smoothed.

Typically, the smoothing operation begins with the smoothing assembly positioned at the top of the vertical track <NUM> with the rigid steaming heads <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the flexible steaming head in the retracted configuration shown in <FIG>.

Once in the desired vertical position the horizontal actuator moves the steaming assembly <NUM> toward the article to be smoothed along the x-axis.

As a result of the movement the steaming assembly toward the article <NUM> the front faces of the pressing plates of the rigid steaming heads of the flexible steaming head <NUM> contact the article.

Contact of the rigid steaming heads with the article causes a force which is dependent on the tension of the article, to be exerted on the front faces of the rigid steaming heads and a force measurement to be registered on the force sensors <NUM> of the rigid steaming heads.

The force measurement is representative of the tension applied to the article <NUM> by the rigid steaming heads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The position of the steaming assembly <NUM> is determined by the force measurement of the force sensors <NUM>. Different positions of the steaming assembly <NUM> apply different magnitudes of force to the article <NUM>.

The position of the steaming assembly <NUM> may therefore be varied so as to achieve a desired tension across the article. The desired tension may be dependent on a number of factors for example the material of the article, the size of the article or a user selected parameter.

Once in a desired position along the x-axis the rigid steaming heads <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the flexible steaming head are moved from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration shown in <FIG>.

The left <NUM> and right <NUM> steaming heads are moved across the article from a central position to an extended position along the circumference of C1.

As the left <NUM> and right <NUM> steaming heads move across the article <NUM> from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration the steaming heads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> retain a radius of curvature in order to create tension across the full width of article.

The curvature of the individual rigid steaming heads and the movement of the rigid steaming heads along the circumference of the circle C1 advantageously allows the flexible steaming head to bow the centre of the article <NUM> and thereby creating and maintaining tension across the full width of the article.

During treatment, as the article <NUM> bows under the pressure of the rigid steaming heads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> pushing against it, the material of the article is stretched out and/or pulled tighter, while steam is gently applied to the article <NUM> thereby loosening the fibres and enabling the hot pressing plates of the steaming heads to effectively smooth the article as the steaming heads are progressed across the article.

Adjustments, dependent on the force measurements from the force sensors, may also be made to the position of the steaming assembly along the x-axis during this change of configuration.

The shoulder sections <NUM> of the left <NUM> and right <NUM> steaming heads help maintain the tension across the article <NUM> over the full height of the steamer heads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

With the steaming heads in an extended configuration, and the steaming assembly <NUM> in a desirable position i. e one where the measured force of force sensors is in the desired range, steam is applied to the article <NUM>.

Steam is provided to the rigid steaming heads <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from the fluid reservoir through the steam input <NUM> of the rigid steaming heads.

The temperature, pressure and flow of the steam may be preprogramed or selected by the user. The choice of temperature, pressure and flow may depend on a number of different variables such as the material of the article, the desired length of time for the smoothing operation etc..

During treatment steam is introduced into the interior cavities <NUM> of the rigid steaming heads and circulates through the smoothing section <NUM> into the steaming section <NUM> of the rigid steaming heads where it is expelled through the array of fluid outlets <NUM> and into the exterior cavity <NUM> at least partially enclosed by the pressing plate <NUM> of the pressing section <NUM> and the steaming section <NUM>.

Steam expelled through the fluid outlets <NUM> collects in the exterior cavity <NUM> of each of the rigid steaming heads and produces a thin cushion of uniform steam across the width of article <NUM>.

As steam flows through the pressing section <NUM> the pressing plates <NUM> of the rigid steaming heads are heated through direct contact with the steam causing, through thermal conduction, the outer surface of the pressing plate <NUM> that is in contact with article <NUM> to be heated and become hot. The temperature that the pressing plate <NUM> is heated to would typically be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Although it will be appreciated that the pressing plate <NUM> may also operate outside of this temperate range. In particular, if higher temperatures are desirable a heating element may be incorporated into the rigid steaming heads.

In such a manner the flexible steaming head applies steam to the material of the article to relax the fibres and presses the material into an un-wrinkled shape with the hot pressing plates of the rigid steaming heads.

The smoothing unit is moved along the vertical track in the downward direction thereby progressing the flexible steaming head <NUM> across the article applying steam to the article <NUM> via the steaming section <NUM> and smoothing the steamed parts of the article using the pressing plate <NUM> of the pressing section <NUM> of the rigid steaming heads.

The rate at which the smoothing unit moves along the vertical track and therefore the rate at which the flexible steaming head <NUM> progresses across the article may be selected prior to operation and may depend on a user input or setting selected by the user prior to operation and/or may be optimised so as to achieve the best smoothing effect as the effectiveness of the smoothing may be dependent on the rate of vertical movement.

The rate may also be varied during operation by the control unit of the apparatus.

To account for variations in tension that may occur during treatment, as the smoothing unit is moved vertically during the smoothing process, the measured data from the force sensors is used to determine if the measured tension parameter of the article <NUM> is within a desired range. If the tension falls outside of this range the horizontal actuator may move the steaming assembly and/or the rigid steaming heads to a different position, altering the tension in the article <NUM>, until the determined tension falls within the desirable range. Other means of determining a measured tension parameter are also possible.

As the smoothing unit progresses across the article in the vertical direction, the positions of the left <NUM> and right <NUM> steaming heads may be adjusted by the motors <NUM> based on measurements of force from the force sensors thereby adjusting the profile of the flexible steaming head <NUM> so as to maintain tension across the article.

In addition, as the smoothing unit progresses vertically across the article the flexible steaming head <NUM> may also be moved toward or away from the article by the horizontal actuator in order to vary the tension applied to the article by the rigid steaming heads.

In the example wherein a brush assembly is used with the rigid steaming heads described above, the brushes may be operated during the smoothing process in a similar manner as described above and may be brought into contact with the back of the
article <NUM> by the motor of the brush assembly <NUM>. The brushes <NUM>, may be positioned opposite to the pressing plate <NUM>, such that the pressing plate <NUM> and brushes work in a cooperative manner to smooth the article <NUM>.

Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the apparatus includes a fluid reservoir for water to be heated into steam, and a heating element for heating the water in the reservoir, whereby the reservoir is in fluid communication with the flexible steaming head <NUM> and operable to deliver steam to the flexible steaming head <NUM> upon demand.

Whilst the flexible steaming head shown in <FIG> and <NUM> and described above comprises three rigid steaming heads it will be appreciated that a different number and/or arrangement of rigid steaming heads may also be used.

The fluid input <NUM> of the rigid steaming head <NUM> may also comprise a valve or other means of controlling entry of a fluid into the interior cavity and may be positioned elsewhere on the steamer head. There may also be more than one fluid input for the rigid steaming head.

Other arrangements of the interior cavity <NUM> within the rigid steaming head <NUM> are possible for example the interior cavity may zig - zag through the pressing section <NUM> so as to improve thermal transfer of heat to the pressing plate <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the steaming assembly or steaming heads may be provided separately or as part of the automated apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the positioning of the rigid steaming heads and steaming assembly may be determined by a preprogramed routine independent of the measurements from the force sensors.

Two possible examples of flexible steaming heads have been described above, it will be appreciated that other flexible steaming heads are possible within the scope of the claims and the methods and features of one of the examples described here may apply to the other and vice versa as well as to other examples within the scope of the claims.

For example, the control unit has only been described with reference to the second example however it will be appreciated that this feature could also be applied to the first example of the flexible steaming head.

Claim 1:
An automated apparatus (<NUM>) for smoothing an article, the apparatus comprising:
Means (<NUM>) for supporting the article (<NUM>);
a flexible steaming head (<NUM>; <NUM>) for applying steam to said supported article (<NUM>) comprising at least one steaming head (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a flexible tube (<NUM>);
a horizontal actuator (<NUM>) for displacing the position of the steaming head (<NUM>; <NUM>) within the automated apparatus (<NUM>) thereby to apply a force to the supported article (<NUM>)
characterized in that
the apparatus (<NUM>) further comprises
a plurality of moveable members (<NUM>), arranged to extend the profile of the flexible steaming head (<NUM>; <NUM>), such that, during a treatment process, said flexible steaming head (<NUM>; <NUM>) is in contact with an outer surface of said supported article (<NUM>) thereby applying a force to said supported article; and
a housing (<NUM>) defining a treatment chamber (<NUM>);
where the means (<NUM>) for supporting the article (<NUM>) are arranged within the treatment chamber (<NUM>);