Patent ID: 8881335

Claim:
A steam applicator frame for supporting a steam-permeable material, comprising: a base having a single plane; at least four support elements, wherein each of the four support elements contacts the base and extends laterally from the base and arranged such that the base and the four support elements define an elongated chamber, wherein the spacing between the first support element and the second support element defines a first gap and the spacing between the third support element and the fourth support element defines a second gap, each of the first gap and second gap operable to permit the passage of steam therethrough, and wherein the first gap and the second gap are substantially transparent as viewed from the first gap through and to the second gap; and a steam inlet opening within the single plane to introduce steam into the chamber, the single plane extends perpendicular to the steam inlet opening, wherein: a distal end of the chamber is open and substantially free of the four support elements.